Bid a fence job by measuring the run in linear feet, counting posts, corners, and gates, then pricing material, post-setting concrete, and labor on top. Most fencing is quoted per linear foot with gates and corners priced as their own lines — that way one tricky gate or a rocky corner doesn't quietly eat the whole job.
The trap in fencing is that the fence line looks simple from the driveway. Slope, roots, rock, an old fence to tear out, and utility lines all live between the property pins. Here is the per-foot method and the line items that keep a clean run from turning into a money-loser.
Get the total linear feet, then walk it. Note slope, rock, roots, low spots, and where the line crosses a slab or driveway. A measuring wheel beats pacing. While you are there, confirm the property line — building on a neighbor's inch is a callback nobody wants.
Posts usually land every 6–8 feet depending on the style and wind load. Corner and end posts need bigger holes and more concrete. Each gate is its own mini-project — hardware, hinges, a level swing — so price gates separately, not folded into the per-foot rate.
Chain-link, wood, vinyl, and ornamental aluminum have very different material costs and labor times. Include pickets or panels, rails, posts, caps, fasteners, and concrete. Add a small waste factor for cuts and damaged boards. Lock current supplier pricing — material moves.
Price crew labor by the day or by the foot for your typical soil, then adjust up for rock, roots, or hand-digging where a machine can't reach. Removing an old fence and breaking out old footings is a separate labor and dump line. Add permits where your city requires them.
Add your overhead and markup on top of total cost so you can see the real margin. Resist the urge to shave the per-foot price to win — fencing margins are thin enough that one underpriced job can wipe out the profit from two good ones.
An honest read keeps you out of the jobs that turn into headaches:
Knowing which jobs to skip is part of being profitable. A clean decline beats a regret.
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Measure the run in linear feet, count posts, corners, and gates, then price material, post-setting concrete, and labor. Add terrain, demo, permits, and margin. Most fencing is bid per foot with gates and corners priced separately.
Installed fencing commonly runs $15 to $60 per linear foot — chain-link low, wood mid, vinyl and aluminum higher. Gates, hard digging, slope, and removal push it up. Price real costs first, then check the per-foot figure.
Yes. Tearing out an old fence, breaking footings, and hauling debris is real labor and dump cost. List it as its own line so the customer sees the value and you get paid for it.
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