Get Quotes from Top Fencing Contractors in Indianapolis, IN

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

To operate as fence contractors in Indianapolis, these individuals must first be licensed as general contractors by the city's Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS). Bidding or offering services without a proper license is unlawful, and such fence builders will be found guilty and fined $200 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations.

To obtain a general contractor license in Indianapolis, an interested applicant must fulfill the following requirements:

• Provide proof of business registration with the Indiana Secretary of State. The applicant must ensure the name of the registration documentation matches the business name as it is registered.
• If the applicant's business has employees, file a surety bond and purchase a general liability policy and a worker's compensation policy.

The applicants must then fill out and submit a contractor application form alongside a licensing fee of $215 to:

Alternatively, applicants can submit their completed application form accompanied by supporting documents via email. After receiving the completed form, an official from the department will review it and add the necessary fees to their contractor license. The applicant will receive an email prompting the licensing fee payment either through a credit or debit card or an eCheck.You can contact the city's Department of Business and Neighborhood Services at (317) 327-1291 for more information regarding the general contractor licensing process and requirements.

Before completing the hiring process for your preferred fencing contractor, you should confirm their licensing status. To confirm the license status of your preferred fencing contractor, homeowners can check the list of approved contractors in the city or call the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services at (317) 327-1291.

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

In Indianapolis, installing fences typically costs around $1,500 to $3,000. There are various reasons why homeowners choose to have fences on their property, including:

• To keep out rodents and pests
• To improve their home's aesthetic appeal
• To provide cover for pools
• To beautify their gardens
• For security and safety
• For enhanced privacy
• To contain children and pets

Note that how much you pay for installing your fence is dependent on factors such as:

• Labor costs
• Length of the fence
• Preferred fencing materials
• The cost of hinges, latches, posts, locks, and other similar fence hardware

One of the most important factors you should consider is the fence material because it significantly influences the project's overall cost. There are various types of fencing materials that are commonly used by homeowners in Indianapolis:

• Wood: One of the most common types of fencing material that is commonly used by property and homeowners in Indianapolis is wood. This type of fence costs an average of $13 - $15 per linear foot to install and is relatively cheap and easy to install but requires regular maintenance.
• Composite: composite fencing is similar to wood fencing in less maintenance. This type of fence can be quite expensive at an average cost of $25 - $40 per linear foot.
• Chain Link: This low-maintenance fencing material is commonly used by homeowners in the city. Although these fences are long-lasting, they are not very attractive and can easily rust. They typically cost around $10 - $13 per linear foot.
• Vinyl: These fences are relatively cheap and easy to install. They may not be the best choice for security reasons. This type of fencing material has an average cost of $15 - $21 per linear foot.
• Aluminum: This fencing is a more practical and long-lasting alternative to vinyl fencing. It costs around $20 - $26 per linear foot and is a secure, durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing fencing option. These fences are also corrosion-resistant. However, they are more expensive to install.
• Steel: These fences are typically around $15 to $75 per linear foot. These are relatively cheap and easy to install, making them an ideal choice for property and homeowners. However, they are prone to scratches and rust.
• Wrought Iron: A durable and attractive alternative to steel fencing, wrought iron fences are also high-maintenance and can easily rust. They typically cost around $20 - $26 per linear foot.

Before you hire a fence contractor in Indianapolis, it is crucial that you get multiple quotes from different fencing companies. Doing this will give you a better idea of the current market price for the project. It is also an effective way to avoid getting ripped off by fencing companies that will try to overcharge. You should also ask for an explanation if there are discrepancies between your preferred fence builders' submitted quotes and those submitted by others. It is not always a good idea to hire the lowest one.

