Home improvement projects, including fence installations, peaked during the pandemic. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to research, the fencing market's compound annual growth rate is estimated at 5%, reaching USD$13,440 million in 2027.

The cost of fencing a yard varies from firm to firm and depends on several factors. That being said, knowing how much you need to prepare can be challenging.

In this article, we'll look closely at how contractors come up with fencing estimates so that you can avoid surprises down the road.

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Determine your project requirements

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So, how much does fencing a yard cost? Your project objectives greatly impact the total price, as they can dictate the materials needed and the extent of work that has to be done.

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Fence type

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A security fence will likely cost more than a privacy fence, as the former requires more materials and could require specific customizations. The same is true for ornamental gates and fences, especially if you don't want to use standard-sized materials and store-bought fence panels.

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Materials

If you want to mark your property boundary and are not worried about intruders, a vinyl or wooden picket fence can be enough. This project runs on the lower or mid-end in terms of cost. A six-foot tall wooden privacy fence can cost anywhere from USD$1,950 to USD$4,050.

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Wrought iron is the costliest fencing material, followed consecutively by aluminum, vinyl, wood, and chain link. Find out how much each linear foot costs, so you can start calculating your material cost estimates.  

Labor costs  

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Fence contractors charge by the labor hours or add specific charges per linear foot. If the company charges by the hour, verify the pay rates in your area and multiply it by the hours rendered. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fence erectors in New York earn an average of USD$23.47 per hour, while Texas installers' median hourly wage is USD$17.43.

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When charging per linear foot, calculate the total volume of materials used and multiply it by your contractor's rates. In some cases, at least 25% of the project costs go to workers' wages.

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Additional labor fees

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These average costs aren't applicable in cases where extra work is required. Expect to pay more for fence removal or in instances where contractors have to adjust to the complexities of erecting the enclosure.  

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Labor costs increase if your property is built on uneven ground, rocky or soft soil. The same applies if your fence sits above underground utility pipes and cables or you want to rush the project or request customizations.

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Get precise measurements

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When planning a do-it-yourself fencing project or hiring professionals to do it for you, it pays to measure your perimeter accurately to come up with an estimate. This activity may entail the help of an experienced handyperson if you're taking the DIY route.

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To know the materials needed for your fencing activity, obtain the following measurements:

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⦁ Your perimeter height and width

⦁ The number of gates and other openings

⦁ The number of posts and sections

⦁ The volume of concrete for each post

⦁ Panel gap sizes  

⦁ Number of rails

⦁ Fence panel width

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These factors will determine the material quantity for your fence-building project. After measuring the property limits, check how many panels you need by dividing the panel width. Then work out how many posts, sections, and rails you need, if building a wooden fence.

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It's recommended to buy around 10% more of the materials you need, so you don't waste your time and fuel on a second trip to the hardware shop.

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Find the average cost in your state

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Average costs for fence installation vary in different localities. For example, median prices are USD$3,000 in Miami and Los Angeles, while in Portland, Maine, it's costlier at USD$4,600.

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The cost disparities depend on several factors, including the local economic situation, inflation, the living wage rates in your area, and the project requirements. Competition can also contribute to fencing installation prices, as contractors will likely benchmark their service costs based on competitors' rates.  

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Prepare for extra charges  

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Identifying the scope of the project, including additional fees, is crucial. Apart from the fence installation, set aside some payment for other expenses. Fence permit fees vary from state to state and cost up to USD$60. Additionally, some states ask for a land survey report as a requirement, with average costs of USD$500.

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Conclusion  

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Understanding the elements considered in calculating fencing costs is a must, whether building your own or hiring professionals. Your project requirements and site conditions are likewise paramount in coming up with price estimates. Without knowing your main fencing goals, you'll have difficulty identifying the type of materials and the specific work needed for the project.

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But while estimates can help provide a ballpark figure, they aren't set in stone. Consider setting aside extra costs, as you’ll likely need to cover additional charges.

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