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DIY vs Hire Fence

What you are actually deciding

The DIY-versus-hire question is really about labour: who digs holes, sets posts plumb, hangs rails and gates, and cleans up. Materials cost similar amounts either way, although contractors sometimes get trade pricing and sometimes mark materials up. Your decision should weigh the money saved against time, physical effort, tool costs, risk of mistakes, and how much you value a warranty.

Skills a fence project needs

• Accurate layout and measuring (how to measure a fence line)
• Digging holes to depth in your soil (how deep fence posts)
• Setting posts plumb and aligned with string lines
• Cutting rails and boards square
• Hanging gates that swing and latch properly (often the hardest part)
• Handling heavy materials safely

If you have built a deck or shed, you probably have most of these. If not, start with a short run or gate to learn.

Time

A small crew of experienced installers may set posts for a typical backyard in a day and finish the fence another day. First-time DIYers usually take several weekends, especially when digging by hand. Rocky or root-filled soil can double digging time. Concrete needs cure time before load. Weather delays happen.

Tools and rentals

Hand post-hole digger, power auger rental, string and stakes, level, circular or miter saw, impact driver, clamps and safety gear. If you rent an auger, ask the shop about kickback; read fence tools. Rental costs are part of DIY cost.

When hiring makes more sense

• Long runs, steep slopes, or rock
• Tall fences in windy sites
• Vinyl or ornamental systems needing precise layout
• Pool barriers with strict code rules
• Limited time or physical limits
• You want a workmanship warranty

When DIY makes more sense

• Short, straight runs in diggable soil
• Simple styles like picket or side-by-side privacy
• Flexible timeline
• You already own most tools
• You enjoy the work

Hybrid approaches

Many homeowners hire out the hard part, digging and setting posts, then hang rails and pickets themselves. Others do demolition and staining themselves and hire installation. Ask installers if they quote partial jobs.

Worked example

Figures below are illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.

Assumptions: 150 ft of 6 ft wood privacy fence with one gate. Materials list from the fence calculator priced locally at $3,000. Hired quote: $7,500 total including materials, removal and warranty. DIY: $3,000 materials + $250 auger rental for two days + $200 tools and hardware + $150 dump fee = $3,600, plus about 50 hours of homeowner time. Savings: $3,900, or $78 per hour of labour. Whether that is worth it depends on you. All figures are invented examples.

Getting good quotes

Ask at least two or three installers for written, itemized quotes. Compare what is included: removal, permits, locates, post size and depth, concrete, gate hardware, cleanup, warranty and timeline. Ask for proof of insurance. Ask for references or addresses of recent fences. Read reviews critically. Use the fence cost calculator to normalize quotes.

Avoiding common DIY mistakes

• Skipping utility locates
• Building over the property line
• Not checking bylaws on height
• Posts not plumb or aligned
• Gates hung on undersized posts
• Pickets touching soil

Insurance and liability

If someone helps you and is injured, or you damage a neighbour's property or a utility line, costs can be significant. Check your home insurance policy. Hired contractors should carry their own liability insurance and, where applicable, workers' compensation coverage.

A realistic DIY timeline

Day 1: layout, locates confirmed, string lines. Day 2: dig holes (or longer, by hand). Day 3: set and brace posts, pour or tamp footings. Wait for cure per product directions. Day 4: rails. Days 5–6: pickets and gate. Day 7: cleanup and staining (or later, if new treated wood needs to dry). Weather and soil can stretch each step. Pros do this faster because they have the equipment, a crew and practice.

Questions to ask an installer

• Do you pull the permit and request locates, or do I?
• What post size and depth will you use, and how are gate posts set?
• Is old fence removal and disposal included?
• What is your workmanship warranty and what does it exclude?
• Are you insured, and can I see proof?
• What deposit do you need and when is the balance due?
• How do you handle rock or unexpected obstacles?

Red flags

Be cautious with very large upfront deposits, quotes with no written scope, pressure to sign the same day, unwillingness to request locates, and no proof of insurance. A slightly higher quote from an installer who answers every question clearly is often the better value.

Hybrid approach

Many homeowners hire a crew to set posts, which needs the most equipment and precision, then hang rails and pickets themselves. Others hire out removal of an old fence. Ask installers if they will quote parts of the job; not all will, but some do.

Insurance and liability

If you hire, the installer's liability insurance should cover damage they cause. If you DIY, your home policy may treat damage differently; ask your insurer before a big project.

Bottom line

Choose DIY if you have the time, tools and help; hire if the site, schedule or risk is beyond that.

FAQ

How much can I save by DIY?

The labour portion, minus tool rentals and your time. Compare real quotes.

Is it hard to install a fence gate?

Gates are the trickiest part; consider a pre-built gate kit or hiring that piece.

Do I need a permit if I DIY?

Rules are the same whoever builds; see permits and property lines.

What's a fair price per foot?

See fence cost per foot.

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