Your Residential Fence Buyer's Guide

28 Jul.,2025

 

Your Residential Fence Buyer's Guide

Whether you're an avid DIYer or more the type to trust the pros, building and installing a fence is a more challenging and complex task than you might imagine. There's a number of key elements and decisions that will not only determine what kind of fence you get but also how much attention you'll need to give your fence in the years to come.

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Fortunately, at Diversified Fence Builders, Inc., we're fencing experts, and we've seen and overcome just about every fencing challenge out there. We're ready and eager to work with you every step of the way, from picking materials to installation to recommending maintenance.

Before you begin, though, there are some essential things to consider and keep in mind. As you prepare to take on your fencing project, walk through these key steps.

Determine Your Fencing Needs

It seems like a simple question, but it's the most important as you begin. What do you need your fence for? Are you looking to add privacy to your home property? Then you'll want to make sure that the fence you choose is at least 6-feet tall. Do you need added security for your business? An aluminum or chainlink fence can help deter would-be intruders.

It's likely that your fencing needs combine a number of different factors. Regardless, determining exactly what you want your fence to accomplish can go a long way towards helping you and the experts on our team choose exactly what type of fence will serve you best.

Identify and Measure the Area You Want Fenced

Once you know what you want your fence to do, you need to determine exactly where it will go and how much space it will cover. Naturally, the larger and longer the fence, the greater the cost. So be strategic and, again, consider your fencing needs. If you're keeping in animals, do you need to fence your whole property, or pen in part of your yard? If you're creating a private space for your home, do you just fence your backyard, or do you go around the sides and front as well?

Knowing the amount of space your fence will need to cover—and with that, the quantity of materials you'll need—can play an important part in determining what type of fence is right for you. If you're not one for trudging through your yard taking measurements, don't worry: our Fence Estimator tool can easily help you chart where your fence will go (and how much it will potentially cost) using an aerial view of your property.

Study Local Codes and Requirements

Your property is your own, but if you live in a city or a suburban neighborhood, there may be local ordinances that can affect your fence choices. Many homeowners associations or local governments have clearly defined rules detailing the fencing materials and heights.

Though our fencing experts can help you navigate these rules and will build your fence to meet all required local codes, it's good to be familiar with what you can and cannot do before you begin exploring your fence options. That way, you won't get set on a fencing style or size that is not permitted in your area. Or, if you're having difficulty choosing what you want for your fence, discovering that only certain options are allowed can help narrow the field and lead to you making a more informed decision.

Consider Fencing Materials

The next key decision you'll need to make is what material you'd like your fence built from. Are you looking for vinyl? Aluminum? Wood? Chain link? Each offers its own advantages and some materials are better suited to different needs.

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  • Wood: Wooden fences offer classic style combined with proven sturdiness. Wood is a terrific choice for residential privacy fences, especially if you're in an older home or very rustic area. The condition of a wooden can be affected by weather, insects, and other factors though, meaning some maintenance is required every few years.
  • Aluminum: Low-maintenance and exceptionally sturdy, aluminum fences are terrific for guiding visitors or keeping out intruders. Aluminum is terrific for residential or commercial properties. It's also a great choice for specialized purposes like fencing off a pool.
  • Vinyl: Available in a wide array of styles and colors, and typically lower-priced than wood or aluminum, vinyl is a terrific and versatile fencing material that can work in almost any environment, including residential, commercial, and rural. Vinyl fencing also requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for customers who simply want to install a reliable fence and not have to worry about it any further.
  • Chain Link: Offering exceptional security at a low price, chain link is a terrific option for large commercial properties. With their imposing appearance and sturdy wire mesh pattern, chain link fences can deter unwanted guests while clearly delineating your property lines.

Regardless of the style you choose, our team will use the highest quality materials and build your fence to look exceptional. We can also delve further into the pros and cons of each type to help you choose the material that's best for your property and needs.

Try Our Fence Estimator

To get an accurate sense of what your fencing needs may cost, or to help you make a final determination about the size and materials you want to use, try out our handy Fence Estimator.

The Fence Estimator will give you the opportunity to plot out the size of your desired fence using satellite imagery of your property, then choose your preferred material and fencing style. At the end, you'll get a live estimate of what your fence will likely cost. You'll know from the start how what you're envisioning will impact your budget, and you conveniently and quickly explore alternate style and material options if your first estimate isn't what you had in mind.

You can also explore our financing options to get the fence you need. Our promise at Diversified is that our prices are fair and worthy of the high-quality service and craftsmanship we bring to our customers.

