Top fence companies near you

What should I ask a fencing contractor?

When searching for a fencing company near you, always start by asking several questions of each contractor when you get an estimate. Make sure you know exactly what type of fence you want and the purpose of the fence, such as keeping a dog contained or surrounding a swimming pool. Certain fencing installation companies may specialize in working with materials like vinyl, wood, or aluminum, so it’s wise to know what you want before making calls. You should also determine how tall you want the fence to be and how much area it should cover.

Here are some key questions to ask a fencing contractor:

• Have they installed this type of fence before? How much experience do they have, and are they familiar with the local area and landscape?
• Is the contractor licensed, bonded, and insured? Do they offer a guarantee or warranty on their work?
• How much will the total cost be, including add-ons like gates or decorative accents?
• How long should the fence installation take, and when can they begin the job?
• Are there any permits required before the fence can be installed?
• Can you look at their past projects or get a few references to contact for more information about past installations?
• Does the contractor perform other installations like automatic gates and locks, outdoor lighting, and other elements?

You can also ask the company whether they use subcontractors. If they do, ask who they use and look into their credentials. If there are any underground water lines or cables on your property, make sure the fence installation company works with the local utilities to mark the ground beforehand. This will ensure that nothing gets cut or damaged accidentally. Finally, get a contract written up front that includes your costs and the terms of payment.

What do I need to know before installing a new fence?

Getting a new fence will make your outside space safer and more enjoyable and may even increase your property value. Before contacting a local fencing company, there are some key things to remember before your fence is installed.

First, it’s vital to ensure that you know exactly where your property lines are. If you’re not 100% positive, contact a local surveyor and have them confirm. All underground utilities should be marked to prevent accidental damage before you schedule for new fencing. If you’re a member of an HOA, it’s important to check the current rules and regulations regarding fencing beforehand. You should also know what material you want, whether it’s vinyl, metal, wood, or something else.

It’s also important to know your budget and how much you’re able and willing to spend before you call local companies for an estimate. You should also know exactly where you want the fence to go and how much area it should encompass. Determine the purpose of your new fence. Perhaps you want a new fence to keep your dog and kids safe, improve privacy, reduce street noise, or simply to bring curb appeal to your property.

This is also the time to give thought to your property lines and where the fence line will be. Consider the proximity of your fence to any trees in your yard. If you need to cut a tree down and it falls on a neighbor’s house or in their yard, you could be liable for any resulting damages. If any permits are required, ask your local jurisdiction first before scheduling a new fence installation.

How do I estimate the cost of fence?

Several factors go into the cost of a new fence. While the material you choose is the biggest factor, you’ll also need to include the cost of labor to install your brand-new fencing. If any permits or inspections are required, this will also cost more. Utility line marking and site prep also factor into your total price. The design and pattern of your fence can be more expensive if you want something ornate or if you want the fencing contractor to paint or stain. Privacy fences designed to deter criminals and keep pets in your yard tend to cost more than a simple chain link or bamboo fence.

Consider maintenance when you search for a fencing company near you as well. Certain fencing materials like vinyl are much easier to clean and maintain than wood. Wood fences need to be cleaned and resealed or stained regularly to protect them from moisture and insects.

Most fencing is charged per linear foot. This cost varies based on the materials you choose, and you’ll also need to consider the labor for the installation. You can get a better idea of your cost by checking the Porch project cost guide to determine your final price based on your local area. The national average to install 125 linear feet of fencing is $3,164.90, which comes to an average price of $13.93 per linear foot.

Remember, your cost will vary based on a variety of things, including your location, the material you choose, the size, and special designs or landscapes with a difficult footprint, such as rocky or hilly areas. Staining, sealing, or painting your fence will cost more, but this is something you can do DIY if you want to save a bit of money. It’s best to get three estimates for your new fence just to ensure you’re getting the best possible price.

Which way should my fence face?

