1. Where does your land end and your neighbor's or city property begin?

If you don't know where your property ends and where the city's or your neighbor's property begins, you'll be creating a big problem. Check the deed to your house to see where you property lines are. If the deed isn't clear, check with the city or the realtor that sold you the property. You don't want to start a dispute with your neighbor or the city by putting your fence where it shouldn't be.

2. Are your neighbors signed off on your project?

Before you start fencing off your property, it would be wise to check with your neighbors to make sure they are okay with you doing it. You may end up obstructing their views, changing the way their yard looks, or having to tear out a tree or two to make your fence straight. You're intruding on their lives even though it is your property, so being conscious of how they feel about the project is always a wise choice before you start.

3. Do you need a permit?

Many cities and counties have ordinances stating where you can and cannot have a fence, how high or solid it can be, which way it can face, etc. Check with your city planner or city ordinance department to see if there are any guidelines for your area and whether or not you'll need to apply for a building permit for your area. Some cities consider fencing apart of building structure and some consider it apart of landscaping. If you need a permit or aren't following the guidelines the city has set out for fencing, your project can be stopped, your fencing materials can be confiscated, or if your fence is done, the city can knock it down again without asking your permission. It sucks, but the city is the one who can dictate where, when, and how you build. Better check with them first.

4. Are there underground power lines you need to avoid?

You are going to be digging post holes. Some holes are going to be pretty deep. Before you start digging, you need to know where your power lines are so you don't hit one. There is a specific service established for professional and do-it-youself-ers alike that will come out and mark your power lines for you as well as how deep they are. Call 8-1-1 before you start digging to avoid a potentially dangerous or hazardous situation.

5. Do you have a plan?

A fencing project can be a disaster if you don't plan it. Trees and tree roots can get in the way, landscaping features may have to be changed, and if you don't plan it right, you may end up short on fencing supplies. Have a plan in place, mark where all the post holes are going, and get a professional estimate if your yard is big enough to require a lot of fencing materials before you start your project. Pre-planning saves you a headache later on and helps you keep cost at a minimum too.