If you are uncertain of your property lines, Northern Virginia Fence Company advises that you have the property surveyed prior to the installation of your new fence. A property plat gives you approximate dimensions of your property lines, and it will often state that it is not intended for the establishment of property lines. If you elect not to have the property surveyed and are comfortable as to where your property lines are, it is your responsibility to show the contractors at Northern Virginia Fence Company precisely where to place the fence.

In most Northern Virginia jurisdictions, fences can be installed directly on or just inside your property line. However, local county regulations, HOA rules, utility easements, and zoning setbacks may affect placement.

Before installation, we strongly recommend:

• Confirming your property boundaries with a survey
• Checking county or city fence regulations
• Reviewing any HOA guidelines
• Ensuring you’re clear of utility easements
• Calling 811 (Miss Utility of Virginia) before digging

Our team is familiar with local requirements across Northern Virginia and can help guide you through the process to ensure your fence is installed correctly and compliantly.

Yes. Before any fence installation begins, underground utilities must be marked for safety.

In Virginia, you can call 811 (Miss Utility of Virginia) or submit a request online. This free service marks underground lines such as electric, gas, water, sewer, and communications to prevent accidental damage during digging.

If Northern Virginia Fence Company is handling your installation, we typically coordinate the utility marking process for you. However, we’re always happy to confirm the details during your consultation.

Safety comes first — and calling 811 is a critical step before any digging begins.

Yes. In Virginia, contractors performing fence installations above a certain dollar amount are required to hold a valid license issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

Hiring a licensed contractor helps ensure:

• The company meets state qualification standards
• Proper insurance coverage is in place
• Work complies with local building codes
• You’re protected if a dispute or issue arises

You can verify a contractor’s license through the Virginia DPOR website before signing any agreement.

Northern Virginia Fence Company operates in compliance with state and local requirements, giving you confidence that your project is handled professionally and responsibly.

In Northern Virginia, fence posts are typically set 24 to 30 inches deep, depending on the fence height, material, and soil conditions. This depth helps protect the fence from shifting due to wind, soil movement, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.

As a general rule, we follow industry best practices:

• Posts are set at least one-third of the total fence height
• Holes are properly sized for stability
• Posts are secured with concrete for long-term durability

Proper post depth is one of the most important factors in building a fence that stays straight and strong for years to come.

If your property has unique grading or soil conditions, we’ll adjust installation methods accordingly to ensure maximum stability.

There are a number of variables to consider when deciding to use concrete for fence posts. If the ground is extremely wet, we recommend dry packing the posts in concrete as the moisture from the ground will be absorbed by the dry cement and eventually harden. All gate posts should be in concrete for the simple reason that the gate is a moving part of the fence and is subject to more stress than other fence sections. Most aluminum, steel and vinyl fences are required to be set in concrete. We recommend placing all posts in concrete, and consider this a standard practice at Northern Virginia Fence Company.

Pressure treated southern yellow pine is what every one refers to as just plain pressure treated lumber. It is pressure treated to help eliminate termite infestation, rot and decay and comes with a lifetime manufacture's warranty against rot and termite infestation. The new pressure treated lumber is better for our environment and humans.

Western red cedar is not a sap wood and therefore a much more dimensionally stable solution than southern yellow pine. It tends to be a little pricier, but it does not warp, crack or twist as easily as pine fence products, and it responds to stains or sealers much more efficiently. If a stain or sealant solution is not chosen for a cedar fence, it will weather to a light silver similar to the color of the bark on trees.

Yes. We suggest aluminum or vinyl. They are a bit more expensive than building with wood, but both will add a finishing touch to your property and they are virtually maintenance-free. If you like the wrought iron look without the maintenance that it requires, we suggest using aluminum. Aluminum Fence is offered in many styles and colors and add an elegant look to any property. Plus, with the painting technology in use today, these products are virtually maintenance-free. Vinyl fencing has become one of the most widely used materials for today's fencing needs.