If you’re considering shifting a fence on your property, it’s crucial to consider the costs involved. Moving a fence is a task that varies in complexity and expense, depending on several factors.
Fence relocation costs vary widely. On average:
- Wooden Fence: $500 – $1,500
- Vinyl Fence: $1,000 – $3,000
- Chain-Link Fence: $300 – $1,000
Factors like length, condition, and location influence the final price.
In this well-rounded guide, we’ll break down the most common factors influencing the cost of moving a fence and provide a price list for different types of fences to help you make an informed decision.
Can A New Wood Fence Be Moved?
Before delving into the costs, let’s address the feasibility of moving a wooden fence. The short answer is yes, we can move a wood fence. However, the ease of the process and the associated costs can vary based on several factors.
Fence Type and Material
The type of fence you have plays a significant role in determining the cost of relocation. Here’s a price list for moving different types of fences:
Wooden Fence: The cost to move a wooden fence typically ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on factors like length and condition.
Vinyl Fence: Moving a vinyl fence is more challenging and can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 due to its heavier and less flexible nature.
Chain-Link Fence: Chain-link fences are relatively inexpensive to move, with costs ranging from $300 to $1,000.
Fence Length
The length of your fence is another crucial factor. Here’s how fence length affects the cost:
Short Fences (Up to 50 feet): Moving a shorter fence may cost between $300 and $800.
Medium-Length Fences (50 to 100 feet): For medium-length fences, the cost can range from $800 to $1,500.
Long Fences (Over 100 feet): If you have a long fence, expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for relocation.
Can I move a fence on my own to save money?
While moving a fence as a DIY project can potentially save you money, it’s essential to consider the financial benefits:
Cost Savings: Doing it yourself can cut labor costs, as you won’t need to hire professionals.
Avoid Labor Expenses: DIY fence relocation eliminates the need to pay for labor, which is a significant portion of the cost associated with hiring experts.
Affordable Equipment: You can rent or purchase the necessary equipment and materials at a lower cost compared to paying for a professional crew.
Budget Control: DIY projects allow you to control your budget and allocate funds more efficiently, potentially leading to significant savings.
However, it’s crucial to weigh these potential savings against the challenges and time commitment involved in a DIY fence relocation project. While it can be cost-effective, it requires careful planning, physical effort, and an understanding of the process to ensure successful cost savings.
Fence Condition
The condition of your existing fence is also significant. Here’s how fence condition impacts costs:
Good Condition: If your fence is in good shape and requires minimal repairs, you may spend less on relocation, closer to the lower end of the price ranges mentioned.
Poor Condition: If your fence has significant damage or wear and tear, you may need to budget for repairs in addition to relocation costs, potentially pushing the total expenses higher.
Terrain and Accessibility
The terrain and accessibility of your property can significantly influence the cost of moving a fence. Here’s how it matters:
Flat Terrain and Easy Access: If your property is relatively flat and easily accessible, the process will be more straightforward and less costly.
Uneven Terrain and Obstacles: If your property has uneven terrain or obstacles like trees or structures that need to be worked around, you can expect costs to rise, potentially by several hundred dollars.
Permits and Legal Requirements
Before moving your fence, it’s crucial to check local regulations and permit requirements. Depending on your location, you may need permits to move a fence, especially if it affects property lines or zoning regulations.
Permit costs can vary, so it’s essential to budget for them accordingly.
What’s The Average Time It Takes To Relocate A Fence?
Fence Length
The length of the fence is a critical determinant of the relocation timeline. On average, moving a shorter fence, typically spanning up to 50 feet, can take around 2 to 4 days.
For medium-length fences, ranging from 50 to 100 feet, anticipate a project duration of approximately 4 to 7 days. Longer fences, exceeding 100 feet, may require 7 days or more for relocation.
Terrain
The topography of your property significantly influences the project’s timeline. In cases where the land is relatively flat and obstacle-free, expect the process to proceed smoothly, with shorter completion times.
A fence relocation project on such terrain may be accomplished in the lower range of the estimates mentioned above.
Conversely, if your property features uneven terrain or numerous obstructions, the project can extend by 1 to 2 days or even more to navigate these challenges safely.
Fence Condition
The condition of your existing fence plays a pivotal role in determining the relocation duration.
If your fence is in excellent shape, requiring minimal repairs or adjustments, the project can be completed more swiftly. In such cases, you might be looking at a shorter timeframe within the estimated averages.
