Get Quotes from Top Fencing Contractors in New York City, NY

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Fence Company in New York City

About 15,000 burglaries are recorded annually across NYC between 2010 and 2021. Installing a fence around your home is an effective way to secure your property and prevent being a victim of one such burglary. A good fence also affords you other benefits like:

  • Privacy
  • Noise reduction
  • Added property value
  • Increased aesthetic appeal
  • Containment and clearly defined property lines

By asking the questions listed below, you can ensure that the fence company you hire to undertake your fencing project is properly licensed, insured, and conversant with relevant provisions of the NYC Building Code concerning fencing works:

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Fence Contractor in New York City?

According to Title 20, Subchapter 22 of the NYC Administrative Code, any individual or business that wishes to provide construction, repair, remodeling, or improvement services for residential land, buildings, or structures in New York City must be licensed as a Home Improvement Contractor. This licensing is handled by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), and violating this requirement can result in fines of up to $500 as well as other city-imposed sanctions and penalties.

Home improvement contractor licenses can be obtained from the DCWP either by applying online or by applying in person at any of the following locations:

DCWP Licensing Center
42 Broadway
Lobby
New York, NY 10004
NYC Small Business Support Center
90-27 Sutphin Boulevard
4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435

In-person applicants are expected to schedule an appointment via email or by calling (212) 436-0441 before visiting any of the aforementioned locations, and they will also be required to complete and submit a Basic License Application Form. All applicants will also be expected to meet certain eligibility criteria, regardless of their application method. These include:

  • Passing a licensing examination
  • Providing proof of adequate insurance
  • Providing proof of their home and business addresses
  • Paying stipulated examination and licensing fees

Inquiries concerning the DCWP's license issuance process can be directed to the department at 311 or (212) 639-9675.

Note that a separate general contractor registration process may be required for fence contractors who intend to offer services or perform jobs requiring locally-issued permits, such as installing over six feet high fences. This registration process is overseen by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), and registrants typically have to meet qualification conditions like:

  • Being at least 18 years old
  • Passing a background check
  • Providing proof of proper insurance
  • Paying applicable registration fees

Interested parties can contact the DOB at (212) 393-2259 to get more information on its general contractor registration procedure and requirements.

You can confirm that your fence contractor has been appropriately licensed by the DCWP via the online service portal that it provides for this purpose. If your fence project requires building permits, you can equally confirm that your contractor has been registered by the DOB and is thus eligible to pull these permits via the department's registrant search portal.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Fencing Companies in the City?

Building a new fence in NYC typically costs an average of $1,000 - $4,500, and homeowners in the city usually install fences on their property for one or more of several reasons, like:

  • For security and safety
  • For enhanced privacy
  • To contain children and pets
  • To keep out rodents and pests
  • To improve their home's aesthetic appeal
  • To provide cover for pools
  • To beautify their gardens

Note that the actual cost of fencing your property will be affected by key factors like:

  • The length of the fence
  • Your preferred fencing material
  • The cost of hinges, latches, posts, locks, and other similar fence hardware
  • Labor costs

Among these factors, special emphasis should be paid to the fencing material, as it usually influences the total cost of fencing projects. Several types of fencing materials are commonly utilized by NYC home and property owners, each with varying costs and benefits:

  • Wood: wood fences are a very common fencing option in NYC. These fences cost an average of $10 - $35 per linear foot to install, are easily customizable, and have a high aesthetic value. However, they require regular maintenance and are considered more costly than other fencing materials.
  • Composite: composite fences are similar to wood fences but have the advantage of requiring less maintenance. However, this fencing material can be quite pricey at an average cost of $20 - $45 per linear foot.
  • Chain Link: these are low-maintenance, practical, and affordable fencing materials, and they typically cost an average of $5 - $50 per linear foot. While these fences have the advantage of being long-lasting and secure, they are not very aesthetically pleasing and are also easily prone to rust.
  • Vinyl: vinyl fences are durable, low maintenance, eco-friendly, and easy to install. However, with an average cost of $15 - $32 per linear foot, even though this fencing material is considered relatively affordable, it may not be the best option in terms of security.
  • Aluminum: at an average cost of $20 - $95 per linear foot, aluminum is a practical, secure, durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing fencing option. These fences also have the advantage of being corrosion and rust-resistant. On the flip side, they are also relatively expensive to install.
  • Steel: steel fences typically cost an average of $15 - $85 per linear foot. These fences are easy to install, low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing, and relatively cheaper than other metal fencing options, making them popular among many home and property owners. However, they are also prone to rust and scratches.
  • Wrought Iron: wrought iron fences are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and long-lasting. However, they are also high-maintenance and prone to rust and dents. At an average cost of $30 - $65 per linear foot, they are also relatively expensive to install

