Get Quotes from Top Fencing Contractors in Phoenix, AZ
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Fence Company in Phoenix
Whether you are installing a fence due to homeowners associations' regulations or to protect your family's privacy from the outside world, it is wise to hire a qualified and experienced fence company near you. A good fence will do way more than improve your privacy; it will also help increase your curb appeal and property value. When in search of a good fence installer in Phoenix, you should ensure the contractor is conversant with your HOA's regulations, and the city's Building Code, and can answer the following questions satisfactorily:
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Fence Contractor in Phoenix?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Fencing Companies in the City?
- What Kind of Fencing Services Do You Offer?
- When Am I Required to Have a Fence in Phoenix?
- Will You Get the Necessary Permits as Required as per the City Code?
- Will You Contact the City's Utility Companies to Verify the Path of Underground Lines?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Fence Contractors in Phoenix?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Fence Contractor in Phoenix
Are You Licensed to Practice as a Fence Contractor in Phoenix?
Fence builders in Phoenix are required to obtain the appropriate specialty contractor license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) before providing their services to members of the public. Anyone operating as a fence builder without first obtaining the appropriate specialty contractor license from the (ROC) may be fined up to $10,000 per violation by the State Attorney General.
Homeowners can ensure that they do not get caught up with a fence-building company that engages in unlicensed contracting by confirming the license status of the individual or business they wish to hire before any agreement is made with them. Homeowners can confirm a specialty contractor's license status by asking the Individual they wish to hire for their 6-digit license number and entering the information on the query box provided on the contractor search portal.
The ROC issues separate licenses for residential and commercial work and a different classification of specialty contractor licenses to interested persons. There are two types of specialty contractor license classifications on fencing work issued by the ROC: specialty residential contractor license (R-14 fencing) and specialty commercial contractor license (C-14 fencing). Both licenses allow an individual or business to install and repair:
- Metal, wood, and cement block fencing
- Automatic gates
- Fire access strobes
- Cattle guards
- Low voltage U.L.-approved electrical fence with a protective device of fewer than 25 volts and 100 watts
Note that both license classification does not allow the license holders to install or repair retaining walls. Nonetheless, to obtain any of the abovementioned specialty contractor license classifications, interested persons must meet the particular license classification requirements they are applying for.
For example, to obtain a specialty commercial contractor license (C-14 fencing), applicants must have three years of working experience in the fence building business under a licensed fence builder and pass the Arizona Statutes and Rule Training Course and Exam (SRE). Similarly, to obtain a specialty residential contractor license (R-14 fencing), applicants must have at least two years of working experience in the fence-building business under a licensed fence builder. Note that the Arizona Statutes and Rule Training Course and Exam (SRE) is not mandatory for this license classification.
Other general requirements for obtaining a specialty contractor license in Arizona include:
- The applicant must be a qualifying agent or identify a qualifying agent who has passed the licensing examination by at least 70%. Call (855) 744-0310 or email to find out more about specific trade exams
- Providing state-issued certificates of incorporation or locally issued business certificates. For example, corporations are required to submit a certificate of registration with the Arizona Corporation Commission, while partnerships are required to submit a certificate of registration with the Arizona Secretary of State.
- Applicants must complete mandatory background checks.
- Applicants must also obtain and submit proof of contractor bond
- Applicant and their qualifying agent must provide any acceptable government-issued identification
Having met the above-mentioned requirements, interested persons can now go ahead with their specialty contractor license application by submitting the appropriate license application form based on their business structure, as well as the applicable license fee online, by mail, or in person. Applicants can mail a completed specialty contractor license application form to:
Registrar of ContractorsP.O. Box 6748
Phoenix, AZ 85005-6748
Alternatively, interested persons can deliver a completed specialty contractor license form alongside other necessary documents to the ROC office location at:
1700 West. Washington Street,Suite 105,
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2812
As soon as the application is approved, a notice will be mailed to the applicant, and a phone call will be scheduled with the applicant. During the phone call, a licensing representative will confirm all the documents submitted by the applicant. After that, the applicant will be issued a specialty contractor license. For more information concerning the process and other requirements for obtaining a ROC-issued specialty contractor license can be directed to (602) 542-1525
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Fencing Companies in the City?
