Good Fences Make Good Businesses #005

We recently had to replace a fence at the back of our driveway. It’s not a big fence, maybe only about fifteen feet long, but it’s an important fence nonetheless.
Since it divides the driveway from the backyard, it needs to look good and function well.

No big deal, right? Just reach out for a couple of quotes, and before we know it, we’ll have a new fence that lasts another couple of decades.

Except, like a lot of things, that’s where the “simple job” got less simple.

We either got no response, quotes that didn’t make sense, or long wait times for what was really a small, straightforward job. And that’s when it hit me:

This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a perfect business opportunity.

What the Business Is

A fencing business builds, installs, and repairs residential or commercial fences—typically wood, vinyl, chain link, or metal. The core service is creating physical boundaries that provide privacy, security, or aesthetic upgrades for property owners.

You can run this business solo or with a small crew, taking on everything from one-gate repairs to full property enclosures. Jobs are often done in 1–2 days and can be scheduled around your availability. It’s a straightforward trade that rewards reliability, basic building skill, and solid customer service.

Business Snapshot

• What it is: Fence installation and repair

• Who it’s for: Hands-on people who enjoy building, working outdoors, and solving physical problems

• Startup Cost: $1,000–$5,000

• Typical Customer: Homeowners with aging fences, new dogs, or privacy concerns

• Earning Potential: $500–$2,000 per job (depending on length and materials)

What the Job Looks Like

The fencing business is simple, solid, and profitable.

You’ll be working outside in the heat, the rain, and occasionally mud that wants to steal your boots. Most digging is manual unless you invest in a powered auger, and post holes in rocky soil can take serious effort.

Customers may want to push the fence right up to the property line, but confirm it first. A small mistake here can cost you a lot of goodwill, money, and constant head-butting with the neighbors.
You’ll also be dealing with utility locates every time, calling before you dig is law in most places, and not doing it can end in disaster.

Then there are the occasional “neighbor problems”, someone who doesn’t want the fence or insists it’s on their land. If you’re not the diplomatic type, this can be a headache.

Still, for someone who likes working with their hands and seeing instant results, this is one of the more satisfying jobs out there. Especially when the day ends and you can point at something real and say, “I built that.”

What You’ll Actually Do

You’ll be digging holes, setting posts, and attaching panels. The bulk of the work is wood fencing. either pressure-treated pine or a pricier wood like cedar.

Other fencing options include vinyl, chain link, or custom ornamental iron fences.

Many jobs, especially in the beginning, will be repairs: a gate that doesn’t latch, a broken panel, or, like our fence, a broken post that needs replacing.

Other jobs would include complete builds, like enclosing a backyard or separating properties.

Expect day-to-day tasks to include:

• Quoting jobs onsite

• Digging post holes (manually or with a powered auger)

• Mixing and pour concrete

• Cutting and building fence panels

• Rebuilding or installing gates

• Hauling away old materials when needed

Most jobs take 1–2 days but many jobs could take upwards of a week to do depending on the size and work involved.
If you’re taking out an old, existing fence, it may involve taking old posts out, concrete and all. That takes time, and you will need to factor that into your planning.

You’ll be outside, in all weather conditions, on your feet most of the time, and physically doing most of the work yourself. If that sounds good to you, then this could be the start of a great opportunity.

Things to Keep in Mind

• You’ll be ghosted by some leads. You’ll give quotes for work that go nowhere.

• Calling for utility locates is a must—not an option.

• Digging post holes in rocky or clay soil can be brutal and add time to a job.

• Estimating too low will eat your profits fast. Don’t undervalue you worth.

• Permits may be needed, depending on local bylaws.

• Check and re-check property lines.

First 30 Days Blueprint

Here’s how you could go from zero to booked jobs in a month:

Week 1:

• Buy or borrow core tools (circular saw, post-hole digger, drill, level)

• Build a basic pricing sheet for common jobs (gate rebuild, panel replacement, full build per linear foot)

Week 2:

• Offer two low-cost jobs to friends/family to build a photo portfolio

• Post before-and-afters on Facebook and local buy/sell groups

• Ask for testimonials and referrals

Week 3:

• Print simple flyers and drop them in older neighborhoods (15+ year-old homes = aging fences)

• Set up a Google Business profile and Nextdoor account

Week 4:

• Quote small repair jobs in nearby areas

• Offer quick turnaround times as a selling point

• Reinvest early earnings into better tools (a gas-powered auger is a game changer)

Micro Niches to Consider

• Fast Fence Fixes: 1-day repairs for busy homeowners

• Pet Fence Specialist: Enclosures and gates for new dog owners

• HOA Whisperer: Code-compliant fences for subdivisions and condos

• Gate Pro: Only install and repair fence gates (they break a lot)

Narrowing your focus can help you stand out—and avoid quoting 150-foot installs right out of the gate.

Field Insight: Keep It Simple to Start

The best way to get started in the fencing business is to start with the basic repairs. Like the problem we were having with our fence, if someone just showed up when they said they would and gave a simple quote for the job, they would have gotten it.

The same works for your business. Get your feet wet by doing the small simple work first, there is a lot of it out there. Then, as you gain some experience with the work, start taking on the bigger jobs and bringing on extra help to take on those jobs with you.

For more information on starting this or many other home services businesses, visit the Full Throttle Start Up website.