Building a new barrier in Birmingham is rarely just about a line on a map. Between our hilly terrain and the strict rules in spots like Mountain Brook or Liberty Park, a simple project can get tricky fast. 

You want to keep your yard private without making things awkward at the next Trussville Dog Days. If you are looking at a Custom wood fence or need a fix, here is how to handle it like a local.

Before you even think about digging, you have to know where your yard ends. Our Birmingham red clay and rocky soil make moving a post later a nightmare. 

Looking at an old deed is a start, but a real boundary survey is better. If you guess wrong and build on your neighbor's side, you might face a legal land dispute.

In new construction areas like Pell City or Springville, builders don't always leave the clearest markers. Getting a land surveyor to mark the exact spot keeps things fair. 

It also shows your neighbor you are doing things by the book. You can learn more about general neighbor fence laws to understand your rights before starting.

A surprise fence is rarely a happy one. Whether you are over in Greystone or Highland Lakes, a quick chat goes a long way. 

Walk over and tell them your plan. If you are sharing a line, they might even want to help with the work.

When you talk, bring up the local Birmingham zoning ordinances. In most of our local cities, you can't put a privacy fence in the front yard. Also, remember the "magic height" rule. 

Most spots here allow up to 6 feet, but you need a special permit for anything up to 8 feet. If you have a corner lot near the Cahaba River, keep in mind that setback requirements are much stricter to keep the road visible.

• Check the HOA. Spots like Vestavia and Homewood have very specific rules on style.

• Watch the trees. Our wooded lots are beautiful, but roots can mess with a fence line.

• Mind the hills. With our terraced backyards, a fence that looks straight on one side might look off on the other.

• Share the permit. Show them the city building department papers so they know it is all legal.

One reason neighbor fights start is when a fence begins to lean or sag after just a few months. We see it all the time around Hoover and Stockton. 

Cheap contractors take a major shortcut: they do not set posts deep enough. In our heavy clay, a shallow post will shift as soon as the humidity hits.

We do things differently to make sure your fence stays a bridge, not a wall. We use metal posts and metal frames for every wood fence we build. 

This stops the wood from rotting in our wet, wooded areas. Plus, our wood gates won't sag because they aren't held up by heavy wood frames that warp in the Alabama heat.

Getting a new fence shouldn't feel like a battle. As a local Birmingham fence company, we use materials like Japanese cedar and Digger Specialties aluminum because they last in our climate. We also keep our lead times low so you can get your yard back quickly.

We've worked all over the area, from the shadows of Vulcan to the trails of Oak Mountain State Park. We know how to build a fence that makes you and your neighbor happy.

If you are tired of looking at a leaning fence or just want more privacy in your backyard, let’s talk. We can help you navigate the rules in places like Liberty Park or Homewood to get a fence that lasts.