Speak To a Diversified Team Member

Now that you've determined the type of fence you want and have a sense of what it will cost, it's time to begin your fence building project! Contact us today: a member of staff will get in touch with you shortly to begin discussing your fence and preparing for construction and installation. We'll make the process easy and straightforward for you, so you can get the fence you need with no stress and no hassle.

And if you aren't sure what type of fence you need or what material would be best, that's fine too! We're happy to walk you through every step of the process and help you choose a fencing solution that works to meet your needs.

15 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Fence Contractor

15 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Fence Contractor

We realize that installing a fence is a major investment for your home or business. A well-installed fence provides security, privacy, and curb appeal, but choosing the wrong contractor can lead to costly mistakes, delays, or even early fence failure. Many homeowners and business owners don’t realize how many factors go into buying a fence until it’s too late.

To guarantee you get high-quality materials, expert installation, and fair pricing, here are 15 essential questions to ask before hiring a fencing contractor.

Your Immediate & Long-Term Needs

  • What type of fence is best for my property?
    • Fences serve different purposes—some provide security, others privacy, while some enhance aesthetics. A good contractor will assess your property, listen to your needs, and recommend the best material and design.
  • Do I need a permit for my fence installation?
    • In Florida, most cities, including Fort Lauderdale, require permits for fence installations. A reputable contractor should handle the permit process for you to ensure compliance with local zoning laws and HOA regulations.
  • How long will it take to install my fence?
    • Most standard residential fences can be installed within 1 to 3 days, depending on the project size and complexity. Be wary of contractors who delay installation without a clear reason or require weeks between post-setting and fence completion.

Picking the Right Contractor

  • How much experience do you have in fence installation?
    • Look for a contractor with years of experience, strong customer reviews, and a portfolio of completed projects. An experienced contractor will know local soil conditions, property regulations, and the best materials for Florida’s climate.
  • Are you licensed and insured?
    • Hiring a licensed and insured fencing contractor protects you from liability in case of accidents, property damage, or subpar work. Always verify credentials before signing a contract.
  • Can you provide references or customer reviews?
    • A reputable contractor should provide references and testimonials from past customers. You can also check online reviews to see how they handle customer service, installation quality, and follow-ups.

Materials and Quality

  • What fencing materials do you recommend for Florida’s climate?
    • Florida’s heat, humidity, and salt air can damage some materials over time. A good contractor will guide you toward low-maintenance, durable options like aluminum, vinyl, or treated wood that hold up well in South Florida’s weather.
  • How deep do you set fence posts?
    • Fence posts should be set at least 3 feet deep to prevent shifting, leaning, or early failure. If posts aren’t set deep enough, your fence will not be stable in Florida’s sandy soil and hurricane-prone conditions.
  • What kind of warranty do you offer on materials and installation?
    • A trustworthy contractor will provide a written warranty covering materials and labor. Avoid companies that only offer short-term guarantees or refuse to provide warranty details upfront.

Cost and Transparency

  • How much will my fence cost?
    • Pricing depends on materials, size, labor, and additional features like gates or automation. Get a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the costs before agreeing to the installation.
  • Will my final cost match the estimate?
    • A professional contractor should provide accurate pricing upfront and explain any potential extra costs due to unexpected conditions, like underground obstacles or additional reinforcements.
  • Do you require a deposit, and what are your payment terms?
    • Some contractors require a deposit but be cautious if you are asked to make a large upfront payment. Payments should be structured based on project milestones, not all paid before work begins.

After Installation & Maintenance

  • What maintenance does my fence require?
    • Some materials, like aluminum and vinyl, require little upkeep, while wood fences need sealing, staining, and occasional repairs to prevent rot and weather damage. A good contractor should provide maintenance recommendations specific to your fence type.
  • How do you handle cleanup after installation?
    • A professional fencing company should leave your property clean and debris-free. Ask if they remove excess materials, concrete, or dirt piles after installation so you’re not left with a mess.
  • What if I have issues with my fence after installation?
    • Choose a contractor that offers post-installation support and can quickly address gates, alignment, or durability concerns. A reputable company stands by its work and responds promptly to customer needs.

Fence Installation Experts in Fort Lauderdale

At Power Fence, we take pride in delivering high-quality, long-lasting fences for homes and businesses across Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas. Our fully licensed, insured, and experienced team ensures your fence is installed with precision, compliance, and durability.

Send us a message or call us at 954-274- for a free estimate!

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