Decorative steel infills with white rendered pillars designed and built by Custom Built Fences

Things to consider when designing your fence

Things to consider when designing your fence
What is the purpose of your new fence?

Before you install a fence, ask yourself what your reason is for installing a fence for your property.

What is the purpose that you want the fence?

For example, Do you a new fence to add security, block out noise, keep pets and children in the yard, improve the street appeal, etc.

What material do you want to design the fence in?
Consider what materials you want to use for your fence, will they suit the style of your house?

Consider what you would like your pillars to be made from.

Are you matching the style of your house?

Does your house have bricks or render to match?

How much visibility do you want through the fence?

For example, If you want the fence for privacy you may choose a modular fence.

What material should you use for your location?

For example, Seaside locations require material that will withstand marine atmospheric corrosion or if you live in a high fire risk area you may consider using fire-resistant materials.

What extra features would you like to add to your fence?

Examples are lights, driveway gates, pedestrian gates, automatic gate openers, intercoms, etc.

Create an entrance

For safety and convenience, consider putting in at least one entrance into a fence. Ensure that one of these is large enough to accommodate bulky outdoor equipment such as a lawn mower, large garbage bins, etc.

How high do you want your fence to be?

Consider if you are using the fence for security or as a boundary. The dollar value and the height of the fence will also determine if a permit is required.

Be a good neighbour

Be open with your neighbours about your fence plans and try not to block their view unnecessarily.
Consider if the fence will be aesthetically pleasing to your neighbours as well as your selves?

How much maintenance do you intend to do on your fence?

Consider the maintenance required for the style of the fence? Try to choose materials that have low maintenance and durability.

Hire professionals to install your fence

Have a professional install your fence as this can have a huge impact on the value of your home.

Permits

Will my fence need a permit? Building permits are generally required for construction over 1.2m. Check with your local council.

Installation time frame
When do you want your fence installation complete?

The time frame of completion will vary depending on the permit if required and the size and style of the fence. Ask the sales representative what the expected time frame for installation is.

Custom Built Fences specialise in a large range of custom fences in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Our service includes design permits & construction. We can provide the best design and the best price for your custom fence. Offering custom design fences as well as the popular styles, modular fences, Masonry fences, and Steel fences. We have a vast selection of infill steel fences, including scrolls, rings, and spears tops. As well as a large range of different capping to choose from and different locking options to suit your fence. We offer all custom-built fences — aluminium fences, steel fences, cast iron fences, Aluminium picket fences, brick fences, combination fences, rendered fences, gates, as well as custom steel work for domestic or commercial use, such as shopping centres or restaurant barriers and feature work.

Contact us here today to arrange an appointment.

Custom Built Fences in person quote inspections

Should both partners be home for the quote?

Should both partners be home for the quote?

Yes, it is best that both you and your partner are at home when getting a quote.
It is always good to have someone to bounce ideas off, especially when choosing the style of the fencing, as you are both spending money on something for your home. It is great if you are both on the same page, but you may strongly disagree with each other’s ideas, so it’s beneficial for you both to be there so that you both can see all of the styles and listen to all the design ideas that our sales representative will share with you. This way if there is any conflict in tastes, together we can come up with a compromise for your fence design. Having both you and your partner at home gives us the opportunity to explore all possibilities.
From time to time, technical questions may need to be asked by our sales representative, but only one of you can answer the question. For example, the location of services or easement, etc. Or you may have technical questions that you may wish to ask regarding the installation. Technical information is always best to be listened to firsthand rather than be relayed but is not necessary.
The end result of that is going to give you the best design outcome for your custom-built fence.
Custom Built Fences specialise in a large range of custom fences in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Our service includes design permits & construction. We can provide the best design and the best price for your custom fence. Offering custom design fences as well as the popular styles, modular fences, Masonry fences, and Steel fences. We have a vast selection of infill steel fences, including scrolls, rings, and spears tops. As well as a large range of different capping to choose from and different locking options to suit your fence. We offer all custom-built fences — aluminium fences, steel fences, cast iron fences, weatherboard look fences, brick fences, combination fences, rendered fences, gates, as well as custom steel work for domestic or commercial use, such as shopping centres or restaurant barriers and feature work.

