How long does it take? On an ordinary lot the building is 2 to 3 working days, and those days are spread across about a week so the post concrete can set before the fence is hung on it. The steps before the build usually take longer than the build.
The steps, start to finish
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Site visit | We measure, look at the soil and access, and discuss materials. It is free. |
| Written quote | You receive the price in writing with options listed. |
| Approvals | City permit or planning review if the fence needs it, and HOA approval where there is one. |
| 811 ticket | USA North 811 is notified at least 2 working days before digging, not counting the day of notice. |
| Posts | Old fence out, holes dug, posts set in concrete, then curing time. |
| Fence and gates | Rails, boards or panels go on, gates are hung and adjusted. |
| Walk-through | We clean up and go over the fence with you. |
What causes delays in San Jose?
- A fence that needs planning review: over height, in a front setback, on a corner or in a historic area.
- An association committee that meets once a month.
- Clay at its extremes: rock hard in September, sticky and wet in January.
- Old footings, roots and unmarked irrigation discovered in the line.
- Hillside access.
- Special-order gates, operators, colors or metal.
- Waiting for a neighbor to answer about a shared fence.
We bring home a dog in three weeks and the yard is open. What is the quickest fence?
Call today, because the calendar is tight but workable. Chain link and basic board fence are quickest, since the materials are common stock. Tell us the date the dog arrives. If the full fence cannot be finished by then, we can enclose one section, such as a side yard, so the dog has somewhere safe while the remaining runs are completed.
Pool going in: should we build the fence before or after?
After the heavy equipment is gone, but planned from the beginning. Excavators and concrete trucks need a wide opening, so we leave that stretch out or take it down, and close it once the pool shell is in. The pool cannot pass final inspection until the barrier is complete, so we coordinate dates with your pool builder.
The HOA wants fallen panels fixed by Monday and my contractor keeps putting it off. Is a handyman patch acceptable?
Generally yes, for your own fence, and it will usually meet the deadline. Tell your contractor in writing so there is no argument later about the contract. Keep the patch small. An unlicensed person in California is limited to jobs under $1,000 in total that need no permit.
For a price on your own fence line, book the free site visit. We measure, then send the quote in writing. Call (408) 539-3039.