How to Set Up Site Safety and Access
Before construction begins, you need to protect your property, establish secure contractor access, and maintain good neighbor relations. Proper site preparation prevents accidents, theft, and conflicts that can derail your project.
Quick Summary
Setup cost range
$500 - $2,000
Fencing rental (monthly)
$100 - $300
Setup time
1-2 days
Why This Matters
A construction site is inherently dangerous and attractive to thieves. Without proper safety measures, you risk liability for injuries, theft of expensive materials and tools, and damage to neighboring properties. Poor planning also creates friction with neighbors that can escalate to complaints, code enforcement calls, and even litigation.
Taking time to properly secure your site and communicate with neighbors pays dividends throughout a 12+ month project. Contractors work more efficiently with clear access protocols, and neighbors who feel respected are far more tolerant of inevitable noise and disruption.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Assess Fencing Requirements
Check your local building code and HOA requirements for temporary fencing. Even if not required, fencing provides security and liability protection.
When fencing is typically required:
- Open excavations deeper than 3 feet
- Swimming pools under construction
- Properties adjacent to schools or parks
- HOA communities (often require screening)
- Properties with unsupervised public access
2. Install Temporary Fencing
If fencing is needed, arrange rental and installation before demolition begins. Options range from basic chain-link to privacy screening.
Chain-Link Fencing
- 6' height standard
- $100-$200/month rental
- Quick installation
- Good for security
- Allows visibility
Privacy Screen Fencing
- 8' height with screening
- $200-$400/month rental
- Hides construction mess
- Often required by HOA
- Reduces neighbor complaints
3. Create Access Protocols
Establish clear procedures for how contractors will access your property throughout the project. Security and accountability are key.
4. Protect Property and Landscaping
Construction can easily damage landscaping, hardscaping, and parts of your home not being renovated. Protection now saves costly repairs later.
Protection checklist:
- Trees: Wrap trunks with burlap, fence at drip line (not trunk)
- Driveway: Cover with plywood for heavy equipment routes
- Irrigation: Flag all heads, mark controller location
- Utilities: Mark gas, water, electric lines (call 811)
- Plants: Move or cover delicate landscaping
- Interior: Seal off non-work areas with plastic sheeting
5. Set Up Security Monitoring
Construction sites are targets for theft. Materials, tools, and appliances disappear regularly from unsecured sites. Basic monitoring deters most theft.
Essential Security
- Motion-activated exterior lights
- Visible camera at main entry
- Camera covering dumpster area
- Lockable tool storage on site
- Secure lockbox (not hidden key)
Enhanced Security
- Multi-camera system with cloud storage
- Smart locks with entry logging
- Job box for valuable materials
- Alarm system with contractor codes
- Delivery notification system
6. Notify Your Neighbors
Proactive communication with neighbors prevents conflicts and complaints. Send written notice to adjacent properties before work begins.
What to include in neighbor notice:
- Brief description of project scope
- Expected start date and duration
- Standard working hours (typically 7am-6pm weekdays)
- General contractor name and phone number
- Your contact information for concerns
- Acknowledgment of temporary inconvenience
Tip: Consider a small gesture like gift cards or wine for immediately adjacent neighbors. This goodwill investment pays off when you need tolerance for a particularly noisy day or early start.
7. Provide Contractor Information Package
Create a reference document for your general contractor with all essential property information. This prevents delays and miscommunication.
Include in contractor package:
- Access codes (gate, lockbox, alarm)
- Utility shut-off locations (water, gas, electric)
- Irrigation controller location and settings
- HOA contact and any restrictions
- Neighbor contact info for emergencies
- Your contact and preferred communication method
- Wi-Fi network name and password (if providing)
- Parking restrictions and preferred contractor parking
8. Establish Clear Working Hours
Confirm working hours that comply with local noise ordinances and communicate these clearly to your contractor and neighbors.
Typical Hours
- Weekdays: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturdays: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sundays: No work (most areas)
- Holidays: No work
Check Local Code
- Start time may be 7, 7:30, or 8 AM
- Some areas prohibit Saturday work
- Noise restrictions may be stricter
- HOA rules may be more restrictive
Pro Tips
- Take dated photos of everything. Document the condition of your property, neighbor's property at the shared boundary, and all landscaping before work begins. This protects you from false damage claims.
- Create a dedicated project email. Use a separate email address for all project communication. This keeps records organized and easily searchable.
- Install cameras before contractors arrive. Having cameras visibly in place from day one sets expectations and deters problems. Cloud storage is essential since cameras can be stolen.
- Provide a staging area. Designate an area for materials delivery and tool storage. Clear direction prevents things from being left in wrong places.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Giving keys to multiple workers
Never distribute keys to individual subcontractors. Use a lockbox and give the code only to your general contractor. They manage access for their team. When workers have individual keys, accountability disappears and security is compromised.
Skipping the neighbor notification
Neighbors who are surprised by construction feel disrespected. This leads to complaints, code enforcement calls, and strained relationships. A simple letter or in-person conversation prevents most conflicts. Don't skip this step.
Assuming contractor has insurance
Verify your contractor's liability and workers' compensation insurance before work begins. Get certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured. Without this, you could be liable for injuries on your property.
Not protecting landscaping
A mature tree killed by root compaction costs thousands to replace. Irrigation lines crushed by equipment create expensive repairs. Specify protection requirements in your contract and verify protection is in place before work begins.
Using your regular alarm code
Create a separate contractor code that can be deleted after the project. If a worker memorizes your personal code, they have permanent access. Most alarm systems allow multiple user codes with different permissions.
Site Safety Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chain-link fencing (monthly) | $100-$200 | Plus delivery/pickup fee |
| Privacy screen fencing (monthly) | $200-$400 | Often required by HOA |
| Contractor lockbox | $30-$80 | One-time purchase |
| Smart lock | $150-$350 | With entry logging |
| Security cameras (2-4) | $200-$600 | With cloud storage |
| Motion-activated lights (4) | $100-$300 | Solar or wired |
| Tree protection | $50-$200 | Per mature tree |
| Plywood for driveway | $200-$500 | Can be reused |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need temporary fencing for a home remodel?
Temporary fencing requirements vary by jurisdiction and HOA. Most cities require fencing for projects with open excavations, swimming pools under construction, or significant safety hazards. HOAs often require screening to hide construction activity. Even when not required, fencing improves security and prevents unauthorized access.
How do I give contractors access to my home?
The safest approach is a contractor lockbox with a code you can change. Give the code only to your general contractor, who manages access for subcontractors. Avoid giving individual workers keys or permanent codes. For alarm systems, create a temporary contractor code that can be deleted after the project.
Should I notify neighbors about a major remodel?
Yes, always notify adjacent neighbors in writing before work begins. Include: project scope, expected duration, working hours, contractor contact information, and an apology for any inconvenience. Neighbors who feel informed and respected are much less likely to cause problems.
What security measures should I have during construction?
Essential security includes: exterior lighting on timers or motion sensors, at least one visible camera covering the main entrance and dumpster area, a lockbox rather than hidden keys, and secure tool storage. Construction sites are targets for theft.
How do I protect landscaping during construction?
Protect trees with trunk wraps and fencing at the drip line (not the trunk). Cover walkways and driveways with plywood for heavy equipment. Flag irrigation heads and mark underground utilities. Move or cover delicate plants. Include protection requirements in your contract.
Ready for the Next Step?
With site safety established, you're ready to begin the demolition phase. The first critical step is testing for hazardous materials before any demolition work begins.