A fence is a fantastic way to boost your home’s privacy while making your yard a safer place for children and pets. A new fence is a long-term investment, so it’s worth taking the time to install properly. Follow the steps below, from getting a property survey to locating utility lines, to ensure you build a structure that will last.

How to Prepare to Build a Fence

1. Property Survey

You don’t want to build a fence just to have your neighbor claim it’s on their land and request that you move it. A property survey will clearly define the boundaries of your land before you start.

Many people realize after the survey that they didn’t know precisely where the edge of their lot was. Professional surveyors will mark the boundaries with stakes or flags, so your installation team knows where to work.

2. Notify Neighbors

Working along the edge of your property line may make neighbors curious. Be a courteous neighbor by informing them ahead of time that you intend to install a fence. You can show them your site survey to ensure they do not think that you are installing the fence on their land.

3. Locate Utilities

Installing fence posts requires digging fairly deep. Hitting a utility line could result in flooding your land or cutting off power to your home or the surrounding area.

Call 811 before you begin any digging. They will send someone out to mark the utility lines in your yard, so you can dig safely.

4. Check HOA & Zoning Regulations

If you’re part of a homeowners association (HOA), you will need to have your project approved. Check the bylaws for rules regarding height, color, and material. Collect the appropriate paperwork and submit it for approval.

Even if you are not part of an HOA, check your area’s zoning codes for height and material restrictions.

5. Excavate

If a contractor is installing your fence, they will handle this step for you. If you are installing the fence yourself, you will need to clear the fence line of any obstacles, such as trees or boulders. Once you stake out the fence line, the obstacles will become clear. Either remove them or plan to build around them.

Trust the experts at K & M Land Surveying to handle your property survey. These licensed professionals have nearly 25 years of experience providing boundary surveys throughout the Lincoln, NE, area, so you can count on precise and reliable results. Learn more on the website or call (402) 476-3020 to speak with a helpful staff member.