Home and Construction Business Blog: Home Improvement Tips, Project Advice, & Local Construction Information

Now that your taxes are finished for the year (hopefully) and you're receiving a reasonably large refund (hopefully), it's time to decide what to do next! Saving the money is always a good option, but if you've got some home improvements to do now could be the perfect time. Spring is a great time to construct or repair your home's fence, for example. Spring is good because it's before hurricane season. If your fence is older and needs repair, doing so before hurricane winds and rain hits could help prolong its life. If you want to build a new fence, it's great to get it finished before summer barbecue season. A fence is a smart home improvement because it not only adds visual appeal, safety and security to your home, it also adds resale value when you're ready to sell it. Shorter fences such as vinyl picket and wood ranch rail are great for adding charm to your property. For a fence who's main purpose is to keep kids and pets in the yard, consider an aluminum or chain link fence. If you're looking for the ultimate privacy and security, a wooden or vinyl privacy fence is the way to go.No tax refund this year? No problem, Fence Central offers free quotes. Our testimonials speak for themselves as to the quality and value of the service we provide.

Before it gets too hot this summer, consider setting aside some time to perform some routine maintenance on your wood fence. Wood fences make a beautiful addition to nearly any property, whether they're stockade, board-on-board, shadowbox, ranch rail, or picket style. They do require a little love and attention periodically, though, and doing so can extend the life of your wood fence significantly.Fences have to endure a lot of weather of the course of the year: Rain, wind, freezing nights, and blazing hot afternoons. Staining your wood fence puts a layer between the wood and the elements, prolonging its life. The color, quality, and type of stain (oil or water-based) you choose as well as the fence's location will determine how often you need to re-stain. Most stain manufactures recommend a re-staining cycle of 5 years, but that's just an estimate. If you're noticing that you're fence is looking a bit under the weather, you may need to re-stain more frequently. If you choose a light colored stain for your fence, it may require redoing every 1-2 years. Similarly, if your fence faces east or west, it gets more direct sunlight and may need more looking-after.When choosing a new stain, look for one that includes fungicide and herbicide to provide an effective barrier between your fence and things that want to grow on it. If you notice fungus or mold growing on your fence, spray on a solution of 50% bleach and water so that it doesn't prevent your stain from adhering effectively.In addition to re-staining, take a good look at your fence from top to bottom, noting any loose boards or nails. If you feel like your fence is in need of replacing, contact us at Fence Central in Central Florida. We custom make all of our wood fences using premium pressure-treated rails, not the pre-built panels you find at the hardware store. The high-quality materials we use ensure that your fence will last for years and years to come.

If you have a fenced-in yard, chances are you're spending a lot of time in it. Fences add privacy and security to your property as well as act as barrier to keep kids and pets contained and safe while they take in the sunshine and fresh air. Here are some lawn games you can enjoy with your family, taking advantage of your outdoor livable space. Touch football or tag is a favorite for fall, buy why not all year 'round? Even little kids will enjoy this game of chase-and-tag, and for older ones you can start layering in football rules to get them more familiar with the sport. Bean bag toss, also known as corn hole, starts with a board with a hole cut out. Players stand behind a line and toss the bean bags, trying to get as many as possible in the hole. For every bag a player gets in the hole, 3 points are awarded. Earn 1 point for bags gotten on the board, and 0 for bags that go on the grass. The first player to 21 points wins. Giant Jenga. You may have played this tabletop game of block pulling, and the larger-than-life version is just as fun. Players try and remove blocks from the tower without it falling over. Horseshoes. Similar to the bean bag toss, this game is played to 21 points. A pole is planted in the lawn and horseshoes tossed toward it. If the horseshoe goes around the pole, that player earns 3 points. If there's no "ringer," 1 point goes to the person who has the horseshoe closest to the pole.