There is currently no fixed price for installing a new fence in Phoenix. However, homeowners should expect their fence contractor to charge between $1,550 and $4,200 for the work. It is important to note that fence builders consider a variety of factors before determining what to charge for installing a new fence. These factors include but are not limited to the type of fencing the homeowner plans to use, the length of the fence, labor costs, and fence hardware like fence posts, screws, hinges, latches, and locks.
Note that the type of fencing materials selected by the homeowner will determine more than half of the project's overall cost, with other factors accounting for the remaining half. The most common types of fencing materials used by home and property owners in Phoenix are:
- Metal and Chain Link: Metal and chain-link fences are popular because they offer maximum security despite being easy to install. These fences are also very affordable, ranging from $5 to $50 per linear foot. Nonetheless, compared to other fencing materials, metal and chain link fences are not aesthetically pleasing and prone to rust.
- Wood: wood fences are preferred for their aesthetic appeal and durability. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent damage that may undermine the efficiency of the fence. Wood fences cost anywhere between $12 - $32 per linear foot.
- Composite: Composite fences, as opposed to traditional wood fences, are made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic polymers. While wood fences must be maintained regularly to prevent rot and insect infestation, composite fences are more durable and require little to no maintenance. On the other hand, the quality of the composite material purchased for the job will determine how long the fence will last. Although these fencing materials are expensive, trying to cut corners on the quality of your composite materials to save a few dollars is a bad idea. A typical composite fence costs anywhere between $22 - $40 per linear foot.
- Vinyl: Vinyl fences cost anywhere from $15 - $30 per linear foot. These types of fences are durable and eco-friendly. However, failing to install this fence properly may expose you to serious security risks.
- Steel: Steel fences are simple to install and require little maintenance. They can also mimic the aesthetic appeal of wrought-iron fences at a lower cost, typically ranging from $17 to $85 per linear foot, making them a popular choice for homeowners. Nonetheless, steel fences are prone to scratches and rust.
- Aluminum: aluminum is about one-third of the weight of steel, meaning that it requires less manpower to transport and install. In addition to this, aluminum fences do not need much maintenance as they are rust and corrosion-resistant. However, while these types of fences add a strong aesthetic appeal to homes and properties, they are also expensive to install and can cost anywhere from $20 - $90 per linear foot.
- Wrought Iron: wrought iron fences are known for their aesthetic appeal and durability. However, at $30 - $60 per linear foot, these types of fences can be expensive to install. Wrought iron fences also require regular maintenance because they are prone to rust.
Regardless of the fencing material you decide to use for the project, getting and comparing quotes from at least three different fencing contractors in Phoenix is crucial. By comparing quotes from different fencing contractors, you can identify the average market price for installing the fence you want before reaching an agreement with your preferred fencing contractor. This will not only help you get a fair price for your project but also help you avoid being scammed by dishonest fence contractors or companies.
In addition to getting and comparing quotes from different contractors before reaching an agreement with any of them, it is also important to ensure that the contractor is conversant with the particular fence design and style you want. Some popular fence designs and styles that are favored by homeowners in the Phoenix area include:
- Picket Fence: this type of fence design and style is typically used for decorative purposes. It is a low fence made of upright rows of flat wood with a pointed top separated by the same amount of space. While picket fences are usually 3 to 4 feet in height, homeowners can install taller versions for a variety of reasons, including preventing medium-sized pets and children from leaping over the fence.
- Garden Fence: like a picket fence, garden fences are also low fences installed around a garden to prevent small animals like rodents from entering a garden.
- Dog-Ear Fence: to create this fence design, the fencing contractor must cut the corners of the fence's vertical boards at angles on the side, resulting in a dog-ear or half-hexagonal shape. Dog-ear fences are usually made from wood and composite materials.
