Fence Repair and Installation is not a simple task. Fence repair cost varies from as low as $150 to as high as $400. Depending upon the size of the repair job, repairing cracks, replacing boards and rails or entire sections will cost, DIY estimates, from $125 to $370 not including paint and other repair materials. Fence material will cost from $10 to $30 per linear foot. For best results, hire a skilled fence repair and installation expert. Professional fence repair experts cost more than DIY prices but it is money well spent. To find a licensed fence company, ask friends or family for recommendations and references or research online. Ensure the company is licensed, insured, and knowledgeable about digging where there are buried cables, pipes, or gas lines. Check local building codes and property lines to avoid encroaching on neighbors.
Plan everything in advance of the project’s start date. To avoid rainy days and lightning storms, check the weather forecast. It is easier to dig holes when the ground is soft but not muddy. If the fence project is large, consider renting power tools. Small fence repair projects can use manual tools. Common fence repair tools are hammers, nails, levels, chalk line, tile shovels, post hole diggers, aka, clam-shell diggers, ready-mix cement, buckets, and wheelbarrows. Fence material may consist of wood, most common, or metal, aluminum, vinyl, wrought iron, or other material. DIY fence installation labor cost may run from $7 to $12 per linear foot. Professional fence installation labor cost will be nearly double of DIY cost. However, many fence companies offer deals that defray installation cost. Professional installation of a wood fence, depending upon type of wood, style, and perimeter specifications, can cost from $3,000 to $7,000. For wrought iron type fences, allowing for perimeter dimensions and material variations, average cost will be from $3,500 to $4,500.
City and county codes allow for fence heights to be from 3 ft. to 8 ft. Fence heights of 3 ft. at the front property line and 6 ft. at the side and rear property lines should not require a building permit application. Fence heights over 6 ft. tall, will require submittal of a building permit application. Post holes are dug to 2 ft. 4 inches deep with posts approximately 6 ft. to 8 ft. apart. Before starting a fence project, check municipal codes to ensure the fence height is within the acceptable limit.
Whatever you decide to do when installing a fence, always use licensed contractors and ask around if you are unsure about a particular fence company. Surely someone can point you in the right direction when selecting a fence contractor to do the job. Use the internet as a great resource when looking up companies. There are often numerous reviews online so you will surely be able to find one with a good reputation.