When searching for fence contractors in NYC, it is advisable to get quotes for your project from at least three different fencing companies and compare them before hiring. This helps you get an idea of the current market prices for your project and is also an effective precaution against getting scammed by dishonest fence contractors and companies that overcharge for their services. However, this does not mean that you should automatically hire the contractor or company that submits the lowest quotes and always ask for an explanation if there is a noticeable difference between this quote and the others.

Lastly, ensure that the fence contractor you hire is experienced and aptly equipped to install the specific fence style or design you desire. Popular fence styles and designs found on homes and property across NYC include:

  • Picket Fence: this is one of the most popular fence styles in NYC, and the design involves leaving gaps between the vertical wooden slabs, which often have pointed tops. While picket fences are mostly short and installed for aesthetic purposes, taller versions may be installed to protect against medium-sized rodents and pests.
  • Dog-Ear Fence: these fences are mostly made out of wood and composite, and their design involves cutting the corners of the vertical boards of the fence at angles on the side
  • Scallop Fence: this is a variant of the picket fence design that involves adding slight curvatures at points where the fence rises from one end to the other, instead of the traditional straight horizontal top
  • Flat-top Fence: this fence design involves leaving the fence with a flat-top, just as the name implies
  • Lattice-Top Fence: this fence design involves giving regular fences a decorative flair by adding a lattice top to them
  • Garden Fence: garden fences refer to low fences that are primarily installed around gardens for aesthetic purposes or to keep small animals out
  • Gothic Fence: this design is mostly constructed using metal fencing materials, and it involves adding a series of points at the top of the fence
  • Shadow-Box Fence: this design involves attaching wood fencing materials on each side of the fence's frame in an alternating fashion
  • Split Rail Fence: this design involves installing the fences in a horizontal style instead of the more common vertical style, and is mainly used for farms and large properties, as it typically utilizes less fence material
  • Electric Fence: this design involves the use of metal fencing materials and wire meshes to create a fence that deters people and animals from entering a particular area through electric shocks
  • Custom Fence: this refers to fences that are designed specifically for particular landscapes or terrains. These fences can be customized to suit the client's unique taste, requirements, or quirks, and they typically cost more than other types of fence designs

Fence contractors in New York City make an average of $54,310 annually. The following list compares the average hourly pay of these contractors with that of fence contractors in other locations across New York State and the rest of the United States:

New York City Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$26.11
Manhattan Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$28.04
Queens Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$28.90
Brooklyn Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$29.01
Bronx Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$25.78
Staten Island Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$25.49
Rochester Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$28.29
Yonkers Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$26.11
San Francisco Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$23.26
Chicago Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$25.12
Philadelphia Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$20.09
Washington D.C. Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$19.48
Boston Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$21.65
Dallas Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$18.09
Phoenix Fence Contractors Average Hourly Wage
$20.31
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Kind of Fencing Services Do You Offer?

Fence companies in NYC provide a wide range of services to interested parties in the city, and these include but are not limited to:

  • New fence installations
  • Fence gate installations
  • Fence replacements and upgrades
  • Fence maintenance and repairs
  • Custom fence design and building
  • Installation consultations
  • Boundary and utility line markings

To ensure that your fencing project turns out satisfactorily, it is crucial that you find out the specific types of services that your preferred fence company is equipped to offer before reaching any hiring agreements with them. Make sure that these services align with the requirements for your project, and get any promises made by the fence company in writing.

When Am I Required to Have a Fence in New York City?