- Flat-Top Fence: this fence design is made of vertical boards with a flat top, just as the name suggests
- Gothic Fence: gothic fence designs are used for security reasons. The top of the fence is usually pointed and a little blunt, making it difficult to climb. Metal fencing materials such as aluminum and wrought iron are commonly used for this fence design.
- Lattice-Top Fence: this design involves adding a decorative lattice top to a regular fence
- Split Rail Fence: this design is typically made of three to four rows of horizontal fence posts supported by vertical beams every few feet. Split rail fences are typically made of wood or vinyl. Wood is a less expensive option, but vinyl is more durable and requires less maintenance.
- Scallop Fence: the scallop fence design involves a slight curvature that is made as the fence rises from the center to the end of one post. This design is used as an alternative to the traditional straight horizontal top.
- Shadow-Box Fence: this fence is made of pickets with staggered rows on each side of the fence rails; the pickets on one side of the rails cover the gaps between the pickets on the other side of the rails, blocking the view through the fence
- Electric Fence: this design entails the use of metal materials and wire meshes to create a barrier that deters animals and humans from entering an area via electric shocks.
- Custom Fence: custom fences are fences that are specifically designed for a specific landscape and can be customized to suit your specific quirks or taste. While wood and metal fencing materials are the most commonly used for custom fences, you can build these fences out of any material of your choice.
Homeowners must understand that the most crucial factor in determining the fence design and style they choose for their project is the purpose the fence is meant to serve. Phoenix homeowners typically install new fences on their property for several reasons, such as:
- For decorative purposes
- To increase their privacy and keep out prying eyes
- To keep kids and pets from going out and to keep pests and rodents from coming in
- To improve their security and safety
- To enhance the look of their gardens or provide cover for their pool areas
Regardless of why you are installing a new fence, it is essential to note that different fence designs attract different prices. Nonetheless, Fence installers in Phoenix make an average of $42,250 annually. The following list compares the average hourly pay of these contractors with that of fence contractors in other locations across Arizona and the rest of the United States:
What Kind of Fencing Services Do You Offer?
Fence builders are hired to construct, install, and maintain various types of fencing on residential and commercial properties. Professional fence builders in Phoenix provide a variety of services, such as new fence installation, old fence replacements or upgrades, fence maintenance and repair, fence gate installation, custom fence design, and construction.
However, before entering into any agreement with a fence builder in Phoenix, it is critical to determine whether the individual specializes in providing the service you need. Determining whether the fence-building company specializes in repairing and installing the type of fence you want in your home is also necessary.
Homeowners must understand that apart from offering different fence-related services, fence-building companies in Phoenix also specialize in repairing and installing specific types of fences. These include:
- Cement block Fencing
- Cedar Fencing
- Vinyl Fencing
- Metal Hoarding.
- Wrought Iron Fences.
- Chain Link Fences.
- Composite Fence
- Gothic Fence
- Lattice-top Fence
- Electric Fence
- Wooden Fencing.
- Barricade Fencing.
In addition to repairing and installing different types of fences, fence builders in Phoenix also provide more personalized services such as fence design and installation consultation and property boundary and utility line marking. Regardless of the type of service you need, it is always in your best interest to ensure that the fence builder you wish to hire is willing to pull all required permits for the job. This will protect you from the kinds of liabilities that may result from working without a permit.
When Am I Required to Have a Fence in Phoenix?
Fences are constructed to protect you and your family and household pets so that they do not run off, get injured, or get lost. Nonetheless, all fences in the city must comply with all the city codes and ordinances. Some of the codes and ordinances regulating fencing in Phoenix include the Phoenix City Code, the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance, and the Phoenix Building Construction Code. Parties guilty of violating any code or ordinance concerning fencing in the city will be issued a citation for the violation. Some essential requirements of these laws include the following:
- Homeowners are required to obtain a permit to construct fences above 3 feet in height. In addition, homeowners must schedule an inspection for fences above 3 feet.
