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Fence Contract

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FENCING CONTRACT

THIS FENCING CONTRACT (“Contract”), effective as of the date of the last party to sign below, is between , having an address at (“Contractor”) and , having an address at (“Owner”).

For valuable consideration the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF WORK: Fencing is the use of chain link, wrought iron, vinyl or wood materials to construct, erect, alter, or repair all types of fences, corrals, runs, railings, cribs, game court enclosures, guard rails, barriers and gates. Fencing services include locating buried utility lines, cables and pipes in the digging area and determining local zoning requirements, as well as neighborhood or subdivision restrictions for height, type, style and position. Contractor shall provide all necessary fencing labor and materials, and perform all fencing services described above and/or as set forth in the plans and specifications signed by both Owner and Contractor (“Project”). Such plans and specifications are hereby made a part of this Contract and may contain pictures, diagrams or measurements of the work area together with a description of the work to be done, materials to be used, and the equipment to be used or installed.

2. WORK SITE: The Project shall be constructed on the property of Owner located at and more particularly described as (hereafter "the Work Site"). Owner hereby authorizes Contractor to commence and complete the usual and customary excavation and grading on the Work Site as may be required in the judgment of the Contractor to complete the Project. Unless called for in the plans or specifications, no landscaping, finish grading, filling or excavation is to be performed at the Work Site by the Contractor.

3. TIME OF COMPLETION: Contractor shall commence the work to be performed under this Contract on or before and shall substantially complete the work on or before . Contractor shall not be liable for any delay due to circumstances beyond its control including strikes, casualty, acts of God, illness, injury, or general unavailability of materials.

4. PERMITS: Contractor shall apply for and obtain such permits and regulatory approvals as may be required by the local municipal/county government, the cost thereof shall be included as part of the Project price.

5. SOIL CONDITIONS: Contractor shall have no responsibility for the condition of the soils at the Work Site. Any excavation, filling or other work required by the Owner other than the usual and customary excavation and grading shall be agreed to in a Change Order for an amount in addition to the Contract Price. Contractor shall not be responsible for any damages suffered by Owner as a result of the soil conditions at the Work Site.

6. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability and workers compensation, as well as builder's risk insurance, if applicable.

7. SURVEY AND TITLE: If the Project is near the Owner’s property boundary, Owner will point out property lines to the Contractor. If the Owner or Contractor has any doubt about the location of the property lines, Owner shall provide Contractor with boundary stakes through a licensed surveyor. In addition, Owner shall provide Contractor documentation that Owner has title to the Work Site and shall provide Contractor copies of any covenants, conditions, or restrictions that affect the Work Site.

8. CHANGES TO SCOPE OF WORK: Owner may make changes to the scope of the work, including changes to the plans and specifications, from time to time during the construction of the Project. However, any such change or modification shall only be made by written "Change Order" signed by both parties. Such Change Orders shall become part of this Contract. Owner agrees to pay any increase in the cost of the Project as a result of a Change Order. In the event the cost of a Change Order is not known at the time a Change Order is executed, the Contractor shall estimate the cost thereof and Owner shall pay the actual cost whether or not it is in excess of the estimated cost.

9. CONTRACT PRICE:

{COST PLUS}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the actual cost to Contractor of materials plus the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

OR

{FIXED FEE}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

Contractor shall furnish Owner appropriate releases or waivers of lien for all work performed or materials provided at the time the next periodic payment shall be due.

10. LATE PAYMENT/DEFAULT: A failure to make payment for a period in excess of ten (10) days from the due date shall be deemed a material breach of this Contract. If payment is not made when due, Contractor may suspend work on the job until such time as all payments due have been made without breach of the Contract pending payment or resolution of any dispute. Owner agrees to pay a late charge of 1% of all payments that are more than ten (10) days late plus interest at the rate of 1% per month.

11. DESTRUCTION AND DAMAGE: If the Project is destroyed or damaged for any reason, except where such destruction or damage was caused by the sole negligence of the Contractor or its subcontractors, Owner shall pay Contractor for any additional work done by Contractor in rebuilding or restoring the Project to its condition prior to such destruction or damage. If the estimated cost of replacing work already accomplished by Contractor exceeds 20 percent of the Contract price, either the Contractor or Owner may terminate this Contract. Upon termination by either party, Contractor shall be excused from further performance under this Contract and Owner shall pay Contractor a percentage of the Contract price in proportion to the amount of work accomplished prior to the destruction or damage.

