If you’re a property owner in Vernon BC or the surrounding North Okanagan, you may be weighing the options of tackling a fencing project yourself or hiring a professional fence builder and Blue Rhino Fence can help you decide.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore the pros and cons of DIY fencing versus Professional Fence-Building companies (like ours), so you can make an informed decision that suits your abilities, needs and budget.
Pros of DIY Fencing vs Professional Fence Building Services for Vernon BC Property Owners: Empowerment and Savings
If you're a Vernon BC or North Okanagan resident, diving headfirst into a DIY fencing project can feel a bit like captaining your own ship for the first time—thrilling but also maybe a tad intimidating. But building a fence yourself can really fill you with a sense of sense of accomplishment when you gaze out at the fence line, standing tall and proud (and hopefully straight and lined out nicely 🤪).
But, let’s talk turkey—or, in this case, dollars and "sense". Opting for the DIY route can be a wallet-friendly adventure because, without the added cost of professional labor or pro-grade fencing materials, your pocketbook will do a little happy dance. Think of the savings as paying yourself for the experience of learning new skills and possibly discovering a hidden talent for fence craftsmanship.
But wait, there's more pros to DIY fencing! The flexibility of working on your own timeline is also worth talking about. Want to work under the moonlit sky or greet the dawn with a hammer in hand? As a DIYer, you have the freedom to work when you want.
In a nutshell, embarking on a DIY fencing project is an invitation to empower yourself, save some greenbacks, and perhaps even bond with your property (and your DIY self) on a deeper level, if you're into that sort of communing-with-nature thing.
DIY fencing isn't just about building a fence or proving to yourself that you can build the thing; it's about crafting a legacy of self-reliance and savvy savings. If this sounds like something you'd like to experience, we highly recommend you do some extensive research on how to build your fence of choice, then grab all the tools (you'll need many of them), summon your inner fence-building guru, and let the adventure begin!
BUT, what if you're just trying to save some money by going the DIY fence route and you don't have the experience or the time and you're not mechanically inclined or good at math?
This is where the downside of DIY fencing comes in.
Cons of DIY Fencing for North Okanagan Property Owners: Time, Physical Labour, Specialty Tools, and Potential Pitfalls
You know that saying about good fences making good neighbours? Well, it can also be said that ugly, poorly-built fences make annoyed neighbours!
Embarking on a DIY fencing project can be truly frustrating if you aren't good at building things, don't have a grasp on the type of math it takes to measure out fencing to purchase materials, and have zero experience building a fence. In fact, many well-intentioned DIY fencers end up lowering the value of their homes (and those of their Vernon BC neighbours) by building fences that...well, don't exactly look great.
But even more than the aesthetics of a fence, there are many things to consider when weighing whether you should DIY your fence or hire a professional fence builder near you.
Building a fence is time consuming.
First off, let's talk about the treasure most coveted by all—time. DIY projects have a notorious reputation for turning weekends or days off into workdays, devouring your precious free hours with a voracious DIY appetite. The fantasy of leisurely building your fence while whistling with the sun kissing your brow often clashes with the reality of back-breaking labor and the occasional thumb hammered into a flat, throbbing mess of carnage. Building a fence PROPERLY takes time, patience, know-how, and at least basic skills with tools.
Building a fence is HARD WORK!
Then there’s the aspect of effort and elbow grease. While you may start with the enthusiasm of a pirate spotting a distant treasure island, the physical toll of digging, lifting, and securing can quickly turn that excitement into annoyance and resentment, even the frustration of just giving up. Blue Rhino Fence has rescued more than one North Okanagan Homeowner who started out very enthusiastic about building their own fence and then realized just how back breaking fence building is. Unless you're as fit as a fiddle and ready for the challenge, you might find yourself walking the plank of exhaustion sooner than you think.
Building a fence requires a lot of tools.
If you aren't the type who has a garage or workshop full of tools, deciding to DIY your fence can turn into a mega headache. If you don't have certain tools, you'll need to rent them (or borrow them from pals who are cool with loaning out their tools) and that can both up the cost of your fence AND cause you issues if you don't know how to use the tools. Check out the list below of common tools needed for building a fence. Do you have all of them? Which ones will you need to rent or borrow? How much will that cost?
Building a DIY fence can be disastrous without knowledge of fence building or tool savvy skills.
Haha, we jest...sort of!
It's important not to overlook the potential pitfalls of DIY fencing vs professional fence building services. Misjudging measurements or underestimating the importance of local building codes can lead to a fence that leans more towards a modern art installation than a sturdy boundary that follows fencing guidelines in your region of the North Okanagan. These professional fence-building wizards know the ins and outs of local building codes like the back of their well-worn work gloves, turning what might be a bewildering maze of regulations for the average homeowner into a walk in the park. They've got the knack to navigate through any bureaucratic bramble, ensuring your fence project doesn’t hit a snag on account of a missed permit or a misunderstood guideline.The cost of rectifying such mistakes not only inflates your budget but could also send you SOS calling for professional help, thereby negating any initial savings.
In essence, while DIY fencing promises empowerment and savings, it's wise to do your homework and be cautious.
Pros of Hiring Professional Fence Builders in Vernon BC & the North Okanagan: Expertise and Efficiency
Stepping into the realm of hiring professional fence builders in Vernon BC transports you from the DIY doldrums to a place where expertise and efficiency reign supreme.
Imagine handing over the fence posts to seasoned fence builders who've built more fences than Elton John has worn sparkly suits. We fence pros come armed not just with hammers and nails, but with a treasure trove of all the right tools, knowledge that ensures your fence isn't just standing but standing correctly—straight as an arrow and tough enough to make the big bad wolf think twice.
