Words by Chicago North Shore Moms contributor, Jake Stotter*
A North Shore Family’s Backyard Safety & Buying Checklist
Thinking about a new fence, playset, basketball hoop or trampoline? Before you invest, here’s how to know if it’s time for an upgrade—and why choosing the right company matters.
Summer isn’t over yet. With kids home from camp, neighborhood get-togethers, birthday parties and evenings spent outdoors, now is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your backyard.
Whether you’re considering a new fence, playset, basketball hoop, or trampoline, don’t just ask “What should I buy?”
Ask yourself:
Is what I already have still safe—and who’s going to help me before, during and after the installation?
Since 1967, Fenceworks “The Guy on 41”, has been helping families throughout Chicago’s North Shore create safer, more enjoyable backyards, here’s our simple checklist.
Big Box Store vs. Local Backyard Expert
Big Box Store:
- Products just shipped in boxes
- Compare products online
- Installation may be outsourced or DIY
- National customer service
- Limited support after delivery
Fenceworks:
- Professional consultation before you buy, white glove installation
- Visit our Northbrook showroom and compare in person
- Professional installation by our experienced crews
- Local family-owned company serving Chicagoland since 1967
- Ongoing service and local expertise
Fences: Backyard Safety & Upgrade Checklist
If you notice any of these, it may be time for an upgrade:
- Leaning posts
- Gates that won’t latch
- Rotting wood
- Loose or missing pickets
- Rusted chain link
- Frequent repairs
Time To Replace… (Franchise/Big Box)
Fenceworks “The Guy on 41” (Local Northshore Family)
Playsets
Inspect for:
- Rotting or splintered wood
- Loose or missing hardware
- Rusted swing chains
- Cracked slides
- Kids have simply outgrown it
Time To Replace… (Franchise/Big Box)
Fenceworks “The Guy on 41” (Local Northshore Family)
Basketball Hoops
Look for:
- Leaning pole
- Cracked backboard (in the Northshore of Chicago, ⅜”-½” tempered glass is needed, stay away from less than that and/or acrylic backboards
- Rust (typically found on raw steel systems sold at sporting goods stores)
- Loose anchor bolts
- Worn or broken adjustment system/crank
- Missing or damaged padding
Time To Replace… (Franchise/Big Box)
Fenceworks “The Guy on 41” (Local Northshore Family)
Trampolines
Check for:
- Torn safety enclosure
- Worn safety pads
- Rusted frame
- Composite Fiberglass rods (instead of protected springs)
- Old zipper or Velcro enclosure systems that no longer close securely
Time To Replace… (Franchise/Big Box)
Fenceworks “The Guy on 41” (Local Northshore Family)
Fenceworks “The Guy on 41” (Local Northshore Family) – One backyard. One plan.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is buying one project at a time instead of planning the entire backyard.
A well-designed backyard considers how your fence, playset, basketball hoop, and trampoline work together to create a space that’s safe, functional and fun for years to come.
If you’re thinking about upgrading before summer ends, take a few minutes to walk through this checklist—and choose a company that will still be there long after installation day.
Visit Fenceworks – The Guy on 41
Since 1967, Fenceworks has helped families across Chicago’s North Shore design, install and enjoy beautiful backyards. Visit our Northbrook showroom to compare products in person and let our team help you find the right fit for your family, your home and your backyard.
*This article contains sponsored content. Thank you!