12. ASSIGNMENT: Neither party may assign this Contract, or payments due under the Contract, without the other party’s written consent. Any such assignment shall be void and of no effect.

13. INTERPRETATION:

(a) Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, plans, and specifications are intended to supplement one another. In the event of a conflict, the specifications shall control the plans, and the Contract shall control both. If work is displayed on the plans but not called for in the specifications, or if the work is called for in the specifications but not displayed on the plans, Contractor shall be required to perform the work as though it were called for and displayed in both documents.

(b) Entire Agreement. This Contract constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other agreements, oral or written, pertaining to the work to be performed under this Contract exists between the parties. This Contract may only be modified by a written agreement signed by both parties.

(c) Governing Law. This Contract shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana.

14. ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS: If any party to this Contract brings a cause of action against the other party arising from or relating to this Contract, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs.

15. PERFORMANCE:

(a) Contractor may, at its discretion, engage licensed subcontractors to perform work pursuant to this Contract provided Contractor shall remain fully responsible for the proper completion of the Project.

(b) All work shall be completed in a workman-like manner and in compliance with all building codes and applicable laws. To the extent required by law, all work shall be performed by individuals duly licensed and authorized by law to perform said work.

(c) Contractor agrees to remove all debris and leave the premises in broom clean condition.

16. WARRANTY: Contractor's warranty shall be limited to defects in workmanship within the scope of work performed by Contractor and which arise and become known within one (1) year from the date hereof. All said defects arising after one (1) year and defects in material are not warranted by Contractor. Contractor hereby assigns to Owner all warranties on materials as provided by the manufacturer of such materials.

AGREED:

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name and Address of License Holder

OWNER:

Signature

Print Name

Date

Enter text✕

What a Fence Contract Is and When It Applies

A Fence Contract is a written agreement that sets the terms for design, permitting, installation, payment, warranties, and maintenance of a fence between an owner and a contractor. It defines scope (materials, height, location, and setbacks), responsibilities for permits and inspections, price and payment schedule, start and completion dates, insurance and indemnity obligations, and acceptance criteria. For projects that border adjoining properties, the contract should also state easement or boundary assumptions, any neighbor approvals obtained, and who will process required municipal permits and inspections.

Why a Clear Fence Contract Reduces Disputes

A well-drafted Fence Contract clarifies responsibilities, reduces change orders, and documents permit and inspection duties so parties can avoid stop-work orders and claims.

Why a Clear Fence Contract Reduces Disputes

Who Typically Prepares and Signs a Fence Contract

Typical participants and roles involved in fence projects are listed below.

  • Homeowners and property owners who commission fence work, provide site access, obtain municipal approvals when required, and approve final inspection.
  • Licensed contractors or fencing subcontractors who supply materials, perform installation, carry insurance, and accept payment under the contract terms.
  • Property managers, HOAs, or real estate agents who act as owners' agents and may enforce warranty obligations or approve neighbor agreements.

Identify your role early to ensure the correct signature authority and permit responsibilities are assigned.

Essential Sections to Include in a Professional Fence Contract

Include these core elements to make the agreement actionable and enforceable across jurisdictions while managing construction and permitting risks.

Parties

Full legal names and contact details for owner and contractor, specifying whether the contractor is a business entity and including license numbers where applicable.

Scope of Work

Precise description of fence location, linear feet, height, materials, finishes, gates, hardware, and any site prep or removal work to be performed.

Permits and Approvals

Who will obtain permits, pay permit fees, and schedule inspections; note any neighbor easements or HOA approvals required before work begins.

Schedule

Start date, estimated completion date, milestone deadlines, conditions for weather or material delays, and procedures for change-order timing.

Payment Terms

Total price or unit rates, deposit and progress payment schedule, retainage if any, accepted payment methods, and remedy for nonpayment.

Warranties and Insurance

Material and workmanship warranty durations, homeowner responsibility for site conditions, contractor insurance minimums, indemnity and dispute resolution clauses.

Key Data Fields Required in the Fence Contract

Owner Name: Full legal name
Contractor Name: Business entity or individual
Property Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Fence Description: Material, height, length
Start / Completion: MM/DD/YYYY dates
Permit Info: Permit number if available

Step-by-Step: Completing a Fence Contract

Follow this sequence to reduce omissions and ensure the contract is ready for permits, execution, and project start.

