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Whenever one is planning a home improvement project that requires the removal of a fence, he needs to take into consideration some costs that are associated with it. This may be to upgrade a property boundary or even remove an old dilapidated fence. Well, good news is, if you understand what determines the price of such an activity, then it will be pretty easy for you to plan your budget. This guide throws light upon varied elements that contribute to fence removal costs so you can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses during your project.
Average Fence Disposal Costs
It’s tough to estimate the fence removal cost, since it involves many factors. An average estimate might cost between $500 and $3,000 in Long Island. Several factors drastically affect the overall cost which include:
- Dimension of Fence: The size of the fence is undeniably important when calculating the cost. Longer or taller fences require more time and more labor, adding up to the overall cost.
- Material Composition: Different fence materials present unique challenges during removal. For instance, a wooden fence might be easier to dismantle than a metal or concrete structure, affecting the fence removal price.
- Accessibility of site: The accessibility of your fence for workers to get to and remove makes a difference in costs. Fences in open areas with good access tend to cost less to remove than one in tight locations or not well accessed.
- Economic aspects: The regions with a higher cost of living or with higher demand for fence removal services are likely to experience heightened prices because of increased labor costs, permit fees, and disposal costs.
- Disposal costs: Most areas carry fees to dispose of fencing material. These range by city and type of material but often are factored into your total fence removal cost.
- Specialized Equipment Needs: Large projects may need heavy machinery, such as bobcats or cranes, to be used in order to remove heavy-set or deeply set fences. Requirements for this kind of equipment will strongly affect the total cost.
- Permitting Process: Depending on your locality, you might need to secure a permit for fence removal. While not always required, permit fees can add to your total expenditure.
- Topography: Difficult or uneven topography makes removal difficult, potentially increasing the fencing removal costs.
- Extra Features: If your fence has gates or the posts that are set in concrete, the removal becomes more challenging and expensive.
Professional Cost vs. DIY Cost
With the removal of a fence, you usually have two options: to hire a professional service or attempt to do it yourself. A professional fencing removal is going to cost you about $3 to $5 per linear foot in the way of labour costs. That does sound expensive, but you professionals have the expertise and efficiency for the job, accompanied by proper equipment and tools that ensure the fence is removed safely and effectively. Moreover, one is covered by insurance if they hire a professional; thus, they are protected against liabilities that might arise.
On the other hand, if you have all the tools needed for the job, DIY fence removal can be pretty cheap. This would include major costs like rentals, at about $50 to $100 per day; disposal at around $50 to $200, based on how much material needs to be disposed of and dump fees in your locality; and personal protective equipment, which may cost an extra $50 to $100. While saving money by doing the job yourself, there’s an important consideration of time investment and risk involved.
Will Removing My Fence Affect My Property Value?
Depending on a number of determinants, the removal of your fence may either lower or improve the value of your property. In an instance where fence removal changes the general look of your property, usually making it look more open and expansive, this could sometimes raise its value. This could happen in cases where a fence has gone through its good time and is old, damaged, or unsightly.
But in cases where the fence would provide privacy or security, having it removed can make the property less desirable to some buyers, therefore decreasing the value. The cost to remove a fence also needs consideration, especially when considering the fence removal cost per foot for different materials like wood or metal.
The other thing is considering the context of your house and the neighborhood. If the neighborhood has lots of fences or if the fencing is a desired factor in your neighborhood, removing the fence will hurt your resale value. However, if the fences are not common or highly appreciated in your neighborhood, then removing the fence might not make that big of a difference.
Ultimately, the impact of a fence removal on your property’s value is complex and can vary based on your property and the local real estate market. Consulting with a local real estate professional can give you a better sense of how the removal of the fencing could affect your property value.
Fencing Permits
Permits for the removal of fences may be required for some states, especially if the height exceeds the minimum or if special rules apply to improvements on the property. You need to call the local building or planning department to determine whether or not any specific permit is required to remove your fence. They can provide details on the requirements for fence removal in your area and let you know if a permit is needed.
Can I Reuse Any Parts of the Fence or Recycle the Materials?
Reusing or recycling fence materials is a great way to be environmentally friendly and can also help reduce some of your removal costs. Old wooden fence panels, for example, can be repurposed for various DIY projects such as garden planters, compost bins, or rustic decor.
Metal fencing materials can be quite valuable if in decent condition and can be used for new fencing projects or even sold as scrap metal. If the fence posts are still sturdy, they can be reused in new fencing or repurposed for other outdoor projects.
Recycling is another great option. Many recycling centers take untreated wood, while the treated wood may need to be disposed of in special ways due to the chemicals included. Metal fencing materials are also highly recyclable; local scrap metal yards may have buyback programs.
Even concrete from fence post footings can be recycled at specialized facilities and reused in new construction projects. By choosing to reuse or recycle your old fence materials, you’re not only contributing to environmental sustainability but also potentially lowering your overall fence removal costs.
Conclusion
Now you know that the costs of the disposal of your old fence are important to comprehend for the planning and budgeting of your home improvement project. You can get an idea of a rough total cost based on type, size, location, and any additional services.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable fence removal service, All Borough Fence is here to help. For a free quote, please do not hesitate to contact us today and let our professional team at All Borough Fence assist you with your fence removal needs.