Your complete guide to professional fence installation in Delaware County, covering costs, materials, and choosing the right contractor.
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Before you call any fence contractor, you need to nail down a few basics that’ll save you headaches later. First, figure out exactly why you want this fence. Are you keeping kids and pets safe? Creating privacy from neighbors? Adding security? Your answer determines everything from height to material choice.
Next, know your property boundaries. Seriously. Even if you think you know where your property ends, get your hands on that survey from when you bought the house. Building on your neighbor’s land isn’t just awkward—it’s expensive to fix. If major changes have happened since you moved in, consider getting a fresh survey done.
Here’s where things get real: you probably need a permit. Most Delaware County townships require permits for fences over 6 feet, and some have rules about fence placement, materials, even colors. Don’t assume anything.
Call your local township office or check their website. Each municipality in Delaware County has its own rules. What flies in Media might not work in Swarthmore. Some areas require setbacks from property lines, others have restrictions on front yard fencing. Pool fences have their own set of requirements—typically 48 inches minimum height with specific spacing between slats.
The permit process usually takes 1-2 weeks and costs between $40-150. Yes, it’s a hassle, but it’s cheaper than tearing down a fence that violates local codes. A good fence installer should help navigate this process, not leave you to figure it out alone. If they don’t mention permits during your consultation, that’s a red flag.
Before any digging starts, call 811 for utility marking. This free service prevents you from hitting gas, electric, or water lines. Most contractors handle this, but confirm it’s part of their process. Hitting a utility line can shut down your project for weeks and cost thousands in repairs.
Delaware County weather tests every fence material. We get humid summers, freezing winters, and enough rain to rot poorly treated wood. Your material choice needs to handle all of it while looking good for years.
Wood fencing costs $12-25 per linear foot and offers the most customization. Cedar and pressure-treated pine work well here, but they need regular maintenance—staining every 2-3 years, replacing boards that warp or rot. If you like the look of wood but hate maintenance, consider composite fencing at $20-40 per linear foot. It mimics wood grain but won’t rot, warp, or need constant upkeep.
Vinyl fencing runs $30-60 per linear foot and handles our climate well. It won’t rot, rust, or need painting, making it popular with busy homeowners. The downside? It can crack in extreme cold and blow over in high winds if not properly installed. White vinyl also shows dirt and can look dingy without regular cleaning.
For maximum durability, aluminum fencing costs $25-75 per linear foot. It won’t rust, handles wind well, and needs minimal maintenance. Chain link remains the budget option at $10-40 per linear foot—not pretty, but practically indestructible. For high-end properties, wrought iron at $50-85 per linear foot offers unmatched security and curb appeal, though it requires periodic maintenance to prevent rust.
Consider your long-term plans too. If you’re staying put for decades, investing in premium materials makes sense. If you might move in a few years, focus on materials that add the most value without breaking your budget.
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Not all fence installers are created equal, and Delaware County has its share of both excellent contractors and fly-by-night operators. The difference between them can mean thousands of dollars and years of headaches.
Start by asking for local references—not just names, but addresses where you can see their work. Drive by recent installations if possible. Look for clean lines, sturdy posts, and gates that hang properly. A contractor proud of their work won’t hesitate to show it off.
Verify they’re licensed and insured in Pennsylvania. Ask to see certificates, don’t just take their word. Insurance protects you if someone gets hurt on your property during installation. A legitimate contractor carries both liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
A professional fence installation in Delaware County typically takes 1-3 days for most residential projects, depending on length and complexity. Here’s how it should go down.
Day one usually involves layout and post setting. The crew will mark your fence line, dig post holes, and set posts in concrete. This is the most critical part—if posts aren’t level and properly spaced, everything else suffers. Good contractors use string lines and levels religiously. They’ll also handle any rock they encounter without charging extra “rock clause” fees that some companies sneak into contracts.
Day two (or later the same day for smaller jobs) involves installing rails and fence panels or boards. Professional crews work systematically, checking alignment and spacing as they go. They should clean up debris daily, not leave your yard looking like a construction zone.
The final walkthrough matters. Don’t let them rush this part. Check every gate, test latches, look for loose boards or panels. Any issues should be fixed before you make final payment. Professional contractors want you happy—they know satisfied customers refer more business than any advertising.
Weather can delay installations, especially concrete setting. Good contractors communicate about delays and adjust schedules accordingly. If they show up in pouring rain expecting to set posts, find someone else.
Fence installation costs in Delaware County range from $1,200-$6,200 for typical residential projects, but several factors affect your final price. Understanding these helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Linear footage drives base costs, but it’s not the only factor. Height adds expense—6-foot privacy fencing costs more than 4-foot decorative fencing. Terrain matters too. Sloped yards require stepped installations or custom cutting, both adding labor time. Rocky soil slows digging, though reputable contractors absorb these costs rather than charging extra.
Gate installation adds $200-800 per gate depending on size and hardware quality. Don’t cheap out here—gates get the most use and abuse. Quality hinges and latches cost more upfront but save money long-term.
Removal of existing fencing adds $3-8 per linear foot. If your old fence is in rough shape, factor this into your budget. Some contractors include removal in their bid, others charge separately.
Get at least three detailed quotes before deciding. Beware of estimates that seem too good to be true—they usually are. Quality materials and skilled labor cost money. The cheapest bid often becomes the most expensive when you factor in callbacks, repairs, and eventual replacement.
Payment schedules matter too. Legitimate contractors typically ask for 10-20% down, with progress payments tied to completion milestones. Never pay the full amount upfront, no matter what story they tell you about material costs.
A quality fence installation protects your investment for decades while adding value and functionality to your property. The key is doing your homework upfront—understanding local requirements, choosing appropriate materials, and finding a contractor who treats your project with the care it deserves.
Don’t rush the decision. Take time to get proper permits, verify property boundaries, and compare contractors based on more than just price. The cheapest option rarely delivers the best value, especially when you factor in long-term durability and maintenance costs.
When you’re ready to move forward with your fence installation, we at V. Serrano’s Landscaping bring over five years of Delaware County experience to your project. We handle everything from permits to cleanup, ensuring your fence installation meets both your expectations and local requirements.
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