From Sketch to Finished Fence
When you invest in a custom fence, you’re doing more than marking boundaries; you’re creating a structure that protects, enhances, and reflects your property’s style. At AVO Fence & Supply, we know that every customer has a vision, whether it’s a charming cedar picket fence for a backyard garden or a heavy-duty vinyl privacy fence around a business property.
Our custom-design consultations make that vision come to life. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect from your AVO consultation from your first idea (or rough sketch) to the finished fence that’s built to last.
Step 1: Sharing Your Vision
Every great fence project begins with a conversation. When you reach out to AVO Fence for a custom design, we’ll start by learning what you need your fence to do:
- Is it about privacy?
- Security?
- Curb appeal?
- Maybe all three?
During your initial consultation, our team gathers information about your project, including:
- The type of property (residential, commercial, or public space).
- Your goals (privacy, safety, decorative, or containment).
- Any preferred materials—such as cedar, pressure-treated pine, or vinyl.
- Your budget range and timeline.
You don’t need to arrive with a complete plan. Some of our favorite designs started as quick sketches or photos of fences you like. We’ll help shape your ideas into something buildable and beautiful.
Step 2: On-Site Measurements and Property Review
Once your goals are identified, you can have your installer visit your property, or we can recommend an installer, if you prefer. This is one of the most important steps in ensuring a successful installation
The Installer will take detailed measurements, assess the terrain, and identify any unique conditions, such as slopes, existing structures, or vegetation that may affect your design or layout.
They will also check property boundaries and help you think through local code requirements, zoning rules, and neighborhood association guidelines. This step helps us avoid surprises later on and ensures your fence is designed to fit your property perfectly, down to the inch.
Step 3: Custom Design and Material Consultation
After we’ve gathered the groundwork, it’s time to bring your vision to life. Our design team uses your input and site information to create a detailed, realistic plan tailored to your property.
We’ll walk you through key design decisions like:
- Fence style: Picket, privacy, post and rail, lattice-top, or a custom pattern.
- Height and layout: We’ll design for function and aesthetic—so your fence looks balanced and performs as needed.
- Material choice: From the warm, natural look of cedar to the maintenance-free convenience of vinyl or aluminum, we’ll help you compare options based on longevity, cost, and appearance.
- Post placement and gate location: These practical details can dramatically affect the usability and strength of your fence.
This phase is highly collaborative. We’ll show you design drawings, material samples, and even past projects similar to yours, so you can visualize exactly how your fence will look. Many customers find this phase exciting—it’s where ideas turn tangible and the vision takes shape.
Step 4: Detailed Estimate and Timeline
Transparency is one of our core values. Once your design is set, we’ll provide a detailed estimate that outlines materials, fabrication, and (if applicable) installation labor. This allows you to see exactly where your investment goes: no hidden costs or surprises.
We’ll also build a timeline around your schedule. If you’re a homeowner improving your landscape before summer, we’ll align the project accordingly.
Our in-house fence fabrication team helps streamline the timeline because we cut, assemble, and finish most materials right at our Stoughton location. That means faster turnaround times and consistent quality control.
Step 5: Precision Fabrication in Our Workshop
Once you approve your design, the fun begins in our workshop. AVO Fence has been handcrafting custom fence panels, gates, and posts for 50 years. Our experienced craftsmen take pride in turning raw materials into strong, beautiful structures.
Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
- Cutting and shaping: Your fence components are cut to match your exact measurements and design.
- Assembly: Depending on the project, we preassemble panels or craft custom gates, rails, and toppers.
- Finishing touches: We sand, plane, and inspect every piece, creating smooth finishes and tight joints.
Because our fences are made locally, we have complete control over quality. You get a fence that’s built to stand up to New England weather and designed to last for decades.
Step 6: Delivery or Professional Installation
Once your fence is ready, you have two options: pick up the materials and install them yourself or let our trusted installation partners handle them for you. Contractors love working with AVO because our fences are built true to spec and ready to be installed efficiently on site.
Homeowners often choose professional installation, especially for complex layouts or heavy materials. Our network of preferred installers knows AVO products inside and out, which means faster, cleaner, and more reliable installations.
Regardless of how you move forward, we’re here to ensure your fence goes up smoothly. We’ll coordinate delivery to your site, confirm placement details, and offer maintenance advice so you can keep your new fence looking great.
Step 7: Review, Care, and Long-Term Support
A great fence is built to last, but even the best projects benefit from proper care. As part of every AVO consultation, we provide maintenance tips tailored to your chosen material.
For example:
- Cedar fences may need occasional cleaning and resealing to preserve color and strength.
- Vinyl fences just need simple soap-and-water washes to look like new for years.
- Aluminum fences resist rust; they benefit from periodic checks at hinges or joints.
We’re always available to help with touch-ups, replacements, or expansions—whether it’s next season or years down the road. Many of our customers return to us when they add gates, update property lines, or want matching railings or lattice features.
Why Homeowners and Contractors Love the AVO Process
Our customers tell us one of their favorite parts of working with AVO is how personal, and easy, we make the process. Some highlights include:
- Expert guidance: Our team blends design experience with technical know-how.
- Full transparency: From cost estimates to project timelines, there are no surprises.
- Customization: Every fence is uniquely made for your property and preferences.
- Quality craftsmanship: Hand built fences made locally with premium materials.
- Reliable support: We stand behind everything we make, long after installation.
Whether you’re a professional contractor sourcing premium materials or a homeowner designing your first custom fence, you’ll find that AVO’s process makes your project smoother, more enjoyable, and more rewarding.
Ready to Start Your Custom Fence?
From sketch to finished fence, the AVO Fence custom design consultation is about partnership, precision, and craftsmanship. We love helping customers bring their ideas to life—and seeing that first look of satisfaction when their new fence is complete.
If you’re ready to start your design journey, contact our team today at (781) 341-2963 to schedule your custom design consultation or visit one of our locations in Stoughton, Hingham, and Plymouth, MA. Your dream fence is closer than you think—and we can’t wait to help you build it.