Get Quotes from Top Fencing Contractors in Chicago, IL

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Fence Contractor in Chicago?

Per the provisions of Chapter 4-36 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, fence contractors typically have to be licensed as General Contractors by the Chicago Department of Buildings before offering their services to interested parties in the city. However, fence contractors that wish to work solely on residential property may obtain a Regulated Business License from the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Note that the scope of these contractors' services may be limited to works that do not require permits, like the installation of fences that are not more than five feet high and fence repairs and maintenance.

The Chicago Department of Buildings issues five classes of general contractor licenses, and each classification places a monetary limit on the work that the licensee may perform per job:

• Class A: licensees under this classification do not have any monetary limits placed on the types of services that they can provide
• Class B: licensees under this classification cannot take jobs worth more than $10,000,000
• Class C: licensees under this classification cannot take jobs worth more than $5,000,000
• Class D: licensees under this classification cannot take jobs worth more than $2,000,000
• Class E: licensees under this classification cannot take jobs worth more than $500,000

Fence contractors that wish to undergo the city's general contractor licensing process may do so by contacting the Department of Buildings at:

Inquiries concerning the licensing process can also be made by calling (800) 359-1313 or via email. Note that violations of the city's contractor licensing requirements can result in penalties of up to $5,000 in fines per offense.

Alternatively, fence contractors that wish to obtain regulated business licenses may apply to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection online or by submitting a BIS pre-application form in person at:

Applicants who wish to utilize the in-person option are advised to schedule an appointment with one of the BACP's business consultants by calling (312) 744-6249 before commencing the application process. All applicants are also typically required to comply with certain application requirements, such as:

• Providing proof of insurance
• Paying licensing fees
• Providing any documentation that the BACP may request at the time of the application

Additional information on the BACP's regulated business license issuance process can be directed to (312) 744-6060 and (312) 744-6249.

Always confirm that your intended fence contractor has been appropriately licensed before they commence any work on your property. You can do this by accessing either the List of Licensed General Contractors or the Business License Lookup Portal provided by the Department of Buildings and the BACP, respectively.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Fencing Companies in the City?

Homeowners typically build fences for several reasons, such as:

• To enhance security
• For privacy
• To contain children and pets
• To define property lines
• To boost curb appeal and increase property value

Installing fences in Chicago typically costs about $1,200 - $4,000. However, the actual cost of the project will be determined by factors like:

• The length and height of the fence
• The fencing material
• Types of hardware used. These include gates, latches, and hinges
• Labor costs

When planning your fencing project, the type of fencing material to be used is crucial. Some common fencing materials favored by Chicago homeowners include:

• Wood is one of the most commonly used fencing materials due to its versatility, relative affordability, and aesthetic appeal. However, wood fences require regular maintenance, are sensitive to the elements, and are susceptible to pests. Wood fences typically cost $10 - $20 per linear foot.
• Composite: composite materials blend wood and polymers to create a low-maintenance, long-lasting, environmentally-friendly fencing option. However, composite fences are typically more expensive than most fencing materials at an average cost of $20 - $35 per linear foot.
• Aluminum: while aluminum is a durable, low-maintenance, and versatile fencing option, it is prone to dents and can be relatively expensive. Aluminum fences typically cost an average of $25 - $45 per linear foot.
• Wrought Iron: wrought iron fences are extremely strong, long-lasting, and have a high aesthetic value. However, these fences are usually expensive and typically cost an average of $30 - $65 per linear foot. Note that pure wrought iron fences are rarely manufactured commercially any longer. However, pieces of existing fences can be used to create a custom fence.
• Steel: steel fences are similar to wrought iron fences but are generally less expensive and more readily available. However, they are also less durable. Steel fences typically cost an average of $25 - $50 per linear foot.
• Chain Link: chain link fences are an affordable, low-maintenance fencing option. However, they are less secure than other fencing options and do not have as much resale value. These fences typically cost an average of $5 - $30 per linear foot.
• Vinyl: vinyl fences are low-maintenance, versatile, durable, and affordable. These fences typically cost an average of $10 - $30 per linear foot.