Conversely, if your fence is in poor condition, and needs substantial repairs, additional days, possibly a week or more, will be needed to address these issues during the relocation.
Crew Experience and Size
The expertise of the professionals handling the fence relocation affects project efficiency. An experienced crew with specialized knowledge in fence relocation may complete the task faster.
Typically, a well-experienced team can finish a fence relocation project 1 to 2 days quicker than a less-experienced crew. Additionally, a larger crew can expedite the process, potentially reducing the project’s duration.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can introduce unpredictability into the timeline. Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or extreme heat, may disrupt the relocation process, leading to delays of 1 to 3 days or more.
It’s advisable to schedule the project during favorable weather conditions to minimize interruptions.
Permit and Regulatory Considerations
Obtaining permits and complying with local regulations is a necessary step in fence relocation. The time required to secure permits and navigate regulatory procedures typically ranges from 1 to 2 weeks.
They should factor this into the overall project timeline.
Customization and Special Features
If you plan to make customizations to the fence, such as altering its height or design, expect an additional 2 to 3 days to accommodate these changes.
Similarly, if your fence boasts unique features like decorative elements or complex designs, it may require extra time for meticulous dismantling and reassembly.
Is Moving A Fence Worth The Investment?
Now that we’ve explored the factors influencing the cost of moving a fence, let’s address whether it’s a worthwhile investment. The answer depends on your specific situation. Here are some considerations:
Property Enhancement: If relocating the fence enhances the overall aesthetics and functionality of your property, it can potentially increase its value. This can be particularly beneficial if you plan to sell your home in the future.
Avoiding Replacement Costs: Moving a fence may be more cost-effective than completely replacing it. If your fence is in good condition and suits your needs, relocation can save you money compared to installing a new one.
Boundary Adjustments: If you need to adjust your property boundaries or create separate enclosures, moving the fence can be a practical solution.
Personal Preference: Sometimes, moving a fence is driven by personal preference. If you simply prefer the fence in a different location for aesthetic or privacy reasons, it can be worth the investment to achieve your desired outcome.
How much does a permit for fence relocation cost?
Obtaining the necessary permits for fence relocation is a crucial step in the process, as it ensures compliance with local regulations and zoning laws.
Permit costs are not uniform and can vary significantly depending on your location, the nature of the fence relocation, and the specific regulatory requirements in your area. Here’s an elaboration on permit costs:
Location
Permit costs are highly location-dependent. Different cities, counties, and municipalities have their own fee structures for permits.
In some areas, permit fees may be relatively low, while in others, they can be more substantial. On average, permit fees for fence relocation can range from $50 to $200.
Type of Permit
The type of permit you need can impact the cost. Some areas may require a straightforward fence relocation permit, while others may have multiple permit categories.
Based on factors such as fence height or the extent of property modifications more complex permits may come with higher fees.
Property Size and Zoning
The size of your property and its zoning classification can also influence permit costs. If your property is larger or falls under specific zoning categories, you may be subject to higher permit fees.
Conversely, smaller properties or those in less restrictive zoning areas may have lower permit costs.
Additional Requirements
Some local authorities may impose additional requirements or fees based on the specifics of your project.
For example, if your fence relocation involves significant alterations to the property layout or affects neighboring properties, additional reviews or inspections may be necessary, leading to higher permit fees.
Application Process
The process of applying for a permit can also entail administrative fees. This may include charges for processing your application, conducting inspections, or reviewing project plans.
These fees can vary widely depending on your location and the complexity of the permit application.
Expedited Processing
In some cases, you may have the option to expedite the permit processing, which can lead to higher fees.
They typically choose expedited processing when a project needs to start quickly or when there are time-sensitive considerations.
Renewal Fees
Keep in mind that some permits may require renewal after a specific period. Renewal fees, if applicable, should also be considered when calculating the overall cost of obtaining permits for fence relocation.
Conclusion
The cost of moving a fence is subject to various factors, with pricing ranges provided for different fence types and lengths.
The feasibility of moving a wooden fence has been addressed, along with considerations such as fence condition, terrain, and accessibility. While DIY options can save money, they come with challenges and time commitments.
The importance of assessing the worthiness of the investment based on property enhancement, cost savings compared to replacement, boundary adjustments, and personal preference has been highlighted.
Regarding permits for fence relocation, costs can vary widely based on location, permit type, property size, additional requirements, application process, expedited processing, and renewal fees.
It’s crucial to research local regulations and budget accordingly for permits to ensure a smooth and compliant fence relocation process.
