Trust Your Fence Installation in Reston, VA to the Experts at Hal Co
Is Fence Installation a D-I-Y Job?
Fences are essential around a yard, but the cost can be intimidating. The big question is: Should I do it myself, or invest in professional fence installation in Reston, VA? There are pros and cons for both approaches.
Hal Co is a reputable fence contractor serving Reston, VA residents for nearly 30 years. We offer:
- Quality design, selection, installation and related services for your fence in Reston, VA following the highest safety procedures and industry standards.
- In partnership, we will evaluate your fence project requirements and develop a comprehensive installation plan.
- Personalized customer service before, during and after installing your fence in Reston, VA to minimize your disruption and maximize your comfort.
There are so many advantages that come with a fence, from greater security, more privacy and added value to a property. In the long term, the money spent is well worth it. But in the short run, it can wreak havoc with the family budget. That’s why many homeowners consider doing the job themselves.
But this brings numerous problems, with skill sets, tools, time, and effort. After the job is done, it can have a definite D-I-Y look that doesn’t fit in with the neighborhood or the exterior décor of a home.
Here is an overview of what you need to consider when you decide to invest in fence installation in Reston, VA. Do your research before you decide which way to go.
The Cost of a Fence
Fence installation in Reston, VA is expensive. But how expensive? Here is a nifty way to get a ballpark idea what your fence will cost, using the Homewyse Fence Installation Calculator. Be sure to check out the Notes and General Information section to give you an idea what it covers.
According to Angie’s List, the average price nationwide is close to $5,000. That’s a big bite of the family budget. These prices include labor, materials and delivery, preparing the worksite and cleanup.
The calculator and the average cost according to Angie’s List are just general figures. A lot depends on the design, what type of material you use, how long and high the fence is and if you have uneven terrain or other special considerations.
When you get a better idea what you want, you can use this fencing project estimator. It requires specific information but gives you a more exact idea about costs.
Before you make a decision about doing the work yourself or hiring a pro, you need to get a basic idea of what is involved for the design you have in mind, and the area it will enclose.
What Is Involved?
If you are thinking of doing the work yourself, you need to do your homework first. That means research designs, costs, types of materials, the nuts and bolts of fence installation in Reston, VA, local zoning regulations and neighborhood covenants and types of tools required.
An excellent first step is to go fence spotting in your area. When you see a home with the style of fence you want on your property, stop and talk to the owners. Most people love to talk about home improvements and will gladly share information. Ask about cost, did they hire someone or do it themselves, time involved from design through construction and what they would do differently if they had to do it over again.
Next, find a do-it-yourselfer who has actually built his own fence. Interview him, asking the same types of questions. In addition, find out how he learned the correct way to build one.
If building it yourself still sounds like a good idea, check for classes on fence installation in Reston, VA. Many home improvement centers offer classes for a nominal fee. Also, check the local community college and technical schools. They often offer do-it-yourself training in the evening and on weekends for a reasonable price.
What isn’t recommended is finding a set of plans online, then trying to paste together the instructions and tips from a variety of sources. If you can’t take a class, then find a friend with fence building experience to give you hands-on help. Or even offer to pay a neighbor who has done the job himself. You need the support and practical knowledge of someone who has done the job at least once already.
The Case for Doing It Yourself
The big reason to tackle fence installation in Reston, VA yourself is to save money. Labor can account for one-quarter to one-third the overall cost of a fence, so it can add up to a major savings.
If you have a wide range of tools already in stock, hands-on experience building other major projects and the ability to follow detailed instructions, you are ahead of the game. Building a fence is still a significant undertaking, but you already have many of the skills and equipment.
If you are new to building home projects, it is not a good idea to start with a six-foot fence around a large lot. In that case, you cold consider starting out with a small, decorative garden fence. This is an excellent way to learn. The cost is much less, so it will be less expensive to fix and tweak your first project. It will take less time, and you will see results quickly.
To build a fence, you need a lot of “stuff,” which is a handy term for some very expensive tools, other equipment and building materials from hardware to wood, composite, metal or vinyl. Some you might have, some you can rent, some you can borrow.
But much of it you must buy, which adds to the cost. That’s why it is important to thoroughly research before you commit to doing it yourself. If you don’t, all the paraphernalia involved can make your D-I-Y fence cost as much, or even more, than a professionally installed one.
For a basic fence, here is a list of equipment and tools you need:
- Hammer, mallet, and sledgehammer
- Mason’s line
- Level
- Tape measure
- Plumbing bob
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Work gloves
- Safety gloves
The materials you will use include posts, railings, screws, nails, panels, post caps, concrete mix and gravel. Be sure to use the fence project estimator above to get an accurate idea of your investment.
Two people are required for part of the fence building, so make sure you have someone who is willing to help. Another set of hands makes quicker work especially when it comes to making sure the fence is level, getting fence posts dug, and the posts installed.
You also need a lot of time to build a durable, attractive and efficient fence. Most do-it-yourselfers underestimate the length of fence installation in Reston, VA. What they conceive as a weekend project can easily end up taking all summer and extend into fall and maybe the following spring.
The Case for Hiring Professionals
Why hire professionals for fence installation in Reston, VA? Experience. Nothing can replace years of working with a range of terrains, soils, styles, materials and designs.
When it’s finished, you want the fence to be level, plumb, and sound. You want it to look like what you imagined. You want it to stand up to the weather, your pets and children. As a rule, that takes knowledge, effort, and hard labor to achieve.
Professional fence builders can actually get the work done in a few days, not weeks or months. They already have the tools and equipment they need to do the job. This is their job so they won’t be distracted by other home improvement tasks or family adventures. They come to your home, install the fence and leave. No interruptions.
When you work with professionals, like Hal Co Fence, you end up with the fence you visualized. That’s because they work with you to help you design the right fence before construction begins. They can guide you through the process of choosing the best materials and design for your terrain, architecture and family needs. There are no surprises because the design work is dealt with thoroughly before the work begins.
You know what it costs when you work with professional fence installation experts in Reston, VA. For example, the team at Hal Co come out to visually check out your property and only then provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate. You know before work starts how much the entire job will cost.
You get a warranty when you work with professionals. If something goes wrong, you are covered.
Work with Experts
The skilled professionals at Hal Co have been building fences for homeowners just like you for over 30 years. The company is proudly family owned and operated, and an active member of the local community.
The skilled technicians on staff have experience with a range of fencing materials and styles, including:
- PVC Vinyl
- Composite
- Ornamental and steel
- Split rail
- Chain link
- Cedar
They can walk you through the entire process of fence installation in Reston, VA from design through construction and maintenance. To come up with the right fence for your needs and your budget, they are happy to discuss materials, sizes and styles with you.
In addition to fencing, Hal Co also builds decks, screened porches and does all type of roofing jobs. They repair and maintain them too. All staff members are licensed and bonded, and all work is guaranteed.