Question 1

Do I need a permit for a fence or deck?

Accepted Answer

Fences do not require a permit but some decks do. Decks need a permit if they are over 2ft from the ground, and permits are the customer's responsibility. For more information, visit City Hall at Elgin and Laurier. Note: if you're outside the Ottawa region, bylaws may vary, so check with your local City Hall.

Question 2

Who takes care of the permit?

Accepted Answer

We take care of the permit for all of our customers. All drawings, applications, and site inspections are handled by our team.

Question 3

How high can my fence be?

Accepted Answer

Fences in the Ottawa region are not permitted to exceed 7ft from the front of your foundation to your back property line. Should a fence continue past the front-most point of your foundation, it cannot exceed 3.3ft in height.

Question 4

Does a deck need railing?

Accepted Answer

All decks over 24 inches in height require a guardrail that abides by the Ontario Building Code.

Question 5

When does a fence go on the property line?

Accepted Answer

A fence can go on the property line only if your neighbour agrees to it and signs a neighbour consent form. If they don't agree, your fence must go inside the property line — we suggest leaving a gap of 6 inches.

Question 6

Does the framing of a fence have to face the customer's yard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, according to bylaw the framing of the fence has to face inward. If an obstruction prevents this, we resort to building with the framework facing out.

Question 7

Who calls the gas company?

Accepted Answer

It's the customer's duty to call Ontario One Call (1-800-400-2255) — a free service — at least 2 weeks before our start date. Construction cannot begin without the locate sheet only they can provide.

Question 8

What grade of lumber do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use Premium 1st Grade lumber, whether Pressure Treated Spruce or Western Red Cedar. We also order 50% extra for every job and sort through it on site to ensure only the best materials are used.

Question 9

Is there arsenic in the Pressure Treated Spruce?

Accepted Answer

No, the Pressure Treated Spruce we use does not contain arsenic. The majority of our PT comes from Home Depot; contact your local store for more product information.

Question 10

What is the pricing hierarchy for materials?

Accepted Answer

From least to most expensive: Chain-Link, Pressure Treated Spruce, Iron, Western Red Cedar, Composite, and PVC (vinyl).

Question 11

What is the strongest fence style?

Accepted Answer

The strongest and longest-lasting fences are the most basic styles — a 6ft privacy fence is the strongest style.

Question 12

Are your fences pre-built panels or custom built?

Accepted Answer

All of our Wood and PVC fences are custom built on site, allowing for quality control and contouring to sloping ground. Our Composite and Ornamental Iron fencing use panels, so the bottom cannot be contoured over sloping ground.

Question 13

Do both sides of the fence look the same?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our fences look the same on both sides, with the exception of our Chain-Link fences.

Question 14

Do you use concrete in the postholes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we use ready-mix concrete in all postholes and vibrate it to eliminate air pockets and increase strength.

Question 15

Do I get a warranty?

Accepted Answer

All craftsmanship comes with a one-year warranty. Some products come with an extended warranty, free with select products.

Question 16

Do you have insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we carry $2,000,000 liability insurance for all of our fencing and decking projects.

Question 17

What is the maintenance on Composite and PVC?

Accepted Answer

Most manufacturers suggest cleaning these products every Spring and Fall using mild soap water and a soft sponge.

Question 18

What is the maintenance on Cedar and PT?

Accepted Answer

Both can be left to grey naturally and still have a long life, or you can coat them with a water seal or stain. Cedar should be coated no sooner than 3 weeks after construction; PT no sooner than 1 year after.

Question 19

What lasts longer, Pressure Treated Spruce or Cedar?

Accepted Answer

PT lasts longer than Cedar, thanks to modern science!

Question 20

Do you repair storm-damaged fences and decks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We repair leaning fences, fallen panels, loose railings, rotted posts, wind-damaged gates and deck boards affected by snow load or moisture.

Question 21

How quickly can you respond to storm damage?

Accepted Answer

We prioritize urgent safety issues with same-day or next-day safety visits. Non-urgent repairs are usually scheduled within a few business days.

Question 22

Should I repair or replace my damaged fence?

Accepted Answer

If the posts are solid and less than a third of the fence is affected, repair is usually best. Widespread rot, frost-heaved posts or mismatched aging panels often make replacement the smarter long-term choice.

Question 23

Will my insurance cover fence or deck storm damage?

Accepted Answer

Many policies cover sudden damage from wind, falling trees or ice, but coverage varies by insurer and policy. We provide photos, a written quote and a scope of work to support your claim.

Question 24

Are estimates free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, estimates are free — call today! With every estimate you receive an on-the-spot printout of approximate job costs.

Question 25

How deep do you drill?

Accepted Answer

Due to Ottawa's 3.5ft frost line we consider that our desired depth. For decks we aim for 4-5ft, and for fencing our footing depths range from 3-4.5ft.

Question 26

What do you need accessible on days of the build?

Accepted Answer

We require gates to be left unlocked and exterior water and power turned on. If possible, please leave the street parking spot in front of your home vacant for our trucks and trailers.

Question 27

Who cleans up the mess?

Accepted Answer

We do! Our team keeps the jobsite tidy throughout construction and performs a final clean-up on completion day.

Question 28

Who removes obstructions or clears bushes and roots in the yard?

Accepted Answer

Removing obstructions like barbecues, play structures and patio sets is the homeowner's responsibility. We can help with bushes, roots and tree branches, though this may add to the project cost.

Question 29

What time do you show up to start work?

Accepted Answer

Our crews start at 7:00am to prepare and arrive on site between 8:00 and 9:00am, usually finishing between 4:00 and 5:00pm. We also work weekends April through August.

Question 30

Do you sub-contract out our work?

Accepted Answer

No, Fence Masters never sub-contracts projects. This allows us to give our customers the best quality at the best price.

Question 31

How do we pay?

Accepted Answer

A deposit is expected at the time of signing the contract, with final payment due once the project is completed to your satisfaction. Cheques are preferred, but credit cards are accepted.

Question 32

Can I cancel or make changes to my contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, changes can be made at any time, though they may affect price. Cancelling prior to construction has no penalty; cancelling after materials are delivered may incur a charge, and special-order products may carry a restocking fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Permits, Bylaws & Property Lines

Materials & Craftsmanship

Maintenance & Warranty

Repairs & Storm Damage

The Build Process & Your Home

Still have questions?