Before drawing
- Identify the reason for the fence: privacy, pets, pool safety, appearance, security, or boundary definition.
- Find available surveys, plats, easement information, and HOA documents.
- Note slopes, retaining walls, trees, drainage paths, utilities, and tight access.
While planning the layout
- Mark corners and transitions where material or height changes.
- Place gates around daily movement, equipment width, vehicle access, and swing clearance.
- Compare at least two material options against maintenance and appearance priorities.
Before installation
- Confirm boundaries and required setbacks.
- Check permit and HOA approval requirements.
- Contact 811 before digging and follow local marking instructions.
- Review the final scope, payment schedule, warranty, cleanup, and change-order process.
Planning limitation
Property Improvement Estimator does not replace a survey, utility locate, permit review, engineering advice, product instructions, site inspection, or contractor proposal.