MARCH 29, 2017 Volume 12 • Issue 13
RE WEEKLY STORY COUNTY
RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • FARM • COMMERCIAL • AREA DEVELOPMENT 515-233-3299 • 317 5th Street, Ames All REALTOR® ads within are REALTORS® licensed in the State of Iowa
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• AREA DEVELOPMENT • FARM • COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE 317 5th Street, Ames State of Iowa 515-233-3299 • ® licensed in the ® are REALTORS All REALTOR ads within
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Front-yard fencing Page 12 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, March 29, 2017
What is the best option for your home?
By Laura Firszt More Content Now
T
hinking of adding a front fence to your home? Or maybe you need replacement of your old fence after winter storms battered the life out of it. Whatever the case, now is the time to start planning for the bestlooking, most practical fence for you and your property. Find out how to deal with construction-related paperwork (ugh) and choose a type of fencing that will give you the best results.
Do your homework first Permit Plan ahead to prevent problems; be sure to check out the laws in your area. You will probably need to pull a permit if you intend to build a front fence over 3 to 4 feet high (unlike backyard fencing, which usually requires permitting only if it tops 6 feet.) Your regional building department may also spell out details such as how close to your house you are allowed to install a fence and what materials are acceptable. HOA approval As well, your Homeowners’ Association will have its own two cents to chip in about permissible materials, colors, and styles; get written HOA permission for your planned fence installation before you ever start the project. Ask your fencing contractor to provide samples for HOA approval.
One-call number Don’t forget to contact a local onecall number to avoid digging where utility lines are buried.
Clarify the purpose of the fence A new fence in front of your home might serve any one — or more — of a wide variety of purposes. Deciding exactly why you want to install the fencing will help you choose the best material and construction for the job.
Style and curb appeal A decorative fence made out of ornate wrought iron or neat white pickets could be just the right touch if you’re looking to bump up your home’s curb appeal. Be careful to match the fencing to your house, whether with a complementary color or a similar style. For instance, think quaint split rail fence or rock wall for a country cottage; bold aluminum fencing would suit a contemporary home. Pillars flanking the gateway will give a regal look to a large and stately residence.
Privacy The warm-weather season is when you’re most likely to be hanging out on your front lawn. Bamboo fencing has a lot to offer if it’s privacy you crave — the material is dense enough to conceal your yard from passersby, but won’t make you feel like you’re confined by prison walls. This reasonably priced option adds a summery look to your property, allows air circulation on hot ‘n’ humid August days, and is easy to take down for storage.
Keeping animals in or out Let’s face it … a 3-or 4-foot fence will be easily jumpable by that hyperactive border collie you want to keep inside; let him or her off-leash only in your backyard or a nearby dog park. To confine smaller animals — or to prevent undisciplined neighborhood dogs from wandering onto your prized green grass or attractive xeriscaping, standard-height front fencing will generally suffice. Choose a solid design with no large openings. If your pet loves to dig, add a wire or concrete footer to the bottom of your fence.
Support for climbing plants
A horizontal slat fence or traditional pickets could be just the right touch if you’re looking to bump up your home’s curb appeal. [bigstock photos]
Fencing materials pros and cons There are a variety of materials that could be used to make a modern fence but, according to MMC Fencing and Railing, each has its strengths and weaknesses:
There’s no place like home, especially if it’s fronted by a fence draped in rambling roses or wisteria. What is the ideal material for this purpose? Wait for it … chain link. That’s right, the fencing that many folks love to hate works extremely well as a support for fragrant flowers.
Wood — low-cost, easy to customize with paint or stain, requires annual maintenance and also vulnerable to pests and weather
— Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.
— More Content Now
Aluminum — rustproof and available in a variety of colors but can be more costly than other materials Plastic/vinyl — easy to install and durable, but can crack or turn brittle in extreme temperatures
Story County Sun • Wednesday, March 29, 2017 • Page 13
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