The first step to setting up a consultation with a fence professional during the COVID-19 pandemic is sending the pro a message, which you can easily do online. Ask potential pros if you can set up a phone call or video chat to explain what fencing services you need. A video chat is useful because it allows the fence installer to guide you so they can get the necessary information. During the consultation, discuss virtual payments, the timeline of the project and any precautions you’ll both take to ensure safety.

If you do hire a fence installation or repair professional, follow both local government and CDC guidelines. Keep 6 or more feet of distance between you and the workers, do not shake hands and sanitize any surfaces involved. Virtual payments should be used instead of cash or checks. Determine a strategy to protect all parties when you discuss the project with local fence installers near you.

To figure out whether a fence professional can be considered an essential service provider during the COVID-19 pandemic, check the website of your city or state government. Another useful resource is CISA’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19, which provides information in a nationwide context. 

Within it are 16 different categories of infrastructure sectors that are considered essential. But keep in mind that some, not all, jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure.

Currently, many fence and gate professional use common digital payment services like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, Google Pay, Zelle and more. Many more are quickly adopting the platforms as COVID-19 continues to force companies to digitally transform.

Contact the professional beforehand to discuss whether you can make digital payments, and take all measures to comply with social distancing recommendations. Compare fence professionals side-by-side online to see which ones accept digital payments.

Fencing jobs are done outdoors, so a fence professional or contractor will most likely not need to enter your home during the project. The exception to this may be any electrical work.

However, you may be able to work with fence professional to give them the information they need ahead of time through video chats, emails and photos sent digitally. Avoid all contact and practice social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC and your local government. Discuss the best approach with local fence pros before they arrive at your home.

Because fence installation needs to be done in person, fence professionals usually cannot offer remote services. If you come across profiles that state they offer remote services, message the fence installer to see what those services include.

For consultations and meetings, ask the fence professional if you can coordinate a virtual consultation in which you explain the project to them through video, photos and drawings transferred online. If not, it may be wise to postpone the project and book an appointment at a later date. 

Adding a gate to your fence can be a practical way to provide access to a yard, work area or outdoor living space while ensuring safety and privacy. Gate installation costs will vary based on the gate material you select, the size of your gate, whether you install a fence at the same time, and any special features you’d like to add. Standard opening size for a single-wide gate is 4 feet; a double-wide gate is 8 feet. A small gate may be for decoration; a double-wide gate can be mounted on a rolling caster system to allow access for cars or wide loads. Here are some examples of average fence gate installation costs:

• 4-foot, single-swing chain-link gate: $100 for materials and installation costs.
• 28-foot wheeled chain-link gate on a caster system: $800-$1,000 for materials and installation costs.
• 4-foot, single-swing wood gate: $75.
• 8-foot double-wide wood gate: $150.
• 4-foot white vinyl walk-through gate: $300–$400 for materials and installation costs.
• 8-foot, double-wide white vinyl gate: about $800 for materials and installation costs.
• White vinyl gate fence more than 8 feet wide: $1,200-$1,500 for materials and installation.
• Arched black powder-coated aluminum pool gates: $175-$200 per gate.

Help define your property line, protect your home and yard, and boost your curb appeal with a new wood fence. The national average for wood fence installation cost is $3,250. Wood fence installation costs will vary based on your geographic location, the type of wood you select, the height and style of wood fence you desire, and the condition of your property. Pressure-treated pine is a common and attractive choice that is usually resilient against rot and bugs. Cedar is another budget-friendly option that, although more expensive than pressure-treated pine, can be more affordable than redwood or teak. A wood fence requires maintenance to ensure its long-term health and beauty, so keep future staining and painting costs in mind when you’re calculating fence installation costs. Here are some examples of how height and material affect the approximate cost of wood fences:

• 6-foot-high, pressure-treated pine fence: $15-$17 per linear foot.
• 4-foot-high, pressure-treated pine fence: $13-$20 per linear foot.
• Cedar fence: $18-$25 per linear foot.
• 6-foot-high, double-sided (meaning both sides are uniform), pressure-treated pine fence with 6x6 posts: $25 per linear foot.
• 12-foot-high, pressure-treated pine fence with custom detailing: $75 per linear foot.
• 6-foot-high, pressure-treated pine fence with a custom lattice top: $30-$50 per linear foot.

Chain-link fence is one of the most affordable options for adding safety and value to your home or business. The national average chain-link fence installation cost is $2,750. Chain-link fences are relatively simple for the pros to install; a fence of less than 150 linear feet can often be put up in under one day. A good rule of thumb is to add an additional workday for each additional 100 linear feet of fence to be installed.

Chain-link fence installation costs are affected by the fluctuating cost of steel, regional labor rates, the height of fence you select, and the features you select, such as a powder-coated finish. The industry standard is galvanized steel, which is rust- and corrosion-resistant. Galvanized chain-link fence installation cost, including labor and materials, is typically $12 per linear foot. For a more contemporary and elegant option, black powder-coated galvanized chain-link fence might cost approximately $15 per linear foot on average, including materials and labor. For industrial sites or businesses, 10-foot-high galvanized chain-link fences may provide additional security, but also have an added cost. A 10-foot-high chain-link fence could cost $17-$18 per linear foot, including labor and materials.

Fencing may increase the value of your property. However, this depends on what type of fence is installed and the purpose of the fence. For example, a fence may be worth more to a property that needs it to diminish noise coming from a highway. Fences may also be a plus to dog owners who require a backyard fence. 

When deciding whether to install a fence in your yard, consult with your realtor or real estate expert. They can help you prioritize home improvement projects that will add value to your home.