7 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Fencing Contractor in Victoria

Jake Bunston
1 day ago
8 min read

What to Know Before Hiring a Fencing Contractor in Victoria

If you're looking for a fencing contractor in Victoria, here's a quick overview of what to consider before you hire:

Check local council regulations - height limits and permit requirements vary by zone and street frontage.
Understand the Fences Act 1968 - neighbours typically share the cost of a dividing fence equally.
Choose the right material - Colorbond and premium timber are popular choices for Melbourne's variable climate.
Get multiple quotes - installation costs generally range from $70 to $200 per linear metre, depending on materials and site conditions. Contact us for a more accurate quote.
Avoid DIY pitfalls - professional installation protects your investment and avoids costly mistakes.
Consider kerb appeal and automation - a well-designed fence with smart gate access adds real value to your property.
Partner with a trusted local expert - look for clear communication, quality materials, and a proven track record.

Getting a new fence installed should be straightforward. But for many Melbourne homeowners, it turns into a frustrating experience, chasing unreliable contractors, receiving vague quotes, or ending up with a finished result that doesn't match what was promised.

The truth is, fencing is one of the most visible features of your property. It frames your home, defines your boundaries, and sets the tone for your kerb appeal. Getting it right matters, and that starts with knowing what to look for before you hire anyone.

Whether you're replacing an ageing paling fence in Preston, adding a feature fence to a weatherboard home in Balwyn, or securing a commercial site in the eastern suburbs, the decisions you make upfront will shape the final result.

I'm Jake Bunston, founder of Make Fencing, and over more than a decade working as a fencing contractor in Victoria, I've seen what separates a great fencing project from a stressful one. In this guide, I'll walk you through the seven things that matter most before you hire.

Essential Insights from a Fencing Contractor in Victoria

When you start looking for a fencing contractor in Victoria, you aren't just looking for someone to dig holes and nail boards. You are looking for a partner who understands the local landscape. Melbourne’s geography is diverse, ranging from the salt-heavy air of Brighton and Bayside to the clay-rich soils of the northern suburbs like Preston. These factors directly influence how your fence should be built.

For example, did you know that in many parts of Melbourne, timber fence posts need to be submerged anywhere from 450mm to 700mm, depending on the soil type? If a contractor doesn't account for this, your fence might start leaning after the first heavy rainstorm. We take these local nuances seriously. Our team brings over 10 years of experience to every project, ensuring that the structural integrity of your fence matches the aesthetic beauty of your home.

Whether you own a classic Victorian terrace or a modern townhouse, your fence should complement your architecture. A professional fence installer doesn't just provide a barrier; we provide a tailored solution that respects the character of your suburb and the demands of our "four-seasons-in-a-day" weather.

1. Navigating Local Council Regulations and Permits

One of the biggest hurdles in any fencing project is navigating the red tape. Many homeowners assume they can build whatever they like on their own property, but Victorian councils have specific rules. Generally, most residential side and rear fences can be up to 2 metres high without a permit. However, if you are planning a front fence, the rules change significantly.

In many Melbourne municipalities, front fences are often restricted to 1.2 or 1.5 metres in height to maintain street visibility and neighbourhood character. There are also specific "transparency" requirements—meaning the fence cannot be a solid wall. If your property is on a corner allotment, visibility at the intersection is a major safety concern for councils.

Before we even pick up a shovel, we help you understand these constraints. If your project involves building on an easement (areas of your land where authorities have access rights for pipes or cables), you may need special consent. For more detailed guidance, you can always refer to your local council's zoning information page or contact us to discuss how these regulations apply to your specific Melbourne suburb.

2. Selecting Durable Materials with a Fencing Contractor in Victoria

Choosing the right material is about more than just looks; it's about the "Total Cost of Ownership." While some materials might be cheaper upfront, they may require constant maintenance or need replacing in just a few years.

COLORBOND® Steel: This is a favourite for a reason. It is sleek, secure, and incredibly low-maintenance. It’s resistant to rot, termites, and even fire, making it perfect for the varied Victorian climate. You can find out more about why we are the preferred Colorbond fencing contractors Melbourne residents trust for a modern, durable finish.
Premium Timber: If you love the classic Aussie look, timber fencing is the way to go. We use high-quality treated pine for palings and can incorporate hardwood posts or Merbau slats for a more premium feel.
Metal Fabrication: For those seeking a high-end, custom look, our fabricated steel and aluminium options provide a designer edge that is rust-resistant and incredibly strong.

When we discuss your project, we look at the lifespan of these materials. Spending a little more on a steel-framed gate or treated timber today can save you thousands in repairs a decade down the line.

3. Understanding the Fences Act 1968 and Shared Costs

In Victoria, the Fences Act 1968 governs how boundary fences are built and paid for. This is often the most sensitive part of a project. Generally, neighbours are required to share the cost of a "sufficient" dividing fence equally.

