Residential fence installer

Homeowners, landlords, new-build owners and neighbours splitting the cost of a shared fence.

Quoted price per linear foot or per job, covering materials plus labour. Gates, removal of old fencing and stain or sealing can be added as extras.

• Measuring and laying out straight lines
• Carpentry and power tool use
• Clear quoting and customer communication

• Commercial general liability insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Municipal bylaws on fence height, setbacks and permits, which differ between towns, so check before quoting
• Locating underground utilities before digging post holes (check your provincial call-before-you-dig service)
• Frozen ground in winter makes post work slower, so plan for a seasonal slowdown
• Property line disputes: confirm with the owner using a survey where needed

Estimates put startup costs typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your setup and the type of fencing you offer. Insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire should be checked as part of your planning.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many jobs you complete, the materials used and your local market. Winter ground conditions may slow work, so plan for a seasonal slowdown.

Check municipal bylaws on fence height, setbacks and permits before quoting, as they differ between towns. Also check commercial general liability insurance, WCB/WSIB rules once you hire, your provincial call-before-you-dig service, and property lines, using a survey where needed.