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Homeowners Guide to Building a Fence: 7 Things You Need To Know

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Jul 18, 2024 7 min read
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Homeowners Guide to Building a Fence: 7 Things You Need To Know
Chapters
01
Overall Cost of Building a Fence
02
Determine Why You Want a Fence
03
Check Local Laws
04
Choose Your Materials and Style
05
Notify Neighborhoods
06
Prepare to Build
07
How To Install a Fence?

Homeowners Guide to Building a Fence

Are you considering building a fence on your property? Here is what you should know about building a fence and everything that goes into it. 

Adding a fence to your yard offers numerous benefits for your home, including enhanced privacy, security, and safety. Installing a quality fence is an excellent way to increase your home's value and elevate your curb appeal without significant renovations.

Popular types of fences include privacy, wood, split-rail, and basket weave. Vinyl and metal fences are typically pre-assembled, making installation easier. When considering a fence, you must deliberate on the type, budgeting, location, and assistance required.

Adding a fence to your property effectively elevates your yard and creates a flawless landscape. Even a simple fence can significantly enhance the space, providing both functional and aesthetic advantages.

If you need to save money, consider a DIY approach to building your own fence. There are numerous cost-saving options available. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about building a fence.

Here is everything you should know about building a fence. 

1. Overall Cost of Building a Fence

The size of your yard is a major factor that will significantly impact the cost of building a fence. This will determine the amount of materials needed and the labor required for installation. On average, wood or vinyl fence installation costs range from $4,000 to $12,000, equivalent to $20 to $60 per linear foot.

For privacy fences, anticipate costs of about $25 to $60 per linear foot, while picket fences will likely require an investment of approximately $20 to $50 per linear foot. If considering fence replacement, expect to allocate about $30 to $80 per linear foot.

Below is a chart of the average fence cost for installation per linear foot

Fence Length (Linear Feet) Average Cost Installed
50 $1K - $3K
100 $2K - $6K
150 $3K - $9K
200 $4K - $12K
300 $6K - $18K
400 $10K - $24K

Below is the average costs for each type of material you can use:

Material Type Cost per Linear Foot Installed
Wood $20-$50
Vinyl $30-$60
Composite $20-$85
Metal $20-$85
Wrought Iron $50-$85

The American Fence Company strongly recommends that pre-made fences are typically more cost-effective and require less installation time. However, this is contingent upon your yard type and preferences. When constructing a fence, there are numerous options to evaluate, so it's crucial to carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages of each to determine what best suits your needs and budget.

It's also important to note that, similar to the real estate market, there are specific times when fencing is more affordable or expensive. Generally, the most economical period to install a fence is during the off-season, including fall, winter, and early spring. Late spring and summer are typically peak times; during these seasons, materials and labor may be more costly due to the higher demand.

Planning out all the measurements for building a fence

2. Determine Why You Want a Fence

Different types of fences serve various purposes. Before you start building something, it is essential to understand why you want it and what its purpose will be. Here are some things you should consider that will also help you decide what type of fence you want. 

  1. Safety: Protection is one of the main reasons people get fences. A fence is a practical and attractive solution for keeping small children and pets from wandering outside a home.
  2. Security: A fence keeps your family safe by making it harder for someone to enter your yard/home. 
  3. Establish boundaries: A fence is a physical boundary between your neighbor and your yard. 
  4. Privacy: Fences, especially privacy fences, create visual boundaries of your yard, giving you privacy from the people around you. 
  5. Curb appeal: Fences make a style statement, and some can improve the look of your home from the outside. 

3. Check Local Laws

Some cities require a permit for fence installation, while some do not. These rules may include the fence height, materials, or even the fence style. Before you buy everything and start building your fence, make sure you check local laws and zoning ordinances. 

If you are planning to add or move a fence, you must obtain a permit from the City of Raleigh before you begin the construction. A zoning permit is required when a fence is installed on any property. All projects are reviewed for compliance with the Raleigh Development Code and the North Carolina State Building Code. 

Check out the Residential and Commercial Fences page to understand how to get a permit to build a fence on your property in Raleigh, NC. 

Planning out using property lines and rules from local laws

4. Choose Your Materials and Style

The materials you choose play a huge role in determining the cost of your fence installation and the kind of fence you want.

Here are some materials you can choose from when you are looking to build a fence. 

  • Wood: Wood is durable and ideal for traditional-style homes. This is one of the cheapest materials for a fence, especially when made with basic pine, spruce, or cedar. Prices do increase for pressure-treated wood and hardwoods. 
  • Metal: Whether it is iron, aluminum, or classical chain link fencing, these materials are very durable and often cost-effective to install. 
  • Vinyl: Vinyl is a trendy option due to its durability and weather-resistant nature. Many homeowners prefer this option because it does not require annual resealing like wood. Vinyl fences are suited for humid and rainy climates. 
  • Composite: Composite fencing comes in a range of looks and styles. It is solid and durable, ideal for a designer-inspired home. Most composite fences are more expensive but outlast other options due to their reinforced plastic and fiber design. 
  • Wrought Iron: Typically the most expensive kind, especially when built with high-quality 99% iron. These fences outlast others and provide suitable security borders since they are hard to climb, cut, or knock over. 