It is always in your best interest to determine whether any ordinances and regulations will affect the type and scope of fencing work you can undertake before you begin any work on the project. Fencing projects in New York City are subject to several local and state-level laws, and these include:

Key provisions of these laws include:

  • Fences must not exceed a height of 10 feet, and parties that erect fences higher than this can get sued by their neighbors. Also, fences in the city's residential districts are typically limited to six feet, with residential front yard fences and residential side or corner lot fences limited to four and six feet, respectively.
  • Temporary construction fences must be installed before the commencement of any construction or demolition projects in the city. These fences are required to enclose the project site, must be at least eight feet high, must be painted hunter-green, and must be made with wood or other suitable solid fencing materials. However, the use of chain link material may be approved for certain projects. These include projects that involve one-, two-, or three-family buildings or commercial buildings that are less than 40 feet high, have a setback of 15 feet from the sidewalk and public, and are five feet from adjoining structures.
  • Adjoining landowners must share responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of fences that divide their property. However, landowners that do not keep any animals or livestock on their property within five years of construction or repair of the fence in question are not obligated to do this and cannot be held liable if they refuse to
  • Homeowners with boundary fences that are destroyed by floods and other similar disasters must be repaired no later than 10 days after receiving a repair request from their neighbors.
  • Fences with a minimum height of four feet must be installed around swimming pools. These fences must have self-closing and positive self-latching doors or gates, and the knob or handle controlling their latches must be at least 40 inches above the ground.

An advantage of hiring a professional fence company to handle your fence project is that their fence contractors are typically knowledgeable about pertinent fencing laws and also provide their services in compliance with them.

You can contact the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) at (212) 566-5000 to get additional information on the provisions of New York fence laws and regulations that may affect your project. You can also report violations of these fence laws online or by reaching out to DOB via phone numbers 311 and (212) 639-9675 for callers within and outside NYC, respectively.

Will You Get the Necessary Permits as Required as per the City Code?

Locally issued permits are generally required for all construction-related activities that take place in New York City, including the building and installation of fences. However, permit exemptions may be made for the installation of fences that are six feet high or less on one or two-family dwellings. Obtaining all necessary permits for your project before it commences helps maintain public safety and welfare, protects your property value, and ensures that you comply with local ordinances and avoid city-imposed sanctions. Per Section 102-04 of the Rules of New York City, parties that commence construction-related work without obtaining all appropriate permits can receive fines of up to $15,000.

Permits for fence work are issued by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), and interested parties can apply for these permits online via the department's DOB NOW: Build platform or in person by completing and submitting a PW1 Application Form to the department through its Borough Offices located at:

Bronx Borough Office
1932 Arthur Avenue
5th Floor
Bronx, NY 10457
Phone: (718) 960-4710
Brooklyn Borough Office
210 Joralemon Street
8th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 802-3675
Manhattan Borough Office
280 Broadway
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2614
Queens Borough Office
120-55 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11424
Phone: (718) 286-7620
Staten Island Borough Office
Borough Hall
10 Richmond Terrace
2nd Floor
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 420-5400

Applicants who choose the in-person option are required to check "Box 6D" and enter "Fence Not Temp" when filling out the application form. Likewise, applicants who choose the online option will be required to create a user account before they can access the DOB NOW: Build platform, and the department provides resources on the platform that can be used to navigate the account creation and online submission process. Note that, depending on the nature and scope of the project, the DOB may require additional forms and documents like site plans and drawings and the payment of stipulated fees before it issues the requested permit.

You can get additional information on the DOB's permitting process by calling (212) 566-5000 or contacting any of its Borough Offices via the contact details above. Note that the DOB is authorized to conduct inspections of all construction-related projects in the city to ensure that they conform to pertinent construction codes and fence regulations.

Will You Contact the City's Utility Companies to Verify the Path of Underground Lines?

Professional fence companies in NYC typically carry out fence installations via the following steps:

  • Estimating the fence length
  • Marking utility lines
  • Pulling necessary permits
  • Digging post holes and setting post brackets
  • Building and installing the fence
  • Tidying up the work area

An important step in this process is ensuring that all utility lines on your property are correctly located and marked before any digging starts, especially underground power, gas, and water lines. Failing to do this, and subsequently cutting into any of these lines during your fence installation project, can disrupt vital services to your home and even lead to dangerous and potentially fatal accidents and injuries.

Note that even though many professional fence companies include utility line location and marking in their services, you should always get confirmation when hiring with your preferred company. In many cases, these companies will also request a copy of your survey records when planning the project to verify where your property's utility lines are located. Alternatively, you can locate the utility lines on your property by contacting New York 811, Inc. at 811 or (800) 272-4480 at least two working days before any digging on your property commences.

