Fencing projects shouldn’t feel like blank checks. We try to be as transparent and open about our prices as possible. But some costs are just outside of our control. The best way to avoid these surprise costs is to know where they hide and plan for them.
How much does aluminum fencing cost in general?
Generally, an aluminum fence runs between $15–$40 per linear foot (materials + installation). Of course that varies based on style, gates, and additional hardware. For a detailed breakdown of our costs, check out our full Aluminum Fence Cost Guide.
Where are the hidden costs of aluminum fencing?
- Permitting fees
- Surveys
- Utility penalties
- Disposal of old fencing
- Delivery costs
- Change orders
Let’s go through them and figure out how to avoid and/or plan for them.
What are the permitting costs for fencing projects?
First, check with your city, county, or HOA about a fencing permit. These authorities may charge you anywhere from a hundred to a few hundred dollars to file a fencing permit. If you think that’s ridiculous, then wait until they charge you a penalty for NOT filing a fencing permit.
What are the surveying costs for fencing projects?
Secondly, you don’t want your fence on your neighbor’s land as that might spark a boundary dispute. You can avoid this by checking your plat, which is a property line map often given to people when they purchase a property. If you lost yours you can get a copy from your local county clerk.
If you live in a rural area with no clear boundaries, then check your property deed. It might say something like, “your property extends 100 yards from all sides of the home’s original layout.” Again, if you can’t find the deed, check with your local county clerk or HOA.
Or you could hire a licensed land surveyor. They can check county records for you and mark specific measurements on your yard. A licensed land surveyor can cost anywhere from $300 to $700 or more depending on the location and size of your property.
What are the utility costs for fencing projects?
Ideally, the utility costs for fencing projects would be free. Before you can start digging, you need to have underground utilities marked. Call 811 or use your state’s online locate service. The marking itself is usually free. But failing to call can cost you steep penalties or in the worst-case scenario, expensive utility repairs.
Include this process within your timeline. Schedule a cushion so this utility marking doesn’t delay your installer or your DIY weekend.
What are the costs of removing and disposing of an old fence?
Contractors usually charge a few dollars per linear foot to remove and dispose of old fencing, depending on the material. Metal fencing with concrete posts is going to cost more to remove, than a rinky-dink wooden fence.
Even if you are removing your old fence on your own, there may be fees for dumping or bulk pickup. Basically, Where will you take this old material? Some metal recycling places will pay you (normally pennies on the dollar) for materials like old metal fences. But other places like a dump might charge you a small fee. So know where you are going and plan ahead.
What are the delivery costs of aluminum fencing?
Our shipping is calculated by region, order size, and gate type. However, we offer free freight when orders exceed a certain threshold but only in specific states. You can read our full shipping policy here.
The worst budget surprise is a change order.
We’ve all done it. We order something online only to discover it’s the wrong size, fit, or product. Now, you have to send it back and order another one. Don’t do that for your fencing project.
There is nothing quite as painful as realizing after delivery that you mis‑measured, forgot a gate, chose the wrong height for a pool code, or didn’t account for a steep slope.
You know the old adage, “measure twice, cut once?” Do that with your fence run. Lay out your fence line on paper first, double check it, then request a quote.
If you would like some help planning your fence out, read our 2026 Installation Guide.