Before the estimate
Define the project
Draw the route
Sketch the fence sections, corners, house, driveway, and gates. Add rough measurements for the discussion; the installer should confirm final dimensions.
Gather property information
Find your survey or other boundary documents. An old fence or a neighbor’s understanding of the boundary may not establish where a new fence can go. Ask a qualified local surveyor when the location is uncertain.
List your priorities
Write down privacy, pets, appearance, access, and maintenance preferences. Save a few examples of styles you like and note what you like about them.
Point out site conditions
Show slopes, retaining walls, trees, drainage routes, irrigation, and utility equipment. Discuss how the fence will meet the house, existing fences, and neighboring features.
Plan gate access
Measure equipment that needs to enter the yard. Discuss clear openings, swing direction, latches, and any occasional delivery or maintenance access.
Before installation
Confirm responsibilities and approvals
Check the rules for your address
Ask the local permitting or building office about applicable fence rules and approvals. Check any HOA or other property restrictions. Confirm height, location, style, and required documents before ordering materials.
Confirm the final layout
Agree on the fence route and gate locations with the installer. Resolve boundary questions and required approvals before work begins. Keep the approved drawing with the estimate.
Arrange utility marking
Confirm who will contact 811 and follow your state center’s instructions, including the required waiting period and checking that all utilities have responded. Do not allow digging to begin before that process is complete. See 811’s official before-you-dig guidance.
Discuss privately installed lines
Tell the installer about irrigation, detached-building power, lighting, and other lines you know about. Ask the local 811 center which facilities its process covers and whether you need a separate private locate.
Set the job-site plan
Agree on parking, equipment access, material storage, removal, cleanup, and how pets will be kept away from the work. Move items only as agreed with the installer.
Confirm schedule and changes
Get the expected start date, main contact, and process for delays or unexpected conditions. Agree that changes to the scope and price will be documented before the extra work proceeds.
Pool enclosures need a separate review
Discuss the complete barrier and gate arrangement with the installer and local authority. The CPSC pool barrier guidance explains why the enclosure details matter; it does not replace the requirements at your address.
When the work is complete
Walk the fence with the installer
Compare it with the agreed scope
Review the installed material, fence route, gates, finish, and any approved changes. Raise discrepancies while you are together on site.
Try every gate
Open, close, and latch each gate. Check the intended access and have the installer show any adjustments or care the hardware requires.
Review the cleanup
Check that removal, disposal, and restoration match your agreement. Note remaining work and agree on a completion date in writing.
Collect the paperwork
Keep the invoice, product names, care instructions, warranty terms, and contact details for service. Ask which maintenance tasks preserve the product warranty.
Your project notes
A simple worksheet for the site visit. Print this page and fill in the details.
- Preferred material & height
- ________________________________________________
- Gate locations & clear openings
- ________________________________________________
- Boundary / approval questions
- ________________________________________________
- Utility locate responsibility
- ________________________________________________
- Installer contact & agreed next step
- ________________________________________________