Fence removal affects more than lumber. It changes access, privacy, pet containment, and the physical boundary between properties, so agreement comes before tools.
Confirm whose fence it is
Use available property records, surveys, and neighbor agreement as appropriate. Do not assume the visible fence marks the legal line.
Mark the exact stopping points
Identify the first and last post, gates, shared returns, and anything that must remain. Photograph both sides when access is permitted.
Plan for posts and buried services
Posts may sit in concrete near irrigation, cable, or other utilities. Arrange required utility locating and specify whether post removal is part of the estimate.
Close the security gap
Decide how pets, children, pools, and neighboring yards will stay secure between removal and replacement. Coordinate timing with the replacement installer if there is one.
Use the checklist
- Ownership confirmed
- Neighbors notified where needed
- Start and stop posts marked
- Utilities addressed
- Post scope written
- Pet/privacy plan ready
What to send with an estimate request
Include one wide photo, close photos of connections and damage, rough dimensions, the narrowest access measurement, utility status, and a note about concrete or anchors. Keep hazardous materials out of ordinary debris.