Bryan,
I'm in the planning stages for a fence myself. And yes it's because we just got a dog, as well. :)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1157357275.jpg

Did a quick spreadsheet the other day and found that the prefab sections will save me about $50 for the 80ft section that I need to replace. ($500 for build it myself, $450 for pre-built.) I'm not sure that the quality of the prebuilt panels will be as good as DIY, but the labor savings might make up for it. I certainly don't want to spend the next several weekends pounding nails into fenceposts.

Let us know what you decide, and post pictures. For inspiration, if nothing else.
;)

Good luck.
Jim

If your going to make it yourself I wouldn't pound nails. Take the time to predrill holes in the fence pickets and use galvanized screws they hold much better. I have a 10 year old premade fence and I constantly have to hammer in the staples that were used. As the sun and rain work on the fence along with wind there is a fair amount of movement.

Don't forget to notify your HOA if you have one. :)

I've built a fence myself in my 1st house and I'll echo what everone else said. Good level, power auger, Quickcrete and stainless steel screws or nails.

Good luck!

I built a 142' fence last year, I considered the pre-made sections but they seemed flimsy. As others mentioned... thin wood, staples etc.

My brother put up a fence this spring, and bought those prefab panels despite my advice to the contrary. He is on very rocky ground, and was not able to space the posts evenly. He spend days and days trying to get the holes dug, but in the end gave up and ended up having to cut panels short.. many of them in half. Looks sloppy. So, dig a few test holes before you go with pre-fab sections. If you are on rocky terrain, don't expect to be able to space them evenly.

FWIW, I didn't use concrete on my fence , I used compacted 1/4" gravel with 3/4 at the bottom of the holes for drainage. Holes were 4' deep. Reason: frost heave. If your set in concrete, if the fence shifts you ARE NOT going to be able to straighten it. My neighbor learned that the hard way, and suggested I use the fine gravel. It is very solid, and I can dig it up if I need to. Frost may no be an issue where you are.