FAQ

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FAQ

FAQ

Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, you'll find answers to common questions about our fence, pergola, and gazebo building services. Whether you're curious about our construction process, materials used, pricing, or scheduling a consultation, we've got you covered. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact our experienced team directly.

All About Digging

Q1
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve the GTHA and beyond. Whether you’re in Niagara Falls, Georgetown, Ajax, or anywhere in between, we’re here to serve your digging needs. Below is a list of cities we frequent. If yours is not listed here, give us a call, if you’re in Ontario – you may be surprised!

Acton, Ajax, Ancaster, Aurora, Balinifad, Bolton, Brampton, Burlington, Caledon, Caledonia, Dundas, East Garafraxa, East/West Grillimbury, Erin, Etobicoke, Georgetown, Guelph, Hamilton, King, Kleinburg, Maple, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Newmarket, North York, Oakville, Orangeville, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Rockwood, Scarborough, Stoufville, Uxbridge, Vaughan, Woodbridge, York
Q2
Are your services available for both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we cater to both residential and commercial clients. No project is too small or too large for The Post Hole Company.
Q3
How long does it typically take to complete a project?
Project timelines vary depending on the scope and complexity of the job. We’ll provide you with an estimated timeframe during the quoting process, and we always strive to meet agreed-upon deadlines.
Q4
What kind of equipment do you use to dig holes?
We rely on mini skid steers with rubber tracks for our excavation work. These machines are designed to fit through gates that are at least 34 inches wide and are turf-friendly compared to wheeled versions.
Q5
Do you have two-man augers for tight spots?
For safety reasons and to ensure effectiveness, we do not use two-man augers for tight spots. These tools can lead to injuries and are less efficient in challenging conditions such as hard earth, rocks, or tree roots.

Our skid steers are fairly slim considering how powerful they are. We only need 34 inches width of clearance. That’s just shy of 3 feet! We typically are able to fit through most fence gates but if you are faced with special circumstances, we are just one phone call away!

Call us at: (905) 497-4653 and we’ll be more than happy to offer up some solutions.
Q6
What alternatives do you offer for tight spots or challenging conditions?
In situations where traditional machinery is impractical, we offer manual digging services using clam shovels and pry bars. The cost for these services is determined based on the specific digging conditions and project requirements.
Q7
Will your equipment harm my lawn?
Our equipment, featuring rubber tracks, is designed to be turf-friendly, minimizing lawn damage. Although it weighs over 1,500 lbs, it’s typically safe for your lawn, as long as it’s not waterlogged or muddy. If you have other and specific concerns about your lawn, please inform us beforehand.
Q8
How deep will you dig?
For standard-height fences (7 feet or less), our post holes go to 3 1/2 feet deep to prevent frost heave. Taller fences receive wider and deeper holes. Footings are installed at a minimum of 4 feet, sometimes deeper depending on plans/permits for safety.
Q9
Can I start building right away?
We generally advise waiting 24-48 hours, depending on weather, before beginning fence construction. For footings, we recommend a wait of 48-72 hours, (longer in colder weather). On site, our expert opinion considers other factors which could affect the wait time. If you need rapid construction, we offer quick-setting options for an additional charge, enabling construction in as little as 3 hours. Let us know when booking your appointment for arrangements.
Q10
Is The Post Hole Company licensed and insured?
Yes, we are a fully licensed and insured excavation company. You can have peace of mind knowing your project is in capable hands.

Still Have Questions

(905) 497-4653

All About Locates

Q1
What is Ontario 1 Call , and why is a Locate vital for excavation projects?
Ontario 1 Call serves as a central resource for identifying underground utilities before excavation begins. Its primary purpose is to ensure safety, prevent accidents, and safeguard against damage to essential utility lines and homes.

For all excavation projects, it’s a mandatory step to initiate a locate request through Ontario 1 Call. This process is critical for adhering to safety regulations, reducing the risk of costly accidents, and preventing disruptions to utility services.

