Fence

[ScrimpAndSave]

I've decided that I would like to have a vinyl privacy fence installed in my backyard. In order to get this, I need to use certain materials (tongue in groove, vinyl and 6 feet tall) to go with the attributes of the condo. I also need a certificate of insurance to give the HOA so they can hopefully approve the fence.

I was quoted $1,875 for the fence. It extends 12 feet from the privacy panels on either side of my home and then goes 20 feet across the back of my house. Does this sound like a lot? I am having two more quotes done as well...

[project15]

Fences are expensive. Especially if you have to get a specific style of vinyl as compared to just picking up the cheapest wood fence. Maybe go to Home Depot/Lowe's and find the fence that you're supposed to have and find out what the cost of 44 feet of that fence would cost you. I would imagine labor would be about 2 guys * 16 hours for a total of 32 hours - maybe $500 in labor? Anyways. Get your cost estimate of the materials and add on $500 and try to find a place that will do it for that amount.

[Caoineag]

Online those materials cost about $650 as long as you don't put any gates in (gates add up quickly and can easily double that material cost). So I suppose that could be on par or overpriced depending on whether you have a gate.

[kork13]

Originally Posted by Caoineag

Online those materials cost about $650 as long as you don't put any gates in (gates add up quickly and can easily double that material cost). So I suppose that could be on par or overpriced depending on whether you have a gate.

I could be crazy, but it seems to me that a gate would sort of defeat the purpose of a "privacy" fence...

[mom-from-missouri]

Originally Posted by kork13

I could be crazy, but it seems to me that a gate would sort of defeat the purpose of a "privacy" fence...

Some areas require a gate-due to fire codes--so there is an easy access in and out of the back door if needed--or they could just knock down the fence....Also, state daycare licensing offices sometimes require a gate, to remove children quickly away from the structure if need be.(depends on the state and local building codes)

[kork13]

Originally Posted by mom-from-missouri

Some areas require a gate-due to fire codes--so there is an easy access in and out of the back door if needed--or they could just knock down the fence....Also, state daycare licensing offices sometimes require a gate, to remove children quickly away from the structure if need be.(depends on the state and local building codes)

I understand sorry, sarcasm is hard to get across in text... i meant to be completely tongue-in-cheek

[cschin4]

Depending on your yard, you do want to have gates for access and convenience. I fenced my yard with chain link, it is a double lot. But, the garage is in back so I needed access out of the fence. Also, access in. And, I put in a separate dog area that is fenced and needed a gate in and out of that as well. So, make sure you think that through as you probably want access outside your fence for mowing, etc unless you are right up to the property line.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Yes, I forgot to mention that there will be a gate on the one side. I am going to have two other estimates to see if anyone else comes in lower. Right now, I have two dogs and I walk them about 4 times a day...it would be really nice if I could walk them twice and let them out a few times instead...that is why I would like the fence.

Also, I would have better use of the yard if I had a fence. Right now, it is hard to differentiate my area from the neighbor's area...so no one uses the common space outside other than the patios attached to each house.

[wincrasher]

There are alot of different grades of the vinyl products. Some are quite cheap and flimsy.

If you compare to what you can get at Lowe's it may not be so bad -

At 44 linear feet, you are looking at 7 1/3 panels - well 8 panels. Each panel will have 2 posts, so 16 posts.

So breaking it down - Lowe's has 6' panels for $62 each. Post covers are $23 each. 4 x 4 pressure treated posts are $8 each and you'll need some quickcrete ($3 bag), post caps ($5) and assorted bolts & screws ($25).

So I calculate $1145 for just materials. A fencing company may get a better deal on materials if they buy direct. Alot of small contractors buy at the home centers just like you and me, but can get a 10% discount. Also, we are making a big assumption on the quality of the materials - there are lots of grades of vinyl, plus numberous ways of embellishing it.

So the rest is labor, profit and of course, skill. Approx $700.

I'd say it's reasonable if the quality of the materials is good, as well as the quality of the construction.

[cschin4]

I like having a fenced yard. I didn't really need or want a privacy fence so I choose the chain link as it maintains the open feel but accomplishes what I wanted which was delineating the property, keeping my kids and pets in and keeping other pets out. You would be suprised how many unchained dogs run around with poor pet owners. I liked having a fence for my children's security as some dog couldn't rush out of nowhere and attack my child. It also kept other neighborhood kids from wandering through the yard and getting into things. And, it just feels much more comfortable. In my current home we don't have a fenced yard as it is too big to fence and not practical and I really do not like that as well.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I am required to have a vinyl fence because of the HOA.

[reallyprettyhappy]

I just moved into a newly constructed home and had to pay to have the same fence as you describe returned to the house on both sides. I think we ended up with about 8' one post on one side and 3'*2, two posts, plus 4' gate on the other side. It came to about $815. I think your quote sounds about right. Also don't forget to call and update your homeowner's insurance. It should go down, which is nice.

[ScrimpAndSave]

reallyprettyhappy,

Thank you for reminding me about my insurance! I will be sure to do that.