Set Up Construction Fencing and Barriers
Construction sites are hazardous places with excavations, materials, and equipment that can injure curious neighbors or playing children. Proper fencing protects your landscaping, defines the staging area, and keeps everyone safe—especially if your property is near a sidewalk or public area.
Quick Summary
Time needed
4-8 hours
Cost
$200-$1,500
Professional help
Usually DIY or contractor
Why This Step Matters
Beyond safety, construction fencing serves multiple practical purposes: it protects your lawn and landscaping from damage, defines clear work zones for contractors, prevents material theft, and demonstrates to your insurance company that you've taken reasonable precautions. If someone is injured on an unsecured construction site, you could be liable.
Liability Warning
An unfenced excavation or construction site can be considered an "attractive nuisance" under the law. If a child wanders onto your property and is injured, you may be held liable even if they were trespassing. Proper fencing is essential protection.
Types of Construction Fencing
Choose fencing based on your site's needs, local requirements, and budget:
| Fence Type | Cost/100ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Orange plastic mesh | $30-$60 | Visual barrier, low traffic areas |
| Chain link panels | $150-$300 | Security, sidewalk-adjacent sites |
| Privacy fence panels | $200-$400 | Blocking views, high-traffic areas |
| Jersey barriers | $75-$150 each | Vehicle protection, street work |
| Silt fence | $40-$80 | Erosion control + basic barrier |
Costs are for rental or purchase. Chain link panels are typically rented monthly ($50-$100/panel/month).
Setting Up Your Construction Barriers
Plan Your Site Layout
Before installing any fencing, sketch a site plan showing:
- Construction zone: The addition footprint plus 10-15 feet of work space
- Material staging area: Flat area for lumber, concrete forms, etc.
- Vehicle access: Gate for delivery trucks and equipment
- Dumpster location: Accessible for pickup, protected surface
- Portable toilet: Required for most permitted projects
Protect Your Landscaping
Before any heavy equipment arrives, protect areas that won't be part of construction but might be damaged by traffic:
Driveway and access routes: Lay plywood sheets or heavy landscape fabric over lawn areas where trucks will drive. A single loaded concrete truck can destroy grass down to the roots.
- • Cover irrigation heads with bright flags
- • Move or protect decorative planters
- • Wrap vulnerable shrubs in burlap
- • Mark underground sprinkler lines
Install Perimeter Fencing
Enclose the construction zone with appropriate fencing. For most residential additions, orange plastic mesh fencing is sufficient unless you're adjacent to public areas.
Installation tip: Drive T-posts or rebar stakes at 8-foot intervals and zip-tie the fence to each post. Pull the fence taut to prevent sagging. Add extra stakes at corners.
Create Access Gates
You'll need at least one gate for workers and one wider gate for deliveries. Chain link panel systems have built-in gates; for mesh fencing, create overlapping sections that can be pulled aside.
- • Personnel gate: 3-4 feet wide
- • Vehicle gate: 10-12 feet wide minimum
- • Add locks if theft is a concern
- • Post "Authorized Personnel Only" signs
Set Up the Staging Area
Designate a specific area for material storage and delivery. This keeps materials organized and prevents them from being scattered across your yard.
Staging area requirements:
- • Level ground (grade if necessary)
- • Protected from rain/sprinklers
- • Near the construction zone but not blocking access
- • Room for forklift or equipment maneuvering
Add Safety Signage
Post required and recommended warning signs:
- "Construction Area - Keep Out" at each fence section
- "Hard Hat Area" if required by your jurisdiction
- Building permit in a visible, weatherproof location
- Contractor contact information for emergencies
Pedestrian Safety Near Sidewalks
If your property borders a sidewalk or public walkway, you have additional responsibilities to protect pedestrians from construction hazards.
Permit Requirement
Many cities require a separate permit to block or restrict sidewalk access. You may need to provide a temporary walkway, warning signs, or ADA-compliant detour routing.
Required Protections
- • Solid barriers (not mesh) facing sidewalk
- • Overhead protection if work is above
- • Lighting for evening visibility
- • Clear pedestrian path (min 4 feet wide)
- • ADA-compliant surfaces and detours
Additional Safety Measures
- • "Sidewalk Closed" signs with arrows
- • Cones and barricades for detours
- • Reflective tape for low-light visibility
- • Flag person during deliveries (if needed)
- • Daily inspection of barrier integrity
Maintaining Barriers Throughout Construction
Barriers aren't a "set it and forget it" item. They need regular attention:
- Daily: Check for gaps, fallen sections, or vandalism
- After storms: Re-secure any blown-over sections immediately
- Weekly: Replace faded or damaged signage
- As needed: Adjust barriers as construction phases change
- End of day: Ensure gates are closed and locked
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my contractor responsible for setting up fencing?
It depends on your contract. Many general contractors include site protection and fencing in their scope of work. However, some expect the homeowner to provide it, especially for smaller additions. Clarify this before work begins and get it in writing.
How long do barriers need to stay up?
Barriers should remain until all major construction is complete and the site is safe for normal access. This typically means until exterior work is finished, excavations are backfilled, and no hazardous equipment remains on site. Usually 2-4 months for a typical addition.
My HOA has rules about construction fencing. What should I know?
Many HOAs restrict the type, color, and duration of construction fencing. Common requirements include using green or black mesh (not orange), limiting signage, and removing fencing within a certain timeframe. Check your HOA guidelines and get approval before installing anything.
Can I use my existing fence as a construction barrier?
Your existing fence can serve as part of the barrier if it's solid and secure. However, be aware that construction activities may damage it. Consider adding protective panels to the construction side of the fence, or budget for repairs after the project is complete.
Ready for the Next Step?
With your site secured and protected, you're ready to move into the foundation phase. The next step is pouring the foundation footings—the concrete base that supports your entire addition.