Deciding to install a new fence is an exciting moment for any homeowner or business owner. It means increased privacy, better security, and a boost in curb appeal. However, once the initial excitement of choosing your materials settles, a common question arises: “What happens next?”
At Gaston Fence, we believe that an informed customer is a happy customer. We want you to feel comfortable with the crew on your property and confident in the timeline. To help pull back the curtain, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about what goes on behind the scenes during a fence installation.
Q: Who handles the permits and HOA approvals?
A: This is a collaborative effort, but we guide you through the specifics.
Before a shovel ever hits the dirt, the "paperwork phase" must be completed. If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you will generally need to submit your fence design, height, and material choices to them for approval first.
Regarding municipal permits, regulations vary by city and county. For many standard residential fencing projects, a permit might not be required, but zoning laws regarding property lines and setbacks must be respected. Our team is familiar with local codes in Gaston County and surrounding areas, and we will advise you on exactly what is needed to ensure your fence is compliant before we schedule the install.
Q: How do we ensure you don’t hit underground pipes or wires?
A: We contact the national "Call Before You Dig" service to mark public utilities.
Safety is our top priority. Before our crew arrives to dig post holes, we contact 811 (Call Before You Dig). This service sends utility companies out to your property to mark the location of underground public utility lines—such as gas, electric, water, and telecommunications—with color-coded flags or paint.
Note: Public utility locators do not mark private lines. If you have installed private underground items like a sprinkler system, invisible dog fence, or propane lines for a pool heater, please let us know! We rely on you to point these out so we can navigate around them safely.
Q: Do you install the entire fence in a single day?
A: Typically, the process is split into two phases to allow for concrete curing.
While we work efficiently, quality takes time. A standard installation usually happens in two stages:
- Setting the Posts: On the first day, our crew will lay out the fence line, dig the holes, and set the posts in concrete.
- The Curing Period: We often leave the posts alone for a short period (depending on weather and soil conditions) to allow the concrete to cure and harden. This ensures a rock-solid foundation.
- Hanging the Fence: Once the posts are stable, the crew returns to install the rails, pickets, panels, or chain link fabric.
Rushing the process by hanging heavy panels on wet concrete can lead to leaning posts later on. We build fences to last, which means respecting the chemistry of the concrete.
Q: How do you know exactly where the property line is?
A: We install the fence based on the boundaries you indicate, often verified by survey pins.
Fences are semi-permanent structures, so placement matters. The most accurate way to determine your boundary is through a professional land survey. If you have a recent plat map or can locate the iron pins at the corners of your lot, we can string a line between them to ensure your fence sits safely inside your property.
If you are unsure where your line is, we highly recommend hiring a surveyor before installation begins to prevent future disputes with neighbors.
Q: What happens to the dirt and debris after the job?
A: We pride ourselves on leaving your yard tidy and clean.
Digging post holes naturally displaces soil. Our crew will typically distribute this fresh soil along the fence line, which helps with water runoff and fills in gaps at the bottom of the fence.
As for construction debris—cut ends of wood, metal scraps, and packaging—we take that with us. When you choose Gaston Fence, you’re choosing a company that respects your home. You can read more about our commitment to customer satisfaction on our About Us page.
Q: What is the final step?
A: The final walkthrough to ensure your total satisfaction.
Once the last gate latch is adjusted and the site is cleaned, we want to make sure you are happy. We encourage you to walk the fence line, check the operation of the gates, and ask any final maintenance questions you might have.
Ready to get started?
Now that you know how the process works, the path to a new fence is clear. Contact Gaston Fence today for a free estimate, and let’s get your project on the schedule!
