Question 1

How to write a fence invoice?

Accepted Answer

Start with your fencing business name, contractor license number, and contact information at the top. Include client name, property address, and invoice date. Measure and document total linear footage, fence height, and type of materials used. List all materials separately: posts, panels, rails, gates, hardware, concrete, and fasteners with quantities and unit prices. Break out labor charges from materials for transparency. Include any site prep, old fence removal, or permit fees as separate line items. Calculate subtotal, add applicable sales tax, and show total amount due. State payment terms clearly like "Due Upon Completion" or "Net 15 Days." For larger projects, specify deposit paid and balance remaining. Include your warranty information and payment methods accepted.

Question 2

How much do fencing contractors charge per hour?

Accepted Answer

Fencing contractors typically charge between $45-75 per hour for labor, though most fence projects are priced per linear foot rather than hourly. Hourly rates vary by region, contractor experience, and project complexity. In high-cost areas or for specialized work like ornamental iron, rates can reach $80-100 per hour. Most residential fence installations are quoted as flat rates per linear foot ($15-45) which includes both materials and labor. Hourly billing works better for repairs, maintenance, or jobs with uncertain scope. For commercial projects, experienced crews may charge $60-90 per hour per worker.

Question 3

Is the fencing invoice template really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free to download and use. Our fencing invoice templates comes in Excel, PDF, and Word formats with no signup required, no credit card needed, and no hidden fees. Download as many times as you want and customize them for your fence business. All templates include fence-specific fields for materials, labor, linear footage calculations, and gate installations.

Question 4

What should be included on a fence contractor invoice?

Accepted Answer

Include your business name and contractor license, client information and property address, invoice number and date, total linear footage and fence height, fence type and material specifications, itemized materials list with quantities and costs, labor charges broken down by task, gate installations and hardware, concrete and post installation, site preparation or fence removal fees, permit costs if applicable, subtotal before tax, sales tax amount, total due, payment terms and due date, accepted payment methods, and warranty information for materials and workmanship.

Question 5

How do I calculate materials for a fence invoice?

Accepted Answer

Measure total fence length in linear feet. For posts, divide linear footage by spacing (typically 6-8 feet on center) and add corner and gate posts. Calculate panels or pickets based on fence length and panel width. For rails, multiply fence length by number of rail rows (usually 2-3). Include one bag of concrete per post (typically 50lb bags). Add 10% waste factor for cuts and mistakes. For gates, count hinges, latches, and posts separately. Show all quantities and unit prices clearly on invoice so clients understand material costs.

Question 6

Should I charge by the foot or by the project?

Accepted Answer

Most fencing contractors use per-linear-foot pricing as the industry standard. This makes pricing transparent and easy for clients to understand. Typical rates range $15-45 per linear foot installed depending on material and style. Per-foot pricing scales naturally to any project size. However, flat project pricing works well for small jobs with defined scope. For repairs or complex projects with unknowns, hourly or time-and-materials pricing protects you from surprises. Choose the method that best fits your project and client expectations.

Question 7

How do I price fence repair and maintenance work?

Accepted Answer

Fence repair is often priced hourly ($50-75 per hour) plus materials rather than per linear foot. Assess damage, estimate repair time, and price materials needed. Common repairs include post resets ($150-300 per post), panel replacements ($100-250 per panel), gate repairs ($75-200), and hardware replacement ($50-150). For maintenance contracts, price monthly or seasonally based on fence size and service frequency. Include staining, pressure washing, hardware inspection, and minor repairs in maintenance packages.

Question 8

What payment terms should fence contractors use?

Accepted Answer

For residential fence installation, most contractors require 50% deposit upfront before starting work, with remaining 50% due upon completion. This protects cash flow and ensures client commitment. For smaller repair jobs under $1,000, "Due Upon Completion" is standard. Commercial clients may require Net 30 terms. Always state payment terms clearly on invoice. Accept multiple payment methods including checks, credit cards, ACH transfers, and online payments to get paid faster.

Question 9

Should I separate materials and labor on fence invoices?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always separate materials from labor charges on fence invoices. This transparency helps clients understand your pricing breakdown and shows the true value of professional installation. List major materials like posts, panels, gates, concrete, and hardware with quantities and unit prices. Then show labor as separate line items for installation, site prep, and cleanup. This approach builds trust, justifies your pricing, and makes it easier to explain costs to clients.

Question 10

How do I invoice for fence gate installations?

Accepted Answer

Price gates separately from linear fencing because they require significantly more labor and materials. Single gates typically cost $300-800 installed, while double drive gates run $800-2,000 or more. Break down gate invoices to show gate frame and panels, heavy-duty posts and concrete, hinges and mounting hardware, latch or lock mechanisms, and installation labor. For automated gates, add opener systems, electrical work, and programming as additional line items. Gates justify premium pricing due to precision required.

Question 11

What about permits and property surveys for fence invoicing?

Accepted Answer

Include permit fees and survey costs as separate line items on fence invoices. Building permits for fences typically cost $50-200 depending on location. Property surveys ensure fence stays on client property and can cost $300-800. Some municipalities require permits for fences over certain heights. Always check local requirements before starting work. Invoice these regulatory costs separately so clients see them as necessary expenses, not contractor markups.

Free Fencing Invoice Template

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Excel Template

PDF Template

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How to Use Your Fencing Invoice Template

Select Format & Download

Add Business Details

Enter Project Information

Itemize Materials & Labor

Calculate Total & Send

Everything Fence Contractors Need to Bill Professionally

Fence-Specific Line Items

Linear Footage Calculations

Material & Labor Breakdown

Residential & Commercial Ready

Repair & Maintenance Tracking

Multiple Fence Types

How to Price Your Fencing Services

Per Linear Foot Pricing

Pros

Cons

Time & Materials Pricing

Pros

Cons

Always Measure in Person

Charge Appropriately for Gates

Common Fencing Services to Invoice

Fence Installation Services

Gate Installation & Repair

Fence Materials

Fence Repair & Maintenance

Site Preparation & Extras

Commercial Fencing Services

Fencing Invoice Best Practices

Measure and Document Accurately

Break Down Materials vs. Labor

Invoice Immediately After Completion

Include Before & After Photos

State Payment Terms Clearly

Offer Multiple Payment Options

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