You’ve done the research, you’ve reviewed your new fence cost, and you’ve chosen your contractor. Now, the exciting part begins: the actual fence installation. But what does that process look like? How does a pile of lumber or a stack of vinyl panels transform into a beautiful, sturdy fence?
Many Santa Monica homeowners find the fence construction phase to be a bit of a mystery. At Gaga US Construction, we believe in total transparency. A professional fence installation is a precise, multi-stage process that ensures your new fence is not only beautiful but also built to last for decades, especially in our coastal climate.
This guide will walk you through the complete, step-by-step process so you know exactly what to expect when our team arrives at your Santa Monica home.
A successful fence installation is built on a foundation of careful planning. Before the first post-hole is dug, several crucial steps must happen. As your contractor, Gaga US Construction manages this entire preparatory phase for you.
This is where your vision is locked in. We confirm the exact style, height, and material. If your goal is affordable fencing, this is the stage where we ensure the materials chosen (like a high-quality pine or standard vinyl) meet your budget without compromising on quality. This plan dictates everything that follows.
This is one of the most important steps in Santa Monica.
Permits: Most new fences over 6 feet high, or any fence in a front yard, will require a permit from the City of Santa Monica. We handle the entire application and approval process, ensuring your fence construction is fully compliant with local codes.
Property Lines: We strongly recommend homeowners have a clear idea of their property lines, often by referencing a property survey. Building even a few inches onto a neighbor’s property can lead to major legal headaches. We work with you to ensure the fence installation is set in the correct location.
Safety is paramount. Before any digging, we make the mandatory call to 811 (“DigAlert”). This free service notifies local utility companies (gas, electric, water, cable) to come out and mark the location of their underground lines on your property. This vital step prevents dangerous and costly accidents.
Once the permits are approved and the build dates are set, we’ll ask you to do one thing:
Clear the Fence Line: Please clear a space of 2-3 feet on your side of the new fence line. This includes trimming back bushes or moving items like planters, patio furniture, or woodpiles. This gives our crew a safe and efficient workspace.
With the planning complete, our professional crew gets to work. Here’s what you can expect during the build.
This is arguably the most critical day of the entire fence installation.
Demolition: If you have an old fence, our team will carefully dismantle it and haul it away for disposal.
Layout: We run a string line to mark the exact path of the new fence, ensuring it is perfectly straight.
Post Hole Digging: We dig precise holes for every post, typically 24-36 inches deep, depending on the fence height and soil conditions in Santa Monica.
Setting Posts in Concrete: This is what separates a professional build from an amateur one. Every post is set in concrete to ensure it won’t shift, lean, or sag. We meticulously check each post for height and plumb (perfect vertical alignment) as the concrete is poured.
The posts are then left to cure—typically for 24 hours. A fence is only as strong as its foundation, and we take this step extremely seriously.
Once the concrete is rock-solid, our crew returns to build the “skeleton” and “skin” of your fence.
Attaching Rails: We attach the horizontal rails (typically 2 or 3 per section) that span between the posts. These are the structural beams that will hold your pickets or panels.
Installing Pickets/Panels: This is where your fence comes to life!
For building a privacy fence (stick-built): We attach each picket one by one, ensuring consistent spacing and a uniform, level top.
For Panel Fences (Vinyl/Composite): We assemble the pre-fabricated panels and slide or secure them between the posts.
A common failure point on a poorly built fence is the gate. Building a wooden gate that doesn’t sag requires special expertise.
A Strong Frame: We don’t just attach pickets to a simple square. We build a reinforced gate frame, often with a “Z-brace” or “cross-brace,” to prevent the gate from sagging under its own weight over time.
Quality Hardware: The frame is then hung using heavy-duty, adjustable hinges that can support the gate’s weight. We also install your chosen latch and handle.
Proper Spacing: We ensure the gate has the correct clearance so it can swing freely without binding, even as the wood expands and contracts naturally with Santa Monica’s humidity changes.
Our job isn’t finished until you are 100% satisfied.
Site Cleanup: We treat your property with respect. Our team conducts a thorough cleanup, removing all construction debris, scrap materials, and dirt, leaving your yard as clean as we found it.
Final Walkthrough: We walk the entire fence line with you, inspecting the quality of the fence construction, testing the gates, and answering any questions you may have.
Warranty: We’ll provide you with all the details on our industry-leading warranty, which covers both our workmanship and the materials themselves, giving you complete peace of mind.
While this guide focuses on the process of your fence installation, we know the new fence cost is a major factor in your decision. The total cost is determined by the materials you choose, the total length, and the complexity of the job.
Because we’ve dedicated an entire article to this topic, you can get a complete financial breakdown by reading our guide, “Understanding Fence Installation Costs in Santa Monica.“
The fence construction process can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be stressful for you. When you partner with Gaga US Construction, you’re hiring a team of licensed, insured, and experienced professionals who manage every single step.
We Handle the Hassle: We take care of the permits, utility marking, and all logistical planning.
We Are Experts: Our crews specialize in building a privacy fence, custom wood designs, and perfectly hung gates.
We Are Local: We are a licensed Santa Monica contractor (CSLB #1074874 – B, C13) who understands the local environment and codes.
We Are Transparent: From your initial quote to the final walkthrough, we communicate clearly so you’re never in the dark.
Knowing what to expect can make your fence installation an exciting and rewarding home improvement project. If you’re ready to transform your Santa Monica property with a beautiful, professionally built fence, we’re here to make it easy.
Contact Gaga US Construction today at 747-609-6912 or fill out our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation!
Living in Santa Monica offers unparalleled advantages: beautiful beaches, a vibrant community, and stunning weather. However, with desirable locations often comes closer proximity to neighbors. This is where a well-designed privacy fence Santa Monica becomes more than just a boundary; it transforms your outdoor space into a secluded sanctuary.
Living in Santa Monica offers unparalleled advantages: beautiful beaches, a vibrant community, and stunning weather. However, with desirable locations often comes closer proximity to neighbors. This is where a well-designed privacy fence Santa Monica becomes more than just a boundary; it transforms your outdoor space into a secluded sanctuary.
Living in Santa Monica offers unparalleled advantages: beautiful beaches, a vibrant community, and stunning weather. However, with desirable locations often comes closer proximity to neighbors. This is where a well-designed privacy fence Santa Monica becomes more than just a boundary; it transforms your outdoor space into a secluded sanctuary.
GAGA US INC is a licensed (#1074874 – B, C13) General Building Contractor based in Los Angeles. GAGA US works with professional contractors to ensure your construction needs are fully met and executed promptly.
2025 © GAGA Construction. All rights reserved.
