Installation Guide
Let’s get started …
What is involved in planning a fence installation?
There are several things to consider in planning your fence before you get into the actual installation phase … planning is everything.
Purpose
A fence functions as protection, property delineation, aesthetics, child or pet containment, privacy, security or any combination of these functions. Choose the type of fence that would best suit your present requirement keeping in mind that your future needs could change. Consider all the advantages that a fence can offer you and then decide on type, height and location.
Budget
The most cost efficient fence is of course galvanized chain link and offers the best value for money invested. Wood fencing depending on the type of material and design of the fence can cost twice as much as chain link, but if privacy is an issue then wood offers the best privacy option. Its often possible to combine both chain link and wood, using wood in sections to provide privacy, then chain link for the remaining sections where privacy is not an issue. Remember that a fence is an investment and will increase the value of your property.
Inform Your Neighbour
Approach your neighbour(s) to discuss the proposed fence. It is polite and can prevent issues as you get closer to the installation stage. Determine if its required to access the neighbour’s property to install the fence and seek permission from your neighbour, if possible get that permission in writing and make a note of date and time that you did inform your neighbour if there is no written agreement. If Point North Fence does require access to your neighbour’s property for whatever reason we will provide a written notice to your neighbour and obtain their permission before proceeding.
Permits
Determine if a permit is required for the work. Most municipalities in Ontario do not require a permit for a fence but most have bylaws regulating the height and type of fence allowed. A permit is usually required for a fence enclosure of a pool. Corner lots require adherence to sight lines at intersections and along driveways height is limited to not block view while exiting. Point North Fence will work with you to make sure all proper permits are in place before proceeding with the work.
Property Lines
It is imperative that your property lines can be established before proceeding with the fence installation. A plot plan of your property showing all easements and dimensioned lot lines will be required to properly layout your new fence. If this information is not available a property survey may be required. You want to be sure that your fence is installed on your property! If its found out later that the fence is on your neighbour’s property it can be very costly to move the fence.
Locates
Have underground locates for utilities done. In Ontario a simple call to Ontario One Call (ON1CALL) at 1-800-400-2255 is all it takes to have gas, hydro, cable and telephone lines located and staked out. Your request can also be done online at www.on1call.com. The water and sewer lines can be located by the municipality if required. All locating services are free of charge.
Next up is locating underground services that you own, this can be irrigation lines for lawn sprinklers, underground power lines to sheds and garages, weeping tile, septic beds, anything that could get damaged while installing fence posts.
Pricing
Every fence installation is unique in its own way. At Point North Fence we will need to visit your property to assess site conditions to determine equipment access, soil conditions, possibility of encountering rock, location of utilities (must hand dig post holes within 1 meter of utilities) and any other conditions that will affect the quotation. This will prevent any surprises and additional costs as the installation proceeds.