Bensalem Fence Company

So, you're looking to get a fence installed or repaired in Bensalem Township and want to get a handle on the costs? Smart move! Prices can swing quite a bit based on a few key things, but here’s a general idea of what to expect.

What Drives Fence Costs?

No surprise here, but several factors will play into the final price tag:

• Material Choice: This is a big one. Options like chain link are usually the most budget-friendly. Wood (like pressure-treated pine or cedar) is often a mid-range choice, though different wood types have different costs. Vinyl (PVC) tends to be a step up from wood, and aluminum or other ornamental metal fences are typically at the higher end.

• Fence Size (Length & Height): Longer and taller fences mean more materials and more labor, so they'll naturally cost more. You'll often see prices discussed "per linear foot."

• Style Complexity: A simple, no-frills fence will be less expensive than one with fancy designs, lattice tops, or custom work.

• Your Yard: If your property is on a slope, has lots of trees or rocks to work around, or is tough for contractors to access, labor costs might go up.

• Labor Rates: What local contractors charge can vary. It's always a good idea to get a few different opinions.

• Gates: Need a gate or two? Each one will add to the overall cost, depending on its size, style, and the hardware you pick.

• Removing an Old Fence: If you've got an old fence that needs to be torn down and hauled away, that’ll be an extra charge.

• Permits: Don't forget about the paperwork! In Bensalem Township, you'll need a zoning permit for a new fence. This involves an application review fee (around $15) and the permit itself (which might be in the $75 to $95 range). It's best to check with the Bensalem Township Building & Planning Department for the exact current fees.

Ballpark Figures for New Fence Installation (Bucks County Area)

Keep in mind these are general estimates for the broader region, and your actual costs could be different. Prices are usually per linear foot, installed:

• Chain Link: Often the most economical, maybe in the $10 - $30 per linear foot range.

• Wood: Depending on the type of wood and style, you might see prices from $15 - $35+ per linear foot. Cedar will likely cost more than pressure-treated pine.

• Vinyl (PVC): Generally, this could run from $25 - $50 per linear foot.

• Aluminum: Expect this to be one of the pricier options, potentially $30 - $60+ per linear foot, or even more for decorative styles.

For an entire fence project, total costs can range from a couple of thousand dollars to $10,000 or more, all depending on the factors above.

Thinking About Fence Repairs?

Repair costs are also all over the map, based on what’s wrong:

• Minimum Charges: Many fence contractors have a minimum charge just to come out, which could be anywhere from $150 to $300.

• Post Replacement: If a post is rotted or broken, replacing it might cost $100 - $400 per post, depending on the material and how much work is involved to dig out the old one and set the new one in concrete.

• Panel or Section Replacement: For a damaged section of a wood fence, you might pay $25 - $50 per foot to replace it. Vinyl or aluminum sections could cost more.

• Gate Fixes: A sagging gate or broken latch could cost $100 - $500 to repair, depending on the problem.

Your Best Bet: Get Local Quotes!

While these numbers give you a starting point, the best way to determine what your fence project will cost in Bensalem is to get detailed written quotes from a local reputable fence contractor at (267) 399-5930. They can come to your property, discuss exactly what you want, measure everything, see the site conditions, and give you a much more accurate estimate.

 When you're comparing quotes, make sure you understand what's included – materials, labor, old fence removal, permits, and warranty details. Good luck with your fence project!

Let's talk about what it might cost to get a fence put in or fixed up in Bensalem Township, PA. Keep in mind, these are just general ideas, and the best way to know for sure is to get a few quotes from local fence companies.

What Goes into the Cost of a New Fence?

A bunch of things can change the price tag for a new fence. Here are the main ones:

• How much fence do you need? This is a big one. Fences are often priced by the linear foot, so the longer the fence, the more it'll generally cost.

• What's it made of? Different materials come with different costs.

  • Chain Link: Usually the most budget-friendly option. Great for keeping pets in or marking a boundary, but not so much for privacy unless you add slats. You might see prices anywhere from $9 to $40 per linear foot installed, with black vinyl-coated chain link being a bit more than basic galvanized.

  • Wood: A very popular choice. The cost can vary a lot depending on the type of wood (pine is cheaper, cedar or redwood more expensive) and the style (a simple picket fence versus a tall privacy fence). Expect something in the range of $20 to $50 per linear foot installed.

  • Vinyl (PVC): A bit more upfront than wood sometimes, but it's low-maintenance (no painting or staining!). Costs can run from $15 to $40 or even $60 per linear foot installed, depending on height, style, and quality.

  • Aluminum: Looks like wrought iron but without the rust issues and usually for less money. Good for pool fences or a more decorative look. You could be looking at $25 to $75 per linear foot installed.

  • Composite: Made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic. It's durable and can look like wood but with less upkeep. This one can be pricier, maybe $20 to $85 per linear foot.

• How tall and fancy? A taller fence needs more material and often more labor, so it'll cost more. Complex designs, like those with decorative tops, custom post caps, or intricate patterns, will also add to the bill.

• Gates: Need a gate or two? Each one will add to the total, and the cost depends on the size, style, and hardware. Simple walk gates might be a few hundred dollars, while wider drive-through gates can be much more.

• Getting the ground ready: If your yard is super hilly, rocky, or has a lot of trees and bushes to clear where the fence line needs to go, expect to pay more for labor. Sometimes, extra work like grading might be needed.

• Who's doing the work? Labor costs make up a good chunk of the price, often around half. Rates vary between contractors.

• Permit Fees: Don't forget about the permit from Bensalem Township! As we talked about before, you'll have an application review fee (around $15 for a straightforward project) and the zoning permit fee itself (which is $75 for a residential single-family fence).