Choosing the right fence for your home is an important decision, especially if you have dogs. Not all pet owners will need a fence, and there are options such as invisible fences that some people prefer, but there are definite cons to invisible fences. Privacy fences, whether wood or vinyl, are often a good choice for dogs, but there are other considerations as well.If your dog is an escape artist, you may consider an especially tall fence (if s/he jumps) and/or a fence that goes deep into the ground (if s/he digs). For dogs that jump, a fence at least 6 feet tall is recommended. If your dog is smaller, best to choose a fence type with not a lot of space between the bars so that it's not possible for him/her to slip between the bars and roam freely. A privacy fence has the added benefit of blocking your dog's view of what's going on outside the fence, reducing the desire to escape and stopping other animals from seeing your dog and potentially provoking him/her. For older privacy fences, especially wooden fences, it's a good idea to periodically check the strength of the fence to make sure that boards can't easily be pushed out by your dog or other animals.If you don't want to enclose your entire yard with a fence or want a double fence barrier, you may also consider a dog run. A dog run is a long, narrower enclosed space that is fenced off inside your yard. A dog run can be a good option for a pet that is especially difficult to contain or spends a lot of time outside. A sturdy roof can protect your dog from the elements while providing a safe space to exercise and be outdoors. For more information about fences that will help protect your pet and add beauty to your home, contact Fence Central for a free quote.

Whether you own a business or have property in which you store goods, protecting your investment from intruders is a top priority. There are several options to consider when it comes to protecting your commercial property, you may choose one or more than one, depending the size of the property, its location, and what needs protecting. Security cameras come in a wide range of options, from simple to sophisticated and everything in between. Security cameras may deter criminals from entering your property, but they're most useful for recording someone in the act. Of course, that likely means that someone has already broken into your property and stolen your goods. When considering security cameras, choose their placement wisely. A camera will do you no good if it's positioned in such a way that it doesn't catch someone trespassing or stealing. Cost will vary based on how many cameras you want, how high-end they are, and what, if any, electrical rewiring is needed. Security guard s can be hired to patrol your commercial property, providing an active deterrent for criminals. The benefit of a guard is that he or she can randomize patrols, making it more difficult for someone to track where they'll be at any one time. It can be difficult, however, to keep a guard staffed and cost over time can be quite considerable. A guard dog is a less costly form of active deterrent, but dogs come with risks, too. Even the best trained dog may attack someone, leaving you with a lawsuit. A fence is an excellent physical barrier to help keep your commercial property safe. Depending on the type of business or property, a tall fence and/or anti-climb fence can help to deter and delay anyone considering getting onto your property illegally and removing your goods.For more information about fences that can help protect your commercial property, contact Fence Central. We service business all across Central Florida including but not limited to Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Alfred, Polk City, Poinciana, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, and Clermont.

Spring and summer are the most popular times to sell a home. People tend to want to shop for homes when the weather is nice and not during the holidays. If you're thinking of listing your home this April, May, or June, you may consider now the changes and improvements that might make your home more appealing to buyers. Pamper your lawn so that the grass is lush and green. Your local hardware store or megamart will likely have grass seed and fertilizer to help get your lawn back into shape. Also consider trimming, shaping, and/or planing new plants. It may seem superficial, but a patchy lawn and poor landscaping can take away from your home's overall appearance and first impressions count for a lot. Clean and repair your gutters. A thorough potential buyer may check out the status of your home's roof and gutter and if he or she finds them full of leaves and cracked, a different home may look more attractive. Add outdoor lights to your yard to make it feel more inviting, usable, and safe. Especially if your open house extends to dusk, outdoor lights can help potential buyers to get a sense for the space right away. Build a fence or, if your fence is older, repair or replace your fence. Especially if most of the other houses in your neighborhood have fences, having a fence will increase the value of your property. A fence helps to define your space from the neighbors and is very attractive to families with pets and/or children. A fence can also help a smaller yard to feel bigger and more like an extension of the living space.Fence Central in Central Florida can definitely help you with the last thing on this list. Contact us for a free quote or for guidance for which type of fence would be best for your home.

