Material choice determines cost, maintenance, and lifespanWood privacy fencing costs $1,900–$3,639 per linear foot installed in Madison — natural look but requires staining or painting every 3–5 years. Vinyl fencing costs $2,600–$6,840 per linear foot — maintenance-free but may warp in extreme heat. Aluminum and chain link are the most affordable options at $760–$2,080 per foot. In Madison, local climate conditions directly affects how quickly wood materials degrade.
Linear footage determines total cost — measure firstFence pricing is always per linear foot. Before getting quotes, measure your property perimeter accurately — GPS property surveys (from your deed or county GIS) are more reliable than measuring by eye. Every 100 linear feet of fencing adds $520–$1,140 to the total depending on material. Know your exact footage before accepting any bid.
Existing fence removal is a separate costRemoving and disposing of an existing fence adds $3–$8 per linear foot to your project. For a 200-foot perimeter, that's $600–$1,600 in additional cost. Some contractors include this in their bid; others quote fencing installation only. Confirm explicitly whether removal and haul-away are included — this is one of the most common sources of "surprise" costs on fence projects.
Post depth and concrete are where quality divergesFence posts must be set 1/3 of their total length below grade (minimum 2 feet) and anchored in concrete. Posts not set deep enough will lean within 2–3 years, especially in Madison where seasonal factors affect pricing causes freeze-thaw cycles or saturated soil. Ask specifically: what depth are posts being set? Are they set in concrete or compacted gravel? These details separate professional installs from failures.
Permit and property line requirementsMost Madison municipalities require a permit for fence installation and have rules about fence height (typically 4 ft front yard, 6 ft rear yard) and setback from the property line. Building a fence on a disputed property line or without a permit can result in forced removal at your cost. Confirm your property lines using a plat survey before installation — not just a tape measure from your house.
Gates add cost disproportionate to their sizeA single gate adds $200–$600 to your fence project; a double drive gate for vehicle access adds $500–$1,500+. Gate hardware quality matters significantly — cheap hinges and latches fail within 2–3 years in Madison's local climate conditions. Confirm what hardware brand is included and whether the gate posts are being set deeper (they should be — gates exert more lateral stress than fence panels).