FAQ
Aspen Fence is here to help you through the entire process of designing, building, and maintaining your new fence or deck. Here are some questions our customers ask most often.
We serve Chicago's North Shore and the surrounding northern suburbs, including Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Highwood, Deerfield, Northbrook, Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, and the rest of Lake County. If you're nearby and not sure, just give us a call and ask.
Every project is different. The price depends on the material (wood, aluminum, PVC, or chain link), the length and height of the fence, the number of gates, and your property's terrain. The best way to get an accurate number is a free on-site estimate, where we measure, talk through options, and give you an honest, itemized quote with no obligation.
Most residential fences go in within one to three days once materials are on hand and any required permit is approved. Larger or custom projects can take longer. We give you a realistic timeline with your estimate, and because the owner is on every job, you always know where things stand.
It depends on what you want from the fence. Cedar wood is warm, classic, and great for privacy. Aluminum and ornamental steel are elegant and nearly maintenance-free, ideal around pools and front yards. PVC and composite last for decades without painting. Chain link is durable and cost-effective for yards, dog runs, and commercial sites. We'll walk you through the trade-offs during your free estimate.
Usually the customer obtains any permits required, because they have all of the documentation (plat of survey, homeowners association covenants, bylaws, our proposal) that each village requires. If necessary, we can assist in the permitting process. As the contractor, we provide each village with all of the appropriate information (license application, insurance, bonds, references, etc.) required for us to perform services in their community.
It's always good practice to let surrounding neighbors know your intentions. As the contractor installing your fence, occasionally we may need to step onto their property to remove an existing fence, carry equipment or materials, remove things attached to the other side of the fence, or stand on the property to build your fence.
The plat of survey will identify, to scale, the location of each lot line on your property (your plat would be in your home closing documents). If no survey is available and the iron pipes that normally mark property corners can't be found, a new survey may have to be performed at the expense of the property owner.
Most post holes are dug at least 36" below grade, unless otherwise required by village code.
Depending on the style (usually in wood fencing), certain fences have support rails or 2"x4" boards located horizontally on one side of the section. That side is referred to as the “bad side,” which must face inward toward your yard. Unless a village has supplied written approval, all fences must have the “good side” facing outward toward the neighbor.