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If you live in a community with a homeowner's association (HOA), you know that their oversights can be both helpful and sometimes restrictive. HOAs provide for the maintenance of common areas such as parks, elevators, parking garages, pools, sidewalks, and roofs. Along with that, HOAs have certain rules that residents must adhere to. Those rules are often called covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). CC&Rs include things such as what colors you may paint the exterior of your home, what types of landscaping can be done, whether or not you may park vehicles on the street, and whether and what type of fence you may have.Breaking an HOA CC&R can result in heavy fines. It's sometimes possible to do things outside of the rules, but it often requires special permission from the HOA and in many cases it's unlikely you'll get that special permission.Hopefully you were aware of the HOA's rules before you moved into the community. Even if you didn't, though, Fence Central can help you to navigate the waters of HOA if you want to put in a new fence. We've helped many clients get through the HOA approval process by providing fence descriptions, site-plan drawings, specifications, and pictures to aid your communications with them. In our experiences, the more information you can provide to the HOA board about your plans for the fence, the better the likelihood that they will approve it. Approval can take up to six weeks, though, so best to start early.At Fence Central, the fence type that we've found the majority of HOAs approve is a 6' vinyl privacy fence (pictured above). Vinyl fences are a great choice anyway because they're long-lasting, require very little maintenance, and come with a lifetime manufacturer's guarantee. If you're in an HOA community in or around the Polk County, Florida area, contact us. We service most areas of Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Poinciana, Lake Wales, Haines City, Auburndale, Winter Garden, and Windermere.

If you're considering investing in a new fence or need a contractor to repair an old fence, you've likely done your research. Perhaps you've looked at several different companies' websites, read third-party reviews, and gotten a few quotes. Before you make a final decision, though, take the time to read through the customer testimonials on the fence contractor's website. This is an important part of your research process as it shows that the company has satisfied customers.Ask yourself these questions when you read the testimonials: How many testimonials are there? Do the testimonials seem legitimate? What aspects of the company do the testimonials emphasize? While you're paying attention to the aspects of the company that the testimonials emphasize, consider whether those are the aspects that are most important to you in a fence contractor. Examples of aspects that testimonials may emphasize include Customer service Responsiveness Craftsmanship Fair price Job is completed on time No hidden fees Professionalism of the contracting team Extra services that the company provides, such as obtaining permits You may find, for example, that a company doesn't offer bargain basement prices, but has many qualities that truly make it superior to other contractors, such as staffing professionally trained installers and using only high quality materials.Testimonials are often overlooked in the research process, but they may provide a valuable source of information to help you choose a fence contractor. You'll find Fence Central in Central Florida to have excellent testimonials and third-party reviews. We strive to offer the best service, craftsmanship, and value added services in the industry. Contact Fence Central for more information.

Fences are beautiful and add curb appeal to your home, but are they worth the investment? You may be wondering what the purpose of a fence is and whether it's worth getting a fence. Here are some of the top reasons you should consider getting a fence. Privacy & security. Fences act as a visual barrier between you and neighbors, roads, and anyone who happens to be wandering down the sidewalk. A privacy fence, such as one made of wood or vinyl, turns your yard into a true extension of your home, where you can do what you like without prying eyes. Privacy fences also deter intruders. Protect kids & pets. With a fence, children & pets can play freely outside without the danger of running into the street or accidentally falling into a pool. Florida law requires that pools be enclosed or covered for safety. Any easy way to do that is to invest in a beautiful aluminum or vinyl fence. Block wildlife, debris, and road noise. A fence may protect your garden from unwanted wildlife by keeping out rabbits, raccoons, and other animals that dig up or eat your efforts. A fence will also stop debris such as trash and leaves from blowing into your yard. If you live near a road, a fence can help to block traffic noise, turning your yard into a peaceful place for you to enjoy. Resale value. A fence that complements the style of your home while adding the practical values listed above may help you to sell your home more quickly. Fences are a must-have for many families with children and pets and may help your property to stand out in the minds of potential buyers.Need more reasons to invest in a new fence? Contact Fence Central. Our fencing experts are happy to talk through the options with you and give you a free quote. We service most of Central Florida, including Auburndale, Bartow, Clermont, Davenport, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Lake Wales, and more.

