How to Prepare for a New Fence Installation

A new fence adds privacy, safety and curb appeal, and a little preparation makes the whole job go smoother. Here is what to take care of before the crew shows up, in roughly the order it comes up.

Know what the fence is for

Privacy, pets, a pool, a boundary or looks. The purpose guides the style, the height and the material, and it is the first thing we ask when we walk a yard. If you have one sentence ready, the rest of the conversation is easier.

Pick a material that fits

Wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link and farm fencing all have their place. They differ in look, upkeep and how they handle your yard. Wood gives you the most choices in style and asks for more care. Vinyl keeps its look with little upkeep. Aluminum is open and does not rust. Chain link suits big yards and pet runs. If you want help, our fence types page is a good place to start.

Check the rules

Your town or county office can tell you the height and placement rules for your address. If you have an HOA, read its fence rules too, since some set style, height or color. The homeowner pulls any permit the town requires, so ask whether one applies and tell us what you learn.

Choose a crew you trust

Look for a company with real reviews, clear proposals and a crew that shows up when it says it will. Ask who does the work, what material and post spec are in the proposal, what the gates come with and what warranty applies. A proposal that spells these out is easy to compare. We send a certificate of insurance with every proposal.

Mark your property lines

Know where your line is before the layout. Your deed and plat show it, and a surveyor can mark it if the corners are missing. We build to the line you give us, so if the line is in question, settle it first. Read more in our post on building on or near a property line.

Tell your neighbors

If the fence runs along a shared line, a quick word with your neighbors goes a long way. Let them know when the work will start and that a crew will be along the line for a few days. Most people appreciate hearing it from you first.

Clear the fence line

Remove brush, small trees, rocks and debris along the route, and move anything the crew should not work around. Furniture, planters, grills, toys and hoses should be back from the line. If an old fence is in the way, tell us at the walk so we can plan for it. Before we dig, utilities get marked through 811, and we lay out the fence around the marks.

Also make sure the crew can get to the work. Unlock side gates, and tell us where it is fine to park and stage material.

Plan the gates

Think about what has to get through each gate. A mower, a trailer or a truck needs more room than a person. Think about where the gates open and which way they swing. Gates that match how you live in the yard get used. Gates in the wrong place get propped open or ignored. See our custom gates for ideas.

Get ready for install day

Confirm the date with us. If you will not be home, tell us how to reach you, and let us know about gates, access and anything we should be careful around. Plan for your pets, since an open gate and a curious dog do not mix. Keep kids and pets away from open post holes.

After it is built

When the job is done, we leave the yard cleaner than we found it. Follow the care instructions for your material, and call us if something does not look right.

Ready to start? Send us the form or call or text 803-609-9760.