 Contact us here today to arrange an appointment.

Brick Pillar Fence with large steel double gates designed and built by Custom Built Fences

Does a fence affect my home insurance?

Does a fence affect my home insurance?

In most cases, No!

A fence correctly installed with a permit and relevant engineering would not affect insurance.
Although to deter burglars, it is worth considering the erection of secure boundary fences around your property. With a variety of fences and gates to choose from, you can achieve privacy and security without compromising the character and feel of a welcoming home. A fence that has a lockable gate, restricting access to the property, and adding extra security to your property may improve your insurance policy. This is only a guide and it is advised to contact your Home Insurance provider to discuss this with them.
Locking gates can increase security

If your fence is built in such a way that you have a fence gate, as with all other points of entry, make sure your gate is secured by a lock.

Custom Built Fences specialise in a large range of custom fences in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Our service includes design permits & construction. We can provide the best design and the best price for your custom fence. Offering custom design fences as well as the popular styles, modular fences, Masonry fences, and Steel fences. We have a vast selection of infill steel fences, including scrolls, rings, and spears tops. As well as a large range of different capping to choose from and different locking options to suit your fence. We offer all custom-built fences — aluminium fences, steel fences, cast iron fences, weatherboard look fences, brick fences, combination fences, rendered fences, gates, as well as custom steel work for domestic or commercial use, such as shopping centres or restaurant barriers and feature work.

Contact us here today to arrange an appointment.

Custom Designed steel gate and fence designed and built by Custom Built Fences

Does a fence add value to your house?

Does a fence add value to your house?

By adding a Custom Built Fence to your property adds value to your property by increasing your curb appeal. The aesthetics of a new custom built fence will show that you maintain your property and care about your home. Improving the street view of your home whilst increasing selling appeal.

A beautiful front fence frames a home, and with a fresh new Custom Built Fence with decorative finishes, becomes a form of creative expression, not just a boundary but also adds extra security to your home.

The addition of a Custom Built Fence to your home can serve as several purposes. It can be used for privacy, it can be used as security and stop unwanted visitors getting into your yard, and it can help to keep your pets and children secure in your yard. Homeowners that have pets or children may have a fence as a prerequisite when buying a home and could be reluctant to purchase your home without one. Rather than spending money on installing a fence themselves, they may think that a house with a fence already installed is worth the price.Having a nice Custom Built Fence can have decorative benefits, like enhancing the appearance of your yard and home as a whole. If you live in a home with an aesthetically undesirable views looking out your window, a strong, tall fence can block the view and create a much more desirable view of your yard.Custom Built Fences specialise in a large range of custom fences in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Our service includes design to permits & construction. We can provide the best design and the best price for your custom fence. Offering custom design fences as well as the popular styles, modular fences, Masonry fences, and Steel fences. We have a vast selection of infill steel fences, including scrolls, rings, spears tops. As well a large range of different capping to choose from and different locking options to suit your fence. We offer all custom built fences — aluminium fences, steel fences, cast iron fences, aluminium picket fences, brick fences, combination fences, rendered fences, gates, as well as custom steel work for domestic or commercial use, such as shopping centres or restaurant barriers and feature work.

 Contact us here today to arrange an appointment.

Custom Built Fences will help you with your fence permit

Permits

Permits

Please note – This information should be used as a general guide only. It’s always best to contact your local council for advice.

Do you need a building permit to install a fence?

Building permits are required for most, but not all fences.

In some circumstances, a planning permit may also be required.

There are different regulations and requirements for all councils. Whether you need a permit is dependent on the area you live in, the location of where you want to install the fence, the height of the fence, and the type of fence.

Most councils have a maximum height requirement that you won’t need a permit. You may still be able to have a fence above the height limit but this is only permitted if you obtain Report and consent from your local Council. They will determine if the fence is going to have an impact on pedestrians, the driver’s vision, or your neighbours. The fence must not disrupt the streetscape.