  • 01
    Gather details: Collect site measurements, materials list, and permit requirements.
  • 02
    Draft scope: Write a precise scope of work and include a site sketch.
  • 03
    Set pricing: Agree on total, deposits, milestones, and retainage.
  • 04
    Sign and file: Obtain signatures and keep one executed copy for records.

Configuring an Online Fence Contract Workflow

Map fields, signer order, and required attachments to match permit and inspection needs before sending for signature.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Owner first | Contractor second
Required Attachments Site sketch and permit application
Conditional Fields Show permit details when homeowner requests contractor permit
Final Deliverables Signed contract | Receipt | Permit copy

Typical eSigning Flow for a Fence Contract

An online signing workflow reduces transit time and preserves an audit trail that documents intent and execution.

  • Upload: Sender uploads the contract PDF or DOCX.
  • Place fields: Add signature, date, and permit attachment fields.
  • Send: Dispatch to signers in the correct order.
  • Complete: Signed copies and audit trails are generated automatically.

Technical and Integration Considerations

Choose a platform that supports required file types, authentication, and record retention for contractor and municipal needs.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, or KBA

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Contract Signing

Compare basic pricing and key features for common eSignature vendors; signNow appears first for parity in capability and cost comparison.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies by vendor
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Key Risks and Penalties from an Improper Fence Contract

Permit Violations: Fines, stop-work orders
Boundary Disputes: Civil litigation risk
Uninsured Work: Liability for damages
Mechanic's Liens: Contractor or supplier liens
Payment Disputes: Delayed completion or litigation
Warranty Failures: Replacement costs and claims

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using vague scope descriptions that omit gate locations, post spacing, or site prep; unclear scope leads to costly change orders and disagreements.
  • Failing to confirm property lines or obtain neighbor approvals where required; boundary assumptions can produce litigation and required rework.
  • Neglecting permit responsibilities and timelines; contractors and owners should clearly assign who applies and pays for inspections.
  • Skipping insurance and license verification for contractors; lack of verification risks uninsured loss and limited recovery options.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these best practices to reduce delays, disputes, and unnecessary cost overruns during fence projects.

Include a site sketch
Attach a simple diagram that shows property lines, proposed fence location, gate positions, and distances to fixed landmarks. A clear sketch prevents misinterpretation and supports permit review and neighbor discussions.
Define change-order procedures
Require written change orders signed by both parties that state scope changes, new pricing, and adjusted completion dates. This formal process reduces surprise charges and clarifies liability for extra work.
Verify contractor credentials
Ask for proof of license, local business registration, and insurance certificates before work begins. Record policy numbers and expiration dates in the contract to ensure coverage during construction.
Document inspections and acceptance
Specify acceptance criteria, final inspection steps, and how punch-list items will be tracked and resolved to avoid disputes after final payment.

Real-World Examples of Digital Fence Contracts

These brief examples show how organizations use eContracts and eSignatures to streamline fence projects and vendor management.

Martin Properties — Field Install

Tim Martin used online execution to manage multiple site installs with consistent templates.

  • Project managers tracked permit attachments centrally.
  • Resulting efficiency reduced administrative turnaround and helped the team deliver standardized contracts across properties while maintaining an auditable signature trail for each installation.

Optica Ventures — Small Contractor

Optica Ventures adopted electronic templates for routine fence installs to reduce back-and-forth.

  • Templates included permit and warranty fields.
  • The firm saw fewer missing permits at inspection time and kept a searchable archive of signed contracts that made dispute resolution and invoice reconciliation faster and clearer.

Timelines and Typical Deadlines to Plan For

Plan project timelines around permit review, material lead times, and agreed payment milestones to avoid schedule slippage.

Permit Application:

Submit before start; local review times vary by municipality

Material Lead Time:

Order materials as soon as contract is signed to avoid delays

Start Date:

Begin after permit issuance or agreed notice-to-proceed

Completion Target:

Set a reasonable completion date with weather contingencies

Warranty Start:

Warranty period typically begins on final acceptance

Key Project Milestones for a Fence Contract

A sequential milestone view helps coordinate permits, mobilization, and final acceptance for contractors and owners.

01

Estimate and Agreement

Parties agree on scope, price, and payment schedule.

02

Permit Procurement

Contractor or owner obtains necessary municipal approvals.

03

Installation

Contractor schedules and completes the physical work.

04

Inspection and Closeout

Final inspection, punch-list resolution, and final payment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fence Contracts

Answers to common practical and legal questions about drafting, signing, and managing fence contracts in the U.S.


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