Fences in Pinehurst
A fence in Pinehurst usually has to do two jobs: keep dogs, children or deer where they belong, and look right on the street. Moore County's history describes the village as a planned resort, built in 1895 with an inn, electricity and telephones, and many neighborhoods still care a great deal about how a property looks from the road. Before choosing a style, find out what your neighborhood allows.
Rules before materials
Ask your homeowners association or the village about:
- allowed heights for front, side and rear fences;
- allowed materials and colors;
- how far back from the street and property lines a fence must sit;
- whether a permit or design approval is needed, and how long it takes.
Ask each fence company whether the price includes preparing any submission, and whether it assumes your design will be approved.
What's underground
Moore County's Health Department permits septic systems and permits and inspects private wells. If your property has either, mark the tank, the drainfield lines and the well before anyone digs post holes. A post auger through a drainfield line is an expensive mistake. Also call 811 before digging, so buried utility lines are marked.
Wind and posts
NOAA's engineering weather data for Fort Bragg/Simmons Army Airfield, the nearest station, lists a 50-year basic wind speed of 90 mph and a 100-year rainfall rate of 3.8 inches per hour. Solid privacy fences catch wind like a sail, and wet sandy soil holds posts less firmly than dry soil. Ask:
- how deep posts will be set, and in what: concrete, gravel or compacted soil;
- post spacing and size;
- for solid panels, whether a shadowbox or board-on-board design that lets some air through makes sense.
Wood in humid weather
The Fort Bragg station counts about 1,112 hours a year with the wet-bulb temperature above 73°F. Wood fences in humid weather need good drainage at the base and air around them. Ask whether posts are rated for ground contact, how the bottom of the boards will be kept off the soil, and when the fence should first be stained or sealed.
Gates
Gates are where most fence complaints start. Ask how the gate posts will be set, what hinges and latches will be used, and whether a sag-prevention kit or diagonal brace is included.
Licenses
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors says a general contractor must hold a state license when the total cost of a project is $40,000 or more. Most residential fences cost less. If yours is part of a larger project near that total, ask which license the contractor holds and look it up.
Comparing quotes
- length, height and style;
- material and post type;
- post depth, setting method and spacing;
- gates, hardware and latches;
- removal of an old fence;
- permits or approvals;
- how septic and well areas will be avoided;
- finishing and the warranty.