• Picket Fence: This type of fence is commonly used in Indianapolis and is designed with gaps between wooden slabs with pointed tops. While this type of fence is usually short, taller versions are also commonly used to protect against pests and rodents.
• Dog-Ear Fence: Most of the time, the fence panels used for this fencing are made of composite wood. Their design features vertical boards that are spaced at an angle.
• Scallop Fence: This type of fencing is commonly referred to as a variation of the traditional picket fence. Instead of the straight horizontal top, this type of fence features slight curvatures at the points where the fence rises from one end to the other.
• Flat-top Fence: This type of fence design involves leaving the top portion of the fence flat-top, as the name implies.
• Lattice-Top Fence: This fencing is commonly used to give a decorative touch to existing fences. It is also done with a lattice top.
• Garden Fence: This fence is commonly used for keeping small animals out and for aesthetic purposes.
• Gothic Fence: This type of fencing is usually made using metal fencing materials. It also involves adding various points at the top of the fence.
• Shadow-Box Fence: This type of fencing is usually done alternatingly. The wood fencing materials are attached to the side of the fence frame in an alternating manner.
• Split Rail Fence: This type of fencing is commonly used for large properties and farms because it uses less fence material. It is also more practical than the traditional vertical style.
• Electric Fence: This type of fencing uses wire mesh and metal fencing materials to create a barrier that can prevent animals and people from entering a certain area.
• Custom Fence: This type of fencing is usually customized to meet clients' specific needs and requirements. It can be made to fit a particular landscape or terrain, costing more than other types of fencing.

Fence contractors in Indianapolis make an average of $42,510 annually. The following list compares the average hourly pay of these contractors with that of fence contractors in other locations across Indiana and the rest of the United States:

What Kind of Fencing Services Do You Offer?

In Indianapolis, there is a wide range of services that fence companies provide to their customers, including:

• Fence replacements and upgrades
• Fence maintenance and repairs
• Custom fence design and building
• New fence installations
• Fence gate installations
• Installation consultations
• Boundary and utility line markings

Before you start the process of hiring a fence company for your project, it's important that you thoroughly research the services that they can provide. This will allow you to make an informed decision regarding their services and ensure that the project will be completed according to your requirements. Also, ensure that the fence builder provides you with services that align with the promised terms and conditions.

When Am I Required to Have a Fence in Indianapolis?

Before you start a fencing project in Indianapolis, it is essential that you find out the various regulations and ordinances in the area relevant to your fencing project. These regulations and ordinances can affect the scope and type of work you can do. The following regulations can affect the type of work that you can do and the scope of your project in the city:

• Section R236 of the Indiana Residential Code
• Section 2.19 Dwelling Districts Zoning Ordinance of Marion County
• Section 744-510 of the Indianapolis Municipal Code

Some of the key provisions of these laws include:

• Fences up to six feet in height may be permitted in any front yard that does not serve as the primary entrance and does not face the primary entrance of a dwelling unit across the street.
• Fences exceeding forty-two inches in height shall not encroach beyond the building line established on the other street frontage.
• In multi-family homes, fences or structural barriers up to six feet in height may be permitted in any front yard that exceeds five hundred linear feet of frontage. For sites with frontage on two streets, a fence or structural barer may be up to six feet in height only if the applicable street frontage exceeds five hundred linear feet.
• The measurement of fence height shall be taken from the ground level to the top of the fence, excluding fence posts.
• Fences incorporating barbed wire or razor wire are prohibited except for the following:
  • When used to enclose livestock on a site where the primary property use is agricultural uses, buildings or structures;
  • When used for public safety or security purposes for a public facility or correctional or penal institution
• Electrified fences are prohibited except if the electrification is of non-lethal voltage with a current less than 100 mA (0.1 amp), a warning sign is posted in a conspicuous location, and located at least five feet away from a lot line.
• No fence may be constructed of scrap or waste materials unless those materials have been recycled or reprocessed into building materials for sale to the public.
• Fences or fences combined with a wall shall be constructed of wood, stone, brick, decorative concrete block, wrought iron (or products created to resemble these materials), vegetated cellular confinement system, or other material compatible with the primary building materials, or a combination of any of these materials.
• Fence posts may exceed the maximum height of the fence by one foot.
• Access to residential pools may be restricted by fences not less than four feet high and surrounding the pool and deck area, except for self-closing and latching gates and doors, both capable of being locked.

