Fencing Services — Privacy, Security, Installed Right

Digging fence post holes without calling 811 first is one of the most dangerous mistakes a homeowner can make. Gas lines, electrical conduits, fiber optic cables, and water mains often run along property lines — exactly where fences go. Striking a gas line can cause an explosion; hitting an electrical line can be fatal. A professional fencing contractor will call 811, wait for utility marking, and adjust post placement accordingly. Typical fence installation runs $1,900–$4,800 depending on material. DIY without 811 can result in $5,000–$50,000+ in repair liability plus potential injury. Safety tip: call 811 at least 3 business days before any project involving digging — it’s free and required by law.

Installing a fence on slopes requires stepped or racked panel configurations and sometimes a retaining wall to stabilize the grade. Improper grading causes fence posts to shift, lean, and collapse within 2–3 years. A professional understands drainage requirements, soil compaction, and local building codes for retaining structures over 4 feet tall, which typically require engineered plans. Professional installation on slopes costs 50% or more above flat-grade pricing, typically $4,000–$10,000+. DIY attempts on slopes result in posts at inconsistent depths and water pooling at the base, causing rot and frost heave. Safety tip: any retaining wall over 4 feet needs engineering review in most jurisdictions.

When three or more fence posts lean more than 5 inches from vertical, the problem is structural. Rotted posts set in concrete require jackhammering or heavy-duty extraction, and the concrete footings must be completely removed before new posts can be properly set below the frost line. A professional has post pullers, concrete saws, and knowledge of the required depth for your climate zone. Professional post replacement costs $120–$400 per post. DIY homeowners often cut corners by bracing posts instead of replacing them, or set new posts too shallow — and the fence leans again within one season. Safety tip: never extract concrete-set posts using a vehicle or makeshift lever systems — the sudden release can cause crush injuries.

Building a fence without a current property survey is a leading cause of neighbor disputes and costly legal battles. If your fence encroaches even a few inches onto a neighbor’s property, you may be ordered to tear it down at your expense. In some states, prolonged encroachment can trigger adverse possession claims. A professional contractor requires a survey ($300–$800), pulls necessary permits ($25–$200), and ensures setback compliance with municipal codes and HOA rules. DIY risks the fence being built over the property line, the neighbor filing a complaint, and the city ordering removal. Safety tip: always build 2–4 inches inside your confirmed property line as a buffer against survey margin-of-error disputes.

Automatic gate installation combines heavy structural components weighing 200–800+ pounds, electrical wiring at 120V or 240V, and mechanical openers with pinch points and entrapment hazards. UL 325 safety standards require professional installation of sensors, auto-reverse mechanisms, and emergency release systems. A licensed contractor ensures the gate meets local electrical code and is properly grounded. Professional installation costs $1,900–$6,000 including the opener. DIY-installed gates create fire and shock hazards from improper wiring, and missing safety sensors create entrapment danger for children and pets. Safety tip: the CPSC reports automatic gates have caused fatalities — always insist on UL 325 compliant safety devices.