A great fence makes a big impression. From pretty pickets to sturdy timber, a fence adds character as well as security. 

If you need a new fence around your home, pool or property you’ll need to hire a fence contractor.

How to start

Get three quotes from different contractors to compare pricing. You shouldn’t have to pay for quotes, nor be obligated to commit to the work, so don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal. Ask the contractor for references or examples of their work, and make sure you ask for a warranty on labour and materials. Agree to the payment terms before the work starts, and ask how much they charge for carting away any old fencing.

Choose materials

The costs of a new fence vary depending on the types of materials used, plus other factors including the amount of site preparation required, the height and length of the fence, and the type of soil you have – which can impact how deep the posts need to be dug in.

A standard fence can be made of a variety of materials including:

• timber,
• wire,
• wrought iron,
• bamboo,
• brushwood,
• stone,
• picket,
• brick
• concrete.

If you are after security fencing you might consider:

• Colorbond,
• metal,
• aluminium,
• chain wire,
• electric,
• steel,
• barbed wire
• razor wire.

Pool fencing

If you’re planning to build a pool in your back garden, you’ll not only need a permit from your local council, but it’s mandatory to have a security fence around the pool. Regulations vary from state to state, but essentially the fence must be 1.2 metres high with a self-closing and self-latching barrier gate. Check the regulations for your state here.

Council regulations

Finally, every local council has building regulations and requirements for fencing, so contact your local council before getting quotes from fence contractors – planning requirements may affect your quotes.  

Yellow Pages can help you find fence contractors who work in your local area. Call for quotes today.