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How to Hire a Fencing Contractor

A new fence defines property lines, adds privacy, increases curb appeal, and can be a safety requirement for pools and playgrounds. Common residential materials include wood (cedar, pine), vinyl, aluminum, chain-link, and composite. Wood offers the most natural look and is easiest to customize but requires periodic staining or sealing. Vinyl and aluminum are low-maintenance, won't rot or rust, and carry long warranties — ideal for privacy and ornamental applications. Chain-link is the most affordable option for large areas and excels at pet containment and security applications. Composite fencing uses recycled wood fiber and plastic for a wood look with minimal upkeep. Most fence installations require a permit in jurisdictions with HOA or city ordinances; check with your municipality before work begins. Property surveys matter — installing a fence on the wrong side of your property line can require expensive removal. Ask your contractor whether a survey is included or recommended before post-setting begins. Gate placement, post depth (typically one-third the post height below grade), and concrete footings are the workmanship factors that most determine a fence's longevity.

Typical cost

$1,800 – $6,500per project

Residential fence installation: $15–45 per linear foot installed depending on material. Chain-link: $15–25/ft. Wood privacy fence (cedar or pine): $20–35/ft. Vinyl privacy fence: $25–40/ft. Aluminum ornamental: $30–45/ft. Composite fencing: $30–50/ft. A typical residential lot (150 linear feet) runs $2,500–6,000 for wood or vinyl; $2,000–3,500 for chain-link. Gate installation adds $200–800 per gate depending on width and hardware. Removing an existing fence adds $3–8 per linear foot. Permit fees vary by municipality: $50–200 typical. Post-setting in rocky or rooted soil can add 20–30% to labor. Get itemized bids specifying material grade, post depth, and whether the estimate includes permit fees and old fence removal.

Hiring checklist

  1. 1Locate your property survey before any post is set — fence on the wrong side of the line must come down at your cost.
  2. 2Call 811 before digging; confirm your contractor schedules this several business days in advance.
  3. 3Get written estimates that name material species/grade, post size, spacing, and concrete use.
  4. 4Verify the contractor pulls required local permits and can meet HOA design guidelines if applicable.
  5. 5Confirm general liability insurance coverage before work begins.
  6. 6Inspect post depth and concrete at first pour; posts should be buried one-third of their total length.

Before you hire a fencing contractor

Before getting estimates, locate your property survey or ask your county recorder for the plat — knowing exactly where your property line falls prevents disputes and potential mandatory removal at your expense. Many fence contractors include a rough layout step; confirm whether they pull permits and how they handle uncertain lot lines. Get at least two or three written estimates specifying the material and grade (e.g., "6-ft cedar dog-ear boards, 4×4 pressure-treated posts"), post spacing, concrete use, gate hardware, and what cleanup looks like. Material grade drives price variation more than labor on most fence jobs — a bid that specifies "wood fence" without naming species and thickness is not yet a comparable quote. Ask whether the crew that shows up for installation is employed directly or subcontracted. Confirm the contractor carries general liability insurance; fence work involves buried utilities, and call 811 (national "call before you dig" line) should be done several days before digging begins. Reputable contractors handle this automatically. A 10–30% deposit is standard to cover materials. Avoid paying in full before the fence is complete and any gate hardware is adjusted to your satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions

  • How much does a fencing contractor charge?

    Typical fencing costs range from $1,800 to $6,500 per project. Residential fence installation: $15–45 per linear foot installed depending on material. Chain-link: $15–25/ft. Wood privacy fence (cedar or pine): $20–35/ft. Vinyl privacy fence: $25–40/ft. Aluminum ornamental: $30–45/ft. Composite fencing: $30–50/ft. A typical residential lot (150 linear feet) runs $2,500–6,000 for wood or vinyl; $2,000–3,500 for chain-link. Gate installation adds $200–800 per gate depending on width and hardware. Removing an existing fence adds $3–8 per linear foot. Permit fees vary by municipality: $50–200 typical. Post-setting in rocky or rooted soil can add 20–30% to labor. Get itemized bids specifying material grade, post depth, and whether the estimate includes permit fees and old fence removal.

  • Do fencing contractors need to be licensed?

    Licensing requirements vary by state. In most states, fencing contractors must hold a state license. Always verify the license number with your state's licensing board before work begins.

  • How many estimates should I get?

    Get at least three written estimates for any project over $1,000. Compare line by line — not just the bottom line — to ensure you're comparing equivalent scopes of work.

  • What should be in the contract?

    A written contract should include: full scope of work, materials specified by brand and grade, timeline with start and completion dates, payment schedule tied to milestones, workmanship warranty terms, and a change order process.

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