But let's not forget the ace up the sleeve of professional fence contractors and our crews—efficiency.
With a professional crew, what might take a DIY fence enthusiast a month of Sundays to complete (literally) can be wrapped up quicker than you can say "I'll be at Kalamalka Lake! Call me when my fence is done." This isn't just about speed for speed's sake; it's about minimizing disruption to your life and getting to that glorious moment when you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your new boundary of privacy and security without having lost a summer's worth of weekends to the cause.
In essence, enlisting the services of fence building experts in your area is akin to upgrading from a rowboat to a yacht. You're still on the journey to enhancing your property, but now you're doing it with a level of polish and assurance that only comes from hiring the pros. No sweat on your brow, just the sweet anticipation of a job done right.
Cons of Hiring Professional Fence Builders in Vernon BC and the North Okanagan: Cost and Finding the Right Contractor
Navigating the waters of hiring professional fence contractors can sometimes feel like trying to find a treasure without a map. One of the biggest hurdles? The golden doubloons—or, in our case, dollars—it requires.
Yes, investing in a crew of local professional fence builders can have your wallet waving the white flag, especially for those who treasure quality craftsmanship without wanting to plunder their savings. It's a bit like being a foodie and ordering a gourmet meal; it's worth paying for the chef's expertise, but you still wince a little when you see the bill.
Then there's the voyage of finding the right crew for the job. Not all contractors are created equal, and finding one that’s trustworthy, reliable, efficient and organized, who also meshes well with your vision is a bit like online dating—it might take a few tries to find “the one.”
Speaking from extensive experience and knowing we strive for the highest standard of professionalism, Blue Rhino Fence suggests that you look for a fence-building company ear you that has a proven track record, a strong reputation for good work and customer service, and who isn't afraid to tackle a challenging property. We kind of run on the philosophy if we can build a very high-quality fence on a very difficult property, we can build anything, anywhere, and do it well!
So to ensure you find the right fit in a professional fence builder, you have to spend some time researching, reading reviews, and a phone call or two with your prospective fence contractor in the Vernon area. After all, you're not just hiring someone to build a fence; you're inviting them into your personal space to create a part of your home’s story (or your business's) and that's important!
It might seem like a lot of work, but with a bit of patience and a keen eye, you'll find a fence contractor in the North Okanagan who can navigate the fence-building process with ease, leaving you with a sturdy, beautiful fence that's worth every penny.
In addition to all that, if you're still going to give DIY fencing a go, the type of fence you decide on also matters! 🤪
The Type of Fence you Choose Matters for DIY Fencing
If you are thinking about building your own fence, there are a few important aspects to consider before jumping in and the type of fence you choose to build really does matter.
ALL fences should have sturdy posts (preferably cemented in and not just sitting on top of the ground) and they need to be properly measured and placed to ensure smooth lines and level tops. This is where skilled fence builders shine—we are experts at creating high-quality fences that look great and last. No matter how decent a DIY fence may look, you really want to make sure it’s done right and won’t fall over after a couple years, especially with the sometimes extreme weather patterns in the North Okanagan.
The most difficult fences to build for DIYers are chain link, corrugated metal fences, and ornamental metal fences. These fences need precise measuring and ground placement to ensure they fit together tightly and look straight and level. Many DIY chain link fences end up with top railings looking a bit like a roller coaster because the builder didn’t know how to raise or lower the pole placement to create a level top or account for ground shifts during the winter months. Wood fencing and vinyl fencing can be a little bit easier to DIY if you purchase panels from your local hardware outlets, but they still need posts put in place properly and can be tricky to fit together for newbs. Plus, hardware store panels tend to be of lower quality than custom-built fence panels or professional grade vinyl fence panels, so they also tend to fall apart eventually.
Tips for Making Your Decision about Fencing: DIY vs Professional Fence Contractor in Vernon
Alright, fellow Vernonites, you're at the crossroads of Fenceville—deciding whether to grab the post pounder yourself or pass it over to the pros and head for the beach.
Here's a nugget of wisdom to help you navigate this junction with the finesse of a local sommelier choosing the perfect Okanagan wine.
Firstly, figure out your budget and pay attention to all possible additional expenses. DIY might appear as the cost-effective option at first glance but remember, unexpected expenses can (and usually do) pop up. Are you prepared to dive deep into your pockets if you hit a snag, such as a large boulder that you have to work around or have someone dig out?
On the flip side, hiring a professional fence builder is akin to investing in a top-tier wine. It might cost you more upfront, but the taste (or, in this case, the fence) is often worth the experience.
Next, consider the currency of time. DIY projects can morph into a time-consuming odyssey, where weekends become synonymous with work. And, after working all week, it’s never fun to have more work to do on your days off. Imagine what else you could be doing with those precious nuggets of time. If the thought of losing your leisure time to the demands of fence-building makes you inwardly cringe, it’s a sign to let the professionals do the work for you.
Lastly, take a gander at your skill set.
If your DIY experience is limited to assembling IKEA furniture poorly, venturing into the world of fence building might be like trying to navigate the backcountry without a compass or gps.
On the other hand, if you're handy with tools and relish the challenge, DIY could be your next great adventure, if you do the research needed to ensure your fence will not only look great, but stand up to the elements.
Weigh your options like a seasoned gold panner and, whether you choose to DIY or hire a pro fence builder in the Vernon or North Okanagan area, choose the option that makes the most sense and will give you the most peace of mind.
If you've decided you'd like to skip the DIY fence building and go with a professional fence builder in your area, get in touch with us here at Blue Rhino Fence! We're here and ready to discuss the type of fence you want, what it will entail, and what you can expect from working with us.
Comments