Is Fencing a Good Business in Today’s World?

The fencing business is but one of the subsections of the construction industry.

If you love working outside and putting your construction know-how to use to create functional and beautiful fences, you might have what it takes to start a fencing business.

According to IBIS (Interactive Biodiversity Information System) world, the fencing industry brings in $6 billion per year in revenue from the services of over 21,000 businesses and nearly 41,000 employees.

This comes with the upswing of residential construction and the boost in the demand for fencing for security, aesthetics, and added property value.

In fact, the increase in building remodeling has increased the revenue by 7% annually for the past years.

So, this will make you think, “Is this for me?” We will help you answer this question as we present facts about the fencing industry and the essentials of a fencing business.

Who knows, you may just have what it takes to start a fencing company.

Business Facts About the Fencing Industry

• According to Entrepreneur, a fence company startup costs $2,000 to $10,000.
• Com reports that wages for fence installers range from $9.85 to $20.07 per hour or about $21,000 to $ 51,000 per year.
• A professional fencing job can run anywhere from $0.20 to $300 per foot depending on the type of fence material used.
• A large, well-established fence installation business can create as much as 1.4 million in annual revenue
• Fencers find customers by building relationships with housing developers to land big contracts for new housing tracts.
• There are several ways fencing companies become popular like maintaining a professional website and active social media presence to create community connections.
• Skills required for a fencing company include:
  • Physical stamina and strength
  • Construction skills
  • Knowledge of contracting law
  • Business administration and payroll
  • People skills
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Scheduling
  • Logistics and organization
  • Attention to detail and quality
• Fencing is primarily a “need” demand product that has less risk. The “need” to protect and secure pets, children, pools, and properties far override the “want” of a new kitchen counter, swimming pools, or cosmetic home and commercial improvements.
• A typical day in fence installation will include making fences, fixing fences, conducting interviews to hire laborers, marketing your fencing business, obtaining licenses, obtaining permits, preparing bids, and estimates.
• The fencing industry brings in $8 billion per year in revenue from the services of over 48,918 fencing businesses in this sector. The number of businesses in the industry has grown by 0.8% in 2018.
• The major markets that drive demand for fence construction include nonresidential commercial building, non-building market, and agricultural market.
• The first customers who require the service of fence installers are the construction companies who can outsource all their fence installation to a fencing business.
• The level of competition in a fencing business is high, however, if you build a reputation for yourself in the areas of excellence in service delivery, you can be ahead in the race.

How to Start a Fencing Company

It is possible to run this business by yourself but if you want to grow your business and be able to meet the demands of your clients, you will need to build and hire a team.

Hiring permanent staff and crew will help you deliver consistency in the quality of your work which will impact your brand as a fence installation company.

Here is a 12-step guide to starting your own fencing business from ProfitableVenture:

Understand the Trend in the Fencing Industry

A fencing business is a promising business to get into but it will require much to be able to get ahead of your competition.

You should know how to find your place in the market in the midst of a lot of competition.

Some factors you should know include:

• The rise in income and home prices
• Renovation and remodeling of homes
• The revenue in the industry
• Particular desires of clients in this industry
• The various legal issues surrounding fence installation
• Registering with the American Fence Association for training

Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies

If you want to succeed in a fencing business, you should have a firm grasp on the demographics and psychographics of the business. Who will be needing your services and how can you present your products and brands so that they will patronize and be loyal to you?

Will You Be Focusing on a Niche?

There are different types of fencing materials and you can choose to specialize in installing just a few. You can also choose to focus on a certain set of clients like high-security establishments or homeowners.

Know Your Competitors

Research on how the major competitors in the fencing business are thriving and succeeding. Are there areas where you can do better than them?

Are You Going To Buy a Franchise or Start on Your Own?

Buying a franchise for a fencing business offers you the opportunity to build upon an existing set of experiences and skills developed by others. However, starting on your own can also bring opportunities to innovate and learn on the job.

Now the Possible Threats and Challenges

Determine how you can present your services so that clients will opt to hire you rather than the do-it-yourself practice.

Choose a Suitable Legal Entity

A fencing business poses a high probability that things can go wrong. Hence, a Limited Liability company can help you if legal issues and damages arise.

Create a Catchy Business Name

Make a business name that is catchy, memorable, and easy to locate on the internet. Put a creative spin on what you are doing that will make your name stand out from your competition.

Raise the Needed Startup Capital

Make sure that you have a clear cut way of financing your business. Your initial capital will help your fencing business get up on its feet and start running.

Choose a Suitable Location

When you know where your potential clients are located, you will want to set up an office close to them. Being near real estate companies can also be beneficial.

Make a Strategic Marketing Plan

List marketing strategies to keep clients coming and putting your brand in the market so potential clients will get to know you. Do as much as you can to reach out to your market. Define your brand and establish your web presence for digital marketing.

Complete the Legal Documents Needed

Know what regular and legal documents you will need so that you can get the necessary permits to operate. If you want to operate across States, you will also have to look into the laws of the State/s you want to operate from.

Is a Fencing Business Right For You?

If you enjoy working outdoors and bringing the experience of security to people, a fencing business is ideal for you.

Whether you choose to get a franchise and gain knowledge and experience from seasoned fencing professionals or want to learn as you grow your own fencing company that you put up, start with knowing the fencing industry really well.

Work out the steps in starting a fencing business and build on them as you grow your business. Lastly, the answer to the question, “Is fencing a good business?” depends on you.

But with all the facts and success stories of those who’ve been there, it is a promising business.

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