A PRIVACY fence builder has warned that homeowners often make mistakes in their expectations of what the fences will cost and how much work it is to put them up.
The third-generation fence builder took to social media to review a few popular options and noted ways to get a quality fence for a low price.
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Known as The Fence Expert, influencer Joe Everest (@JoeEverest) took to YouTube in a recent clip to go over common misconceptions and mistakes associated with privacy fence builds.
Throughout several types of fences often selected by homeowners, the common thread mistake Joe sees is that they often underestimate how much it will cost.
They also expect it to take less work than it does.
In the video, Joe reviewed various wood fence types, including the classic picket, wood panel with gaps, varying wood fence, shadow box fence, picture frame, board on board, and more.
READ MORE on Privacy Fences
The privacy fence expert stressed that some homeowners expect the DIY wood options to offer low cost and low labor, but it isn't the reality of the situation.
"I think that this is a bit of a misconception," Joe said.
"I see lots of DIY fences that were intended to be done by the end of [a] weekend — typically, they drag out for several weeks."
Joe continued that putting up a wooden fence is a doable project for homeowners to undergo without the assistance of a professional, although they must prepare themselves for the work it takes to complete.
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"Go into it with the idea that it could take a while, but if you take your time and you pay attention to the details, it will still look great," the fence expert noted.
To save money, however, Joe advised that wooden fencing isn't the most cost-effective for homeowners looking to add a fence strictly for functionality.
"Wood fencing, depending on the style you go with, can be fairly expensive," Joe said.
It was the varying wood fence that Joe seemed to disapprove of the most.
Joe argued that the fence type costs way more than its worth, and many people get distracted by inspiration boards on Pinterest that feature the design and forget about the work it takes to complete.
"You would expect to pay a lot more for this fence," the privacy fence expert noted in contrast to claims that would only cost homeowners only slightly more than another wood design.
Joe added that it would take "a lot more time" and scratched it off as neither an efficient nor cost-effective option.
Those looking for the least-expensive option should opt for a spaced picket fence, according to the fence expert.
"For example, the least-expensive wood fence we would do would be like a four-foot spaced picket," he said.
Although for the lowest price altogether, Joe noted that the chain-link privacy fence wins over anything wood-based.
"It's still going to come in more expensive than like a four-foot chain-link," the influencer added.
"Even like a four-foot color-coated chain-link — [it] blends into the surroundings pretty easily, it disappears if you will."
Joe warned that the chain-link still won't be what might be considered cheap, but it's "still a very nice option" for those requiring functionality for less cost and labor than a wood fence.
Read More on The US Sun
For more on DIY fences, check out The U.S. Sun's coverage of a woman who built a privacy fence and sun deck from scratch.
Also, a homeowner claimed they saved thousands after building his privacy fence by himself.
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