Our Fence Installation Process

Most people only buy a fence once or twice in their lives, so it’s natural to wonder what the process looks like. At 76 FENCE Main Line, we keep it organized and predictable. Here’s the step-by-step path your project follows, plus what we handle behind the scenes so you don’t have to.

Step by step, in more detail

1. Your free estimate

It starts with a conversation. You can get an estimate by phone or email, but most homeowners choose an on-site walkthrough. Andrew Taylor, our General Manager, usually handles these. He’ll walk the fence line with you, talk about how you use your yard, and point out anything that affects the build, like slopes, drainage, old stumps, or trees close to the line. There’s no charge and zero dispatch fees.

2. Design and a clear proposal

Next, we put together a proposal that spells out the material, height, style, gate locations and price. If you’re deciding between options, say wood versus vinyl or a privacy versus semi-privacy design, we’ll show you the tradeoffs. Take your time. One customer wrote that they never felt rushed to make a decision, and that’s exactly how we want it to feel.

3. Permits, HOA approvals and 811

Once you approve the proposal, we handle the paperwork. Many Main Line municipalities require a zoning or fence permit, and HOAs and historic districts may add a design review. Rules vary; we check them for you and submit what’s needed. We also submit the PA One Call (811) locate request. Pennsylvania law (Act 287) requires notice at least 3 business days before digging, so underground utility lines get marked before we set a single post. Learn more on our fence permits page.

4. Installation day

When materials arrive and approvals are in place, we schedule your install. Most residential jobs take about a day or two on site. The crew confirms the layout, digs post holes, and sets posts below the frost line, which is typically 30″–36″ in our area (local code governs). Clay and rocky schist soils and mature tree roots are common here, so we come prepared for them. Then come the panels, pickets or rails, and the gates, which get hung and adjusted so they swing and latch smoothly.

5. Cleanup and final walkthrough

We clean up the work area and, if we removed an old fence, haul it away. Then we walk the finished fence with you, check the gates together, and make sure you’re happy. We also explain the manufacturer warranty coverage for your material. We offer and honor manufacturer warranty coverage on every fence we install.

How to prepare for installation day

• Keep pets indoors while the crew is working.
• Move vehicles, planters, grills and outdoor furniture away from the fence line.
• Let neighbors know if the fence runs along a shared line.
• Mark private underground lines, like sprinklers, landscape lighting or invisible dog fences. The 811 locate only covers public utility lines.
• Be available at the start to confirm gate locations.
• Clear a path to the backyard so crews can bring in posts, panels and tools without disturbing your plantings.

What can affect your timeline

We’ll give you a realistic timeline at your estimate, but a few things are outside anyone’s control. Permit and HOA reviews move at their own pace. Material availability can vary. And weather can shift schedules: heavy spring rain, frozen ground or a nor’easter may push back a date. If anything changes, we’ll let you know right away and work out a new date that suits you.

Winter installs are possible, too. One of our customers had a 6-foot gray privacy fence installed in bitter cold right after a big snowstorm, with the old rotted wood fence hauled away the same visit.

Ready to get started?

Step one is easy. Book your free estimate or call or text 484-779-6307. Want to plan ahead? Browse our pricing guide, check financing options, or read answers to common questions in our fence FAQ.