Work through this list before you get quotes, and you'll know what to ask for – and what to watch out for. Tick off what you can; anything you're not sure about, I'll sort out on the site visit.

The opening

[ ] Width between the posts or pillars measured (roughly)
[ ] Height you'd like the gates to be
[ ] Posts or pillars solid – not cracked, leaning or hollow
[ ] Swing gates: room for each leaf to open inwards, clear of steps, walls and cars
[ ] Sliding gate: a clear run beside the opening about as long as the gate
[ ] Slope of the driveway behind the gate checked

The road

[ ] A car can pull fully off the road while the gate opens
[ ] Gates won't open over the footpath or road
[ ] Clear view of the road when leaving

Planning and permission

[ ] Height next to the road checked against planning rules
[ ] Listed building or conservation area? If so, consent may be needed
[ ] New or altered entrance onto the road? Check with the council and DfI Roads
[ ] Shared driveway or development? Agreement from neighbours or the management company

More in planning permission for electric gates.

Slatted sliding gates like these for modern homes in Bangor

Slatted gates like these for homes in Newtownards

Power and cables

[ ] Where the electricity supply will come from
[ ] Route for the cable from the house to the gate
[ ] Ducts for power, intercom and any future extras (if the ground is being dug anyway)

See power supply for electric gates.

The gates

[ ] Material: wrought iron (from £2,000), composite (from £2,200) or wood (from £1,600)
[ ] Design: open, half-solid or fully solid
[ ] Exposed to strong wind?
[ ] Pedestrian gate needed?

Automation

[ ] Overground (from £1,800), underground (from around £2,400), sliding (from £1,400) or hydraulic
[ ] Battery backup for power cuts?

Access

[ ] Who needs to get in: family, visitors, deliveries, carers, staff
[ ] Remotes, keypad, video intercom, fobs, app
[ ] How you'll get out: button, remote or exit loop

Safety (non-negotiable)

[ ] Photocells, safety edges and a warning light as the gate needs
[ ] Force testing to BS EN 12453 on completion
[ ] Declaration of Conformity, CE marking and manuals at handover
[ ] Shown how to use the manual release

See gate safety and the law.

When you compare quotes

Check each quote covers the safety devices, force testing, electrical work, groundwork and making good. A quote that's much cheaper usually leaves something out. See how to choose an installer.

Ready to talk? Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.

Electric Driveway Gate Planning Checklist