Poor budgeting
Gate installations require a complete budget before anything else. It's easy to overspend if you fail to budget properly. In the worst case, you might waste time and money on a gate installation only to discover you can't afford it. This can happen when someone forgets to account for one or more parts of a gate installation. It's always best to double-check your budget to ensure you don't miss anything. Your budget should include the gate itself, parts, labour costs, and tools for anything you're doing yourself. You may also need to account for additional costs such as shipping, electrical work, or construction around the gate. Budgeting should be done as early as possible to avoid unexpected issues.
Wrong size
Getting a gate that doesn't fit is another common mistake with gate installations. This is usually caused by inaccurate measurements. You need accurate measurements of the installation site as well as the clearance around it. Don't forget that your gate needs space to open.
Tape measures are the best tool for taking accurate measurements. You should ensure that your tape measure isn't bent and that you're measuring at the correct angle. Width and depth should be measured parallel to the ground, and height should be measured perpendicular.
It's worth noting that the ground won't always be level. If the ground is a slope, you need to measure the incline. If the ground is uneven, height should be measured from the highest point. The goal is to ensure that the gate has enough space. So, rather than the exact topography of the ground, it's more important to measure the unobstructed space. This also means that you need to measure any obstructions, such as posts or trees.
To check that your measurements are accurate, you should take them again and compare them to the original measurements. If there are any discrepancies, you need to determine the accurate measurement. While doing so, you might discover a mistake in how you were taking measurements. In this case, it's best to redo your measurements from the start.
Orientation
The orientation of your gate is more important than you'd think. Many gates only open in one direction. This can cause a couple of issues. Firstly, one side of the gate could be obstructed. If the gate is installed backwards, this could make it unusable. Even if this isn't the case, the gate could be intrusive when opened in a specific direction. For example, a gate at the front of a house could obstruct a footpath if it opens outwards. Reinstalling a gate the correct way around takes time and effort, so it's best to get it right the first time.
Not planning for the purpose
Not planning for the purpose of the gate is another common mistake with gate installations. Different types of gates are suited to different purposes. As an example, if you're installing a gate on your driveway for security, a gate without a locking mechanism won't fulfil that purpose. On the other hand, an electric gate that needs a remote or passcode to open would suit the purpose well. Not only would it provide security, but it would save you the trouble of getting out of your car too. Planning your gate installation with a purpose in mind lets you get the most out of your gate.
Execution mistakes
The final type of common mistake with gate installations is execution mistakes. These are mistakes that are caused by a lack of technical skill rather than preparation or planning. While some gates are easy to install, this isn't always the case. Electric gates are a great example of this. While you could feasibly manage to install the gate itself without any training, the wiring is a different story. Setting up wiring for an electric gate can require knowledge and skills far beyond those of the average person. Depending on your level of skill, you could make mistakes even with simple gates. If you aren't confident performing gate installations yourself, it may be better to hire professionals. This ensures your gate is installed properly, preventing issues later down the line.
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