What constitutes a "sufficient" fence? Usually, this is a standard 1.8-metre timber paling fence. If you want a more expensive option, like a custom modular wall or a specific Colorbond colour, you are typically responsible for paying the difference in cost unless your neighbour agrees otherwise.

We recommend having an open, friendly conversation with your neighbour before the work begins. We can provide separate quotes to help split the costs accurately, making the process transparent for both parties. As experienced boundary fencing contractors, we have helped hundreds of clients navigate these conversations to ensure everyone is happy with the final result.

4. Why Expert Installation Outperforms DIY Attempts

We’ve all seen the "DIY disaster" fence—the one that starts to sag after six months or has gates that never quite close properly. While the idea of a weekend project might seem appealing, the reality of fencing is physically demanding and technically complex.

Professional installation by a fencing contractor in Victoria offers several advantages:

Specialised Tools: We use high-powered post rammers and precision levelling equipment that the average homeowner doesn't have in their garage.
Structural Integrity: We know exactly how deep to set posts and how to brace gates so they remain functional for years.
Time Savings: What might take you four weekends to complete, our team can often finish in a few days.
Hidden Costs: DIY often leads to wasted materials and expensive mistakes. When you hire us, the price we quote is the price you pay.

By choosing a fencing contractor Melbourne residents rely on, you are buying peace of mind. We handle the heavy lifting, the demolition of your old fence, and the site cleanup, leaving you with nothing but a beautiful new boundary.

5. Boosting Kerb Appeal with a Fencing Contractor in Victoria

Your fence is the "handshake" of your home—it’s the first thing people see. A custom feature fence can significantly increase your property value, especially in competitive markets like Brighton or Balwyn.

We believe fencing should be a property feature, not just a necessity. Whether it’s a sleek horizontal slat design, a charming picket fence for a weatherboard cottage, or a modern industrial look using laser-cut aluminium, we tailor every design to suit your home's personality. Our custom solutions blend style and functionality, ensuring your home stands out for all the right reasons.

For those looking for high-end aesthetic inspiration, we often collaborate with design partners like Encompass Business Solutions to ensure our digital presence reflects the same quality as our physical builds.

6. Integrating Smart Automation and Custom Gates

Security and convenience go hand-in-hand with modern fencing. Gone are the days of jumping out of your car in the rain to open a heavy driveway gate. As a leading fencing contractor in Victoria, we specialise in automatic gates Victoria homeowners use to upgrade their lifestyle.

Our automation options include:

Sliding Gates: Perfect for properties with limited driveway depth.
Swing Gates: A classic, elegant choice for wider entrances.
Smart Integration: We can set up keypad entry, remote controls, and even smart home integration so you can open your gate from your phone.
Safety Features: We incorporate safety beams to ensure the gate never closes on a vehicle or a pet.

Adding automation isn't just about luxury; it’s a significant security enhancement. A locked, automated gate acts as a powerful deterrent, keeping your family and your vehicles safe.

7. Partnering with Experts for a Stress-Free Build

At Make Fencing, we pride ourselves on a clear and helpful process. From your initial consultation to the final on-site assessment and build, we are with you every step of the way. I personally oversee our projects to ensure they meet the high standards I set when I started this company over a decade ago.

We don't just "build fences"—we provide solutions. Whether it's a complex commercial site requiring palisade security fencing or a residential backyard needing a privacy upgrade, we bring the same level of meticulous attention to detail.

Ready to transform your property? We invite you to experience the Make Fencing advantage. Our tailored designs, durable craftsmanship, and customer-first philosophy ensure that your project is handled with the utmost care.

We MAKE Fencing Solutions To Your Satisfaction.

FAQ Section

How much does fence installation cost in Melbourne? Pricing typically ranges from $70 to $200 per linear metre, depending on materials and site complexity. For example, a standard timber paling fence is at the lower end, while custom metal work or automated gates will be higher. This is a general guide, so we recommend requesting a tailored quote for your specific project to get an accurate "Total Cost of Ownership" estimate.

Do I need council approval for a new fence in Victoria? Most standard residential side and rear fences under 2 metres do not require a permit. However, restrictions apply to front fences (often capped at 1.2m or 1.5m), fences on corner blocks, and homes in heritage-listed areas. It is always best to check with your local council or ask us during your consultation.

How long does a typical fence installation take? Most residential projects are completed within 2 to 5 days once the site is assessed and materials are prepared. This includes the removal of your old fence and the installation of the new one. Larger commercial or custom projects with automation may take longer depending on the scope and complexity.

Who pays for a boundary fence in Victoria? Under the Fences Act 1968, neighbours generally share the cost of a "sufficient" dividing fence 50/50. If one neighbour wants a more expensive style than what is considered sufficient for the area, they usually pay the additional cost.

Does Make Fencing handle commercial projects? Yes! We offer a wide range of commercial solutions, including palisade fencing, chain link fencing for large perimeters, and safe, compliant fencing for schools and government facilities across Melbourne.