Free Fence Estimate Template
A complete, line-item fence estimate you can preview below — post holes and concrete, posts, rails and pickets, gates and hardware, and labor — plus a checklist of the zoning, setback, pool-barrier and utility-locate rules that govern fences.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition & haul-off of existing fence | 180 lf | $720.00 |
| Post holes & concrete (min 1/3 post depth) | 24 | $960.00 |
| 4x4 pressure-treated posts | 24 | $672.00 |
| Rails & cedar pickets — 6 ft privacy | 180 lf | $3,240.00 |
| Gates — frame, hinges, latch | 2 | $740.00 |
| Labor — fence crew | 40 hrs | $2,200.00 |
| Total | $8,532.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price fence work
- Price the run per linear foot including posts, rails and pickets, then add gates as individual units.
- Count posts from the run length divided by the spacing, plus one per corner, end and gate side.
- Add separate lines for demolition, grade changes, rock digging and haul-off.
Fence building-code guide
Fences are governed more by local zoning than by the IRC, but the pool-barrier and utility rules are strict and carry real liability.
- Typical limits: 6 ft in rear/side yards, 3–4 ft in the front yard — confirm with the city before quoting
- Corner lots have sight-triangle rules that cap height near the intersection
- Many towns require the finished side to face the neighbor and require a survey or property-line agreement
- Call 811 before any digging — required by law in every state, normally 2–3 business days ahead
- Never assume the locate covers private lines (irrigation, invisible fence, gas to a grill or pool heater)
- Hand-dig within the tolerance zone around marked utilities
- Post embedment: min 1/3 of the above-grade height, and below the frost line in cold climates
- Posts spaced max 8 ft on center for wood privacy fences; 6 ft for high-wind areas
- Use concrete with a crown to shed water, keep wood posts off the hole bottom, and use PT rated for ground contact
- Pool barrier min 48in high with max 2in gap at the bottom (4in over a solid surface)
- No openings that pass a 4in sphere; no horizontal members between 4in and 48in that could be climbed
- Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward, with the latch at least 54in above grade
Code quick reference — Fence
| Item | Requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Post depth | About 1/3 of post height and below frost line | Local / IRC R403 |
| Pool barrier height | 48in min with no climbable gaps | IRC AG105 |
| Pool gate | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward | IRC AG105.2 |
| Corner visibility | Height limits in sight triangles at driveways/corners | Local zoning |
| Setback | Property-line and easement setbacks vary by city | Local zoning |
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Depth below grade — 1/3 post height, below frost(1.00")
- 2 · Footing width — 3x post width(3.00")
- 3 · Height above grade — Fence post(3' 0")
- Depth below grade: 1.00" · Footing width: 3.00"
- Height above grade: 3' 0"
- 1/3 post height, below frost
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Member thickness — 2 or 3 rails depending on height(1.50")
- 2 · On-center spacing — 6-8 ft OC(6.00" OC)
- 3 · Member length — Plate to plate(8' 0")
- 4 · Overall run — Total covered by this layout(3' 1 8/16")
- On-center spacing: 6.00" · 7 members
- Overall run: 3' 1 8/16" · Member length: 8' 0"
- 2 or 3 rails depending on height
Inspection-day checklistShow
- Property line verified (survey or pins) before digging.
- 811 utility locate called and marks photographed.
- Post concrete crowned above grade to shed water.
- Gate hardware self-latching where a pool or spa is enclosed.
- Finished height measured at both the high and low side of slopes.
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common fence estimating mistakes
- Not verifying the property line — moving a fence later is a total loss.
- Underquoting gates; a double drive gate can cost more than 30 ft of fence.
- Ignoring slope; stepped or racked fence lines take more posts and labor.
Export a branded, client-ready PDF or send a sign-from-phone link.
Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
Zoning height/setback limits, 811 utility locates, post embedment and pool-barrier rules.
Fence estimate FAQ
What should a fence estimate include?
A fence estimate should include demolition and haul-off, post holes and concrete, posts, rails and pickets or panels by linear foot, gates and hardware as separate units, labor, and any permit or survey required by the city.
How do you price a fence per linear foot?
Add the material cost per linear foot (posts, rails, pickets, concrete) to the labor rate per linear foot, then price gates, demolition, and difficult terrain separately. Most residential wood privacy fence falls between $35 and $60 per linear foot installed.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Many jurisdictions require a permit above a certain height (often 6 ft or 7 ft) and always for pool barriers. Height, setback and finished-side rules come from local zoning, and 811 utility locates are legally required before digging.
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