- Fences and walls can not exceed 6 feet in height unless the homeowner has an approved variance and structural calculations are provided
- Fences and walls can not be above 3 feet tall in the front yard and 6 feet tall in the backyard.
- Pool fences must be at least 5 feet tall with a maximum of a 4-inch gap between bars and an automatic closing gate.
- All fences must not block traffic visibility within the area
- All fences must not cross the homeowner's property line
- It is illegal to put up a fence across natural drainage parts or drainage easements
- It is illegal to put up a fence across utility lines and right of way
- Homeowners with shared fences are obligated to equally share the responsibility of maintaining these fences
- Homeowners who wish to repair, maintain, or replace shared fences must inform all impacted parties in writing at least 30 days in advance.
One benefit of hiring a reputable fence company for your fencing projects is that they are typically conversant with relevant fencing laws and can help ensure that your installed fence complies with them. Nevertheless, you can direct all queries concerning fencing in Phoenix by contacting the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department at (602) 262-7811
Will You Get the Necessary Permits as Required as per the City Code?
Per the requirements of the city's fence location, permits, and inspection policy document, permits are required to construct fences over 3 feet high in compliance with the Phoenix Zoning ordinance. On the other hand, fences less than 3 feet tall are exempt from the permit requirement. Interested parties can obtain a fence permit online or by downloading, filling out, and submitting a fence permit application form to the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department at:
Phoenix City Hall200 West, Washington Street,
Second Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Note that fences over 7 feet high require submission of structural analysis sealed by a professional engineer registered in Arizona. Other types of fence permit applications do not require structural analysis. However, the homeowner must sign a document acknowledging their responsibility for the placement and height of the fence to be constructed. Furthermore, homeowners should also make sure that a survey is conducted on the property before a fence installation. To obtain further information on the permit application requirements, process, and application review time frames, call (602) 262-7811.
Will You Contact the City's Utility Companies to Verify the Path of Underground Lines?
Electrical lines, gas lines, sewer lines, water lines, phone lines, internet lines, and other utility lines you and your family rely on are installed underground in Phoenix. As such, it is always crucial to identify and mark the locations of any utility line before constructing a building or putting up a fence in the city. Building a fence without first identifying and marking the locations of any of these utility lines can damage the utility lines and expose the homeowner and other households in the neighborhood to service disruptions and fatal accidents.
To avoid hitting a utility line while putting up a fence in your home, you should always ensure that the fence-building company you wish to hire for the project is willing to locate the utility lines before commencing work on the project. A reputable fence-building company in the city understands the importance of identifying and marking the locations of utility lines before starting any construction. Some of these companies may request a copy of your survey records to confirm where these utility lines are located on your property when preparing project plans for obtaining the required fence permits.
In addition to hiring a reputable fence-building company that is experienced in identifying and marking the locations of utility lines, you must also contact Arizona 811 before you dig, grade, or excavate to have all underground facilities located and marked. Note that this is a free service; however, it is essential to note that utility owners in the city will only locate their facilities up to the meter.
Inquiries concerning Phoenix utility lines can also be directed to the following local utility companies:
- Phoenix Water Services Department - (602) 262-3111
- Southwest Gas - (877) 860-6020
Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Fence Contractors in Phoenix?
Every contractor, including fencing contractors operating in the city of Phoenix, must carry active general liability, automobile liability, workers' compensation, and employer liability insurance before undertaking a construction project in the city. In addition, fencing contractors in Phoenix must maintain a surety bond with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Listed below are insurance and bond requirements that Phoenix fencing contractors must comply with:
- General liability with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence of bodily injury, property damage, and a broad form of contractual liability.
- An automobile liability that carries a minimum of $1,000,000 as a combined single limit provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage for any owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles used by the contractor to perform construction work in the city.
- Workers' compensation and employers' liability with a minimum of $100,000 per work accident and disease infection occurrence.