There’s no wrong or right way when it comes to which direction your fence should face. It comes down to your personal preference. However, the direction can affect your curb appeal and may depend on a few factors, including where your house is located and which way your yard is facing. Ideally, the finished side of your fence should face outward toward the street, or it should face your neighbor’s yard if you’re concerned about adding curb appeal to your home. Talk to a fence company about your preference before you hire them to do the installation.

Some specific fencing designs can make both sides look finished, so you won’t need to worry about the direction it faces. Whatever you decide, it’s always a good idea to talk to your neighbors before installing a new fence in case they’re considering doing the same thing. You might be able to agree on splitting the cost if the fence runs between both properties.

Posts, poles, and hardware should typically face the inside of your fence so that only people in the yard can see it. This is the best way to preserve and improve curb appeal, as you don’t want parts and pieces facing the street or your neighbor’s home. Some newer fencing materials, like vinyl, are designed to look the same on both sides. This is an easy way to ensure that your brand-new fence looks beautiful and visually appealing from every angle.

Picket and privacy fence designs are usually attractive on both sides, while chain link fences look exactly the same regardless of how they’re installed. Look at a few options and ask a local fence installation company what they recommend if you’re concerned about how your new fence will look.

Does a fence add value to a home?

Adding a new fence to your property brings you more functionality and an increased ability to enjoy spending time outside. Does it increase the value of your home? The answer really depends on what potential buyers are looking for when they’re considering purchasing a home. For example, a fence is almost always a guaranteed perk if they have pets or kids. Potential buyers who want to install a swimming pool will also appreciate the value of a nice privacy fence.

However, there’s no guarantee that getting a fence will increase your property value. If this is something you’re wondering about before paying for a new fence, keep these factors in mind to ensure the best return on your investment:

Higher-end materials like vinyl or cast iron tend to boost curb appeal and may increase your property value. Low-end materials like a chain link fence won’t make as much of an impact when it comes to resale value.

A well-constructed fence made of durable, attractive materials is worth more than a fence that’s flimsy or falling apart. Make sure you hire a reputable contractor to install your fence so it’s solid and reliable.

Well-maintained fences will not only look nice but will also be appealing to buyers. Make sure you take good care of your new fence and practice regular maintenance to maintain the integrity and beauty of the fence.

A stained wood fence looks much better than a painted fence that shows signs of wear and tear. Consider the finish you choose for your fence and decide which option is the easiest to maintain so it continues to look new for a longer period of time.

Special features like an ornate entry gate or post lighting may improve the value of your home overall, making your new fence a wise investment.

What is the cheapest fence to install?

Installing a fence can range in price based on the size (total linear footage and height) and the type of materials you choose. When it comes to the cheapest fence, there are a few key things to keep in mind aside from permitting, marking utility lines, and surveying your property. Below are some common and affordable fence materials, as well as a few things to remember about maintenance costs over time.

Bamboo is one of the cheapest fence materials available. This natural material adds a rustic, organic look to your yard. Like wood fencing, it requires regular sealing and staining to keep it in good shape. Remember that any natural fencing material you choose will be prone to rot, warping, and insect infestation if not properly cared for.

• Chain link fencing is extremely affordable but not the most attractive. Other than possible rusting, this fencing is fairly easy to maintain and should last for years with few issues.
• A lattice or trellis-style fence is very cheap, but it’s also not very durable. This fencing style can usually be installed DIY and can be purchased at most home improvement stores. It probably won’t hold up to rough weather and common wear and tear.
• Barbed wire fencing is extremely cheap compared to high-end materials like wrought iron, aluminum, and vinyl. However, this fencing is designed to keep livestock contained and isn’t recommended for residential use.
• Split-rail fencing is made of timber logs and is cheaper than a standard wood privacy fence. If you’re looking for something to mark a boundary around your yard but aren’t concerned about kids or pets, this is a much more affordable option than regular wood fences.

Contact a local fencing company and ask about their lowest cost fencing option. When you're ready to hire, get up to three bids from different companies to make sure you can get what you want within your budget.