As cooler fall weather prompts Denver-area homeowners to replace aging fences or add new ones, MH Fence Co is emphasizing a crucial but often overlooked first step: calling Colorado 811 before any digging begins. The Littleton-based littleton fence company warns that fence work is one of the most common reasons homeowners dig deeper than they realize, and failing to check for underground utilities can lead to serious consequences.
According to Colorado 811, anyone digging in Colorado is legally required to contact the notification center at least three business days before digging, regardless of the project's size. The service is free and covers public underground utilities such as gas, electricity, water, sewer, and internet lines, though privately owned utilities are not included. Once lines are marked with paint or flags, Colorado 811 advises digging with hand tools when working within 18 inches of a mark.
"A fence looks like a simple project from the surface, but every post is a hole in the ground, and along a backyard property line those add up quickly," said Mark Green of MH Fence Co. "We won't put a shovel in the ground until the locates are back, and I'd tell any neighbor doing it themselves to wait for the marks too."
The locate request is the first step for new projects, including the fence installation littleton co homeowners schedule in wood, vinyl, composite, chain link, aluminum, and wrought iron. The same step applies when an old fence comes out, because pulling and resetting posts disturbs the ground again. The company handles Fence Replacement Littleton CO projects from removal of the existing fence through installation of the new one.
For smaller projects, such as resetting a leaning post or replacing a damaged section after a storm, the company provides fence repair littleton co property owners can schedule without replacing the full line.
MH Fence Co said its installations use steel posts, a standard intended to hold up against frost heave and Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles. "Colorado ground moves through the winter, so how the posts go in matters as much as the fence itself," Green said. "Getting the locates done and setting the posts right the first time saves a lot of trouble later."
Homeowners comparing fence contractors littleton co can ask whether a company requests utility locates before digging. MH Fence Co offers complimentary estimates and can be reached at (303) 944-9704.
MH Fence Co is a fence company based in Littleton, Colorado, providing residential and commercial fence installation, replacement, and repair. The company serves Littleton and the Denver metro area, including Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Centennial, Denver, Englewood, Golden, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, and Parker.
Why this matters: With fall fence projects ramping up, the reminder underscores a legal obligation that many homeowners may overlook. Hitting an underground utility can cause injuries, costly repairs, and service outages. By following the 811 protocol, homeowners can avoid accidents and ensure their fence stands the test of time. For industry professionals, it reinforces the importance of safety compliance and could lead to more homeowners seeking qualified contractors who prioritize proper procedures.
