Are you a luxury homeowner in Nashville, Tennessee, looking to enhance your property with a beautiful new fence? At Heron Building Co, we believe strongly in empowering homeowners to make informed and educated decisions about their fence design and installation. As a company we have over a decade of experience in residential and commercial fencing, focusing on design-forward fencing solutions, premium materials, best building practices, a phenomenal client experience, and top-notch craftsmanship. Before you dive into your fence project, whether its a wood fence, aluminum fence, or vinyl fence, there are a few essential things you need to know in Middle Tennessee. Here’s your ultimate guide to ensuring a smooth and successful fence installation in Nashville.

1. Understand Your Property Lines

Why Property Lines Matter

Your fence company will need to know where your property lines are before they can start your fence installation. This is crucial to avoid any disputes with neighbors and to maximize your property’s potential.

How to Determine Property Lines

• Survey Corner Stakes: If your survey corner stakes are in place, or if you have a copy of your site plan, your fence contractor can usually determine where the lines are. Typically, we set up a string line from the property stakes to ensure we stay inside your property line.
• No Visible Stakes: If you only have a copy of your survey and the stakes are not visible, it becomes more difficult to pinpoint exact property lines. In this case, it might be beneficial to hire a surveyor to come out and locate the property lines.
• Building Inside Property Lines: Unless specified otherwise, we typically build fences 4-6 inches inside the property lines.

2. Locate Underground Utilities

Importance of Utility Marking

Before construction, it’s vital to have your utility lines located. This step ensures safety and prevents any accidental damage to utilities during the fence installation process.

Steps to Mark Utilities

• Standard Utilities: Cable, power, and gas lines will be marked in temporary spray paint by 811.
• Non-Standard Utilities: Wells, septic systems, irrigation systems, French drains, and private lines (such as sprinkler lines or buried wires to a shed or pool pump) will not be located by 811. Make your fence company aware if you have any of these systems so they can take extra care.
• Neighbors’ Utilities: In some cases, it is possible that your neighbors’ underground utilities cross over onto your property. Secondary water, sewer, or power are private lines and will not be marked as part of the standard utility locating services.

3. Obtain Necessary Permits

Why Permits Are Important

Certain areas require permits for fences. Obtaining a required permit ensures that your fence complies with local regulations and codes.

How to Obtain Permits

• Homeowner Responsibility: Obtaining a required permit is typically the homeowner’s responsibility.
• Assistance from Your Fence Company: Upon request, your fence company can often obtain the building permit for you for an additional fee. Building permit fees vary depending on the city.

4. Check HOA Regulations

Understanding HOA Requirements

Most neighborhoods require approval by their Home Owner’s Association (HOA), Architectural Committee, or builder before a fence can be installed. This step is crucial to ensure your fence complies with community standards and guidelines.

How to Navigate HOA Approvals

• Approval Process: We always strive to help make the approval process easier. While we cannot fill out the application for the client, we are happy to provide approximate plot plan drawings, photos, and any construction/material information needed.
• Compliance: Ensure you understand the specific requirements and restrictions of your HOA to avoid any delays or issues.

5. Verify Workmanship Warranty

Importance of a Workmanship Warranty

A workmanship warranty ensures that your fence company stands behind their craftsmanship and offers you peace of mind regarding the quality of the installation.

What to Look For

• Lifetime Warranty: We offer a lifetime workmanship warranty on all our fences (unless stated otherwise). This warranty guarantees that your fence will be built with quality and care.
• Material Warranty: Note that this is a workmanship warranty and does not cover warranty on material. Always check the material warranty provided by the manufacturer.
  

Choosing the Right Fence Company

Look for 5-Star Reviews

Check the company’s reviews to ensure they have a solid five star reputation. Read our 5-star reviews on Google.

Experience and Expertise

Ensure the fence company has extensive experience and expertise in both residential and commercial fencing projects.

Design-Forward Approach

Choose a company that prioritizes a design-forward approach, details, premium materials, and craftsmanship.

Licensed and Insured

Verify that the company is licensed and insured to protect yourself from any potential liabilities during the project.

Second-Generation Craftsmen

Look for companies with a heritage of craftsmanship. At Heron Building Co, we are second-generation craftsmen dedicated to excellence.

Best Building Practices

Ensure the company uses the best building practices to guarantee a high-quality and durable fence.

Detailed Quotes

Request a highly detailed quote with drawings and specifics to understand exactly what you’re getting. This is very important, as many fence quotes are far too vague, leaving you as the homeowner without all the necessary information for accountability.

Schedule a Free Estimate

At Heron Building Co, we offer free on-site fence estimates and are ready to guide you and advocate for your best interests each step of the way, making the process as clear and seamless as possible. Contact us to schedule your free estimate today!

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality fence can significantly enhance your property’s value and aesthetics. With a focus on design-forward solutions, premium materials, and top-notch craftsmanship, Heron Building Co is here to help you achieve the perfect fence for your luxury home in Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin. Follow along on instagram where you can see more of our team, our recent projects, behind the scenes, and more.

Heather Beerman

Heron Building Co is a Premier Fence & Gate Contractor in Nashville and Franklin, catering to luxury homeowners and specializing in design-forward fencing services with a focus on premium materials, top-notch craftsmanship, and above and beyond customer service. We have a decade of experience in residential and commercial fencing and outdoor craftsmanship.