All structures, including footings, must be located within the property where the works are being carried out.

  • Front Fences within 3m of a VicRoads declared roads are to be no more than 2m in height and for non-declared roads they must not breach 1.5m (in most Councils). If you obtain Report and Consent from your local Council you may be able to build higher.
  • If your fence is within 9m of a street intersection it must not exceed 1m in height.

Be sure to check with your council to what their requirements are for your house.

When do I need a Building Permit for a fence?

A Council consent and a building permit are required for:

  • front fences are generally over 1.2 / 1.5 metres high depending on council (or 2.0 metres if facing a ‘declared road’)
  • fences on the corner of 2 streets over 1 metre in height within 9 metres of the intersection of the street boundaries.
  • A report and consent of the Council are required for an application for a building permit to build over an easement if you are proposing to build over or within an easement vested in Council.

The Victorian Building Authority article on when a building permit is required indicates what fences and other buildings require or are exempt from requiring a building permit.

When are Permits required?

It is always best to get a permit for any work done to your home in the future if you intend to sell your house. Any illegal works done without a permit can be ordered by the council to be demolished, so that it is deemed safe.

 

Most councils will require permits for any of the following:

  • The fence is to be installed on a shared boundary.
  • It may depend on how close the shared boundary is to the fence being installed.
  • The fence is being installed near an Alleyway or public space ie. Parkland.
  • If there is a body corporate or covenant for the property.
  • If the property is a Heritage overlay.
  • Are there any significant trees within 4m of the fence?
  • If the fence is to be installed over an easement.
  • If the fence is to be installed over a flood zone.
  • Some councils may require a certain amount of transparency for the fence.

Council consent and report

Some provisions may vary in the Building Regulations when issued a Council Consent.

The Building Regulations 2018 contain a number of provisions where the Council can decide whether or not to allow a proposal.

This includes:

  • Construction over a drainage easement
  • Variations in height and setback requirements
  • Constructing sheds/garages on vacant allotments
  • Fence heights
  • Construction on unsewered land
  • Construction on land is liable to flooding.
  •  

Please refer to the Building Regulations 2018 for a complete list of the matters that require Council Report and Consent.

Consent types

Council Consents can be broken down into 3 separate types.

Each type of Council Consent has a different application form:

  1. Council Consent Non-Siting Matters
  2. Example: projections beyond streets, public protection, unsewered areas, land subject to flooding
  3. Council Consent Siting Matters
examples: setbacks, wall heights, and lengths, site coverage
  4. Drainage Easement
  5. For construction over or excavation into a drainage easement

Non-siting matters

Matters covered by this classification include:

  • Building over a drainage easement
  • Projections beyond street alignment
  • Architectural features
  • Service pipes and rainwater heads
  • Signs
  • Sunblinds and awnings
  • Verandahs
  • Windows and balconies
  • Window shutters
  • Buildings above or below a street, railway, bus terminal, or similar public facility
  • Precautions over a street to protect the safety of the public
  • Installation or alteration of a septic tank system, or construction of a building over an existing septic tank system
  • Construction of buildings on land liable to flooding
  • Building on designated land – Uncontrolled overland drainage.

Siting matters

Matters covered by this classification include:

  • Maximum setback from a street boundary
  • Minimum setback from a street boundary
  • Building height
  • Site coverage
  • Impermeable surfaces covering more than 80% of an allotment area
  • Car parking spaces
  • Side or rear boundary setbacks – height and length
  • Walls or carports on the side / rear boundary
  • Building setbacks – daylight to existing habitable room window
  • Building setbacks – solar access to existing north-facing windows
  • Building design – overshadowing of recreational private open space
  • Window or raised open space – overlooking
  • Building design – daylight to habitable room window
  • Private open space
  • Appurtenant Class 10 buildings including garages/sheds on vacant lots
  • Front fence height
  • Fence setback from the side or rear boundary
  • Length or height of side or rear boundary fence
  • A fence within 9 metres of an intersection
  • Fence setback – daylight to existing habitable room window
  • Fence setback – solar access to existing north-facing windows
  • Fence design – overshadowing of recreational private open space

Boundary fencing

(Side and rear boundary adjoining another property only)

In most cases, the ‘normal’ height of a boundary paling or colourbond fence is 1.6 – 1.8 metres.

