Robert Frost hit the nail on the head when he wrote, “Good fences make good neighbors.”
That’s because even in super-friendly neighborhoods, fences are a must. The good news is that homeowners have various options with fencing materials, including wood, chain link, wrought iron, vinyl, and steel.
Some homeowners also opt to put up a living privacy fence with popular shrubs like Blackhaw viburnum and eastern white pine. Now, if you’ve decided to go for more traditional fencing options, of course, you’ll want to know how much you’ll spend.
That said, let’s answer “how much does a fence cost?” and share some tips that can help you save money on your residential fencing project.
Answering the Big Question: How Much Does a Fence Cost?
There’s no exact answer, but the national average ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.
Keep in mind that home fencing prices depend on the length and height of the fence, slope of the land, and labor costs. Material is another factor that will dictate how much you need to budget for your project.
A simple wire fence that includes professional installation will be about $1 to $4 per linear foot. Meanwhile, composite fencing can set you back around $60 per linear foot, and about half of that for a traditional wood fence.
Home Fencing: Can You Save Money Building Your Own Fence?
DIY projects often cost less than hiring a contractor. However, the material and style you choose for fence installation could still make you go over budget.
For example, installing a wooden fence yourself would save you about a thousand dollars. Your total would still come up to less than $4,000, though, especially if you don’t have the equipment and materials on hand. Compare that to the cost of professional fence installation, which is just about $4,500, and you might wonder if you’re saving money by choosing the DIY route.
Some Tips to Help You Save Money When Building a New Fence
Does your new fence need to be the same height all around? If you want to increase your savings, you need to be okay with fencing that’s taller in some areas and shorter in some sections.
You can also save money by ensuring you pre-planned for the project. Don’t forget to submit a permit and be sure you’re not encroaching on your neighbor’s land.
Last but not least, consider booking in the slow season. Get quotes from different fencing companies and ask if they have discounts to offer. Even if they don’t give you a big one, you’ll still save some money than if you were to book during peak season.
Are You Excited for Your New Fence?
Now that you know the possible answers to “How much does a fence cost?” have you decided on which fencing option is right for you?
Don’t forget that how much you’ll spend on your residential fencing project will depend on the material, labor costs, and height and length of the fence installed.
If you still have questions about fences, fence installation, etc., you can check our other posts. We also have home improvement articles that might help you.
