A new fence raises a lot of questions. Do I need a permit? Who calls 811? How deep do the posts go? Wood or vinyl? What about the neighbors? At 76 FENCE Main Line, we answer these every day on walkthroughs across the Main Line and nearby Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County communities. This page collects our in-depth guides plus quick answers to the questions we hear most.
In-depth fence guides
Each guide below digs into one topic in detail, with the local context that matters here in southeast Pennsylvania.
PA One Call (811) before you dig
Why Pennsylvania requires a utility locate before any fence post goes in, how much notice the law requires, what the colored paint and flags mean, and what 811 doesn’t cover.
Fence permits on the Main Line
Which townships typically review fences, what reviewers look at, how HOAs and historic districts fit in, and the special rules for pool barriers.
Fence post depth and the frost line
How deep posts need to go in our area, why freeze-thaw cycles push shallow posts out of the ground, and how clay, rock and roots change the job.
Wood vs. vinyl in Pennsylvania
An honest side-by-side on looks, maintenance, lifespan and cost for the two most popular privacy fence materials in our climate.
The best fence for dogs
How to choose height, material and gate hardware for jumpers, diggers, climbers and escape artists.
Who owns the fence between neighbors?
Property lines, surveys, which side faces out, and how to keep things friendly when a fence goes in along a shared boundary.
Fence cost guide
The factors that drive the price of a fence, from footage and height to gates, slope and tear-out, with no guesswork.
Questions by topic
Planning and permits
Most Main Line municipalities have some kind of fence permit or zoning review, and HOAs and historic districts may add their own design rules. Rules vary from place to place, so we check them for you and handle the applications. Start with our permits guide or the overview on our fence permits service page. If you live in a managed community, see our HOA fencing page.
Choosing a material
We install wood (cedar and pressure-treated pine), vinyl/PVC, aluminum, steel with an ornamental iron look, chain link in galvanized or black vinyl-coated finishes, and composite. Each has its strengths. Compare them on our materials overview, or browse fence styles if you’re starting from a look you like.
Cost and payment
We don’t publish per-foot prices because every yard is different. Our pricing guide explains what drives the cost, and our financing page covers payment options, including ACH, debit, credit, cryptocurrency and financing through our partner Wisetack.
Installation and timing
Once materials arrive, most residential jobs take about a day or two on site, though weather can shift schedules. Our process page walks through every step, from the free estimate to the final walkthrough.
Pools, pets and special projects
Pool barriers have specific code requirements; see our pool fences page. For four-legged family members, visit pet fences. We also build custom gates, automatic gates and commercial fencing, and we handle fence repair.
Don’t see your question here? Call or text 484-779-6307. We’re happy to answer questions even if you’re not ready for an estimate yet.
How to use these guides
If you’re early in the planning stage, start with the permits and cost guides, since they shape almost every other decision. If you’ve already settled on a budget and a location, move on to materials and the wood vs. vinyl comparison. Pet owners and anyone building along a shared property line will find the dogs and neighbors guides especially useful. And if your yard has a slope, rocky ground or big trees, the frost line guide explains why installation details matter so much here.
Ready for a fence you'll love?
Book a free, no-pressure estimate. Zero dispatch fees — and we handle permits, HOA paperwork and the 811 call.
Quick answers to common questions
Below are short answers to the questions homeowners ask us most, covering cost, estimates, timing, permits, HOAs, 811, materials, financing, warranty coverage and licensing. For anything specific to your property, the best next step is a free walkthrough, where we can look at your yard and give you answers that fit it.