Owners may need a building permit to erect a fence up to 2 metres.

For fencing over 2 metres in height, there are height/length/setback limitations. Contact your local council.

Front fences

A front fence is defined as a fence that is within 3 metres of the street boundary at the front of the allotment.

Separate provisions apply to fences at intersections (corner fences) – see below.

Any front fence constructed of brick, stone, masonry, etc over 1.2 metres high requires a building permit.

A timber or steel frame front fence over 1.5 metres high requires a building permit.

Most front fences over 1.5 metres in height will also require council consent.

The only exception to this is for fences facing a ‘Declared Road’. (Declared Road – freeway or arterial road under the Road Management Act 2004). In this case, council consent is required for fences over 2 metres in height.

Height is measured above the footpath level.

A Street Occupation Permit is required where works are undertaken beyond the property boundary (for example: from a footpath or nature strip).

A Council consent and report are required for barriers beyond the street alignment for the protection of the public during construction. 

Corner fences

Any part of a fence located within 9 metres of a point of intersection of street alignments (corner fences) can only be constructed up to 1 metre in height.

Both Council consent and a building permit are required to construct a higher fence.

Council enquiries

Custom Built Fences will contact the council for you to ascertain the permits that are required for your job. This process can take up to 2 weeks.

Council approval

Each council has its own procedure and requirement when it comes to approving permits. Depending on the council and the number of permits required, this process can take up to 5 months.

Can you guarantee that you are going to be able to get this through the council? 

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that council will approve your permit, as this is out of our control. Each council will have its own procedure when approving permits and we do not have any influence on this. The time frame to receive approval for a permit is determined by the council, please check with your council.

Please check with your Local Council regarding their procedure when processing permits.

Wyndham City Council

City of Melton

Hume City Council

City of Whittlesea

Nillumbik Shire Council

Yarra Ranges Council

Cardinia Shire Council

Knox City Council

City of Casey  

Maroondah City Council

Manningham City Council

Banyule City Council

City of Darebin

Moreland City Council

City of Moonee Valley

Maribyrnong City Council

Hobsons Bay City Council

Brimbank City Council

Mornington Peninsula Shire

Frankston City Council

Greater Dandenong City Council

City of Kingston

Bayside City Council

Glen Eira City Council

City of Monash

City of Stonnington

City of Boroondara

City of Melbourne

City of Port Phillip

City of Yarra

Custom Built Fences specialise in a large range of custom fences in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Our service includes design permits & construction. We can provide the best design and the best price for your custom fence. Offering custom design fences as well as the popular styles, modular fences, Masonry fences, and Steel fences. We have a vast selection of infill steel fences, including scrolls, rings, and spears tops. As well as a large range of different capping to choose from and different locking options to suit your fence. We offer all custom-built fences — aluminium fences, steel fences, cast iron fences, custom weatherboard look fences, custom brick fences, custom combination fences, custom rendered fences, custom gates, as well as custom steel work for domestic or commercial use, such as shopping centres or restaurant barriers and feature work. 

Contact us here today to arrange an appointment.

Steel Post fence designed and built by Custom Built Fences

Can I install the fence myself?

Can I install the fence myself?

Installing your own fence is not recommended as a range of things can go wrong if you are not trained to perform this type of work. As a fence is a heavy structure that can fall if not installed correctly and can potentially hurt anyone walking past your property, therefore making you legally liable. So it is a necessity for a professional fence installer to install the fence for you.

Building a new fence is a large investment for your property, therefore you want to have it built correctly and to the highest standards. Imagine the headache of having to arrange the civil works yourself, pouring the footings on your own, and then having to arrange materials to be delivered to the site and then trying to put them together! This can be a frustrating process, which can be fraught with errors if doing it yourself.

