You finally decided to upgrade your property. A new fence transforms a backyard, offering privacy, security, and a fresh look for your home. However, before the first post hole is dug, there is work to do. Successful fencing projects start long before the installation crew arrives.
Preparation ensures the job runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and prevents unexpected costs. Whether you are replacing an old, rotting barrier or enclosing a new property, getting your yard ready is essential. This guide walks you through the critical steps necessary for a seamless Fence Installation Hamilton project.
From clearing obstacles to navigating property lines, we will cover everything you need to know to pave the way for a beautiful new perimeter.
Confirm Your Property Lines
The most critical step in any fencing project involves knowing exactly where your land ends and your neighbour’s begins. Guessing is not an option. Building a fence even a few inches over the property line can lead to legal disputes, strained relationships with neighbours, and the expensive headache of tearing down and moving your new fence later.
Locate Survey Pins
Start by finding the survey pins on your property. These metal bars are usually buried at the corners of your lot. If you have a copy of your land survey, it will guide you to their location. You may need a metal detector to find them if they are buried under years of soil and grass.
Consult the Professionals
If you cannot find your pins or do not have a survey, consider hiring a surveyor. While it adds an upfront cost, it is much cheaper than moving a fence. When you work with Davis Fences, we rely on accurate boundaries to ensure your installation is precise and compliant with local regulations.
Communicate with Your Neighbours
Good fences make good neighbours, but only if you communicate first. Before installation day, have a conversation with the neighbours who share the property line. This is not just courteous; it is practical.
Discuss the Details
Let them know your plans, the type of fence you are installing, and the scheduled installation date. If the fence is on the shared line, discuss who owns the fence and if there are any shared costs. Being open prevents surprises and complaints when the crew arrives.
Secure Access if Needed
Sometimes, the installation crew might need to step onto your neighbour’s property to install the fence properly. Asking for permission ahead of time ensures the workers can move freely and complete the job efficiently without causing friction.
Clear the Fence Line
Your installation crew needs a clear path to work. Obstacles along the perimeter slow down the process and can even make installation impossible in certain spots. Preparing the physical space is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Remove Vegetation and Debris
Walk the perimeter of your yard. Clear away any rocks, logs, heavy weeds, or firewood stacks that sit on or near the fence line. If you have heavy brush or overgrown shrubs, trim them back. The crew needs space to dig post holes and maneuver panels or lumber. A good rule of thumb is to clear a workspace of at least two to three feet on both sides of the fence line.
Relocate Personal Items
Move garden hoses, lawn furniture, toys, and potted plants away from the work area. This protects your belongings from dust and debris and prevents tripping hazards for the installers. If you have specific garden statues or fragile items near the perimeter, move them to a garage or shed for safekeeping until the project is finished.
Mark Underground Utilities
Digging blindly is dangerous. Hitting a gas line, water pipe, or electrical cable causes serious injury and massive repair bills. In Hamilton, as in the rest of Ontario, you must identify what lies beneath the soil before any excavation begins.
Call Before You Dig
Contact Ontario One Call to locate public utilities. They will mark the location of underground gas, water, and electrical lines with colored paint or flags. This service is free and mandatory.
Identify Private Utilities
Remember that public utility locators only mark services they own. They will not mark private lines you installed, such as:
- Sprinkler systems
- Pool heater lines
- Underground dog fences
- Electrical lines running to a shed
You must mark these private lines yourself or hire a private locator. Notify your fencing contractor about these locations so they can dig carefully around them.
Plan for Crew Access
The installation team needs a way to get materials and equipment into your backyard. Fencing materials are heavy and bulky. The closer the truck can get to the installation site, the faster the job will go.
clear a Path
Ensure there is a wide, clear path from the driveway or street to the backyard. Unlock side gates and ensure they swing open freely. If your only access is through a garage, clear a lane through it.
Reserve Parking
Fencing contractors travel with large trucks and trailers. Reserve a spot in your driveway or directly in front of your house. If street parking is tight in your Hamilton neighbourhood, try to hold a spot with your own vehicle until the crew arrives. This saves time on carrying materials long distances.
Secure Your Pets and Children
A construction zone is not a safe place for kids or pets. During a fence installation, there will be open holes, power tools, sharp nails, and heavy materials moving around.
Keep Them Inside
Plan to keep children inside or at a relative’s house while the crew is working. This keeps them safe and allows the workers to focus entirely on the job without distractions.
Plan for Pet Breaks
If you are replacing an existing fence, your yard will not be enclosed during the process. Dogs that are used to running freely in the backyard will need to be walked on a leash or kept indoors. Be prepared for this disruption to their routine. Ensure all doors leading to the yard are secured so pets don’t accidentally run out into the work zone or escape the property.
Handle Landscaping Adjustments
Sometimes, the grade of your yard affects how a fence is installed. If your yard has steep slopes or significant dips, you might need to make decisions about the fence style.
Grade the Soil
If possible, level out minor bumps along the fence line before the crew arrives. If you are planning major landscaping changes, consider doing the rough grading before the fence goes up. This prevents the bottom of the fence from being buried by soil later, which can cause premature rotting in wood fences.
Consult on Height
Discuss any specific height requirements regarding the grade with your contractor. If you need the fence to hug the ground tightly to keep a small dog inside, mention this upfront. The preparation phase is the best time to address these custom needs.
Why Preparation Matters
Taking the time to prepare your yard might seem like a lot of work, but it pays off. A prepared site means the installation crew can start working immediately. No delays are waiting for a neighbour’s permission or clearing brush. It minimizes the risk of damage to your utilities and property.
Most importantly, it ensures the final product—your new fence—is installed straight, strong, and exactly where it belongs.
Ready to Get Started?
A successful fence installation is a partnership between the homeowner and the contractor. By handling the preparation, you set the stage for a high-quality build that adds value and beauty to your home.
If you are looking for reliable professionals who understand the unique landscape of our city, we are here to help. We guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right materials to the final inspection.
Take the first step toward transforming your yard today. Contact Davis Fences to schedule your consultation and get your project moving.
