What a fence proposal is for
Fence customers usually ask for a price on one material without knowing what else is possible. Three options on the same footage, each saying how long it lasts and what upkeep it needs, let them choose on value. Many choose the upkeep-free option once they see it next to the cost of staining.
What to put on a fence proposal
- The same footage and gates in each.
- Material, style and posts for each.
- Upkeep each needs.
- Warranty differences.
- One acceptance line.
A worked example
The same 150-foot back yard. The wood fence and gate use the calculator's typical prices; the upgrades and vinyl are yours to price.
Option 1: Good: wood privacy fence. Pressure-treated posts and pickets; stain every few years.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy fence * | 150 | ft | $27.50 | $4,125.00 |
| Walk gate * | 1 | each | $225.00 | $225.00 |
| Total before tax | $4,350.00 |
Option 2: Better: upgraded wood fence. Adds steel posts behind the wood and a cap and trim board.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy fence * | 150 | ft | $27.50 | $4,125.00 |
| Walk gate * | 1 | each | $225.00 | $225.00 |
| Steel post upgrade | 20 | each | Your price | |
| Cap and trim board | 150 | ft | Your price |
Option 3: Best: vinyl privacy fence. No staining, washes clean, longer material warranty.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl privacy fence, installed | 150 | ft | Your price |
| Vinyl walk gate | 1 | each | Your price |
Say the upkeep in each note: staining every few years for wood, washing for vinyl. Upkeep is part of the price over time.
* Typical price from our free fence cost calculator, which lists its sources. Your own costs and market come first.
Line items fence contractors use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy fence, installed | ft | Height, picket style and post spacing. |
| Vinyl privacy fence, installed | ft | Height, color and style. |
| Chain link fence, installed | ft | Height, gauge and coating. |
| Aluminum or steel ornamental fence | ft | Height and style; pool code if it encloses a pool. |
| Walk gate | each | Width and hardware. |
| Double drive gate | each | Width; say whether it needs a drop rod or wheel. |
| Remove and haul away old fence | ft | Including old posts and concrete footings if pulled. |
| Post set in concrete | each | Depth per local code or your standard. |
| Rock or root drilling surcharge | each | Per post hole that hits rock or roots. |
| Grade change or stepping | ft | Sloped yards that need stepped or racked panels. |
| Stain or seal wood fence | ft | After the wood dries, often weeks later. |
| Permit and survey review | each | Many towns require a permit; the property line is the owner's to confirm. |
| Fence repair, replace boards or posts | hour | Repairs priced by time and materials. |
Terms and deposit language for fence
- Deposit. A deposit at signing orders materials and holds the install date. Some states cap deposits on fence and other home improvement work, so look up yours.
- Payment. Balance due when the fence is complete and the gates swing and latch.
- Warranty. Say how long you cover workmanship, such as posts and gates, and that materials carry the maker's warranty. Wood movement and checking are natural, not defects.
- The property owner is responsible for the property line location; you install where the owner or survey marks it.
- Utilities are located before digging; private lines like sprinklers or invisible dog fences are the owner's to mark.
- HOA approval, if needed, is the owner's to get before install.
How to fill it in
- Fill in the customer and the job.
- Check each option's name, its one-line difference and its lines.
- Add your prices; each option totals on its own.
- Set tax, the deposit and the good-until date.
- Print it, download it, or send it from Koira so the customer can pick and sign on the phone.
Free tools for fence
The same proposal for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, drywall, electrical, flooring, garage door, general contractor, gutter, handyman, hvac, irrigation, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, remodeling, roofing, septic, snow removal, solar, tree service, waterproofing, window cleaning.
More for fence contractors: how fence contractors run on Koira.