Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/45004
18 • NOVEMBER 2011 • WORLD FENCE NEWS This month, I have been asked to re-visit the topic of getting your crews properly prepared in advance for fence installations. As many of you have heard me say before, in different ven- ues, there should be no real mystery when it comes to clearing fence lines and setting up for the next phase of in- stallation. However, when we have helpers involved, many times it is nec- essary to supervise them very closely as they have, in some cases, created some interesting problems when left to their own devices, as many of you know. Well, perhaps this is a good time to review a few thoughts regarding some procedures that may help you with the "learning curve" for some of your helpers. With that in mind, let me start by saying that it is critical at the outset to make sure of the exact location of the property lines. If the information pro- vided by the plot-plan or final survey cannot be easily re-created due to the passage of time, or the disappearance of survey markers, then the property lines where the fence is to go must be re-surveyed for the protection of all parties concerned. I have heard stories — horror sto- ries — that have occurred between neighbors because "assumptions" were made, and we all know the old THE HUMAN LINK by Jim Lucci Management Motivational Associates Mysteries are for TV and books: Some simple thoughts regarding preparation for fence installation saying that "assume" will make an "ass" of "u" and "me"! Suffice it to say that building a fence on neighboring property can be a costly mistake. Make sure that your information is accurate and that the fence is going to be installed squarely on your cus- tomer's side of the property line before starting the job. The next step that should be taken is to make sure that the location of the underground utilities is known. Call at least 48 hours in advance of the planned work to allow time for mark- ing of utilities. This will provide a safety margin for you and your com- pany. I should remind you, at this point, that this service does not identify pri- vate installation locations of things such as outdoor barbecue gas lines, decorative utility lighting wiring, etc. that were installed by the property owner. (Editor's note: The one-call sys- tem is now easier to use than ever, with the nationwide 811 number now in place. For more information, visit www.call811.com.) Once the utilities have been lo- cated and marked, remove brush, any loose rocks, small trees and tall grass from the fence line. (This would all have been previously discussed with the customer so that there are none of those "surprises" facing the crew when they arrive on the site.) Fence construction time is consid- erably reduced when the fenceline is well-cleared ahead of time. The ap- pearance of the finished fence is also improved at the same time. Often, the worst part of preparing to erect the new fence is clearing away the old fence. Because many fences have been "patched up" for years, rather than being replaced, there is often a tangled succession of fence with new wire on old parts, new posts knocked in at intervals, wires attached to trees and so on. I am sure many of you have seen it all! However, I am still somewhat sur- prised to hear from the newer contrac- tors that they didn't realize how much "tear-out" was involved and they did- n't figure on the extra time and cost, so consequently they didn't get enough for the job and therefore didn't get their margins. A word to the wise should be sufficient. Many contractors, over the years, have told me that when they first started out, they tried to "salvage" ma- terials for use on other jobs down the road. For instance, they were going to straighten out the wire or perhaps try to save and use other items as well. Their experience has taught them that it is not usually worth trying to save the wire that has been "through the mill," so to speak. In general, if it can't be re-used with a minimum of clean-up, then you are better off getting rid of it; the labor factor involved makes it futile. Every once in a while, someone will inquire about clearing vegetation, particularly if they are looking to do a job in a real rural area. I have talked with some contractors who do, or have done, ag fencing or farm fencing, and contin ued on pa g e 67