Congratulations! You have scheduled your fence installation, and installation day is approaching. Now comes an important question: What do you need to do to prepare your property?
Proper preparation is not just helpful – it is essential for a smooth, efficient installation. A well-prepared property allows the installation crew to work safely and efficiently, which can save you time and money while ensuring the best possible results.
At Quality Fencing, we provide our customers with a preparation checklist before every installation. In this guide, we will share everything Buffalo homeowners need to know about preparing their property for fence installation – from weeks before the crew arrives to the morning of installation day.
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Two Weeks Before Installation
The preparation process should begin at least two weeks before your scheduled installation date. Here is what to focus on during this time:
Call 811 to Mark Underground Utilities
This is the most critical step in preparing for fence installation. New York State law requires that underground utilities be marked before any digging begins. Call 811 (the national “Call Before You Dig” hotline) at least 3-5 business days before your installation date.
- The service is completely FREE
- Utility companies will mark the location of underground gas, electric, water, sewer, cable, and phone lines
- Marks are typically made with colored paint or flags
- Your fence contractor cannot begin work until utilities are marked
- Hitting an unmarked utility line can cause serious injury, service outages, and expensive repairs
Important: The 811 service marks public utility lines, but it does not mark private lines such as sprinkler systems, invisible dog fences, private lighting, or septic system components. Make note of any private underground features and inform your installation crew.
Review Your Property Survey
Locate your property survey to confirm your exact property boundaries. This document shows:
- Precise property lines and corner markers
- Easements that may restrict fence placement
- Setback requirements from property lines
- Utility easements where fencing may be prohibited
If you cannot find your survey, check with your county clerk’s office or consider hiring a surveyor. Installing a fence on your neighbor’s property – even by a few inches – can lead to costly legal disputes.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Good neighbor relations start with communication. Before installation day:
- Inform neighbors that you are installing a fence and when work will occur
- Discuss the fence location, especially if it will be near or on the property line
- Ask if they have any concerns about access, shared driveways, or existing landscaping
- In some cases, neighbors may want to share the cost of a boundary fence
A quick conversation can prevent misunderstandings and maintain positive relationships with the people you will be living next to for years to come.
Check HOA Requirements
If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), review your community’s fence regulations:
- Permitted fence materials, colors, and styles
- Maximum height restrictions
- Required setbacks from property lines or streets
- Application and approval process (some HOAs require approval before installation)
One Week Before Installation
With installation day approaching, it is time to start preparing your yard:
Clear the Fence Line
The installation crew needs clear access to the entire fence line. Remove or relocate:
- Outdoor furniture: Patio sets, grills, fire pits, and lawn chairs
- Decorations: Garden ornaments, birdbaths, planters, and statues
- Play equipment: Swing sets, trampolines, sandboxes, and toys
- Garden hoses: Disconnect and move hoses away from the work area
- Potted plants: Move any containers near the fence line to a safe location
- Vehicles: Cars, boats, trailers, and recreational vehicles should be moved
Aim to clear at least 3-4 feet on either side of where the fence will be installed to give the crew adequate working space.
Trim Trees, Shrubs, and Landscaping
Overgrown vegetation can interfere with fence installation. Before the crew arrives:
- Trim back shrubs and bushes that encroach on the fence line
- Cut low-hanging tree branches that could obstruct work
- Remove vines or climbing plants from existing structures
- Mow tall grass along the fence line for easier access
- Consider transplanting valuable plants that are directly in the fence path
If you have landscaping that you are concerned about, discuss it with your fence contractor beforehand. We can often adjust the fence line slightly to preserve established plants.
Secure Pets
A fence installation site is not safe for pets. On installation day:
- Keep dogs and cats inside the house or in a secure area away from the work zone
- If your existing fence is being removed, your yard will not be enclosed until the new fence is complete
- Gate openings during installation mean pets could escape
- Power tools and equipment can frighten animals and cause them to bolt
Planning a pet containment fence? Make sure you have a temporary solution for keeping your pets safe during installation.
Have Questions About Preparing Your Yard?
