Free fence estimate template

A fill-in estimate for new fences, fence replacements, and gates: fence by the linear foot, posts, gates and hardware, removal of the old fence, and optional staining. Type it in on this page, then print it or save it as a PDF to send. The gray hints in each line are only suggestions and don't print.

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What a fence estimate should spell out

"Put up a new fence" leaves a lot open: where it runs, how tall, what it's made of, and what happens to the old one. Writing those down keeps quotes comparable and avoids an argument at the end. A few habits help:

• Price by the linear foot, and say how you measured. Write the total linear feet and how you got it (measured on site with a wheel or tape, or taken from a plan the customer gave you). Say whether gate openings are counted in the footage or left out, and price gates on their own lines (made-up example: "180 linear ft measured on site with a wheel, not counting 2 gate openings").
• Material, style, and height on their own line. Write the material (for example wood, vinyl, chain link, or aluminum), the style (privacy, picket, shadowbox, and so on), and the height, so the customer knows exactly what the price per foot buys.
• Posts: spacing and how they're set. Say how far apart the posts are, what they're made of, and whether they're set in concrete or in packed gravel. If corner, end, or gate posts are heavier, give them their own line.
• Who supplies the materials. Say whether you supply the fence materials, posts, concrete, and hardware or the customer does. If the customer supplies them, say what happens if something is short or damaged on delivery.
• Removal and haul-away of the old fence. Tearing out the old fence, pulling old posts or footings, and hauling it all away is real work. Put it on its own line, priced per foot or as a flat amount, or say it's not included.
• Gates and hardware as separate lines. Each walk gate and drive (double) gate gets its own line, with width and the hardware included (hinges, latch, drop rod). If the customer wants a lock or self-closing hinges, list them.
• Grade, slope, rocky soil, and roots: stop and price. Say whether the fence steps down or follows the slope on a sloped yard. You can't always tell what's underground, so say that if you hit rock, large roots, or old concrete while digging post holes, you'll stop, show the customer, and price the extra work as a change before going on.
• Call 811 before digging. Say that buried utility lines will be marked before any post holes are dug. 811 is the free national before-you-dig service: contact 811 or your state 811 center's website a few business days before digging, and wait until the utilities have marked their lines; see call811.com. Also ask the customer where any private lines run (for example sprinklers, lighting, or a line to a shed), since those may not be marked.
• Property line, permits, and HOA approval. Say that the property owner is responsible for knowing where the property line is (and getting a survey if needed), and that the fence will go where the owner shows you. Permit and HOA rules vary by city, county, and neighborhood, so say who applies for any permit or HOA approval and put the fee on its own line.
• Staining or sealing as an optional add-on. If you offer staining or sealing on a wood fence, list it as a separate optional line, priced per foot or one or two sides, and say when it can be done (new wood may need to dry first).
• Cleanup and what's not included. Say you'll clean up dirt from the post holes and leftover materials. Say that work not listed (for example tree trimming, moving sprinklers, or a retaining wall) isn't included unless it's on a line of its own.
• Valid-until date, deposit, and payment terms. How long the price holds (lumber and material prices can change), any deposit to schedule or order materials, when the balance is due, and how you take payment, including your own payment link if you use one.

For the longer walk-through (scope wording, exclusions, change orders, sign-off), see how to write a contractor estimate.

This is a general template, not legal advice. Contractor licensing, fence permits, height and setback rules, HOA rules, and sales tax vary by state, county, and city, so check yours before you quote.

Your estimate

Job done? Use the free printable invoice template to bill for it. Need a plain version without fence hints? Use the general estimate template. Fixing a gate latch or other small jobs on the same visit? Use the handyman estimate template.

Doing this from your phone

Pencilslip is in development: it will build fence estimates like this from your phone, with job photos and your own payment links. Want to hear when it's ready?

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