How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence Installation
Hiring a fencing contractor to install a new fence for your yard is a great investment in the future safety and value of your property. Professionally installed fencing for yards can increase your security and privacy, establish property lines, deter prowlers and burglars, keep animals out of your yard, and keep pets and children in your yard. Once you have determined the perfect type of fence for your yard and hired an experienced fencing contractor, you will need to do a few things to prepare your yard for fence installation. Here is our guide to getting your yard ready for fence installation in Seattle, WA.
Property Lines Should Be Marked
Before installing a fence, you must confirm your property’s boundaries. Installing a fence that infringes on your neighbor’s property can cause conflict and even open you up to legal problems. You should begin by identifying your property line and marking it clearly with stakes or flags. You can look up your property address with your local assessor’s office, city or county planning agency, or zoning authority. Some fencing companies provide the service as part of their fence installation process.
Stake Out the Fence Line
Next, you should stake out your fence line. If your fence is going to be installed directly along your property lines, you may already have the area sufficiently marked. However, you may need to drive stakes into the ground and run a string between them to mark where your fence will be installed. This will create a clear installation area and help your fencing contractor determine how much fencing material they need to order. This is especially important if you are installing a specialty fence.
Get Your Plat & Permits
Before your fencing installation can begin, you need to obtain a plat and permits to build your fence. Your plat is the to-scale map of your neighborhood. It is prepared by civil engineers and marks the boundaries of all proper lines in the neighborhood. You can get your plat from your local recorder’s or assessor’s offices. When you have your plat, you can apply for a permit to install a fence for your yard. Your permitting agency can advise you of local zoning laws and rules that may dictate what materials can be used for your fence, how tall it can be, and where it can be installed. You can then apply for a building permit.
Check With the Utility Company
Any time you are planning a renovation, construction, or remodeling project that involves digging or trenching, you need to check with your local utility company. Your utility company will come out and determine if there are any underground utility lines that could impact the safety of your fence installation. They will send out representatives who will mark hidden utility lines so your fencing contractor can avoid them.
Start Preparing Your Yard by Cleaning
When everything is ready, and your installation date is scheduled, you can begin preparing to fence your yard. You should remove all debris, dead plants, branches, and other organic material from your yard. Walk along the fence line and look for anything that could impede your fencing contractor’s work. You may need to remove rocks, stumps, weeds, and anything else that would prevent the installation of fencing for your yard.
Remove Any Obstacles
You will then need to remove any obstacles, fragile items, and valuable items from your yard. Installing a yard fence requires loading in heavy materials and equipment, using trailers or dumpsters to remove debris and materials, and an increase in foot traffic and vehicle traffic around your home. Removing obstacles from your yard will prevent accidents and help you avoid damage to your belongings. Park your car and other vehicles in your garage. Temporarily move lawn furniture, potted plants, landscape lighting, children’s toys, bikes, and lawn ornaments.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Before fencing installation begins, you should let your neighbors know what to expect. Make sure they know that your fence will not infringe on their property lines or cause any damage to their property. Advise them that you have secured all necessary permits and that your fencing plans comply with local zoning and building regulations. Apologize about the noise, and tell them that you and your fencing team will keep disruption, mess, noise, and inconvenience to a minimum.
Request an Estimate from Alpine Fence Co.
At Alpine Fence Co., we specialize in residential and commercial fencing installation in Seattle, WA, and the surrounding areas. We are committed to designing and building high-quality, beautiful fences that enhance the privacy and value of our customers’ homes. We offer a wide variety of styles and finishes, including wood fencing and specialty fencing options. We also offer fence repair services that can extend the lifespan of your fencing. We have been building better fences for Seattle clients since 1970. Call us today or contact us online to request an estimate or discuss your yard fence ideas.