Planning Your Fence Project

Why Planning Matters

Fence problems usually start before the first hole. Bad line work, missing permits, and the wrong material can blow up the budget fast. Plan the job before you buy posts or panels.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

What’s the Primary Goal?

Privacy:

• 6-8 feet tall
• Solid boards or panels
• No gaps between boards
• Consider overlapping design

Security:

• Sturdy construction
• Difficult to climb
• Self-closing gates with locks
• Consider height restrictions

Pet containment:

• Height based on pet size
• No gaps for escape
• Consider dig-proof base
• Self-closing gates essential

Property boundary:

• Can be shorter/decorative
• Must be on property line or inside
• Consider shared cost with neighbor

Aesthetics/Curb appeal:

• Match home style
• Consider HOA requirements
• Front yard restrictions common

Pool enclosure:

• Must meet code (usually 4-5 feet minimum)
• Self-closing, self-latching gate required
• No climbable features
• Specific gap requirements

Step 2: Know Your Property Lines

Why This Is Critical

Building on your neighbor’s property can result in:

• Required fence removal
• Legal action
• Damaged neighbor relationships
• Financial liability

How to Find Your Property Lines

Option 1: Plat/survey map

• Check your closing documents
• Available at county recorder’s office
• Shows lot dimensions and boundaries

Option 2: Property markers

• Metal pins at corners (may be buried)
• Use metal detector to locate
• Measure from known points

Option 3: Professional survey

• Most accurate method
• Cost: $300-$800 typically
• Required for disputes
• Provides legal documentation

Setback Requirements

Most areas require fences be set back from:

• Property lines (often 2-6 inches)
• Public sidewalks
• Road right-of-way
• Utility easements

Check with your local building department before finalizing placement.

Step 3: Check Local Regulations

Permits

Typically required when:

• Fence exceeds certain height (often 6 feet)
• Located in front yard
• Near public right-of-way
• Pool enclosure
• Historic districts

Application typically requires:

• Property survey or plat
• Fence specifications
• Site plan showing location
• Fee ($25-$200 typically)

Height Restrictions

Location	Common Limit
Front yard	3-4 feet
Side yard (front portion)	3-4 feet
Side yard (rear portion)	6 feet
Rear yard	6-8 feet

Note: These vary significantly by municipality.

Setback Requirements

• From property line: 0-6 inches (varies)
• From sidewalk: 1-3 feet
• From street: Per local code
• From corner (sight lines): Often 3+ feet

HOA Rules

If you have an HOA, check for:

• Approved materials and colors
• Height restrictions
• Style requirements
• Approval process
• Architectural review timeline

Get HOA approval in writing before purchasing materials.

Step 4: Talk to Your Neighbors

Why Communication Matters

• Avoids disputes
• May share costs
• Coordinates “good side” placement
• Maintains relationships
• May be legally required (some areas)

Topics to Discuss

1. Fence placement - On line or offset?
2. Style and height - Agreement on appearance?
3. Cost sharing - Will they contribute?
4. Construction timing - Any concerns?
5. “Good side” facing - Who gets it?

Document Agreements

If sharing costs or placement:

• Put agreement in writing
• Both parties sign
• Keep copies
• Include maintenance responsibilities

Step 5: Choose Your Materials

Wood Fencing

Cedar:

• Naturally rot-resistant
• Beautiful appearance
• Higher cost ($15-25 per linear foot)
• Weathers to silver gray

Pressure-treated pine:

• Most economical ($10-18 per linear foot)
• Requires treatment at cuts
• Can be stained
• 15-20 year lifespan

Redwood:

• Premium appearance
• Excellent durability
• High cost ($20-35 per linear foot)
• Limited availability in some regions

Vinyl/PVC Fencing

Pros:

• No maintenance
• Won’t rot or warp
• Long lifespan (20-30 years)
• Consistent appearance

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost ($20-35 per linear foot)
• Can crack in extreme cold
• Limited color options
• Looks “plastic” to some

Metal Fencing

Chain link:

