The Real Cost to Install a Fence
Putting in a new fence (or adding to an existing one) is a project you can tackle on your own, but making sure the installation is plumb, level and structurally sound can mean days spent in the yard measuring, cutting, and measuring again.
Many homeowners, therefore, turn to professional fence installers to make the job easier. But with a host of companies to choose from, how do you know if the cost of fence installation you’re quoted is reasonable, or if you’re paying too much for too little?
Start with an estimate
Reputable fencing companies should be happy to send out an estimator, free of charge, and any company that tells you an estimate is extra isn’t worth hiring. Set a time to meet the estimator when you’re home and follow that person around the property as he or she completes the evaluation.
The estimator should ask (and then measure) how long you need your fence to be, take into account any old fencing that needs to tie in with a new build and account for any rocks or obstacles. In addition, estimators should examine the grading of your yard. If it slopes, you’ll need a fence that is either stepped (leaving triangular open spaces near the posts), or contoured to the ground.
You should ask several questions before the estimator leaves:
Ask whether the company will pull city permits for the installation, or if that’s your responsibility.
Ask about utility locators. No post holes should be drilled before making sure you won’t hit gas or power lines, so make you know who’s responsible for contacting a locator service.
Ask about warranties and timelines. Your estimator should be able to tell you when you can expect the job to start and how long it will take.
What you buy and where you put it
While fence length is the most critical element in price, you have three other key components. First is the type of fence you want, second is how the posts are installed and third is the cost of labor.
Wooden fences are typically the cheapest and include options like northern white cedar, red cedar, pine or pressure-treated lumber. You can accent these with decorative gates, post toppers or metal hardware. Vinyl fences can withstand serious weather conditions and won’t corrode or rot. If you’re looking for open sight lines, vinyl-coated chain-link fence is an economical choice.
Installing posts can also affect costs. A reputable fence company will dig post holes in the ground (at least 30 inches deep). Sometime the ground present challenges as ledge and/or roots, core-drilling or steel pins may be required. You should make sure the contractor you hire has the necessary tools and knowledge to handle difficult terrain and challenges.
Pay attention to details
Finding reputable local contractors means paying attention to details. First, search well-known sites like Angie’s List for other homeowners who’ve hired companies in your area, and see which ones stand out for service and reliability. Next, check web sites like Yelp, Houzz.com or Google to see what other people have shared about the company and read their reviews. Although the communication is not related to the fence work itself, it may provide good indication of how well the company is running and if the project will go smooth or it will be a headache.
The company should be able to provide a quote in writing with description of work to be performed and total costs. You should always ask if this is a final price to avoid any unnecessary up-charges. If there is a possibility for those they should be communicated in advance. In addition, you should inspect any work done before paying the full amount.