In the last blog post, we discussed how effective vinyl fences are for ranches. Vinyl has several benefits over traditional wooden fences, especially for fencing in large areas of land. For example, vinyl fences don't require staining or painting and won't rot.There are several different styles of ranch rail vinyl fences, each coming with its own height to best fit your needs. Cross buck ranges from 3-5 feet tall. The second and third rails are crossed to form a decorative "x" in the middle of two straight horizontal rails.As the name suggests, 2-rail, 3-rail, and 4-rail fences have 2, 3, or 4 horizontal rails. Two rail fences are 3-4 feet tall. Three rail fences are 4-5 feet tall. Four rail fences are 4.5-5 feet tall.Two rail fences are best for decorative fencing and small or serene animal confinement, such as dogs, goats, and alpaca. Three rail fences are probably the most common as they will contain any of the small animals listed above as well as horses.If you're considering a vinyl ranch rail fence for your home, ranch, or property, contact Fence Central. We're local in Polk County, Florida, and service nearly every area in Central Florida, including but not limited to Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Poinciana, Lake Wales, and Auburndale. Give us a call and we'll be able to tell you definitively whether we service your area. You'll be glad you did!

Ranch fencing keeps domesticated animals contained and safe while helping to keep out predicators or other wild animals that may be disruptive. In the past, wood and barbed wire may have been the only options for enclosing fields. Today, vinyl fences are often used. Vinyl fences need very little maintenance, making them a natural choice for enclosing large areas.You don't have to own a ranch to invest in beautiful ranch-style fencing. Choosing a fence that complements the style of your home can increase its resale value while adding charm that you can enjoy for many years to come. Ranch-style fencing beautifully complements homes with a rustic, country aesthetic.Vinyl fencing, whether crossbuck ranch rail (pictured here), two rail, three rail, or four rail, is U.V. protected and has a lifetime manufacturer's warranty that ensures that your fence will not crack, peel, or flake. If you're envisioning a type of fence that you don't see in the example photos of our work, contact us! The fencing experts at Fence Central can build just about any type of fence you can imagine.

If you've chosen a wooden fence for your home, you've made a great choice. Wooden fences are excellent for added privacy and security. You may be tempted by pre-built wooden fences at big box hardware stores. These 8-foot fence sections can often be seen displayed outside and may seem like a bargain compared to a custom-built fence. However, the fact that they're both made of wood is pretty much where the similarities end between these pre-built fences and a custom-built wooden fence. Pre-built fences consist of rough-cut pine made from young trees. As the name suggests, rough-cut lumber is porous and more vulnerable to rot and warping than wood that is from more mature trees. Pre-built fences are also usually assembled with staples or small nails, which are susceptible to rust and are not as strong as galvanized nails. Custom-built fences are a specialty of Fence Central in Central Florida. There are several benefits to investing in a custom-built fence: Freedom to choose the type, thickness, and style of wood that makes up the fence Premium pressure treated rails that have fewer knots than standard pressure-treated 2x4's and so are more durable Decking screws and shank galvanized nails that resist rust, won't streak, and are much stronger than staples or small tack nails Investment in a custom-built fence now will mean many years of enjoyment in the future. Custom-built wooden fences require expertise, craftsmanship, and quality materials, things you won't find sitting outside your local big box hardware store. Contact Fence Central for more information about what sets our custom-built wooden fences apart.

2016 is almost here! As you make your list of New Year's resolutions, consider adding home improvement to the list. Slowly improving your home over time spreads out the financial investment and results in higher resale value when you're ready to sell your home. At any point in time there may be hundreds of homes on the market in your area. Even if you're not planning on selling your home in the near future, having a long-term plan for home improvements can go a long way in helping your home to stick in the mind of a potential buyer.A wooden or vinyl privacy fence is great when neighbors are nearby or you want to create a quiet backyard retreat. Aluminum fences are a beautiful option to fence in a pool or backyard when you want to retain the view beyond the fence.To add the most resale value, choose a fence that complements the style of your home. For example, fences with lattice work help small spaces to look larger and complement both traditional and modern-looking home exteriors.For more information about how a fence can add to your home's resale value, contact Fence Central. We service Central Florida, from Clermont to Bartow and nearly everywhere in between. We can help you to check off this New Year's resolution faster than you can say "auld lang syne!"