Comparing rates and quotes for your fence project from up to three different fence companies in the city is an effective safeguard against being scammed by dishonest fence contractors, and you should always consider doing this before making your final hiring decision. Note that you should never automatically hire the contractor who offers the lowest bid. Always confirm that they are equipped to install your preferred fence type and have the necessary experience to do so in the specific style or design you require. Some common fence styles found across Chicago include:

• Picket Fence: these types of fences are typically constructed with wood or vinyl, and the design entails creating spaces in the fence by separating its vertical planks or posts at regular intervals. Picket fences are usually short and installed for aesthetic reasons. However, taller versions may be installed to deter pests
• Scallop Fence: this is a variation of the picket fence design that introduces curves at points where the fence rises from one end to another rather than the standard straight top
• Dog-Ear Fence: these fences are typically constructed with wood or composite, and the design involves angling the corners of the fence's vertical boards on the side
• Lattice-Top Fence: this design involves adding a lattice top to regular fences to give them a decorative flair
• Flat-top Fence: this design entails leaving a fence with a flat-top, just as the name implies
• Garden Fence: these types of fences are low fences that are mostly installed around gardens either for aesthetic reasons or to keep out small animals
• Gothic Fence: this design involves adding a series of points to the top of a fence and is mainly done on metal fences
• Split-Rail Fence: this design involves installing the fence in a horizontal style rather than the more typical vertical style and is mostly used for farms and large properties because it typically uses less fence material
• Shadow-Box Fence: this design is mostly constructed with wood, and it involves attaching the fencing material on each side of the fence's frame in an alternate fashion
• Electric Fence: this design uses wire mesh and metal fencing components to construct a fence that deters animals and people from accessing a certain area through electric shocks
• Custom Fences: these are fences that are built and installed for specific landscapes or terrains. Custom fences can be tailored to fit the home or property owner's individual preferences and tastes, and they usually cost more than standard fence designs

Fence contractors in Chicago make an average of $52,240 annually. The following list compares the average hourly pay of these contractors with that of fence contractors in other locations across Illinois and the rest of the United States:

What Kind of Fencing Services Do You Offer?

A vital step to take when searching for fence companies in Chicago is finding out the types of services that they offer and confirming that the scopes of these services match the specific requirements of your fence project. Professional fence companies in Chicago typically offer several kinds of fencing services, and these include:

• Custom fence design
• New fence installation and fence replacements
• Fence building
• Fence repairs and maintenance
• Fence gate installations and hardware replacement
• Property boundary and utility line marking
• Design and installation consultations

Always confirm the types and scopes of services that your preferred fence contractor is equipped to offer before signing any contracts with them, as this goes a long way in determining the success of your fence project. It is also a good idea to ensure that any promises made by the fence company are included in your service contract.

When Am I Required to Have a Fence in Chicago?

When making plans to install a fence on your property, it is important to find out if the nature and scope of this project will be affected by any local ordinances or state laws. In some cases, these laws may mandate the installation of a fence in relation to other home improvement projects. One advantage of retaining the services of professional fence companies is that they are typically familiar with relevant fence-related regulations and implement them in their work.

Some key ordinances and laws that affect fencing projects in Chicago include:

• The Illinois Fence Act
• Section 10-28-075 of the Municipal Code of Chicago
• Section 18-29-1204 of the Municipal Code of Chicago
• The Chicago Zoning Ordinance

The pertinent provisions of these laws are listed below:

• All private swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence, which is to be erected along the perimeter of the pool deck. These fences must be at least five feet high and have a gate that is also at least five feet high and equipped with self-closing and self-latching hardware at least 54 inches above adjacent walking surfaces. If the fence is made with a metal material, then it must also be grounded.
• Fences installed on parkways within eighteen inches of the street side face of the curb must have a maximum height of two inches from the ground.
• Homeowners with adjoining lands must maintain a just portion of their division fences.
• Hedge fences must not exceed a height of five feet
• Home and property owners with animals and livestock must have fences that are at least 4.5 feet high, in good condition, and sufficient enough to prevent their livestock from getting on adjoining lands and property
• Residential fences with a design of open construction are limited to a maximum height of eight feet, while those with solid structures are typically limited to six feet

You can reach out to the Chicago Department of Buildings at (312) 744-3449 to get more information or make inquiries concerning local and state-level fencing ordinances and laws. Complaints or reports concerning violations of these ordinances and laws can also be directed to the department online via the city's CHI311 platform.