- $4,250 - $50,000 surety bond, depending on the contemplated gross volume of the licensee
Inquiries concerning insurance requirements for fencing contractors in the city can be directed to the Phoenix Neighborhood Services, Housing Rehab Section at (602) 534-4444. Similarly, questions concerning contractor bonds can be directed to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at (602) 542-1525.
Hiring a fencing contractor who does not meet all of the aforementioned insurance and bonding requirements exposes you to several liabilities that may arise as a result of bodily injuries and property damage sustained while working on your project. When you consider that the Arizona construction industry had the third highest number of fatal work injuries in the state in 2020, accounting for more than 20% of all fatal work injuries sustained by workers across the state, this is extremely risky.
To avoid being held liable for fatal work injuries and property damage that occurs while work is being done on your project, you should always ask the fencing contractor you wish to hire to provide their certificate of insurance and proof of contractor license bond before reaching any agreement with them. Nonetheless, it is essential to contact the insurance company responsible for issuing the certificate provided by the fencing contractor to verify their insurance status. Similarly, you should also contact the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at (602) 542-1525 to find out if the contractor has a surety bond on file.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Fence Contractor in Phoenix
Residents of Phoenix who have suffered any kind of loss at the hands of bad fencing contractors can report the incident to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the Arizona Attorney General's Office. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) is the agency responsible for handling complaints involving contractors across the state, while the Arizona Attorney General's Office is the agency that handles all kinds of consumer fraud, including construction scams in Arizona.
According to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, homeowners are exposed to unscrupulous individuals posing as licensed contractors every day and all too often, and consumers, including residents of Phoenix, lose hundreds to thousands of dollars. These unscrupulous contractors frequently target and solicit work from home and property owners in the city, collect money from the homeowner, and never complete the job or leave it unfinished. To achieve this, these fraudulent contractors typically employ various scam tricks when dealing with a potential client. Some of these tricks include:
- Claiming that a fence needs to be replaced when it needs maintenance or repair
- Offering very low prices
- Purchasing inferior materials despite receiving money for quality materials
- Insisting on full payment for services upfront or a large down payment
- Insisting on cash-only payment
Before reaching any agreement with a homeowner, looking out for certain red flags is important to avoid ending up with a fraudulent fence contractor. These red flags include:
- Very low quotes: make sure you get and compare quotes for the projects from different fencing contractors in the city. Be wary of contractors whose prices are too low compared to others.
- Failure to provide written contracts: do not allow the contractor to commence any work on your project except if a well-detailed written contract is given to you and signed by you.
- Insistence on cash payment upfront: avoid contractors that insist on only cash payment and never pay more than one-third of the total price of the project up front.
- Lack of proof of licensing: do not hire a contractor until you have confirmed their licensing status with the ROC
- Avoid door-to-door solicitors: never hire any contractor that contacts you or shows up invited to offer fencing services of any kind.
Residents of Phoenix can file complaints against a dishonest or fraudulent fencing contractor in the city by contacting the Arizona Attorney General's Office online or by downloading, completing, and mailing a consumer complaint form to either location:
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Information and Complaints
2005 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Or
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Information and Complaints
400 West, Congress, South
Building, Suite 315
Tucson, AZ 85701-1367
Likewise, residents of the city can also file complaints involving bad contractors with ROC's Compliance Department online. Alternatively, interested persons can also download, print, and send either the completed licensed complaint form or the unlicensed complaint form to any of the following addresses:
1700 West. Washington StreetSuite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2812
Or
2501 North. 4th Street #22Flagstaff, AZ 86004-3701
Table of Contents
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Fence Contractor in Phoenix?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Fencing Companies in the City?
- What Kind of Fencing Services Do You Offer?
- When Am I Required to Have a Fence in Phoenix?
- Will You Get the Necessary Permits as Required as per the City Code?
- Will You Contact the City's Utility Companies to Verify the Path of Underground Lines?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Fence Contractors in Phoenix?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Fence Contractor in Phoenix