Neighbouring/Boundary Fencing:

If you are a property owner, the Fences Act contains the rules about who pays for a dividing fence. We have a list of each states fencing act links on our legal information page.

You will need to notify your neighbours of the fence replacement or repair of your fence.

Our recommendation is to be proactive and speak with your neighbour(s) where applicable first to ascertain what type of fence you want and or if they are in agreement regarding the fence being replaced.

Notice to Fence/Contribute for fencing work:

You may be required to issue your neighbour with a Notice to Fence/Contribute for fencing work. You can find forms online, make sure you go to your state/territory for the correct one.

Does my fence need a permit?

Contact your local council to see if you require a building permit for your new fence. Some cases a permit is required due to the extension of height, style of the fence if your home is heritage listed or there is an estate covenant etc.

Pool Fencing:

Be aware the pool fencing legislation is different in all the states and territories within Australia. There is a wealth of information out there online, so Google your state or territories Pool Fencing legislation requirements to find out more or you can find a list of each states pool fencing links on our legal information page..

Dial before you dig:

Dial before you dig can provide you with a map of each authority i.e. energy, phone cables, water pipes and gas lines, etc. It is your responsibility to ensure you provide this information to your fence builder prior to works commencing. Visit their website to find out more: http://www.1100.com.au

Choosing your fencing contractor:

Choosing your fencing contractor is important, some people go to the bottom line of their quote, and sadly they get what they pay for. We have spent many years in the fencing industry collectively and have seen the results of poor choices, unfortunately when quizzed more often than not it was about the price.

What to look for/ask in a fencing contractor?

• Did your quote come from the actual builder of the fence?
• Is your fence builder police checked?
• Does your fence builder hold the correct insurances/public liability?
• Are they WHS Accredited?
• Do they offer a guarantee that you are confident of?
• Is their quotation clear and concise so as to leave you in no doubt what you will be getting?
• Does your fence builder hold a fencing licence (if applicable) as per your states/territories requirements?

Why are these questions important?

Simply because of security, peace of mind and in the event that something goes wrong it is much easier to sort things out if all the above is in place with who you have engaged!

Clearing fence lines:

You will need to clear your fence line prior works proceeding (unless you have requested your Fence Installer perform the task), the garden/clearance needs to be min 600mm both sides of the fence.

Proceeding with fencing construction:

Ensure that you have available: access to Power and Water and no harm in a coffee or two, fencing is hard work!

Keep children away from work site:

Yes, it is a work site, you need to ensure your children's safety that they are not on site while the fence installation is happening.

Lock up your dogs/cats or have them stay with a friend:

To ensure the safety and security of your dogs/cats make sure you have them locked in the home or have them stay with a friend.

Replacement fence:

Replacement fences go back on the previous fence line although a 50mm variance is allowable and unless mutually agreed, palings and rails (where applicable) to be as they were.

New fence:

Survey pegs are required, and the responsibility for them and the fences location is back on the owner and or the person who has placed the pegs.

Invoices:

Payment will be required by all parties strictly on completion of the works!

Care and warranties:

Dependant on the type/style of fence and fencing materials. Ensure that you gather your information on how to care for your fence and save your fencing material (where applicable) warranties, some are transferable so well worthwhile hanging onto.

Does your fence need painting?

You can do this yourself or better still have our franchise owners to assist you here, so let them know if you need your picket fence painted or even better still we have seen paling/wooden fences stained, and they come up looking fantastic.

So not only do you have a fence that looks good you are also caring for the longevity by fortifying the wood against the effects of the wind, rain and extreme temperatures. If staining the wooden fence use a heavy duty outdoor stain.