Sunday, May 2, 2010

Fence Project - Day 1 & 2

Even before we got a dog, we really wanted to have a fence around our backyard to provide a safer environment for our kids play area. The privacy is an added benefit of having a fence. Before taking on this immense project as a DIY task, we called a contractor to get an estimate. I was completely shocked with the estimate. Over eight grand for a PVC style fence and over six grand for a wooden fence. With the cost of materials only being around fifteen hundred dollars, that is a hefty sum for labor (they must be union).
Since I'd rather keep my money and spend it on other things, I decided to do it myself. Since I don't have school during the month of May, I decided that it would workout just fine. My dad helped me to pick up some supplies from our local Lowe's and I began working on it this weekend. These are the treated posts that I bought to get started.

I borrowed a post-hole digger from my sister (thanks Chris) last Wednesday and managed to dig all of the holes within 3 hours. My neighbors told me that it would be extremely difficult because our soil composition is heavy with shale at about the 1 foot depth. I was going to rent a powered post-hole digger but it required two people to operate and since I'm working alone (for the most part) I decided to use the manual hand tool instead.
I got started early but with several delays, I ended up getting behind from the start. I had to take my daughter to the doctor for an infected insect bite (probably a spider) and then my wife remembered she had a dental appointment in the afternoon.

With the kids and wife helping, we ended up having a lot of family fun. Letting the kids help me with everything is something I always try to do. Plus, it makes the end result more memorable.
We saved some money by digging the holes manually with the postal digger.

It was really good exercise for this old retiree.
My wife helped me a little.


My Dad came up last Friday to help me but I had to leave at noon to go and take a final exam at the college.

21 Smart Readers SAID::

Hey Harriet said...

Oh gosh that looks like such hard work! But good on you for doing it yourself. Fence builders do charge a fortune! Can't wait to see it all finished. At least you have plenty of willing helpers :)

Clytie said...

Good job on the DIY! What a fun way to bring the family together! And a beautiful, beautiful day.

Happy SSS!

Chubby Chieque said...

Hard work DIY but with your treasures around, can't it be better, right?

Cheers for SS Day & hope your exam went well.

/chie

Unknown said...

Wow guys goodluck to that project. Thast a lot of hardwork

Mel Alarilla said...

That's a family labor of love that will surely bring wonderful results. The task is so daunting though and can be almost impossible to do alone. I hope you can get sturdy help other than your wife and kids because the work is really hard and labor intensive. Thanks for the post. God bless you all always.

Ebie said...

Its worth all that hard work. Plus with all the savings, too!

It is a very good experience for the kids, so that when they grow up, they can also learn from what they did today.

It was fun!

Jules said...

Wow! Doing a heavy task with your family member would be great and very memorable. ;D Good luck, and can't wait to see the finish of your project. ;D Btw, how's your exam?

Solo
Travel and Living
Job Hunter

Wengss said...

I'm sure your hard work will pay off. Good luck.

Dhemz said...

oh my dear lord...that's a lot of work....looks like you guys are good at it....very impressive...we can't do that by ourselves....hubby is not a handy man type of a guy....lol!

Euroangel said...

that seems to be a lot of hard work but i believed that you save a lot of money...we are doing the same..the new energy-saving windows and a new door we ordered cost a lot of money if we hire worker for it..since HB is also a mason, he decided to put it self hopefully starting this weekend..imagine saving around 7,000euros for everything!


great job Joop and thanks for the visit..

Explore Germany
Euroangel Graffiti

Risa Tzohar said...

Wow, that's a lot of effort. Glad you had time to post to the blog as well!

Lynda Howells said...

Don't you love it when the children help!!!Ha! lots of hard work but worth it l think. Children look happy and beautiful as always. happy ruby tuesday. lynda
http://chocolatelifeandjazz.blogspot.com

Ralph said...

A lovely project - sort of. I grew up with a back yard with a big fence all around, and this is perfect for the kids and dog to run around in safety. Your work is much better than most contractors, no doubt...

maryt/theteach said...

Some great shots so you and the rest of the family can remember building this fence! And remember "Good fences make good neighbors." :)

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the fence! Maybe post a picture once its completed. Its nice that the whole family chipped in :)

Unknown said...

that's hardwork DIY, great photos and post.

Mylene said...

This is a great family bonding :)

Have fun doing your fence ;)

Lola said...

Such hard work - congrats!

btw Glad you liked my post - the sculptures are constructed from local Mexican red-colored clay.

Look forward to *seeing* you again!

LOLA:)

Stephanie V said...

Digging post holes - ugh! what a job! Nice to have those happy touches of red to keep the work spark going.

Patti said...

That looks like a lot of hard work! A family project is always fun, I think ;-)

I like the nice flat backyard. Ours is a slope, but not as steep as some of our neighbors' yards.

Felisol said...

There's nothing like the pride of a work well done.
A bonus that you also were saving money.
Your family look so happy together.

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