Happy New Year! At Fence Central in Haines City Florida, we're excited for and optimistic about 2017. Many people like to make resolutions around this time of year. In addition to resolutions such as getting more exercise, balancing your checkbook more often, or spending more time together as a family, you may have home improvement goals to accomplish this year. A fence can be a stress-free way to improve your home and check that box off of your list! Here are a few reasons why you might be convinced that a new fence is right for you in 2017.1. A fence adds safety and security to your home. If you have kids and/or pets, a fence provides a safe place for them to be outside and play while staying away from cars and strangers. A fence, especially a privacy fence, also provides a physical barrier against people who may wish to steal things from your yard or home or animals that may wander in looking for food or a place to shelter.2. You can add property value to your home with a fence. A sturdy fence that complements the style of your home can enhance the curb appeal of your home to potential buyers who enjoy privacy, want extra security, and/or have kids or pets to tend to.3. Insurance rates may decrease with the addition of a fence due to the added security it adds to your property. If you're considering adding a pool or water feature to your yard, a fence may be required.4. If you've experienced property line disputes with your neighbors, a fence can be a good way to define your property lines and setup a barrier. Even if you don't have disputes with your neighbors, if your yards are situated close together, you may enjoy the added privacy that a fence can offer. If you've made the decision that a fence is right for you, get a free quote from Fence Central. We will help you every step of the way with trained, licensed, and insured fence specialists.

If you're still stumped on what holiday to get your significant other, perhaps you should consider some home improvement items. We're not suggesting that you bypass a more personal gift for your significant other, but if you subtly drop a hint about a new fence or other home improvement and he or she is receptive, go for it!The holidays are a great time to consider home improvements, especially in Central Florida. Our mild winters make working outside not only possible but enjoyable, and you don't have to worry about hurricanes and the daily afternoon thunderstorms of summer.Home improvements are something the whole family can enjoy year-round. A fence, for example, augments the look and feel of your home, provides a safe place for kids and pets to play in, and can even increase the resale value of your home.If you choose a new fence from Fence Central, you can be confident that you're getting the best quality materials and qualified, experience installation. We are fully licensed and insured, will handle everything to do with underground utilities and digging, and will help you to work with your homeowner's association if applicable. We know that the holidays can be a busy time and want to help as much as possible. Start the process with our quick-and-easy online contact form and we'll contact you with a free quote.

A white picket fence is the quintessential storybook addition to a home. You may have grown up hearing stories about homes with white picket fences or perhaps you lived in a home with a white picket fence as a child. Whatever the case, a white picket fence is an easy way to add charm to your home (not to mention curb appeal when your'e ready to sell).Once you've settled on a white picket fence for your home, your next choices are material and style. A traditional picket fence is made of wood. Wood fences add warmth to a home's exterior, but they also require more maintenance than other types of fences. For example, a wooden white picket fence would require painting and touch-ups to keep it white and free of paint cracks. A more modern approach is to choose a vinyl white picket fence. Vinyl fences have many benefits. They require very little maintenance, come with a lifetime manufacture's warranty (so you know you'll never have to replace it), and come made in the color and style of your choice. If you go with a vinyl picket fence, you can choose between a contemporary flat, domed, or scalloped design. Contact Fence Central in Central Florida for more information and to hear you full range of options. We service many areas including but not limited to Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Alfred, Polk City, Poinciana, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, and Clermont.