Additional information concerning NYC utility lines can also be obtained by contacting the following agencies and utility companies:

  • NYC Department of Environmental Protection – 311 for callers within the city and (212) 639-9675 for callers outside the city
  • Con Edison – 1-800-752-6633
  • Public Service Enterprise Group – 1-800-490-0025
  • National Grid - 1-718-643-4050

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Fence Contractors in New York City?

The insurance status of your intended fence contractors is an important aspect to consider when planning fencing projects. More than 700 construction-related incidents were recorded in NYC in 2021, with over 500 of these incidents leading to injuries and approximately nine of them resulting in fatalities. Hiring an uninsured fence contractor makes you liable for any injuries they sustain on the job and also means that you will be responsible for any property damage they may incur during the project.

Per local regulations, fence contractors in NYC are typically required to comply with certain insurance and bond requirements before they can legally operate in the city. These include:

  • Carrying workers' compensation insurance and disability insurance, where applicable
  • Maintaining general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. Note that this is mandatory for contractors who wish to register with and pull permits from the NYC Department of Buildings.
  • Maintaining a $20,000 surety or third-party bond or enrolling with the city's DCWP Trust Fund. Note that this requirement is mandatory for contractors who wish to be licensed as Home Improvement Contractors by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

To this end, always verify that your intended fence contractor has complied with these requirements by requesting copies of their insurance and bond certificates and authenticating these certificates with the appropriate issuing organizations. Make sure that you do this before they commence any work on your fencing project.

You can also contact the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection at (212) 639-9675 and the NYC Department of Buildings at (212) 566-5000 to get additional information on the insurance and bonding requirements for fence contractors in the city.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Fence Contractor in New York City

You can file complaints against bad fence contractors in New York City with local and state-level agencies like the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and the New York State Attorney General's Office.

In August 2022, ABC7 NY reported that a Long Island fence contractor had been arrested for defrauding several customers out of over $20,000. According to the report, the contractor had received money, mostly in cash, from at least ten victims to install new fences on their property, only to cut off communication with them and abscond without doing the contracted work. Approximately $1 billion is spent annually on home improvement projects across the New York metropolitan area, making this industry attractive to con artists and unscrupulous contractors who prey on home and property owners to trick them out of their money.

Data published by the DCWP suggests that it receives no less than 2,000 consumer complaints from residents of NYC every year over a wide variety of matters, including shoddy home improvement services and contractor scams. These scams are typically carried out through various methods and techniques, like:

  • Asking for large down payments or full payment upfront, usually in cash, and absconding without doing the work or leaving the job unfinished
  • Offering homeowners free fence repair and maintenance and suddenly discovering problems that require a complete fence replacement
  • Performing jobs without pulling the required permits
  • Deceiving customers with shared fences into believing that the cost of the fence repairs will be reimbursed by their neighbors

To this end, you should look out for certain red flags when hiring fence contractors in NYC to avoid falling victim to a home improvement scam:

  • Unsolicited offers of fencing services: be wary of fence contractors that show up at your home unsolicited to offer their services
  • Avoidance of written contracts: insist on getting a written contract for your fence project before any work starts. Always review this contract carefully before signing it, and be suspicious of contractors that downplay the importance of written contracts
  • Unbelievably low quotes: always get and compare estimates for your project before finalizing your hiring arrangements
  • Hesitance to provide proof of licensing: always confirm that your fence contractor has been properly licensed by the DCWP before signing any contracts with them
  • Insistence on cash payment upfront: avoid cash transactions, never pay the full cost of your project upfront, and limit any down payments that you make to a maximum of 20 – 30 percent of the project's total value
  • Lack of physical office address: never hire a fence contractor that does not have a verifiable office location. You should also request references from your preferred contractor and contact the DCWP at 311 or (212) 639-9675 to check their complaint history, if any

If you find yourself dealing with an unscrupulous or fraudulent fence contractor, you can file a complaint against them with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, either online or by submitting two copies of a consumer complaint form to:

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Consumer Services Division
42 Broadway
9th Floor
New York, NY 10004

You can also file complaints against these contractors with the New York State Attorney General's Office through its Consumer Frauds Bureau Online Complaint Form.