As winter approaches, it's a good time to consider whether your pool needs a new fence enclosure. Florida law requires that residential swimming pools be enclosed or covered for safety to prevent accidental drownings. As the pool won't get as much use during the next few months, it would be the perfect time to install a new fence. Consider your priorities when deciding which fence is best for your pool. Ease. You can't get easier than a vinyl fence. Vinyl fences look great, are extremely low maintenance, and can withstand splashes from chlorinated pools for many years to come. Choose a tall vinyl fence to stop kids and pets from jumping over. Privacy. A wooden fence will provide you with the safety of a tall structure with additional privacy. Wooden fences come in a variety of beautiful styles and if you choose Fence Central, you know that you wooden fence will be custom built to be the best fit for your property and made from the highest quality pressure treated rails. Beauty. Vinyl and wooden fences are beautiful, but if you want to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding your pool, an aluminum fence is a good option. Aluminum fences provide the safety of a vinyl fence but don't disrupt your property line, letting you overlook a lovely tree line or sloping glen while sitting poolside.Whichever type of fence you choose for your pool, Fence Central can help. Contact us for a free estimate!

What does it mean to be the best fence contractor in Central Florida? It means that Fence Central is trusted in the community, uses only the finest materials, employs professionally-trained fence installers, is fully licensed and insured, and provides exceptional customer service.Fence Central was named the Best of Fence Contractors 2015 by Thumbtack. Thumbtack is a customer service website that connects local professionals to people who need a service performed. Fence Central is also top rated on Home Advisor, with more than 50 reviews.We offer free quotes, a one-year workmanship warranty, and applicable manufacturer warranties. You'll receive a written contract, so you know exactly what to expect. We hate nasty surprises just as much as you do, so you'll never incur hidden fees. If you still have any doubts, just take a look over our testimonials page. Customers rate us 4.9/5!On top of all that, we service a wide range of cities all over Central Florida. If you need a new fence or if your current fence is in need of repair, contact us for beautiful products and outstanding customer service if you live in or near Haines City, Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Alfred, Polk City, Poinciana, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, or Clermont, Florida.

A wood fence is a beautiful, functional addition to any home. In addition to adding street value, wood fences provide extra privacy and security to the area they surround. Unlike vinyl or aluminum fences, however, wood fences require some TLC every now and then to keep them looking great. Maintaining your wood fence can extend its life for many years.The best way to ensure a long life for you wood fence is to be sure it's installed correctly. At Fence Central in Haines City, FL, we custom build all wood fences on-site, using only the highest-rated pressure treated 2x4's and concrete to securely set all posts.Once your fence is installed, you'll likely need to seal or paint it every 3-5 years, depending on the type of weather its exposed to and the type of sealant or paint you use. When you go to repaint or stain you fence, check for rot, cracks, and mold. Consider using a pressure washer with water or a water-vinegar mix if there is a lot of stubborn mold or moss growing on the wood. If there are any major places of rot or instability, consider having those pieces replaced so that the integrity of your fence remains intact.

Aluminum fences look great, it's true. Their clean lines and stately appearance lend an air of sophistication to homes while still allowing visibility through the bars. Aluminum fences can also come with details along the top or sides that complement the detailing of your home or garden.Aluminum fences are good for more than just looks, however.Aluminum is an excellent choice if you're looking to fence in an area but don't want to block the view beyond the fence. If your home overlooks a body of water, beautiful tree-line, or open field, you may not want a wooden fence that will hide those lovely sights from view.Homeowners often choose aluminum fences to define property boundaries, provide a barrier for pets and children, and close in pools for safety.If you're considering an aluminum fence, you may have also considered wrought iron. Aluminum has a similar effect as iron without all of the upkeep. Aluminum fences are low-maintenance and never require staining or painting. Aluminum fences also come in a variety of colors that are sure to complement the style and color of your home.Contact Fence Central in Haines City, Florida for a free quote on your new aluminum fence. You won't be disappointed with the beauty, durability, and safety it provides.

Chain link fences are popular for a variety of reasons. They're sturdy, inexpensive, provide a safe area for children and pets to play in, and allow visual access to outside surroundings. Chain link fences are available in different heights and gauges to meet property owners' needs.  All chain link fences are galvanized. Galvanization is the process of coating steel in zinc to deter rusting. You can also have a chain link fence coated in vinyl (pictured above), which further deters rusting and comes in colors to complement a house or building.One benefit of an uncoated chain link fence is that from a distance it's mostly transparent. Adding vinyl coating to the fence adds color and visibility, which could be a benefit or a drawback depending on your goal.A chain link fence coated with vinyl lends a softer appearance than the standard steel variety. The vinyl may also help the fence to blend more into its surroundings, such as if you choose green vinyl and the fence is set against a tree line.For many people, the final decision comes down whether cost or appearance is more important to them. A vinyl coated chain link fence looks more attractive to most people, but a standard chain link fence without coating can cost up to $1.50 less per foot.To further explore your chain link fence options and talk with a fencing specialist, contact Fence Central in Haines City, Florida.