What to Expect When Building a Fence in Illinois: Full Installation Timeline & Pro Tips
What to Expect When Building a Fence in Illinois: Full Installation Timeline & Pro Tips
Fence Installation in Illinois: What to Expect When You Hire 76 FENCE
Thinking about installing a new fence? Whether you're replacing an old chain link, securing a pool, or building privacy in your backyard, 76 FENCE makes the entire process seamless and stress-free. As a top-rated fence company in Illinois, we handle everything from the first measurement to the final walkthrough.
This guide outlines exactly what to expect during your fence installation, including the most common questions our customers ask. We’ve broken it down step by step so you’re fully informed from start to finish.
✅ Step 1: Free On-Site Consultation & Estimate
Your project begins with a free on-site estimate from one of our expert fence installers. During this meeting, we will:
- Walk the property to evaluate slope, access, and existing structures
- Discuss goals like privacy, security, or pet containment
- Go over popular fence types including vinyl, cedar, chain link, and aluminum
- Review your plat of survey to plan accurate fence layout
- Choose gate locations and talk about custom design requests
We’ll provide a detailed quote and walk you through optional upgrades like caps, trim boards, decorative post tops, or privacy lattice.
🛠️ Step 2: Permit Filing & Utility Marking
76 FENCE handles all local fence permits and HOA documentation (if required). We also notify JULIE (811) to have underground utilities marked before digging begins.
This step ensures we stay in compliance with Illinois municipal codes, avoid underground hazards, and streamline your project timeline.
📆 Step 3: Day of Installation – Here’s What Happens
When installation day arrives, our foreman will perform a final walkthrough with you to confirm:
- Gate locations
- Custom design requests
- Material and fence style
- Overall project scope
If you have an existing fence, we’ll begin by removing it. Concrete post footings may be left in place if they don't obstruct the new layout.
🪓 Step 4: Post Hole Layout, String Line & Digging
We mark the fence line using a string layout based on your survey. Then we start digging the post holes.
Post hole details:
- Depth: Target depth is 36", depending on conditions
- Spacing:
- Wood: 6–8 ft
- Chain Link: 8–10 ft
- Vinyl: 8 ft (fixed panel length)
- Aluminum: 6 ft (fixed panel length)
Typical digging takes 1–2 days, but for larger projects (600+ linear feet), it may take up to a week.
🧱 Step 5: Setting Posts in Concrete
Once holes are dug, we set the posts in concrete. A few inches are left at the top of the footing to cover with soil after curing.
If weather and time permit, we pour the concrete the same day. Properly set posts ensure strength, longevity, and level lines throughout your fence.
🪚 Step 6: Fence Framing & Panel Installation
Once the posts have cured, installation continues:
- Wood fences are framed with rails and nailed together by hand
- Vinyl fences are snapped and bracketed into position
- Aluminum panels are fitted and cut to custom lengths
- Chain link fences are stretched and tightened with fittings
For chain link fences, extra time may be allowed for concrete to cure before tensioning.
🌿 Step 7: Cleanup & Final Touches
Post hole dirt is spread neatly along the fence line, and excess soil is removed from the site. We also ensure post footings are fully covered to maintain a clean and finished look.
👉 Important: Fences are generally installed a few inches off the ground to prevent premature rot and uneven appearance on sloped land. This is standard unless the customer specifically requests a flush-to-ground fence.
🧰 Step 8: Final Inspection & Care Tips
After installation, our crew:
- Performs a detailed visual inspection of the full fence line
- Tests gates for alignment and function
- Confirms final project details with the homeowner
Please avoid leaning on posts or slamming gates in the first few days. Letting the concrete fully cure ensures structural alignment is preserved.
After approval, we bill out your final invoice and welcome you to the growing family of satisfied 76 FENCE customers.
⭐ Why Choose 76 FENCE?
- Locally owned & operated Illinois fence contractor
- Only high-quality, American-made fencing materials
- Hundreds of satisfied homeowners across the Northwest Suburbs
- Transparent pricing with fence financing available
- Expert service in towns like Schaumburg, Elgin, Naperville, Bartlett, and more
📞 Ready to Build Your Fence?
Let’s get started on your custom fence installation! Contact 76 FENCE today for your free estimate and consultation.
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Book a Free Estimate
📞 Call us: (847) 750-4995
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www.illinoisfencing.com
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