Fence Installation Price Difference- Flat Yard VS Sloped Ground

According to Home Depot, it takes between $1,000-$10,000 to install a fence. However, homeowners can spend anywhere from $1,600-$4000. 

If you know the total linear foot of your fence, you can calculate the cost of your entire project.

Materials may cost anywhere from $15 to $60 per linear foot or may be split in the range of $10 to $34 per linear foot. 

The cost of labor can range from $5-$20 per linear foot. 

Here’s the thing: the slope of your yard will determine how much you’re going to pay.  

You should expect to pay more for work on a sloped ground than on a flat one since your contractor will need to level up the sloped ground before starting the actual work. This is going to be an extra upfront cost.

  

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Fence on a Flat Yard?

You may spend between $1-$15 per cubic yard of dirt to level a slope. 

Most homeowners may spend up to $1,900 on a  typical re-sloping to prevent erosion and fix the drainage. 

What Questions Should I Ask A Fence Contractor?

1. Do you have a license? 

You should only hire a licensed fence contractor.  Having a license implies they meet the requirements of a professional fence contractor in their county, so make sure you ask them. 

Some contractors claim to be experts in fence construction without meeting the requirements. That’s a red flag.  

2. Do you have insurance?

A professional fence contractor should have liability insurance or worker’s compensation insurance. 

Liability insurance covers any damage to fencing equipment, whereas worker’s compensation covers any potential injuries to workers.

3. How many years have you been in the industry? 

Inquire about how long they have been in business. They should have at least two years of experience with proof of completed projects. 

4. What is your core expertise in fence building? 

Ask them about the type of fence they specialize in before you hire them. 

It could be a waste of time if you discover they don’t offer what you’re looking for. In addition, you don’t want them to practice something they haven’t done before on your project.

5. What is the expected duration of the project? Ask them when they can start and how long it’ll take to complete the project.

Some contractors may take a little time to schedule your project especially if they’re busy. You need to understand their schedule and timing. 

6. Can you handle the permit? 

You need a permit before installing a fence. As you probably know, getting a permit is not a walk in the park. Ask them if they can handle the permit for your fence installation. 

7. Will you get in touch with utilities? 

Your fence contractor must contact all utilities (cable, phone, water, etc.) before they begin work. Make sure they also cover these things. 

8. Do you have any references or proof of past work? 

Ask for proof of past work and successful projects they’ve handled in the past. 

Testimonials and reviews from past clients will give you an insight into what to expect from using their service. 

9. What payment method do you accept? 

Ask them how they handle payments. Is it through checks or credit cards, or their financing method? This will help you prepare how to pay. 

10. Do you offer a warranty? 

Ask if they offer a warranty. A new fence should come with a warranty of at least one year. 

Having a warranty assures that your contractor will be able to handle any issues within the warranty period. 

11. Is vinyl cheaper or more expensive on a sloped yard?

It takes more work to install a vinyl fence on a sloped yard than on a flat yard.

Your fence contractor may have to level the ground for a proper fence installation, depending on how steep the ground is and where the fence will be installed. 

The effect of slope on fence installation varies. Overall, if you’re looking to have your fence installed on a slope, be prepared to spend between $900-$3000 more for grading. 

12. Can you negotiate the price with fence installation?

Sure, you can negotiate the price for fence installation. The trick is to negotiate without actually making it look like you’re negotiating. 

Request a reasonable price reduction. Don’t frustrate your contractor by lowering the price too much and then expecting him to work accordingly.

You can use these three techniques: 

1. Inform them that you have multiple bids from other contractors– The biggest advantage of having more than a single bid is that you can inform the contractors of your multiple bids. 

This is a good way of informing them that: 

• One of your main concerns is price.
• He has other active competitors as far as your job is concerned.
• The contractor with the best offer gets the project. 

In most cases, competition will lower the price. 

However, that doesn’t mean that your hiring criteria should be based on the lowest price. Make your choice based on the quality of work and reputation. 

2. Request for cost-effective plans- Asking your contractor to reduce their price may affect productivity and service delivery (especially if they had to forcefully accept the price). 

Instead, ask them for cost-effective ways to lower the price.

 For example, if your budget is $20,000 and the contractor bids $25,000, ask them for advice on how to cut costs. 

You can ask them to recommend a cheaper alternative (but decent quality) to a fence accessory. 

They won’t find such conversations frustrating. It’s a better way to let them know that their opinion is valued. In addition, you’re equally letting them know that you’re on a tight budget. 

3. Check if there’s a way to level up with sweat equity- See if you can handle some of the tasks. That way, the contractor will be able to take those charges off your bill. 

For example, if you have some painting knowledge, you can tackle that yourself. 

If you’re handy enough to do the demolition, excavation, or landscaping, that would be great. These tasks can drastically reduce the cost by a few hundred dollars or more.