Dissecting Your Fence Estimate | 3 Factors That Play a Role

Mae Fence knows the importance of the bottom line; which is why we offer free estimates on every project. Although a new fence has the power to transform a property, it’s also a big investment. That’s why we strive to be clear and upfront with our pricing from the word “go.”

With that in mind, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about what goes into a fence estimate. Here are the top 3 factors that play a role. 

#1: Materials

In our shop, we fabricate and manufacture all our products. This allows us to cut out the middleman and lower costs. Of course, the materials used for your new fence will affect the projected price tag. 

We install cedar, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link fencing. And each of these product types is in its own price category. Any add-on features will further affect the equation of the final cost of a fence. 

Here is a general overview of what you can expect, cost-wise, based on the type of fence you choose:

Cedar Fencing
Take a look at our cedar fence photo gallery . . . notice the gorgeous coloring, natural aesthetic, and sturdy appearance of these structures. You may believe these details make cedar an expensive choice. It’s not. 

Cedar is actually one of the most cost-effective materials on this list. Plus, it’s durable and low-maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about extra costs down the road either. 

Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fences are more expensive than their wood counterparts. But they also come with a longer life expectancy! Vinyl is strong, requires little maintenance, and offers a range of design possibilities. If you have a little wiggle room in the budget, it’s an excellent choice for your new fence. 

Aluminum Fencing
Regal, sturdy, and environmentally friendly. Aluminum should be one of the most expensive options on our list, right? Wrong! 

Aluminum is as beautiful as classic wrought iron fencing but comes at a fraction of the cost. Plus, these fences last for decades with minimal maintenance. Looking for a gorgeous, stately, and budget-friendly structure? You can’t go wrong with aluminum fencing. 

Chain-link Fencing
Mae Fence offers chain-link fencing for our commercial clients. It’s a great option for business owners because it’s both versatile and affordable. It’s not the prettiest option on the list, but it’s an affordable choice when you’re working with a large area. 

Add-ons
After choosing your material, you may opt for various add-on features. These details will affect the final cost of the project. For example, drive gates and lattices will all increase your materials costs. 

#2: Terrain

On top of the price of materials, we’ll need to figure in the cost of labor. We can’t do that without a general understanding of the terrain. As you might imagine, certain landscapes are easier to build on than others. Here are a few more complicated conditions that can increase the cost of your project:

Hills
Is the project site located at the top of a hill? That could affect your price tag. The harder it is to reach a location, the more it will cost to transport materials and complete the project. 

Slopes
If your property consists of more than flat surfaces, you can expect that to impact the final budget. Keep in mind that sloped landscapes will also affect the type of materials available. This will again impact your estimate. Racked or straight fences are ideal for sloped yards.

Sand and/or Rocks
A key installation step is the digging of holes to install and fortify posts. If the soil on your property is sandy or rocky, this step becomes much more difficult. It will take our team extra time to remove rocks or account for sandy ground. The projected cost may increase as a result. 

#3: Length

It may go without saying, but one of the most important factors to consider is the size of the project. The specifications of your fence will dramatically impact its final cost. That’s why our team will be careful to measure your property beforehand. We want to understand the required heights and lengths before creating an estimate. 

The Importance of Your Free Fence Estimate

Your free estimate will not be an exact projection of your future costs. But it can be a great way to get your feet underneath you as you consider your options. 

At Mae Fence, we’ve been crafting estimates for as long as we’ve been building fences. We have lots of experience weighing the important factors (materials, terrain, and length) to create an accurate estimate for your project. To learn more or request your free fence estimate, click here. 

Remember, fences aren’t planned and built overnight. They must be carefully considered and planned for, from both your side and ours. A free estimate gives both sides information so we can enter an agreement on the same page. And there’s nothing better than a win-win scenario!