Are you an Idaho homeowner looking to add a little privacy to your backyard? Do you need to keep pets and small children safely contained while your family enjoys the outdoors together?
If so, then it might be time to install a fence around your property.
This simple addition can transform the look of your space, enhancing it and making it look more defined. It also serves an important functional purpose, making your yard safer and more secure.
If you’re in the initial research phase, you might be wondering, “How much does fence installation cost?” There isn’t a one-size-fits-all number that applies to everyone in the Gem State, so today we’re breaking it all down for you. Read on to discover the different factors that will affect your bottom-line price, and what they include.
The Big Picture
Before we dive into the different aspects of a typical fence installation, it’s important to make one point. A new fence can cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars and tens of thousands of dollars, and anywhere in between.
The price to install a fence on your property might be different than the price your neighbor pays to install one on his. When you work with a reputable fence installation team like ours, you will receive a detailed breakdown that clearly shows every element that factored into your quote.
Never agree to a project unless you are completely satisfied with the price and are comfortable moving forward with the installers. At the same time, never agree to begin a project if you’re still unclear about the costs. The installers should be able to break those numbers down on a granular level, so there’s no confusion.
That said, there are many different considerations that will determine the final price to install a fence on your property. Let’s take a look at them in greater detail.
The Fence Material You Choose
One of the most important factors in your fence installation cost is the type of fencing material that you choose. You have many different choices to consider, and each will come at its own price point.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fencing material that’s still durable and built to last, then we suggest vinyl fencing. Vinyl is quickly surpassing traditional materials such as wood and iron in terms of popularity, and it’s easy to see why. This material offers the look of real wood or stone, at a fraction of the time and costs required for upkeep.
You can find vinyl fences in a variety of different styles, including:
- Decorative
- Ranch rail
- Privacy
- Semi-privacy
You can easily clean your vinyl fence with a hose, and it holds up well against the Idaho weather. The best part? It retains its color, so you don’t have to worry about sinking time or money into painting or staining down the road.
It’s important to think about both long-term and short-term costs when weighing different fencing materials. Not only will you save money with vinyl now, but it will also cost less to maintain it in the future.
If you want a different look, we also offer a variety of other fencing materials, such as:
- Wood
- Ornamental iron
- Concrete stone
- Chain link
These vary in price, with ornamental iron and stone being among the most expensive. Talk to your fence installer to learn more about the costs associated with each one.
The Dimensions of Your Fence
When asking, “How much does it cost to install a fence?” most companies will price your job by the linear foot. This means that longer and wider fences will cost more than shorter ones.
Most fence posts are available in four-foot, six-foot, and 10-foot heights. If you require more material to build your fence, then you can expect the cost to rise. For this reason, some homeowners choose to only fence a portion of their yards, especially if they have an expansive property.
The Fencing Design You Choose
Some fence designs are more intricate and elaborate than others. While they are undeniably beautiful, they do require more work on the part of the contractors. As such, you can expect to pay a little more for those styles than you would for a simpler look.
A panel privacy fence, straight picket, or two-rail fence is a great choice if you want a streamlined appearance without the expense of a more detailed fence. In addition to those choices, other fencing design options can include:
- Semi-privacy
- Tounge and groove privacy
- Specialty picket-top
- Specialty lattice-top
- Universal three-rail
- Scalloped picket
- Three-rail
- Four-rail
- Crossbuck rail
The above designs are available in vinyl fencing materials. You can also find variations in ornamental iron fencing styles depending on the look you want.
Designs labeled as “specialty” may include additional expenses in terms of material and contractor labor costs. Ask about these differences up-front so you can understand the charges as you budget your fencing project.
Not sure whether you should pursue a special design? Think about the portion of your fence that’s visible from the road and use that to help guide your decision. If it wraps all around your property and is a primary feature in your exterior, then it may be worth the investment to enhance your curb appeal.
Special Features and Technology
Modern fences are smarter and more tech-savvy than ever before. As you browse the available options, you might find some that include special features meant to enhance their security, appearance, and ease of upkeep.
For instance, our Kroy Woodland Select vinyl fences are designed to closely mimic the look of real, stained wood. However, it only requires routine rinsing to look its best. Likewise, our SimTek Fence looks just like a traditional stone fence but isn’t vulnerable to harsh winds or heavy precipitation.
