The Complete Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Free Estimate | Scheduled within 1 week | Site walk, measurement, material recommendation, written quote |
| HOA Application | 2–4 weeks (if required) | Griffin submits complete ARC application; tracks approval |
| Permit Application | 1–4 weeks (if required) | Griffin submits permit application; city reviews and approves |
| Estimate Approval | When customer approves | Signed estimate, deposit, material order placed |
| Material Lead Time | Usually 1–2 weeks | Cedar and chain link typically stocked; iron may be 2–3 weeks |
| 811 Utility Locating | 48 hours before dig | Texas law requires utility locating call before any digging |
| Installation Day 1 | Day of installation | Layout, post holes, post setting, concrete pour |
| Concrete Cure | 24–48 hours | Posts must cure before rails and boards are installed |
| Installation Day 2 | Day after post setting | Rails, boards/mesh/panels, gate installation and adjustment |
| Cleanup and Final Walkthrough | End of installation | All debris removed, warranty documentation provided |
Phase 1: The Free Estimate
Plan Your Layout
Walk the fence line, mark all corners with stakes, and note any gates, utilities, or grade changes before measuring.
Know Your Property Lines
Get a survey or pull your plat from the county appraisal district before assuming where your property line sits.
Choose Your Material
Cedar, iron, chain link, vinyl, or aluminum — each has different maintenance profiles, costs, and HOA restrictions.
Budget Realistically
Get 2–3 written quotes and compare scope carefully — a lower price often means thinner posts or fewer rails.
Check Local Rules
Houston, TX, Harris County, and HOA rules on fence height, material, and setbacks vary by location — verify before you build.
Get a Pro Quote
A free on-site estimate from Griffin costs nothing and often reveals issues DIY measuring misses — slope, tree roots, easements.
A Griffin Fence estimator visits your property to conduct a complete site assessment. During this visit:
- We measure the fence perimeter to be installed
- We assess terrain — grade changes, tree roots, access constraints
- We discuss your goals, material preferences, and any HOA requirements you are aware of
- We review gate locations and hardware requirements
- We note any demo of existing fence that is needed
- We ask about your property line knowledge and any survey documentation
Within 24–48 hours, you receive a written estimate with specific material specs, dimensions, gate count, and pricing. No vague ranges — a specific written quote.
Phase 2: HOA and Permit Applications
For properties in HOA communities, Griffin Fence prepares and submits the ARC (Architectural Review Committee) application with all required documentation. This runs concurrently with permit applications where both are required. We track the application and follow up with the HOA or city as needed.
Permit applications include site plan, material specifications, and any other documentation required by the specific city's building department. We know the requirements for each Houston-area city and prepare complete applications to minimize processing time.
Phase 3: Installation — Day 1 (Post Setting)
Before any digging begins:
- Griffin Fence has called 811 at least 48 hours prior — utility lines are marked in your yard
- Crew leader walks the proposed fence line with you, confirming placement before any stakes or holes
- Any questions about exact fence placement are resolved at this stage — before post holes are dug
Post setting process:
- String lines are established to mark the exact fence alignment
- Post hole auger digs holes to proper depth — 30 inches for 6-foot fence in Houston clay
- 4-inch gravel drainage layer placed in each hole
- Posts set and checked for plumb in both directions with a level
- Concrete poured around each post, sloped at top to drain water away from post
- Posts braced while concrete sets
Post holes are cured for 24–48 hours before load is applied. For fast-set concrete, working strength is typically achieved in 4–6 hours, often allowing same-day or next-day progression.
Phase 4: Installation — Day 2 (Rails and Fence)
- Top and bottom rails are installed between posts with appropriate hardware
- For wood fence: boards are installed, checked for alignment and spacing, secured with appropriate fasteners (stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized)
- For chain link: tension bars, mesh, and tension wire are installed per specification
- For iron: fence panels are bolted or welded to posts
- Gates are hung, hinges adjusted, and latches confirmed for proper operation
- Final fence line inspection for alignment, plumb, and finish quality
Phase 5: Cleanup and Final Walkthrough
Before leaving the project:
- All excavation material from post holes is removed from property
- All material scraps, packaging, and job site debris is removed
- Any demo material from removed old fence is disposed of (if included in project scope)
- Final walkthrough with homeowner — review the completed fence, gate operation, and any finish questions
- 1-year workmanship warranty documentation provided in writing
Houston-Specific Considerations
Clay Soil and Post Setting
Houston's expansive clay soil requires specific post installation practices that differ from sandy or loam soil regions. Griffin Fence's crews are trained for Houston clay — proper depth (30+ inches for 6-foot fence), gravel drainage layer, properly finished concrete collar, and adequate cure time before loading. This is how Griffin Fence fences outlast those installed by contractors unfamiliar with Houston's soil conditions.
Post-Storm Timeline Changes
After major Houston storms (Harvey 2017, Beryl 2024), demand for fence installation and repair spikes dramatically across the metro. Lead times, material availability, and crew scheduling can be affected for weeks to months after a significant storm event. If you are planning a post-storm replacement, contact Griffin Fence as quickly as possible — earlier in the queue means faster installation.
Related resources:
- Complete Fence Buying Guide
- Fence Post Installation Guide
- Houston Fence Permit Guide
- Our Process Overview
Additional Resources
For current City of Houston Houston fence permit guide requirements, visit the Houston Permitting Center. Harris County unincorporated area permit information is available through Harris County Permits.