Fence Removal Cost

Last Updated on December 29, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As with any type of construction, along time a fence will start to deteriorate and fall down. Fences are usually made to offer a safe environment and protect a certain area. So, a dilapidated and broken fence can put in danger the property it surrounds.

Regardless of whether it is worn out or broken due to age or weather conditions, a fence must be removed if you want to install a new one. However, if you don’t plan to install a new fence, the old one can be removed to clean that area.

How Much Does Fence Removal Cost?

The amount of money you are going to spend in order to remove a fence will be influenced by some factors such as the contractor you hire, the size of the area it surrounds, and the type of the fence. Expect to pay anywhere between $3 and $5 per foot of fence which has to be removed.

This price range is available for any type of fencing material, regardless of whether it is wood, barbered wire, or chain link. As all the jobs are different and unique; take into consideration asking for multiple price offers from the contractors in your area.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Acoustifence, an electric fence, or a corrugated metal fence.

According to a member of an online forum, the cost of removing 190 feet of fencing was around $460.

Fence removal details

When removing a fence, professionals will tear down any fencing and tear up any concrete which is left behind in the potholes using a jackhammer or a drill. The holes will be filled with dirt after the cement is removed. In order to save money, some people choose to leave the cement behind am just cover it. The contractor may or may not remove the debris, depending on how you negotiated the contract.

There may be a problem if you leave the concrete in the ground and you want to install a new fence. As the majority of the fences have a standard size, the posts will be situated at the same distance apart. This means that at some point they will most probably run into the old post holes. So, it will be absolutely necessary to remove the old concrete.

What are the additional costs?

The majority of the contractors should include the hauling away fees in their final price. Though, if these are not included, you should expect to spend another $320, depending on the complexity of the job.

The cost per foot will be highly influenced by the type of material the fence is made of. Be prepared to pay more for a wood fence than for a chain-link fence. Also, if the fence is higher, the costs will be higher as well.

The costs may increase if you have to remove larger gates.

Depending on your local state laws, you may have to apply for permits and these come at a cost.

Obviously, if you want to install a new fence, you will have to pay an additional price.

Important things to consider

Before removing a fence explore all the possible options. For example, if you want to remove your old fence in order to install a new one maybe it would be a better idea to just repair it and so save some money. Try to consult a professional and talk about your options.

Also, if the existing posts are in good condition, you can still use them and just add new fence sections where these are totally broken. This way you will be able to save money on the removal and installation of the fence.

Always make sure you check your local zoning laws before removing the old fence or installing a new one.

How can I save money?

It is not that hard to remove a fence. Yes, it may be time-consuming, but you can rent a roll-off dumpster and do all the job by yourself. However, if you don’t feel like renting a dumpster, you can put the wood on the “free” section on some websites such as Craigslist and maybe there will be someone who needs it.

If you plan on hiring a professional, try to find at least three price offers and choose the one that works the best for you. Also, make sure the contractor you want to hire is licensed and has good reviews.

In case you want to install a fence after removing the old one, hire the same professional to do both jobs for a discount.