Building a fence in 4 Easy Steps

Building a fence is just one of the many home improvement projects covered under the FHA 203k home loan program. It varies of course depending on what kind of a fence you desire, but for most fences you can roll your sleeves up and install it on your own. These instructions are assuming you already have the wood posts and you are building in your backyard. Get out there and accomplish these home improvements while we still have some summer left!

1. Set the posts. Lay out the site, dig holes, and set posts, starting with the end posts. (For basic information on installing posts, see our Home Improvement Encyclopedia.) Check each post for plumb by holding a level to two adjacent faces; nail braces to hold posts upright. Check, too, that posts are aligned by tying string from end post to end post.



2. Add concrete. As you shovel concrete into the holes, have a helper tamp the concrete to remove bubbles. Round off the concrete so water will drain away from the posts. After the concrete cures, cut posts to a uniform height, if necessary. Shape tops of posts so they'll shed water.


3. Add rails. Attach the rails to the posts. We used galvanized rail clips. A line level and combination square assure that each rail is level and square with the posts.

4. Measure. Measure carefully and use a square to mark locations on the rails for each fencing board. Wood scraps squeezed between boards maintain uniform spacing. Have a helper align boards while you nail them to the rails.