The installation of your fence requires trained staff, the use of specialised tools and work platforms, and a lot of time. We have highly trained staff who install fences every day, they are specialists in their trade and they have a skill base that comes out of construction, so they know what they are doing. More importantly, they know what NOT to do. We guarantee our workmanship and the installation of your fence will be finished within expectation and satisfaction. If you envision your fence to still be standing in years to come, then it is best for skilled installers to install your fence. Don’t do it yourself, don’t risk it, it’s that simple.

How long does it take for the fence to be installed?

Your fence will typically have three phases of construction. Phase one – Permits and planning. If a permit is required for your fence, once the permit has been approved, which can take up to 5 months, dependent on the council regulations and the permits required. Generally, we will start work on your fence within in a couple of weeks of receiving the permits. Phase two – Masonry Construction. Excavation, bricklaying, and finish. Generally, the length of time for phase two of construction of your fence can take between 1 week to 4 weeks, dependent on the size of the work. Phase three – Steelwork construction and delivery. A final measure will be performed to ensure that the infill panel will be the correct size.

Now bear in mind that weather and unforeseen circumstances play a big part in the final completion date. Our Sales representative will give you an indication of the date that your fence will be due to be completed upon acceptance of the quote.

Custom Built Fences specialise in a large range of custom fences in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Our service includes design permits & construction. We can provide the best design and the best price for your custom fence. Offering custom design fences as well as the popular styles, modular fences, Masonry fences, and Steel fences. We have a vast selection of infill steel fences, including scrolls, rings, and spears tops. As well as a large range of different capping to choose from and different locking options to suit your fence. We offer all custom-built fences — custom aluminium fences, custom steel fences, custom cast iron fences, custom weatherboard look fences, custom brick fences, custom combination fences, custom rendered fences, custom gates, as well as custom steel work for domestic or commercial use, such as shopping centres or restaurant barriers and feature work.

Contact us today to arrange an appointment.

Steel School Fence designed and built by Custom Built Fences

How much will my fence cost?

How much will my fence cost?

All our Custom Built Fences are quoted individually and custom-designed to suit the needs of the customer and the site specifications. At the end of the day, as with everything, you get what you pay for. But to give you an indication of the cost, a fence will cost within the thousands and will vary with what style you choose for your fence, taking into consideration the site variations required for installation.

Small to large fences.

It goes without saying the bigger the fence the more material and civil works involved. But in saying that, Custom Built Fences will work with you to find a more cost-effective design for your fence. There are a few different factors to look at as well, for example, height, site work required, footings, if any permits are required, etc.

Site inspection and Quotation.

All of Custom Built Fences are custom designed for our customers, we will need to come out and look at the site to see where you would like the fence to be situated so that we are clearly informed of all works required for the design and installation of the fence. We then make an assessment and price it up accordingly.

Does my house affect the cost?

In some instances, the aesthetic of your house can really dictate the cost of your fence. Such as, what material your house is made out of. For example, If your house is brick, then you may wish to match the bricks from your house to be used in your fence, or you may wish to use the same render that your house has been rendered with, etc. In which case, this may increase the cost of your fence.

How do the costs of Custom Built Fences compare to our competitors?

In the open marketplace, our customers get the fairest price. We are very competitive in our industry, with our cost and quality. Many customers say to that the quality of Custom Built Fences is great value for the price. The quality of our fences is what we pride our company on.

Custom Built Fences specialise in a large range of custom fences in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Our service includes design permits & construction. We can provide the best design and the best price for your custom fence. Offering custom design fences as well as the popular styles, modular fences, Masonry fences, and Steel fences. We have a vast selection of infill steel fences, including scrolls, rings, and spears tops. As well as a large range of different capping to choose from and different locking options to suit your fence. We offer all custom-built fences — aluminium fences, steel fences, cast iron fences, weatherboard look fences, brick fences, combination fences, rendered fences, gates, as well as custom steel work for domestic or commercial use, such as shopping centres or restaurant barriers and feature work. 

 Contact us here today.