There are different types of fences, just like the materials used for them: privacy, picket, and rail. 

Privacy

Privacy fences generally cost between $25 and $60 per linear foot for 6' tall wood and vinyl fences. If you're looking to install an 8' tall privacy fence, be prepared to spend more, with costs ranging from $50 to $85 per linear foot. Some common types of privacy fences include shadow boxes, board and batten, board-on-board with overlapping slats, and edge-to-edge vertical or horizontal board fences.

Picket

Installing a picket fence costs approximately $20 to $50 per linear foot. Common materials include wood, vinyl, and aluminum at 3' to 5' heights. Due to the spaced boards, these fences are ideally suited for front yards and garden borders. Customization options are available at an additional cost.

Rail

Rail fences typically cost between $15 and $35 per linear foot, depending on the material, number of rails, and length of the fence. These rustic-looking fences usually consist of 2 to 4 wide rails made of unsurfaced wood, although vinyl rails are also a popular option.

Split rail fencing is commonly preferred for ranches, farms, and larger properties where an affordable boundary that doesn't obstruct property views is needed.

5. Notify Neighborhoods

Talking with neighbors about fence building

Review the guidelines before installing a fence if you live in a neighborhood with covenants or homeowners associations. There may be restrictions on the size of the fence, the materials you use, and even how it looks.

On the other hand, if you are building on a property line, you may be required to notify your neighbors. It may not be mandatory, but it is common for communities to require neighbor notification.

If a neighbor is building a fence on the property line, in some cases, they may ask you to pay 50% of the cost of the fence, but you are not required to seek compensation. Local fence laws assume that boundary fences benefit both homeowners, so both owners must pay for maintenance.

However, these rules and laws vary depending on where you are located. So, make sure you understand the rules of where you live and talk to your surrounding neighbors who are on the property line about installing a fence and how you want to go about it.

6. Prepare to Build

From the layout to figuring out the materials to the cost, there are many things you should prepare before you start building your fence. Before you begin the project or before you hire a professional, you should have a plan for what you want to do and how you will do it, just like any other project. 

According to Lowes, here are some things you should prepare before you start to build a fence:

  • Check out different wood fence ideas and styles that will best fit your yard
  • Check local codes and homeowner association guidelines about their rules on fence styles, sizes, and placements
  • Determine if a permit is necessary for your fence
  • Know your property lines and boundaries and make sure you discuss your plans with your neighborhoods
  • Determine the layout you want that will allow you to use full pickets at the corners
  • Plan gate post locations
  • Use graph paper to draw out your plan
  • Consider gate hardware as well
  • Find a helper or professional

7. How To Install a Fence?

Steps to building a fence in the yard

If you are ready to build a fence, here are eight simple steps to doing so:

  1. Plan your layout: Define the purpose, the location, the size, as well as any codes/regulations
  2. Measure and mark your post: measure, mark the locations, and buy your supplies
  3. Dig your post holes
  4. Position post in concrete
  5. Mark and attach rails to the post
  6. Install panels or pickets to the rails
  7. Attach post caps
  8. Seal or stain the fence

You may decide to build your fence or hire a professional. Whichever option you choose, you should still consider these steps to ensure you have control over the project and that it fits your needs and preferences. Both options have many different pros and cons, so weigh the options carefully to decide whether you want to do the project yourself or let someone else do it.

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data about building a fence. There were various data to use, so we put them together to guide you on what you should know about building a fence.  

The sources listed above are a few of the ones we used to gather most of our information about building a fence. 

FAQS

What not to do when building a fence?

Do not rush through the installation steps. You can make simple mistakes, such as making the post holes too shallow, weakening the fence, and eventually causing it to fall over. 

What are the pros of building a fence?

The main advantages of building a fence are it can increase your home's curb appeal, provide security, increase privacy, and offer protection from other elements. 

What is the simplest fence to install?

A no-dig fence is the easiest fence to install yourself. All you need is the no-dig post and a hammer/mallet. You will lay out your plan and ensure you have enough panels, and then you'll be able to start installing. 

Boosting curb appeal with a fence in the front yard

Homeowners Guide to Building a Fence - The Bottom Line

There are so many reasons why adding a fence to your property is a great idea, especially if you are looking for a way to boost your yard to create a perfect landscape; a simple fence can drastically improve the space. 

Installing a fence is often relatively simple and can also be cost-effective if you understand the types. However, you do need to consider other factors that go into building a fence because they greatly impact the overall cost. 

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.  

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Overall Cost of Building a Fence
02
Determine Why You Want a Fence
03
Check Local Laws
04
Choose Your Materials and Style
05
Notify Neighborhoods
06
Prepare to Build
07
How To Install a Fence?
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