Yes, fence companies offer free estimates. Reasonable contractors may be able to provide fence quotes even when you are not home. Get at least three fence estimates to compare by contacting local fence installers near you and share details about your project.

Residential fence installation costs $10 to $30 per linear foot on average, with most homes and backyards needing 150' of fence. Fencing prices for a wood privacy fence, vinyl fence, or chain-link fence are $1,500 to $4,000 installed. Additional costs may apply for custom fences, existing fence removal, a land survey, and permits.

If you've already purchased the materials, fencing companies charge $50 to $70 per hour on average.

Professional fence companies, landscapers, licensed handymen, general contractors, and construction companies install fences. Always hire licensed, bonded, and insured companies and individuals for your protection.

The best fence companies are licensed, bonded, insured, and happy to answer questions about their business. Before hiring, ask the following questions:

• Do you offer free estimates?
• How much will my project cost? Can I get a written estimate?
• Are the gates part of the quote?
• Are you licensed?
• Is your work insured or bonded?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
• Will you be performing the work or someone else?
• Will you pull the permits?
• Will you call the utility company to help locate underground utility lines?
• How long will my project take, and when can you start?
• What payment methods do you accept, and what is your payment schedule? Do you offer financing?

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the most reasonable and affordable fence installer near you.

The best types of fences are wood and vinyl because they offer backyard privacy. Metal, aluminum, and chain-link fencing serves as a property dividing line and provides security, but is not visually appealing and does not provide privacy. Security or wrought iron fencing is solid, durable, and can last a lifetime, but is expensive.

Installing a backyard fence increases the home property value, has a 50% return on investment, and can provide privacy. A front-yard fence may reduce the curb appeal of your home, unless it's common in the neighborhood or blocks highway noise.

Homeowners insurance covers damage or replacement of your fence from unexpected events such as being blown over in wind storms, lightning, hail, vehicle damage, vandalism, fallen trees, or fire and smoke.

Many fence companies offer financing plans, payment plans, credit card payments, and other payment methods. Compare the rates your contractor offers against personal loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, home improvement loans, and financing forms to get the best rate.

Installing a fence yourself saves 50% of the total cost, but may take two full weeks of labor. Fencing materials alone cost $8 to $15 per linear foot, plus $200 to $500 for renting or buying equipment such as a drill, hammer, saw, auger, post hole digger, and measuring tape.

A professional fence contractor knows local building codes, pulls permits, flags underground utility lines, provides a warranty, and only takes 2 to 4 days to install a new fence.

Search for fence installers in your area to ensure the fence is built correctly.