How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in Boston?

The cost of living, and for home services, in Boston is significantly higher than the national average. The price of putting in a fence in the area mirrors that fact. The average fence installation cost in Boston is $3,741, with a typical range of $2,089 to $5,440. The type, size, and style of the fence are the most significant pricing factors.

Fence Installation Cost Factors

Several pricing factors will impact your fence installation cost in Boston. While it's possible to install a fence as a DIY project, it's a challenging proposition. Most homeowners choose to hire a local fence installation contractor to handle the details and the hard work. Whichever route you choose, the primary cost factors remain the same. 

Size

The cost to install a fence can vary based on the amount of material used, which is, in large part, determined by the size of your fence. Longer fences will naturally cost more due to higher material costs and labor costs to install them.

Common prices for a residential backyard fence in Boston by linear foot include:

This all comes out to an average cost per linear foot for fence installation of between  $9  and $48, depending on the material, with an average per-linear-foot cost of $26.

Material

You can choose from many fencing materials, including wood, iron, aluminum, PVC, and chain-link.

The costs vary wildly among the different fencing materials, with chain-link fences tending to be the most affordable, followed by wood, iron, PVC, and then aluminum. The pricing of each material varies based on the design of the fence, though, so your total will depend on your front yard fence idea.

Style

The type of fence you choose is another important factor affecting cost. For instance, if you want to block the view of your yard entirely, a privacy fence costs around $26 per linear foot. No matter the type of fence you choose, a privacy fence will always require more material to provide a barrier, so the cost will be higher. Shorter decorative fences will likely be more affordable.

Demolition and Prep 

If you're replacing an old fence, you’ll need to take it down before installing the new one. Fence removal runs about $3 to $7 per linear foot, or roughly $300 to $750 total for a 150-foot fence. You can save money on dumping fees by recycling or scrapping the old fence materials.

If your yard is sloped, your installer may need to level the land, which costs an average of $1,200 to $3,300 in Boston.

You'll also want to budget to remove any trees or roots that are in the way. Removing a tree in Boston costs anywhere from $200 to $2,600, depending on the size, though most homeowners spend around $750.

Fence Pro Costs

Other variables will also come into play in addition to the primary cost factors. Variations in labor and permit costs in your specific Boston location can impact your final invoice. Additionally, if your fence installation is just one part of your exterior upgrade, you may need the services of other pros as well. 

Labor

Standard labor costs to hire a Boston-area fence installer will account for roughly 50% of the total price of your fence installation project, which falls in line with national averages. 

Permit

Virtually all fence installations in Boston require obtaining a permit. Your installer will get the permit, handle the necessary inspection, and include the cost, which ranges from $20 to $60 on average, in your invoice. 

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

If finishing your new fence isn't included in your pricing estimate, or if your project requires additional landscaping work for successful completion, you may also need the services of the following professionals.

• Landscaping costs: $1,250–$6,280

• Fence painting costs: $750–$4,250

Does Installing a Fence Increase Home Value?

Installing a fence on your property can increase your home's value and provide a significant return on your investment (ROI), provided the fence remains in good condition, serves a purpose, and is attractive to potential buyers. 

A well-maintained, purpose-built fence can yield up to 50% ROI in Boston. However, another aspect, beyond the dollar amount, is that an attractive and useful fence can add significant selling appeal to the home.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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