• Most economical metal option ($8-15 per linear foot)
• Durable
• Security-focused
• Privacy slats available

Aluminum:

• Ornamental appearance ($25-45 per linear foot)
• Won’t rust
• Low maintenance
• Many style options

Wrought iron:

• Classic appearance ($30-100 per linear foot)
• Very durable
• Requires maintenance
• High-end option

Composite Fencing

Pros:

• Wood-like appearance
• No rot or insects
• Low maintenance
• Eco-friendly options

Cons:

• High cost ($25-45 per linear foot)
• Heavy material
• Limited styles
• Can fade over time

Step 6: Calculate Costs

Cost Components

Item	Typical % of Budget
Posts	15-20%
Rails	10-15%
Pickets/panels	40-50%
Concrete	5-10%
Hardware	5%
Gates	10-15%

DIY vs. Professional

Factor	DIY	Professional
Material cost	Same	Same
Labor cost	Free	$15-35/linear foot
Time	1-2 weekends (100 ft)	1-2 days
Quality	Variable	Consistent
Warranty	None	Often included

Budget Examples (100 Linear Feet)

Type	Materials	Pro Labor	Total
PT Wood Privacy	$1,200-1,800	$1,500-2,500	$2,700-4,300
Cedar Privacy	$1,800-2,500	$1,500-2,500	$3,300-5,000
Vinyl Privacy	$2,200-3,500	$1,800-2,800	$4,000-6,300
Chain Link 4’	$800-1,200	$1,000-1,500	$1,800-2,700

Use our Fencing Calculator for detailed estimates.

Step 7: Create Your Plan

Measure and Map

1. Measure total fence length
2. Mark gate locations
3. Note grade changes (may need stepped fence)
4. Identify obstacles (trees, utilities, structures)
5. Calculate materials using our calculator

Post Spacing

• Standard: 6-8 feet on center
• Heavier materials: 6 feet maximum
• High wind areas: 6 feet
• At gates: Additional posts needed

Gate Planning

Consider:

• Number of gates needed
• Single vs. double gate
• Swing direction (away from pool, into yard)
• Width needed (lawn equipment? vehicles?)
• Hardware and locks

Common widths:

• Walk-through: 3-4 feet
• Garden equipment: 4-5 feet
• Vehicle/double gate: 10-12 feet

Step 8: Utility Location

Call 811 Before Digging

Required by law in most areas. Free service marks:

• Gas lines
• Electric cables
• Water/sewer pipes
• Telecommunications
• Cable TV

Call at least 3 business days before planned digging.

Common Private Utilities (Not Marked)

You’re responsible for locating:

• Irrigation lines
• Invisible pet fences
• Private lighting cables
• Septic systems
• Propane lines

Step 9: Timing Considerations

Best Time to Build

Spring/Fall:

• Moderate temperatures
• Easier to work in
• Ground not frozen
• Concrete cures properly

Summer:

• Longest days
• Ground is dry
• Heat can be challenging
• May need early morning work

Winter:

• Possible in mild climates
• Frozen ground is difficult
• Concrete curing affected
• Shorter daylight hours

Project Timeline

Phase	Typical Time
Planning/permits	1-4 weeks
Utility marking	3-7 days
Material delivery	1-7 days
Post setting	1-2 days
Concrete curing	24-48 hours
Fence construction	2-4 days
Total (100 ft fence)	2-6 weeks

Planning Checklist

Administrative:

• Property survey obtained/verified
• Building permit applied for
• HOA approval received
• Neighbor notification/agreement

Technical:

• Total fence length measured
• Gate locations determined
• Material selected
• Budget calculated
• 811 called for utility marking

Practical:

• Materials ordered/scheduled
• Tools gathered/rented
• Help arranged (if DIY)
• Timeline established

Calculate Your Fence Materials

Need exact fence quantities? Use our Fencing Calculator.

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Pro Tip: Mock up the fence with stakes and string before you buy material. It is a cheap way to catch a bad height or line.