Thanksgiving is here! If you're expecting guests, or even if you're not, you might be in the mood to decorate your home as a way to celebrate the season. Here are two ideas for simple autumn garlands for your fence. If you don't have a fence, we're here to help! The friendly, knowledgable staff at Fence Central would be happy to help you to choose a fence that's right for you and get it installed quickly. We offer fences made from several beautiful and functional materials including vinyl, wood, aluminum, and chain link, in a variety of styles and colors. Leaf garland What you'll need: Thin branches with colorful leaves still attached Floral wire Floral tape Scissors Wire cutters Any decorative accents you like, such as pine cones, dried berries, and dried orange slices Instructions: Measure your fence to the length that you want the garland to be. If you wan the garland to scallop along the fence, consider draping a piece of string in the shape and length you want and then measuring the string Connect the thin branches together by overlapping the branches by around 2" and wrapping them securely with the floral wire Continue connecting the branches until it reaches your desired length If you want a centerpiece, secure a larger stick to the garland using floral tape and decorate with larger pine cones, berries, and whatever else looks nice to you If you don't want a centerpiece, hang small pinecones, berries, and dried orange slices throughout the garland using floral wire or tape, whichever suits better Maize corn cob garland Maize, also known as Indian Corn or Flint Corn, is colorful corn that can be dried on the cob and used for decorations.What you'll need: Eye hooks Maize on the cob Maize husks Sturdy twine Glue Instructions: Measure your fence to the length that you want the garland to be Twist the eye hooks into the bottom, flat end of the maize Alternate the maize and husks along the twine. To secure the husks, drape the husk over the twine and then glue the two ends together

After the long-awaited win by the Chicago Cubs recently, local sports leagues might be inspired to spruce up their athletic fields for the upcoming season. Fences play an important role in the design of an athletic field, whether it be baseball, tennis, or football. Athletic field fences must separate fans from players, so that spectators aren't easily accidentally involved in the game via a fly ball or mis-kicked soccer ball. The fence can't obstruct fan's view of the field, however. For these reasons, chain link fences are the favorite fence for athletic fields. Ideal fence heigh varies, however, depending on sport. Baseball and softball fields are typically enclosed in a 4-6 foot chain link fence. Backstops, especially tall sections of fence, are erected behind home plate to protect spectators from fast-moving balls and thrown bats. Backstops are 25-30 feet tall and may have a top overhang that extends into the field for extra protection. Outfield fences are typically 6-feet tall with rubber tubing along the top. Tennis courts need a taller surrounding fence, as it's easy for a tennis ball to travel high and far. A 10 foot surrounding fence with wind screen is most typical for a tennis court. Spectator bleachers may be placed inside or outside of the court. School football and track areas are often surrounded by 4 foot chain link fences to keep animals from wandering onto the field and discourage people from entering without a ticket. Different gates should be planned to allow for spectators, coaches and players, and lawn maintenance equipment. Chain link fences can be coated in vinyl for additional longevity and visual appeal. Vinyl coating comes in a variety of colors including black, green, brown, white, and tan. For more information about chain link fences and to get started on your new fence project, contact Fence Central in Central Florida.

Choosing a new fence for your yard may be more difficult than you think. There are many options available when you consider material and color choices. When chosen well, a fence not only maintains the boundaries of your property and helps keep in pets and kids, it also enhances the overall aesthetic of your home and can even increase property value! Vinyl (aka PVC) fences have become very popular in recent years, and for good reasons. In addition to being the favorite of community and homeowner's associations (HOAs), vinyl fences look clean and neat, are highly durable, need very little maintenance, and come in a variety of colors and styles. So what does made in the USA matter when you're considering what type of vinyl fence to buy? Buying something that's made it the USA means that the product adheres to strict standards put in place by the Federal Trade Commission. By choosing products that are made in the USA, consumers help to support the U.S. economy and job market. Jobs that are created from U.S. manufacturing are held to humanitarian standards that help to provide a safe and reasonable work environment. USA-made goods also must adhere to certain environmental guidelines laid out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. At Fence Central, our vinyl fences are all made in the USA! You can feel proud of that investment in our country's economy and future. Fence Central vinyl fences are also backed by a lifetime manufacturer's warrantee, so you can feel confident that you'll never have to replace your fence.