Before installing any fence, it’s important to confirm exactly where your property begins and ends. Even a few inches off can cause tension with neighbors or legal trouble. If you don’t have a recent survey, it may be worth investing in one before your install.

Ask yourself what the main purpose of your fence will be: privacy, security, pets, kids, or all of the above. Your reason will help determine how close the fence should sit to your house, driveway, or landscaping features. For example, if privacy is the goal, you might want it tight to your patio or backyard seating area.

Plan for at least one gate — and make sure it’s wide enough for what you need. Trash bins, lawnmowers, or future projects might all require more room than you realize. Gate placement is just as important as the fence itself.

In Concord and surrounding areas, most municipalities have rules about how close a fence can be to sidewalks, roads, and neighboring homes. These are called setbacks, and ignoring them can lead to costly rework. We always recommend checking with your local zoning office.

If the fence will be installed near a shared property line, it’s always a good idea to give your neighbor a heads up. Even if you’re not required to split costs, a quick conversation helps avoid confusion or hard feelings later.