How to show a contractor the access to your backyard
Access decides whether a job is done by hand, with a compact machine or with larger equipment — and that changes the crew, the schedule and the price. Here's what to measure and send.
Why access changes the price
Moving a few tonnes of soil, gravel or pavers by wheelbarrow takes far longer than moving it with a compact loader. If a machine can't fit, the contractor plans more labour hours; if a larger machine can, the job may go faster. Neither is better — but your contractor needs to know which it is before they can price fairly.
What to measure
The gate
Measure the clear opening between the posts with the gate fully open — not the width of the gate itself.
The narrowest point
Walk the whole route and find the tightest spot. Often it's between the house and the fence, an AC unit, a downspout, or a meter. That number matters more than the gate.
Steps and slopes
How many steps, and whether the route goes up or down. A steep path is as important as a narrow one.
Overhead
Low branches, eaves, gas meters on the wall, a deck or balcony above the route — anything a machine or a load could hit.
Where things can be dropped
Where could a delivery truck unload materials — driveway, street, front lawn? How far is that from the gate?
Obstacles worth mentioning
- Things that can't be moved: AC units, meters, window wells, utility boxes
- Things that could be moved with notice: planters, a shed you'd empty, a fence panel
- Soft ground, septic or sprinkler lines on the route
- Shared access with a neighbour, or a laneway
How to send it
Access checklist
- Gate clear opening
- Narrowest point on the route (and what causes it)
- Steps or slope on the way in
- Overhead obstacles
- Where materials can be dropped, and how far from the gate
- Photos: from the street, at the gate, at the narrowest point
Updated October 2, 2026 · Landscaping & sod · Interlock & hardscaping · Decks · Fences
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