<div>A fence contractor is a construction professional focusing primarily on residential and commercial fencing. They advise on materials required for fencing installs in different climates and assist with the design and construction of new fences, as well as installs of premade fencing and gates.</div><div> </div>Professional fence builders are familiar with county requirements for building fences of certain heights and sizes, and they're required to obtain all necessary permits and documentation prior to starting work. In addition to building and installing fences and gates, fence contractors handle repairs, such as broken panels and damaged metal.

Whether a fencing contractor needs to be licensed or not varies from state to state. For example, in California, individuals must pass a licensing exam called a C13 in order to work as a fencing contractor, while Arizona requires contractors to be licensed if jobs pay $750 or more. In Colorado, all contractors must get business licenses.

Depending on city and state requirements, fencing contractors must first get a contracting license before performing fence installations and repairs. To prepare for a career as a fencing contractor, there are apprenticeship programs where individuals work alongside licensed professionals to train and learn the specifics of the trade.

On average, a fencing contractor's salary is between $21,160 and $51,800 annually. However, factors such as experience, length of time in business, and the overall amount of customers can lead to more profits for fencing business owners and higher salaries for installers.

Fencing contractors are considered members of the digging community because they perform work that may create ground disturbances. Contractors that offer excavation services for fence installs are also part of the digging community.

Fencing contractors are professional service providers, and it's not customary to tip. All fence installers are paid hourly wages, and they don't require or expect tips as additional pay. Instead of tipping, it's always a good idea for satisfied customers to refer fencing contractors to other potential clients.

The average cost for fence installation is $2,387. Aspects such as fence size, the amount of construction required, materials, and overall project scope can affect prices. Customers should expect to pay between $13 and $50 per linear foot on materials, and labor typically runs between $30 and $80 per hour.

Fencing contractors are often chosen through referrals, and customers can also find contractors using online directories. When choosing a contractor, be sure to get multiple estimates, and ask for referrals and images of similar work completed for other clients. Searching online for reviews from past customers is also a good idea.

If a fencing contractor presents an estimate with both a description of the work to be done and a fixed price, it's considered a contract if both parties sign the document. If costs change during the construction process, the fencing contractor should update the existing agreement with a change order.

Since silt fencing is used to prevent downstream erosion and catch sediment, it should not be removed following construction if the ground is still unstable. Silt fences can be removed once the ground stabilizes; however, in most cases, silt decomposes over time.

There are many fencing materials and styles available that are equally durable and aesthetically pleasing, so it is ultimately up to the consumer to determine the best option to suit their needs and vision. Popular fencing materials include wood, metal, and composite, which provide optimal durability, while top design options include picket, lattice, and scalloped.

Fencing laws vary from state to state; however, most state laws require that an agreement is reached between both parties before any construction or removal can take place. In cases where repairs or replacements are completed without one neighbor's consent, either party can move forward with legal remediation.

Fencing contractors are hired to build and install fencing. Customers can request that fence installers move items that may hinder construction, but the contractor is not required to do so. It's always a good idea for customers to ensure any items that may block construction are moved out of the way prior to the start of work.

Privacy fence types include board-on-board, shadowbox, lock-board with a tongue-in-groove design, stockade with pointed, rounded boards, and tall picket fencing. Another form of privacy fencing that's popular in warmer climates is metal fencing covered in ivy.

Vinyl fences can become warped in extremely hot environments, as vinyl expands when exposed to heat. Darker colors of vinyl fencing, such as black or dark brown, attract more heat than lighter colors which can lead to faster warping.

In general, standard fencing jobs can take one to three days to complete. However, specific time frames to install a fence can vary, based on overall size, materials, and labor involved. Additionally, rough, uneven terrain and unforeseen weather may affect the timeline of a fence install.

One of the most important aspects of a quality fence is longevity. When choosing a fence design, it's important to ensure that the materials are sturdy, rustproof, and able to stand up to the elements. A quality fence should also be installed so it's straight and level, and posts shouldn't be loose following installation.

Santa Monica, CA

California Contractors State License Board