TryBuildCalc

Wood Fence Quantity Verification Checklist

Essential Checklist+

Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.

✓6 Inspection Points
✓3 Verification Categories
✓Layout & Style Inputs+
  • Total fence length confirmed from an actual field measurement or property survey, not assumed
  • Property line location and any local setback requirement confirmed before laying out posts
  • Fence height confirmed against local ordinance limits for this property (often lower at front vs. back/side yards)
  • Utility locate service called (811 or local equivalent) before digging any post holes
✓Post & Footing Depth+
  • Computed post bury depth checked against the ACTUAL local frost line, not just the rule-of-thumb figure
✓Rail & Picket Quantities+
  • Picket/rail material (pressure-treated, cedar, or other) confirmed rated for the actual weather exposure and ground contact
Full QC Checklist+

Verify layout/style inputs, post and footing depth, rail and picket quantities, and installation/code.

✓20 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Layout & Style Inputs+
  • Total fence length confirmed from an actual field measurement or property survey, not assumed
  • Property line location and any local setback requirement confirmed before laying out posts
  • Fence height confirmed against local ordinance limits for this property (often lower at front vs. back/side yards)
  • Fence style selected (Privacy, Picket, or Board-on-Board) matches the actual design intent
  • Utility locate service called (811 or local equivalent) before digging any post holes
✓Post & Footing Depth+
  • Computed post bury depth checked against the ACTUAL local frost line, not just the rule-of-thumb figure
  • Post size (4x4 vs. 6x6) confirmed adequate for the actual fence height and local wind exposure
  • Footing hole diameter confirmed reasonable for the actual post size and soil conditions
  • Concrete footing cure time confirmed before attaching rails/pickets or applying any lateral load to posts
  • Every post checked plumb (in both directions) and braced before the concrete sets, not just eyeballed
✓Rail & Picket Quantities+
  • Rail count confirmed to match the actual fence height, not just a generic assumption
  • Picket pitch (width + gap, or width − overlap) verified against a physical layout before cutting the full run
  • Picket/rail material (pressure-treated, cedar, or other) confirmed rated for the actual weather exposure and ground contact
  • Picket count confirmed to exclude gate opening widths, not double-counted across the full raw fence length
  • Fastener pattern (typically 2 per picket per rail) confirmed adequate for the actual picket width and expected wind exposure
✓Installation & Code+
  • Fence "good side" (finished face, no rails visible) orientation confirmed facing the neighbor/street, per local custom or agreement
  • Gate posts confirmed adequately reinforced (larger post, deeper footing, or diagonal brace) for the actual gate weight and swing
  • Corner and end posts confirmed adequately braced — they carry different loads than mid-run line posts
  • Local code amendments (pool-barrier self-closing gate rules, HOA material/color restrictions) checked before finalizing
  • Total post/rail/picket counts reconciled against the actual site layout before ordering lumber
Inspection Notes+
Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.
Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.
Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Related Calculators & Guides

Wood Fence Quantity CalculatorOpen the related calculator and verify the current project inputs.

FAQ

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.
No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.