The Aspiring
Fencing Contractor
Courtesy of Lynn Power, Strata Systems; Stacey Pollock,
D&D; Technologies; Bruce Schwartz, Jerith Manufacturing
Top: When building a new fence or wall, the landscape contractor should use a professional land
surveyor to determine the precise property line, thus preventing any property disputes. It will be
the contractor, not the homeowner, who has to pay for a fence to be removed and relocated.
Middle: Aluminum fencing is quite strong and typically has welded gate construction and
stainless steel fasteners for durability. The lightness of aluminum, versus iron or steel,
makes the installation easier. The postholes need only be 6-inch dia. (36-42-inches deep),
which means pouring less concrete. Gateposts should be 9-12 inches deep. Panels come
preassembled and the posts prepunched for the rails. ��� Courtesy of Jerith Manufacturing Co.
Bottom: Aluminum fencing that���s powder coated can mimic the look of wrought iron, without
the maintenance concern of rust. Surprisingly, the material cost of aluminum and wrought
iron fencing per linear foot is comparable, from $24 to $32 per linear foot, depending of
the quality. ��� Courtesy of Jerith Manufacturing Co.
Chart: The chart shows the costs of fence installation calculated from average material costs
and national average hourly labor rates. The red bar indicates the higher estimate; the blue
indicates the low-range estimate. The contractor can visit www.homewyse.com/services/
cost_to_install_fence.html to help calculate the cost of installing a fence.
If you���re a landscape contractor looking for ways to expand your business and make
more money, the fencing industry is one of the most lucrative markets in the landscape business. Depending on the type of fencing materials, the going prices contractors
charge for installation for most fences range from $6 to $30 per linear foot.
Most fencing installation and repair service work is quoted at a fixed price, for specific service or deliverables. The underlying hourly rate for a fencing contractor ranges
from $27 to $41.
FENCING COSTS IN DOLLARS/LINEAR FOOT
23.36
17.88
Overall Average
28.3
23.94
Vinyl/PVC
Get Certified
To help you get started, the American Fence Association www.americanfenceassociation.com offers once a year (in early March) a state-of-the-art training on how to install
fences through its Field Training School.
19.4
Picket
15.45
6.23
5.07
Electric
21.33
Chain Link
16.65
23.13
Wood Privacy
17.31
21.79
Rail Fencing
38 LC DBM
17.44
State Licensing Requirements
Many states require potential contractors to obtain their license before they can become a fencing contractor. Before obtaining a license, a future contractor must pass a
business and law exam. Sometimes states may require a trade exam be taken as well. Most
states have reciprocity programs whereby they grant license privileges to fence contractors who have licenses in nearby states. Most states, excluding California, North Carolina and Oregon, require fencing contractors pass the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration exam.
Let���s Get This Straight
One of the most challenging aspects when building a fence is to make sure it is straight
when you lay it out before construction. This is important not only to insure the fence
looks good, but will make it easier to build and more sturdy. Taking the correct first
steps in building a fence can save time, money and energy.