A ‘locate’ involves identifying, marking, and reporting buried utility services like natural gas, oil pipelines, power lines, telecommunications, cable TV, internet connections, as well as water and sewer systems. Before any digging commences on a property, Ontario 1 Call must be contacted to request a locate. By law, the excavator must have the response document from Ontario 1 Call in hand while digging.

When we have a project, we reach out to Ontario 1 Call with all the necessary details. They then coordinate with utility companies to mark the locations of underground lines on your worksite. This crucial step ensures safe excavation practices while avoiding damage to utilities.

Please note that private lines on your property, such as natural gas, propane, pool lines, and septic tanks, cannot be located throughOntario 1 Call. However, it remains a legal requirement to identify these private lines before excavation. If you need assistance with private locator services, please contact us, and we will be happy to provide a referral. Call us at (905) 497-4653
Q2
How do I request a Locate?
The convenience of our service is that you won’t have to contact Ontario 1 Call yourself; we handle it all. We directly coordinate a Locate Order with Ontario 1 Call and follow up with the locators to ensure timely responses for your appointment.

If you’re interested in learning more about Ontario 1 Calls services for homeowners, you can visit their website by clicking the icon below.

This is Ontario 1 Call
Q3
How long does it take for a Locate to be completed?
Members of Ontario One Call will make all reasonable attempts to complete locates within 5 business days of being notified about the excavation. During the peak of summer (June through August), locates may take longer to complete due to a high volume of requests. Please keep this in mind when anticipating your project completion date.
Q4
How long are Locates valid for?
The validity period for locates can vary, but they are typically valid for a set period, such as 30 days from the day they were completed by the locating company. If your project extends beyond this period, or paint markings have faded, new locates need to be requested again to ensure safety.
Q5
Do I need Locates if I'm replacing an existing fence or re-using existing holes?
Yes, locates are essential whenever digging is involved. They are a legal requirement and are crucial for ensuring safety, protecting your property, your neighbors, and our team.
Q6
Do I need Locates if the digging is in the backyard only?
Yes, locates are necessary even if the digging is confined to your backyard. Underground utilities can be present anywhere on your property. To ensure safety and compliance with the law, a locate request is required before any digging begins.

Permits & Property Boundaries

Do I need a building permit for my fence project?
No You do not need a building permit to erect a fence on your property. You will however need to check with your local municipality for height and front yard restrictions.
Do I need a building permit for my deck project?
Each municipality has different rules and practices so to ensure you are building a structure legally, please check with your local municipality or contractor for requirements. Generally speaking, if a deck is 24 inches (or less) above grade, a permit is not required.
How should I determine the starting and ending points for my fence?
To establish your fence’s starting and ending points accurately, rely on land survey records, which define your property’s dimensions in relation to your home. Site plans are typically available from your real estate agent or local municipal office. Before we arrive, it’s crucial to mark your property’s four corners with in-ground stakes. We use these markers to guide our string lining process, ensuring the straight alignment of your post holes and posts for a well-constructed and properly placed fence.

Payments, Deposits & Scheduling

What are the payment terms for your digging-related services?
Booking an appointment for post hole or footing services is absolutely free. You only need to make payment once we’ve finished our work. To simplify the process, our foremen carry portable payment terminals and accept various payment methods, including cash, major credit cards, debit cards, or any combination of these. You’ll receive a printed receipt from our card terminal immediately after payment.
How do I arrange building services with The Post Hole Company?
Initiating building services with us is easy. To begin the process of booking our building services, simply reach out to us by phone. We’ll initiate the conversation and provide an estimated cost for your project over the phone and via email. If you decide to move forward, we’ll require a small upfront travel fee which will act as a credit towards your project with us. This fee allows us to send one of our expert builders to your property for measurements and the finalization of the design and cost.
How can I contact you?
We are available by phone, email, text or chat.

Or you can phone us at these numbers:
Office: (905) 497-4653
And you can even chat with us on our social media sites:

Contact Us

Strategically located in Mississauga, Burlington, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Hamilton, Scarborough, and Brampton to better serve you.

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If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

(905) 497-4653
[email protected]