How to compare fence contractor quotes
Two fence quotes can differ by thousands of dollars and both be honest. Usually they aren’t quoting the same job. Here’s how to line them up.
What the labels mean
- Sourced published by a cited source, used as published
- Our calculation math on sourced numbers (averages, midpoints, totals)
- Assumption our own choice where no source covers it
1. Get quotes for the same job
HomeGuide suggests comparing 3 to 5 quotes made after the contractor has seen your property (HomeGuide, February 3, 2026). Angi suggests interviewing at least three contractors and checking references (Angi, updated August 3, 2026). Give every contractor the same written description: length, height, material, number and width of gates, whether the old fence comes out, and where the line runs.
2. Turn totals into price per foot
Divide each total by the fence length. If a quote lists gates, removal or permits separately, subtract those first to get a fence-only price per foot. That's the fairest number to compare across quotes. Check that every quote uses the same length.
3. Check what each quote includes
A low quote is often a smaller scope. Go through each item:
- Old fence removal and haul-away. Removal is priced very differently by our sources (see fence removal cost).
- Post depth and concrete. Shallow or dry-set posts lower the price and can shorten the fence's life.
- Post spacing. Wider spacing means fewer posts.
- Material grade, species or thickness. “Wood” or “vinyl” alone isn't enough to compare.
- Gates and hardware. Width, hinges, latch.
- Permits. Published permit costs range from $20–$60 (Angi, updated August 3, 2026) to $100–$500 (Angi, updated August 3, 2026).
- Survey or property line marking. A survey runs $200–$1,200 (HomeGuide, February 3, 2026). Know who is responsible for the line.
- Utility locate (811). The contractor should request a locate before digging (HomeGuide).
- Cleanup. Dirt from post holes, concrete spoils and offcuts.
- Warranty. HomeGuide advises getting a written contract and workmanship warranty before work starts (HomeGuide, February 3, 2026).
- Payment schedule. HomeGuide advises not making the last payment until the fence is complete (HomeGuide, February 3, 2026).
4. Worked example with three made-up quotes
These quotes are hypothetical, written to show the math. They aren't real contractors or real prices. Project: 150 ft of 6-ft wood privacy fence, 1 walk gate, old fence removed, flat yard.
Reference range for this project (our estimate)
| Line (our calculation from the ranges below) | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood fence, 6 ft: 150 ft × $26.00–$60.00/ft Our calculation | $3,900 | $6,450 | $9,000 |
| 1 walk gate × $200–$600 Sourced | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Old fence removal: 150 ft × $6.50–$12.50/ft Our calculation | $975 | $1,425 | $1,875 |
| Total, rounded to $10 | $5,080 | $8,280 | $11,480 |
Our estimate from national reference ranges, not a local price. How we price
That's $33.87–$76.53 per foot all-in (total ÷ 150 ft). Open in the calculator · Check a quote for this project
Reference range without removal (for a quote that excludes it)
| Line (our calculation from the ranges below) | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood fence, 6 ft: 150 ft × $26.00–$60.00/ft Our calculation | $3,900 | $6,450 | $9,000 |
| 1 walk gate × $200–$600 Sourced | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Total, rounded to $10 | $4,100 | $6,850 | $9,600 |
Our estimate from national reference ranges, not a local price. How we price
That's $27.33–$64 per foot all-in (total ÷ 150 ft). Open in the calculator · Check a quote for this project
| Hypothetical quote | Total | Per foot (÷150) | Removal | Against the reference range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quote A | $6,800 | $45.33 | Included | Within ($5,080–$11,480) |
| Quote B | $5,200 | $34.67 | Not included | Within ($4,100–$9,600, removal left out) |
| Quote C | $11,900 | $79.33 | Included | Above ($5,080–$11,480) |
National reference ranges, not local prices. How we price
Quote B looks cheapest per foot, but it leaves out removal, so you'd still pay to get the old fence removed. Quote C is above the national reference range. That isn't proof it's overpriced: local labor, slope, access, a better wood grade or deeper posts could all explain it. Ask what's different.
5. Ask about the differences
Take the items that differ between quotes back to each contractor. Ask the same questions of each one so the answers can be compared. The Fence Quote Checker builds this list for you.
Have a quote already?
Put it in the Fence Quote Checker to see price per foot, missing items and where it sits against the reference range.
Sources
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? (2026) (page date February 3, 2026; checked October 8, 2026)
- Angi: How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? [2026 Data] (page date August 3, 2026; checked October 8, 2026)
- Angi: How Much Does Wood Fence Installation Cost? [2026 Data] (page date August 3, 2026; checked October 8, 2026)
Full verification records: How we price.