One of the advantages of choosing a professional fence company is that they can provide you with the necessary expertise to carry out your fence project in compliance with the laws in your area. To learn more about the various regulations and laws affecting your fence project in Indianapolis, you can contact the city's Department of Business and Neighborhood Services at (317) 327- 8700. You can also report violations by contacting the department at the above number.

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

Building permits are required for all activities related to the construction, demolition, and removal of structures, including fencing projects in Indianapolis. Engaging in any fencing activities without a permit in the city can result in a fine of up to $100 for the first violation, and each day that an offense continues shall constitute a separate violation. Only fence contractors can apply for permits from the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Homeowners can ask the fence contractor to get a master permit, allowing them to carry out all the construction activities on the site.

Master permit applications can be submitted online through the Land Use Petition & Enforcement Case Citizen Access Portal. First-time applicants must create a user profile to use the online permitting service. Applicants must upload the following documents when completing their completion on the portal:

• Foundation plan, floor plan, framing plan, and building elevations
• Sections and details showing but not limited to footing information, wall and roof information, truss calculations, and all materials to be used.
• Plot or site plan, which must show property lines, all buildings on the lot, and dimensions from any new structures to related property lines

After submitting the application, the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services will review it to ensure it complies with the city's code. Once the review is complete, the successful applicant will be notified by email, and successful applicants will be issued a building permit. Fence contractors must always display a copy of the permit at a visible location on the project site.

Besides issuing building permits, the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services will also inspect the fencing project for which the permit was obtained. These inspections are conducted to ensure the construction complies with the city's building code and zoning ordinance. Fence contractors can schedule an inspection online or by calling (317) 327-5525. Inquiries on the permit and inspection process can be directed to the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services by calling (317) 327-8939.

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

In Indianapolis, a professional fence company installs a fence via the following steps:

• Pulling necessary permits
• Digging post holes and setting post brackets
• Estimating the fence length
• Marking utility lines
• Building and installing the fence
• Tidying up the work area

Before you start the fence installation process, it is essential that your fence contractor locate and mark all utility lines on your property. Doing so ensures that utility lines are properly marked and can be accessed during digging. This will prevent the disruption of vital services like gas, water, and underground power.

Although many companies offer to mark and locate utility lines, you should still confirm if the company is skilled at carrying one out. In most cases, these companies will also ask for a copy of your survey records to allow them to locate these utility lines. Likewise, you can contact the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at 811 or 1-800-382-5544. You can also get additional information about the location of utility lines on your property by calling:

• Citizens Energy Group - (800) 427-4217
• AES Indiana - (888) 261-8222
• Indiana Michigan Power - (800) 311-4634

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

When planning a fencing project, it is important to consider the insurance status of the fence contractor you are planning on hiring. An uninsured fence contractor working on your can make you liable for any property damage and bodily injury they might cause during the project. In 2019, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 20 construction-related fatalities in Indiana.

The Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services requires fence contractors to have insurance policies in the minimum amount of:

• $500,000 for each occurrence of death or bodily injury
• $100,000 for each occurrence of property damage,
• $500,00 per occurrence for a combined coverage of bodily injury and property damage.

In addition, fence contractors are also required to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have employees.

As such, before completing the hiring process of a fence builder in Indianapolis, ensure they are adequately insured by requesting a copy of their insurance certificate. You should authenticate the validity of these documents by contacting the issuing insurance company. You can also contact the Worker's Compensation Board of Indiana at (317) 232-5922 for more information concerning workers' compensation insurance.

Before hiring a fence contractor in Indianapolis, ensure you thoroughly understand the insurance requirements for fence companies in the city. You can contact the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services at (317) 327-1291 for more information about insurance requirements.