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Before You Build: Property Lines, Utilities and Paperwork
A practical checklist of the non-construction tasks to finish before a fence or gate goes up: boundaries, utilities, approvals, neighbors, contracts and timing.
Planning and Installation
Property Lines and Groundwork
The checks to complete before the first post goes in.
Comparing Contractor Bids and Reading a Contract
Learn how to compare written fence and gate bids line by line, and what a clear contract should say about scope, payment, changes, timing and cleanup.
Drainage and Fences: Keeping Water Moving
See how grading, runoff and standing water affect where a fence should go, how long its posts last, and what to check before you build near wet ground.
Easements and Where You Cannot Build
A plain explanation of easements, the common types, how to find them on your property, and how they can limit where a fence or gate may be placed.
Fence Warranties and What They Usually Cover
Understand the difference between material and workmanship warranties, what they typically cover, common exclusions, and how to keep records to make a claim.
HOA Approval for Fences and Gates
What homeowner associations often review before approving a fence or gate, what a complete request usually includes, and how to avoid delays or denials.
Liability and Insurance Questions for Fences and Gates
General questions to ask your insurer about fences, gates and pools, and how homeowner liability can come into play when you add a barrier to your property.
Reading a Property Survey Before Building a Fence
Learn what a boundary survey shows, how to read its symbols and notes, and how to use it to place a fence correctly and avoid encroachment disputes.
Shared Boundary Fences and Cost Sharing
Who typically owns and maintains a fence on a shared boundary, how cost sharing is usually handled, and why local law and written agreements matter.
Tree Roots and Fencing: Avoiding Conflicts
How tree roots can damage fence posts and footings, how digging can harm trees, and what to check about protected trees before you build near them.
Utility Locating Before You Dig
Why buried gas, electric, water and communication lines must be marked before you dig fence post holes, how the 811 process works, and what it does not cover.
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Planning and Installing Decisions and obstacles when putting in a gate and fence. Fences and Gates by Setting Adapting fence and gate choices to different homes and sites. DIY Fence and Gate Installation Hands-on installation steps, terrain challenges and efficiency. Fences for Your Location How climate, setting and local rules shape fence and gate choices. Installation Mistakes Common errors to avoid when installing fences and gates. Step-by-Step Installation Ordered walkthroughs for installing gates and fences. Gate and Fence Buying Guide What to weigh when buying, and how to vet suppliers. Fence Construction Details The structural and design details inside a fence.