FAQ Dakota Fence & Deck

Yes! We provide free estimates with no obligation. We try to get there to measure your yard and email you an estimate within 3-5 days of your initial request. 

Yes! We come out to your property and do our best recommendation for fence placement. This measurement can be adjusted or tweaked if you have other preferences. If your neighbor has an existing fence we will not include that in the measurement unless you request us to cover that fence. These measurments are just an estimate, we will do a final measurement following installation, every fence is charged per foot installed. 

Yes. Our estimates include both the materials and labor to install your fence unless otherwise specified.

Our current scheduling time is approximately 4-6 weeks, weather permitting. It is a 2 day process. The first day we come and set posts (tearing out existing fence if applicable) and  7-10 days later, we come back to finish the panels and gates. This allows the concrete to properly set and gives us time to complete any customization and gate fabrication needed for your project.

We prefer if you are there that first day to go over final gate placement and if there are any sprinkler damages we can point those out to you. We are usually in and  out of your yard within a couple hours. The 2nd day of installation it is not necessary that you are home. 

Weather can affect the timing of your fence installation. We monitor weather and ground conditions closely and will make adjustments to the schedule when necessary. Rain, snow or saturated ground can make it difficult to properly dig and set fence posts. We will not compromise the quality of your installation by working in conditions that could affect the finished fence or destroy your yard. If weather requires us to postpone your installation, we will contact you and reschedule as soon as conditions allow. 

Yes. If a permit is required for your project, it will be noted on your estimate, and we will take care of filing the permit for you. It is helpful if you have a plot plan you can share with us but it is not required.

Yes. We have a legal survey company come and find your property pins to help ensure we install your fence on your property. 

There are exceptions. If you are replacing an existing fence and you are confident that your fence was originally installed on your property, we can install the new fence in the same location as the existing fence. 

Each city has its own corner lot restriction allowances. When we measure for your estimate, our estimators have the knowledge to measure accordingly. If you would like to apply for a variance waiver permit to go beyond what your city allows, we will inform you of that process and help you with obtaining a drawing of the desired fence location on an approved site plan.

We provide a one-year workmanship warranty on all of our fences.

In addition, certain fence materials have separate manufacturer warranties:

• Vinyl fencing: 50-year limited manufacturer warranty
• Steel fencing: Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty
• Cedar wood fencing: One-year workmanship warranty; wood itself is not covered after that period

Wood is a natural, deteriorating product, and its lifespan depends greatly on maintenance and environmental conditions. To help protect your cedar fence, we recommend applying a clear, UV-protective stain or coating annually.

Manufacturer warranties may have specific terms, conditions, and exclusions. Please contact us if you have questions about the warranty applicable to your specific fence.

The lifespan of a fence depends on the material, weather conditions, and how well it is maintained. With proper care, you can generally expect: 

• Vinyl: 30-50+ years
• Steel: 50+ years
• Cedar Wood: 15-25+years (depending heavily on maintenance.) We recommend applying a clear UV-protective stain annually to help protect the wood from moisture, sun, and weathering. 

Setback requirements vary depending on the city or zoning you live and whether your property is located on a corner lot.

Because regulations can vary by location, our estimator's have the knowledge to know where to measure for your fence to adhere to these restrictions. 

Most of our fence systems have a wind rating of approximately 80 mph, depending on the specific product and installation.

For areas where wind is a concern, we generally recommend a fence that allows some wind to pass through rather than acting as a solid wall. Options can include:

• Board-on-board fencing
• Semi-private fencing
• Steel fencing

The appropriate fence will depend on your property, design preferences, and local requirements.

Our fence posts are typically installed approximately 2½ feet into the ground, depending on the fence type, site conditions, and installation requirements.

Yes. Our fence posts are set and secured in concrete to provide a strong, durable installation.

Yes, we will tear out and haul away your old fence. We do not remove your old foundations, as this is a very labor-intensive process. We will cut your old fence off at the base and stagger the new posts. There are some corner posts where we will remove the foundations, so the corners are in the same location as your previous fence.

We do not trim or remove landscaping. If any items are impeding your fence line, you will need to remove those before any work can begin. 

No, we do not provide sprinkler insurance.

Rather than adding the cost of sprinkler insurance to your project, we have chosen to allow our customers to keep that money and use it toward repairs if accidental sprinkler damage occurs. ( This is usually the average price of sprinkler insurance. ) If needed, you may use your own sprinkler company, or we can provide information for a sprinkler company that offers our customers a discounted service rate.

No. We do not currently offer financing.

Our payment schedule is:

• 1/3 deposit when the contract is signed
• 2/3 balance due upon completion of the fence

We accept:

• Cash
• Cashier’s check
• Bill Pay
• Personal check

A plot plan or site plan is helpful but not required. 

Yes! We will quote to repair your fence regardless if we installed your fence or someone else did. There are certain fences we can not match to repair, but we will let you know.

The hinge posts do have inserts but when installing a high quality vinyl fence the line posts generally don't need the extra inserts. If however you would feel more comfortable with some extra support, we reccommend putting 4' aluminum inserts in every other post. These would go inside the posts 2 feet in the ground.  

We do not haul away the dirt. We can wheel barrel it to a spot of your choosing (landscape bed, garden etc) If you have an empty lot adjacent to your property or nearby we can haul it there. If you are still wanting us to haul it away there would be an additional fee to do so.