Many towns and cities have zoning laws and your neighborhood may have a covenant code concerning fence heights and materials. Check with your local code enforcement office and neighborhood association about the types of fences allowed in your area. You will be confident making an informed decision, and avoid having to remove your fence if it doesn't meet with local codes.

The following is a list of things to consider when planning your fence design:

• Which type of fence matches your home and neighborhood? Look at fences in your neighborhood and see which styles strike you as the most attractive.
• How close can the fence be to the property line?
• What is your budget?
• What is the purpose of the fence? Do you want privacy? Should it be high enough to contain a pet or a child? Is it decorative and bordering flowerbeds? Is it a security fence? Will the fence enclose a pool area?
• Are you willing to regularly maintain a wood fence, or is metal a better option?
• If you choose a wood fence, will it need painting or staining? Wood fence options include pressure-treated pine, spruce, cedar and redwood.
• Does the decorative side of the fence face your home, or your neighbor's? Will the fence impede your neighbor's view or enjoyment of their yard, living area or office?
• Do you feel confident installing the fence yourself, or should you hire a contractor?
• If you hire a contractor, look at examples of his/her work in your neighborhood. Is the contractor licensed, and does he/she have references?
• Research pricing of various fences while keeping your budget in mind.
• Hire a professional to do the job. If you are on a tight budget, consider having a contractor install the posts and attaching the rails and boards yourself.

A little planning will help you choose the right type of fence. Think realistically about the amount of work involved in digging postholes and setting the posts. Many people prefer to hire a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. Compare the cost of renting the equipment, having the materials delivered and the time required to install the fence, to the cost of hiring a professional. The price variable might be small when you consider the amount of labor required and the knowledge that the job will be done properly.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com