5 ways to get the best fencing quote

Fences are a functional and aesthetically pleasing part of any property. Designed to define boundaries, offer security, promote privacy and reduce noise, installing a fence can add significant value to your home or business.

Whether you’re wanting to erect a fence to change the dynamics of your property’s exterior, turn your backyard into a private retreat or keep your home safe from intruders, it can be a costly project so it’s essential to consider the following advice.

Homeowners are always looking for ways to cut costs and a fencing project is no exception. The cost of your fence is determined by a number of factors including the size of the area you want to fence off, the materials you want and appearance you desire.

So how do you find the best deal for your needs? A few adjustments to your fencing brief can go a long way in ensuring your fencing project is more affordable. Consider the following tips to get the fence you want while keeping your spend within budget.

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1. Consider the purpose of your fence
Before you hunt around for the best fencing contractor, you need to have a clear understanding of what you’re setting out to achieve. It’s the first and most important step to define your budget and figure out where you can cut costs. Are you wanting to keep the dog in the backyard? Do you want something that just looks great and boosts kerb appeal? Are security and privacy your main priorities?

If it’s kerb appeal you’re after, you can get away with installing the fence across the front of the garden for aesthetically pleasing results. Instead of running the fence all around the property and boundary lines you can minimise expenses by using fast growing, dense bushes to close the gaps around the side.

If your new fence is going to be along the dividing line of your property you can share the costs with the neighbour. Whilst you will both have to agree on the style and fencing materials, it can be beneficial for homeowners looking to keep costs low, especially when your neighbour will benefit from the new addition too. Consider sharing the costs multiple ways if the fence is going around the whole property adjoining a few houses.

2. Obtain at least three quotes
As with any investment shopping around is absolutely crucial. Don’t go for the first quote you get. Obtain at least three to make sure you’re getting the best deal. While the cheapest fencing quote can seem like a good option, keep in mind that it’s not always the best one. Consider value for money, quality of the workmanship and ask whether the price includes liability insurance.

Obtaining at least three quotes from different fencing contractors will give you a good understanding of the price range for the job. Just be sure all the quotes are for the same materials so you have an accurate comparison.

3. Look for material alternatives
There’s a huge variety of fencing materials you can consider for your project, depending on its purpose and your needs. If you’re after a privacy or security fence, you’ll want to run it around your whole property for protection, unlike a fence for kerb appeal where you can get away with installing it just in front of your home. Fencing materials will still need to be durable and provide adequate security and protection, but you can cut costs by considering material substitutes.

While steel seems like the most appropriate choice for a security fence, it can come with a hefty price tag. Instead consider aluminium fencing as this is a great cost-effective alternative. Although it’s not as heavy duty as steel, it offers a decent level of security with aesthetically pleasing results. Unlike steel, aluminium fencing offers the best of both worlds it’s lightweight and high strength. Because of these lightweight properties, it can be easily moulded into architectural designs to suit your property’s exterior and add a sense of uniqueness to the fencing design.

Privacy fences can also be constructed with smartwood or vinyl. Although not as robust as aluminium, these materials can be ideal when security is not as high a priority, just make sure the boards have little to no gap to reduce visibility into your home and yard.

4. Check for licensing and accreditation
Getting the best quote for your fencing project shouldn’t just be about cost, you need to make sure you’re getting the highest quality job done too. You want to be dealing with a fencing company you can trust that is also capable of providing expert advice to help you choose the best option for your fencing needs.

Dependable fencing companies with licensing and accreditation will take pride in their work and have a reputation for quality. The company should have liability insurance with professional trade employees. When you obtain a minimum of three quotes for the job, make sure you’re getting them from companies that tick all the boxes not just an appealing price tag.

5. Updating your fence versus replacing it
Another way to cut costs with your fencing project is to determine whether your current fence needs replacing or updating. If it looks like it has seen better days consider giving it a refresh rather than replacing the whole lot. Starting again can seem like a good option especially if your fence isn’t looking too crash hot. But the cost of removing and replacing an entire fence can be an expense you don’t need, when the more economical option can do the trick.

Damaged posts and slats can be easily replaced without having to install a whole new fence. If there’s particular sections that are completely ruined and other parts of the fence that aren’t so bad, sections can be replaced too without having to do a full re-install. If you’re unsure whether you should be replacing or updating your fence, check with your fencing contractor for the best, most cost-effective option.