Fence Project Checklist

1. Budget & purchasing

1. Price the specification you plan to buy

Ask for actual board width and height, post size and stock length, rail profile and stock length, treatment and grade. Record supplier, SKU or quote reference and date. The planner stores those references with your local project, but it does not authenticate the supplier, verify stock or fetch live prices.

2. Match the purchase unit

The materials table counts ordinary posts and gate supports separately. Fasteners are priced per box, not per individual screw; concrete and gravel are priced per bag with stated yields. Complete gate kits are priced per opening. A double gate quote must cover both leaves, hardware and any required additional components.

3. Preserve missing prices

A blank price stays unpriced. The complete total is withheld until all nonzero material quantities have entered prices. Enter 0 only if you intentionally mean zero cost. A partial known-material subtotal should not be mistaken for a full project estimate.

4. Compare like with like

Option B can change post spacing, board width, gap or overlap, arrangement and extra material while using the same run and gate layout. This can change both the quantities and the cost. The comparison is a budget calculation, not proof of equal strength, appearance, service life or warranty. Keep rail and post specifications appropriate for both options.

5. Add site costs separately

• Surveying, permit fees, delivery and unloading.
• Removal and disposal of the old fence.
• Auger or other tool rental, site access and difficult ground.
• Stain, applicators, specialty brackets and gate reinforcement.

Tax in the tool applies to priced materials. Labor uses gross run footage, including gates. Adjust the entered rate and other budget to match your actual quote and applicable charges.

6. Save the evidence with the report

The project report includes measurement mode, run and gate dimensions, separate post/footing settings, purchase quantities, box sizes, costs, quote references and cut groups. Export CSV or print the report for supplier review. Do not treat a generated report as an approved construction drawing.

2. Before building

Establish the boundary

Confirm property lines with appropriate records or a qualified surveyor. Existing fences, trees and online maps may not follow the legal boundary. Agree on access and the finished side with your neighbor where relevant.

Check the rules for the actual location

Ask your local building or planning office about permits, setbacks, height limits, corner visibility and pool barriers. Read HOA requirements if they apply. Requirements can vary within a state, and this tool does not infer them from an address.

Locate utilities before excavation

Use 811 to arrange utility marking and follow your state's required advance notice. Ask about privately owned lines that may not be marked by the standard service. Keep marks and excavation requirements available for whoever digs.

Match the design to the site

Decide how to handle slopes, drainage, frost conditions and gate swings. Confirm the actual dimensions of posts and boards, the product's spacing limits and the approved connectors. Gate supports and high-wind conditions may require a professional design.

Final order and site review

Review the material specifications and budget above with your supplier. Check concrete yield, gravel and concrete depths, delivery access, return rules and a realistic waste allowance before purchasing. Confirm that whoever builds the fence has the current site requirements and product instructions.