Fencing Contractors

Fencing installation can be a tricky project. On the one hand, it seems like some good old elbow grease, a few days of dedication, and the right tools could help you get the job done.

On the other hand, much of the installation process could run into complications because posts need to be dug and the fence needs to be secured against certain elements.

So, choosing the best fencing contractor comes down to a few ‘pro’ tips:

• Rely on licensed fencing contractors who have a solid reputation. These contractors and companies are typically insured and bonded.
• Always ask for quotes from multiple fencing contractors. This is not just for the purposes of comparing prices, but to also understand what is included in the fencing service. These details can help you make a more informed decision.
• Building a fence on an inclined area will require a site evaluation. Some homeowners may be surprised to learn that their home is sitting on a sloped lot. Fencing contractor prices include any extra levelling or specialised construction in order to get your fence arranged in a uniform way.
• You can prep your property for a smooth site inspection by ensuring the area is free of rocks and debris, clearing the property of other domestic obstructions (such as a barbie, yard tools or toys), and keeping pets indoors.
• A professional fencing company should have a solid warranty. Generally, warranties are between seven to nine years, but you need to find out what they cover.

Above all this, professional fencing contractors should be ready with detailed answers to the most common questions. It is important that you ask if the fence company will be responsible for obtaining permits, finding utility lines, knowing about legal hindrances like zoning, if they can handle graded lots, and what they’re estimated timeline is for the project.

As you can imagine, fencing contractor prices go beyond just materials and labour. The final cost for your fence is about the scope of the entire project. So the factors reflected in your quote may include:

• Height and length measurements of the fence
• Materials used and any ‘style’ or aesthetic additions
• The foundation of the fence (soil type)
• Gates and associated hardware
• Finishes on the fence (staining, painting or weather-proofing)
• The terrain (which could be sloping or uneven)

On average, a professional fencing company can cost anywhere from $60 to $1,200 per metre. For fairly ‘standard’ projects, without too many ‘added’ complications, you can expect a fence company to charge you around $2,500 to $3,500 for the final project.

This is one of the best ways to gauge the quality of a professional fencing company. Fencing contractors should know how long your particular installation will take after the site evaluation. They should have a clear process and available team ready for deployment.

Besides the more complicated sites, which may extend your project to a week or so, most fence installations should take between one and three days. So, yes, technically your fence could be installed in a day if it’s a fairly simple project.

Homeowners are often surprised to learn that they may need permission to install a fence. First of all, the most obvious ‘permission’ you need to gain is that of your neighbour’s. Though it may seem informal and insignificant, a dividing fence may also affect your neighbour. So make sure to speak with them about the plans before engaging the services of a professional fencing company.

Next, the Australian state or territory you live in decides how to regulate and legislate the building of fences in your area. In some states, local councils require you to obtain a building permit from the municipality. However, this is not true in Victoria, just as long as the build is ‘self-regulated’ and all provisions are followed.

Any fence company contractor should be able to identify requirements for permits in cases such as:

• Fencing that is to be a pool safety barrier
• Fencing that will be higher than two metres and facing a declared road
• Your property being designated as a ‘heritage’ site (which may then exempt you from certain materials)
• Fencing with a proposed height and location that could obstruct the view of traffic
• Fencing that will be built close to a significant tree, which means that you could need a permit to prune or remove it

Read our guide on planning permissions for building fences to make sure you're across all the regulations or documents required.

Without a doubt, the cheapest fence is a wire fence. To be clear, this is barbed wire fencing, not chain link fencing. For just the materials alone, barbed wire shouldn’t cost you more than about $2 per metre. Chain link fencing may cost you anywhere from $10 to $20 per metre.

Another equally cheap option is split rail fencing. However, the cost for this varies quite a bit because there are several materials you could use, including wood, wire and vinyl. It can cost you between $3 and $20 per metre.

There are steps to build a fence:

1. Safety First
2. Dig
3. Brace your posts.
4. Mix and pour your concrete.
5. Rails.
6. Palings.
7. Cut to height.

Be sure to also check out detailed steps and extra tips to build a perfect fence.