Fence professionals near you

While fencing contractors are the most common professionals hired for this job, landscapers and general contractors sometimes install fences, too. When looking for a pro for fence installation, make sure you: 

• Verify their license and insurance: If licensure is required in your area, be sure that the professional holds the proper licenses to install the fence. Also, verify that they carry liability insurance to cover any accidents or damage that may occur.

• Get several estimates: Gather estimates that include comprehensive lists of parts, materials, labor costs and an estimated timeline for completion.

• Read their reviews: Look for customers who have been happy with their fence for a few years. If you spot reviewers who have come back to update reviews after problems have occurred, this is a red flag that indicates the installer may not do quality work.

• Look at their portfolios: Check portfolios for the specific types of fences (wood, chain link, vinyl, etc.) that you’re interested in.

• Find out if they have warranties: Fencing materials should come with warranties against breakage, and a good fence contractor should also provide a warranty on workmanship.

• Ask important questions: For example, what materials does the pro offer? Are there any preparations you need to make before work begins? A good fencing contractor should be able to offer you many options and provide expert guidance throughout the process.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

The national average cost to build a fence ranges from around $1,943 to $5,648*, according to Thumbtack data.

Several factors that might impact the cost of this project include: 

• Materials: Certain materials will cost more than others. For example, wrought iron is almost always more expensive than wood.

• Length: Longer fence spans will cost more to install than shorter lengths.

• Height: Taller fences require more support, which can increase the cost of a project.

• Local regulations: In some jurisdictions, you may need a permit, particularly for a property line fence. Obtaining required permits or creating an official legal agreement with your neighbors can add to the cost.

• Terrain: Fence contractors may charge more for difficult terrain, such as steep slopes or obstacles, as these conditions require more labor.

• Weather: Pricing can vary by season. Rates may be higher in the summer due to high demand or in the winter when frozen ground makes installation more difficult.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Here are a few ways you might be able to save money on your new fence:

• Less expensive materials: Explore budget-friendly options like aluminum instead of wrought iron. You can always save more expensive materials for decorative areas, like across the front of your property. In general, chain link fences are usually the least expensive type to install, followed by wood fences like picket or split-rail.

• Secondhand materials: Some contractors may allow you to supply your own materials, which could save money if you find discounts or secondhand options. Keep in mind that pros likely won't offer a full warranty on materials in this case.

• Length and height: Reduce costs by fencing only essential areas or choosing a shorter fence instead of a taller one.

• Financing: Some fence contractors may offer financing — or you may be able to use home equity loans, personal loans and other types of credit for this project. 

• Project timing: Booking in advance or scheduling during a contractor’s slower season may help you secure a lower rate.

Tipping is an uncommon practice among fence installers, and it’s likely that your fence contractor will not expect it.

However, gratuities are often welcome, so you’re free to tip if you feel your fence installers have gone above and beyond. Before tipping, check with the crew’s supervisor, as some companies may prohibit it. If allowed, tip each worker directly.

Also, consider leaving a review for your fence installer. This is a good way to show your appreciate and help the pro grow their business.

Fencing is typically calculated and sold by the linear foot. When you contact a fence contractor, they’ll need to understand the linear footage — or total length — of the fence, regardless of its height or width.

Here’s how to calculate linear feet for a fence:

• Use garden stakes or spray paint to mark where you plan to place the fence. 

• Use a tape measure to measure along the lines that you’ve marked.

• Add up the measurements to arrive at the total number of linear feet of fence that you’ll need.

A pro can also help you measure and calculate the linear feet of your project.

It can take two days to two weeks to install a fence. Here are some things that can impact the time frame:

• Project scope: Larger properties or longer fences take longer to install.

• Terrain: Steep slopes or obstacles like trees and rocks can add time to the project.

• Design: Complex designs or irregular shapes may take additional time.

• Materials: Certain materials, like chain link, can be installed quickly — whereas wood or wrought iron can take much longer.

• Weather: Fencing contractors may not be able to work in extreme weather like snow, heavy rain or excessive heat.

• Permits: If you need to secure a permit for installation, it may take awhile to get approval.

The average cost of fence repairs is around $250, with most homeowners paying anywhere between $200 and $300. Fence repairs have a wide range of potential costs, however, ranging from $50 to as much as $1,443. The cost of your fence repair project depends on multiple factors, including where you live, what type of repair you need, the terrain and the fence materials used.

Contact several fence repair professionals near you to get an accurate cost estimate for your fence.

Gates can be more expensive to fix than other parts of a fence, and there are several reasons for this. The first is that gates are the only moving parts on a fence — hence they have more components that can wear out, as well as friction and the potential for rusting and sagging. Fixing a gate may require a total replacement or simply replacing certain components like hinges. Sometimes, the repair may involve fixing the surrounding fence.

Contact several gate repair professionals near you to get an accurate cost estimate for your gate.

A gate can sag for a number of reasons. One common reason is that the screws holding the hinges in the wood or other post material have come loose, causing gravity to pull the fence down. Another common problem is the gate post’s lack of stability. Posts can become loose and start to lean, or if they are wooden, they can even rot at the point where they meet the ground.

Fence repair is better for common problems that only affect small areas, such as a broken picket or a shifting fence post. However, there is a rule of thumb to follow: If the repair project requires replacing 20% or more of your fence, it’s probably time to replace the whole fence. The exception to this rule is if the fence is fairly new and just part of it is damaged.