• Taking down an old fence? If there's an old fence that needs to be removed and hauled away, that's an extra charge, usually a few dollars per linear foot.

Some general ballpark figures you might see for a typical residential yard (say, around 150 linear feet) could range from $1,800 to $4,800 or more, but this is super dependent on all those factors above. Home Depot's guide mentions a national average around $6,700 for a fencing job in 2022, while Angi suggests a normal range between $1,857 and $4,764.

What About Fence Repairs?

If your fence just needs some TLC, the cost will depend on what's wrong and what kind of fence it is.

• Minor Fixes: Things like replacing a few broken boards, fixing a small hole, or a loose picket might cost $100 to $300.

• Replacing a Post: If a post is rotted or broken, replacing it could run you $120 to $400, especially if it needs to be set in concrete.

• Fixing a Leaning Section: This can cost a bit more, maybe $250 to $600, as it might involve resetting multiple posts or reinforcing the section.

• Gate Repairs: Getting a gate re-hung or fixing the latch might be in the $100 to $400 range.

• Replacing a Whole Panel: If an entire section or panel is damaged, that could be $150 to $400 or more, depending on the material and size.

For more extensive damage, you'll have to weigh whether it's more cost-effective to repair or replace larger sections, or even the whole fence, especially if it's getting old. Nationally, average fence repair costs often fall between $300 and $900, but small jobs can be less.

Fence Rules in Bensalem, PA: What You Need to Know

Thinking about putting up a fence in Bensalem Township? Smart move to check the rules first! You'll generally need a zoning permit; they're pretty specific about getting a professional survey done. The rules cover how high your fence can be (it changes depending on where it is on your property – usually 6.5 feet, but 4 feet in front or along driveways, and sometimes up to 8.5 feet for certain boundary fences), plus what materials you can use and how it needs to be built. This is mainly to keep sight lines clear for safety and make sure fences don't cause problems for your neighbors.

Getting Your Permit

• Yep, You Need a Permit: For any new fence, you've got to get a zoning permit from the Township's Department of Building and Planning.

• Survey is Key: This is a big one. Your application must include a plot plan from a Pennsylvania Licensed Surveyor. This plan needs to show your property's permanent markers and where the fence will go. The surveyor also has to certify any restrictions, easements, or other property covenants. If you don't have this, they'll reject your application.

• Where to Apply: Submit your permit application to the Bensalem Township Building & Planning Department.

• Just Fixing It? No Permit Needed: Good news if you're just repairing or renovating an existing fence – no permit required for that.

Height and Placement Rules

• General Height: Usually, fences in your front, side, or rear yard can't be taller than six and a half (6.5) feet from the ground.

• Front Yards & Driveways: If your fence is next to a private driveway or out past your house's front set-back line, it can only be up to four (4) feet high.

• Corner Lots: Got a corner lot with more than one front yard? The fence along the street your main building faces can't top four (4) feet. For the other front yard street lines (as long as they're not next to a private driveway), you can go up to six and a half (6.5) feet.

• Special Boundary Fences: If you're fencing a property line that doesn't face a public right-of-way, you'll need to put up a fence that's at least six (6) feet tall but no more than eight and a half (8.5) feet. These fences also need to block the view and stop litter from passing through.

• Keep It On Your Property: All fences have to be completely within your property lines. Don't let them creep into any public right-of-way.

• Watch Out for Blind Spots: Fences can't block the view for drivers at intersections. Make sure your fence (or any planting) isn't an obstruction between two (2) and seven (7) feet above street level within the clear sight triangle at corners.

• Easements Matter: That survey you need will point out any easements. Generally, you can't build a fence in an easement, so check your deed and survey carefully.

Building Standards and Materials

• Good Side Out: Make sure the posts and frame of your fence face into your yard.

• Approved Materials (Residential Areas):

  • Wood Stockade: Needs a wood frame facing inward. You can't use stockade fences in any residential front yard. The horizontal pieces can't be more than four (4) inches apart.

  • Wood Ranch Rail: The horizontal pieces need at least twelve (12) inches of space between them.

  • Open Metal Mesh or Chain Link: These need pipe or wood posts/frames, facing inward. If it's in a residential front yard, you can't put in slats or anything else that blocks the view. For chain link fences not in the front yard, you can use slats if the openings aren't bigger than two (2) square inches.

  • PVC and Similar: PVC and other standard fence materials are usually fine.

• What You Can't Use (Residential Areas): Things like wire, barbed wire, or electric fences are a no-go.

• Don't Be a Nuisance: You can't build a fence just to block your neighbor's light or air, or use ugly materials to annoy them.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

• Call Before You Dig: Pennsylvania law says you or your contractor has to call "PA One Call" (just dial 811) at least three working days before you start digging. They'll help locate underground utilities.

• Keep It Tidy: All fences need to be kept in good shape, following the Township's Property Maintenance Code.

• HOA Rules: If you're in an HOA, don't forget to check their rules too and get any approval they require. The Township doesn't specifically say you need to show them HOA approval for their permit, but it's always a good idea to have that sorted.

How Much Will a Fence Permit Cost?

Permit fees are listed in the Township's fee schedule. You'll typically have a non-refundable application review fee (around $15 for a simple project) plus the zoning permit fee itself (which might be around $75 for a residential single-family zoning permit, or a combined fee perhaps closer to $95 plus the application fee, depending on how it's categorized). You'll want to check with the Building & Planning Department for the exact costs when you apply.

To get the latest details or to apply for your permit, get in touch with the Bensalem Township Building & Planning Department. They're at 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, and their number is (215) 633-3644. You might also find info on the Bensalem Township website.