Ask your installation team about any new models or special tech features that might be available. While you may have to pay a little more for these special touches, they can make a difference in how your fence looks and operates.
Then, there are special features that can actually make your fence more affordable. Take our RhinoRock concrete stone fencing, for instance. This patented wall is produced via a unique manufacturing process that makes the panel 90% lighter than a traditional concrete fence.
Not only does it look and feel like real concrete, but it’s less expensive, too. The lower weight of the RhinoRock means you’ll save a significant amount of money on production, installation, and shipping costs. This is why it’s smart to ask your installers about any cost-saving alternatives they can offer!
Locking Mechanisms
One special feature worth noting is a locking door. If you require a locking gate door on your fence, then this may add costs to your project. Again, you can keep it simple or elaborate, depending on your needs and budget.
If your lock has a large number of operating sections, you will need more hardware to operate it. This is where those increases happen. The simpler the lock, the less likely it is to add a substantial amount to your bottom-line price.
Contractor Labor
Part of your fencing invoice will cover the price of materials. As mentioned, these can fluctuate depending on the type of material you choose and the overall size of your fence.
Then, there is the contractor cost to consider. Each team will set its own rates, so it’s important to check around to make sure you’re getting a fair deal. These rates will cover the time it takes the team members to assess your property, prepare the materials, and install the fence along your property.
One aspect to think about is the condition of your land. If it’s smooth and easy to access, then the team may be able to complete the job in a shorter amount of time. However, if you live in an area that’s rocky, hilly, or otherwise difficult to traverse, then they will need to spend more time preparing and leveling the land, which can increase labor costs.
As you compare prices, resist the urge to hire the most inexpensive team you encounter. While it might be nice to save a little money in this way, those low prices may be indicative of the team’s abilities. You need a qualified and experienced contractor that has worked in this industry for years and is up to the task.
Our team at Butte Fence has a solid history of more than 25 years and we’re still growing. Since 1994, we’ve worked to help Idaho homeowners beautify and enhance their properties with premium-quality fencing materials. We have a strong local presence and we’re dedicated to helping our community grow.
Long-Term Costs of Maintenance
Did you know that the total amount you’ll pay for your fence is more than what you’ll see on the final invoice? Think about all of the money you will spend over the course of your fence’s lifetime to keep it looking great and working as it should.
To keep these costs low, choose a material that’s easy to clean and durable enough to hold up against years of wear, tear, and weather. This is why we suggest starting with vinyl, as it’s rugged and strong but a cinch to maintain.
In fact, vinyl is about five times stronger than wood. It also keeps its color, so you never have to worry about staining or painting it. Unlike wood, it’s also impervious to pests or decay, so you can rest assured that it will never rot or require replacing for a very long time.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
Depending on where you live, the installation team you choose, and the type of fence you want, there may be other factors that contribute to your total project cost. Let’s review a few of the most common ones.
Surveys and Permits
Some areas require homeowners to obtain a special permit before they can install a fence on their property. This way, the team can identify and mark any utility lines before they start digging the fence posts.
In addition, you may also need a land survey before you begin. A professional surveyor will analyze your property and clearly mark all of your lines so you can make sure your fence does not encroach on your neighbor’s land.
Original Fence Removal
Do you have an existing fence on your property already? If you need the installation crew to remove that old fence and haul it away, there will usually be a price associated with this service.
If you want to save money, you may be able to remove the original fence yourself. However, it’s important to make sure you remove it thoroughly, so it’s usually best to leave this task to the experts.
Gate Addition
If you need to add a locking gate to your fence, you can expect the price to reflect this addition. Yet, don’t skip this element. Gates lock your fence and can be incredibly helpful in keeping your yard secure.
Depending on the layout of your fence, you may need one gate, or you may require multiples. Either way, look for other ways to save than to eliminate these necessary components.
How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? Use This Guide
Adding a fence to your property can enhance its beauty and function. However, you don’t want to rush into this project without doing your homework.
There is no direct answer to the question, “How much does fence installation cost?” The price you’ll pay depends on the factors above, as well as any other features that your installation team mentions.
If you live in Idaho, we’d love to become your go-to resource for everything fencing-related. From rugged vinyl fencing to stately ornamental iron fencing, we can do it all. Contact us to learn more about our services and get started today!