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The Day Before Installation
Take care of these final preparations the day before your installation:
Confirm Crew Access
The installation crew will need to access your property, often from multiple sides. Ensure:
- Gates are unlocked, or you will be home to let the crew in
- The driveway is clear for the work truck and equipment
- If you will not be home, provide clear instructions for property access
- Side yard gates are accessible if the crew needs to reach the backyard
Mark Any Concerns
Use small flags or stakes to mark anything the crew should be aware of:
- Sprinkler heads and irrigation lines
- Invisible dog fence wires
- Septic tank lids or drain field areas
- Low spots that collect water
- Buried cables or private utility lines
Notify Your Household
Make sure everyone in your household knows that fence installation is happening:
- Family members should know not to use the yard during installation
- Children should stay inside or be supervised away from the work area
- If you have a home-based business, plan for noise during work hours
- Let family members know where vehicles should be parked
Installation Day: What to Expect
Here is what typically happens on fence installation day:
Morning Arrival
The installation crew will typically arrive in the morning to begin work. They will:
- Review the job site and fence layout
- Verify utility markings are in place
- Unload materials and equipment
- Discuss any last-minute questions or concerns with you
During Installation
While the crew works, you can expect:
- Noise: Post hole diggers, saws, and power tools create significant noise
- Dust and debris: Digging post holes creates dirt piles that will be cleaned up
- Equipment in your yard: Materials, tools, and possibly a small excavator
- Periodic questions: The crew may need to verify placement or discuss adjustments
You Do NOT Need to Be Home
While you are welcome to be present, you do not need to stay home during installation. As long as the crew can access your property and you have communicated any concerns in advance, they can complete the work without you there. We will contact you if any questions arise and provide a walkthrough when the job is complete.
Special Considerations for Buffalo Properties
Buffalo’s unique climate and property characteristics may require additional preparation:
Spring Installations
If your fence is being installed in early spring, be aware that:
- Soft, wet ground may show more disturbance from equipment
- Muddy conditions may require additional cleanup
- The ground may need to dry for a few days after snow melt before work can begin
Properties with Slopes
Many Buffalo properties have sloped yards. If your property is uneven:
- Discuss with your contractor whether the fence will be stepped or racked
- Understand that sloped installations may take longer
- Clear debris from slopes carefully to prevent erosion
Pool Fence Installations
If you are installing a pool fence, additional preparation may be needed:
- Ensure the pool area is accessible but safe
- Cover the pool if possible to prevent debris from falling in
- Understand the specific safety gate requirements for pool fencing
Serving Homeowners Throughout Western New York
Quality Fencing provides professional fence installation throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area. We help homeowners prepare for installations in Amherst, Williamsville, Cheektowaga, Orchard Park, Lancaster, Hamburg, West Seneca, Tonawanda, Kenmore, Niagara Falls, Lockport, and Grand Island. No matter where you are located, we provide detailed preparation instructions specific to your property.
Ready to Schedule Your Fence Installation?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far from my property line should the fence be installed?
Most Buffalo-area municipalities require fences to be set back 1-2 feet from property lines. Your contractor will verify the specific requirements for your location. Some homeowners choose to install the fence entirely on their property to avoid any disputes with neighbors.
What if it rains on installation day?
Light rain typically does not stop fence installation. However, heavy rain or thunderstorms may cause delays for safety reasons. If the weather causes a delay, we will reschedule as soon as possible and communicate the new timeline with you.
Do I need to remove my old fence before the crew arrives?
No, our crew handles old fence removal as part of the installation process when included in your contract. However, if you want to remove the old fence yourself to save on costs, discuss this with your contractor during the estimate.
How long does fence installation take?
Most residential fence installations in Buffalo are completed in 1-2 days. Larger properties or complex projects may take 3-5 days. Your contractor will provide a time estimate based on your specific project.
Will the installation crew clean up when they are done?
Yes, Quality Fencing always cleans up after installation. We remove all debris, leftover materials, and old fence components. Your property should be left neat and tidy, with your new fence ready to enjoy.
What if I discover a problem after the crew leaves?
Contact us immediately if you notice any issues after installation. We stand behind our work and will promptly address any concerns. That is why we encourage a walkthrough with the crew before they leave, so any questions can be answered on the spot.
Fence Installation Preparation Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you are ready for installation day:
- ☐ Called 811 to mark underground utilities (3-5 days before)
- ☐ Located property survey and confirmed boundaries
- ☐ Spoke with neighbors about the fence project
- ☐ Checked HOA requirements (if applicable)
- ☐ Cleared 3-4 feet on both sides of the fence line
- ☐ Trimmed trees and shrubs along the fence line
- ☐ Made arrangements for pets on installation day
- ☐ Marked any private underground features (sprinklers, etc.)
- ☐ Ensured driveway and gate access for the crew
- ☐ Notified household members about installation
Set Your Fence Installation Up for Success
Proper preparation makes all the difference in fence installation. By following this guide, you will help ensure a smooth, efficient installation that results in a beautiful fence you will enjoy for years to come.
At Quality Fencing, we are committed to making your fence installation experience as easy as possible. From your first free estimate through the final walkthrough, we guide you through every step of the process – including preparation.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free estimate. We will discuss your fencing needs, provide a detailed quote, and give you a personalized preparation checklist for your specific property.
🏆 Get Your FREE Fence Estimate Today!
Professional installation with complete preparation guidance!
📞 CALL NOW: (716) 309-5471
📍 658 Hopkins Road, Williamsville, NY 14221
📧 sales@qualityfencingbuffalo.com