Will You Get the Necessary Permits as Required as per the City Code?

Per local ordinance, it is unlawful to carry out any construction or home improvement-related activities in Chicago without first obtaining a permit from the city's Department of Buildings. Nevertheless, permit exemptions are made for the installation of fences that are not more than five feet high. Note that these fences must conform to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance's provisions and other pertinent requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes.

Commencing your fence project before obtaining all required permits is considered unlawful, and violators face administrative and civil penalties that include stop work orders and fines of up to $1,000 per offense. These fines are usually steeper for repeat offenders. On the other hand, ensuring that all required permits for your fence project are pulled before any work commences affords you several benefits, such as:

• It keeps your contractor honest.
• It keeps your insurance valid.
• It protects your property value.
• It helps you avoid city-imposed sanctions and penalties.

The Chicago Department of Buildings provides an Easy Permit Program that can be utilized to obtain permits for fencing projects, and interested parties can either apply online or complete and submit an Easy Permit Application Form in person at:

Online applicants are typically required to create a user account on the permit portal before initiating the application process. The submission of certain documentation may also be required before requested permits can be issued, and these typically include:

• A copy of the signed contract for the project describing the scope of the project
• Photographs of the areas of work
• Proof of building ownership
• Certificate of Responsibility for owner-occupied residential buildings
• Certificate of Primary Residence for owner-occupied residential buildings
• A signed letter of intent from the contractor
• Stipulated fees

Queries related to the requirements and procedures for obtaining fencing permits via the Easy Permit program can be directed to the Chicago Department of Buildings at (312) 744-3449. It should be noted that all permitted work in the city is subject to inspection from authorized building officials to ensure compliance with pertinent provisions of the city's zoning ordinance and construction codes.

Will You Contact the City's Utility Companies to Verify the Path of Underground Lines?

Professional fence companies typically carry out their fence installation process in six main steps:

• Estimating the fence length
• Marking all utility lines located on the property
• Obtaining required permits
• Digging fence post holes and setting post brackets
• Building and installing the fence
• Cleaning up the work area

A key part of this process is ensuring that all utility lines are properly located and marked before any digging commences. Doing this significantly reduces the probability of outcomes like service disruptions, property damage, fatal accidents, and other similar events that are likely to occur if any power, gas, or water lines are hit while your fence posts are being dug.

To this end, when making hiring arrangements with fence companies in Chicago, always confirm that they include utility line location and marking in their fence installation process and make sure that this is done before any digging commences. Note that your fence contractor may request a copy of your survey records to assist them with this process. In situations where you cannot access these records, you can contact 811 Chicago via phone numbers 811 or (312) 744-7000 to request a free underground utility line location service. However, per the provisions of the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act, this service must be requested at least two working days before the intended digging is set to commence.

You can also contact the following utility companies and agencies to get additional information or make inquiries concerning utility lines that may be located on your property:

• ComEd – 1-800-334-7661
• Peoples Gas – (866) 556-6001
• The Chicago Department of Water Management – (312) 744-4420

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Fence Contractors in Chicago?

Data published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that approximately 69,790 nonfatal and 976 fatal on-the-job injuries were recorded among construction-related workers in 2020. Injuries among this classification of workers also accounted for more than 15 percent of all work-related fatalities that occurred in Illinois during this time. As such, ensuring that the fence contractor you hire is adequately insured is of utmost importance. Proper insurance not only insulates you from liability if any injuries are sustained during your fence installation project but also ensures that you do not bear the cost of any property damages that may occur.

Per local requirements, fence contractors in Chicago who are licensed as general contractors by the city's Department of Buildings must carry general liability insurance with minimum limits that range from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 per occurrence, depending on their license classification. Similarly, fence contractors that hold regulated business licenses issued by the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) must carry general liability insurance with a minimum limit of $300,000 per occurrence, a combined single limit for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage.

Always confirm that your intended fence contractor has complied with the necessary mandatory insurance requirements for their license type by asking them to provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate and validating this certificate with the issuing organization. You can also reach out to the Department of Buildings and the BACP at (312) 744-3449 and (312) 744-6060, respectively, to get additional information or make inquiries concerning these mandatory insurance requirements.