A Perth Fencing Guide: Approvals, Materials, Installation, Repairs & Cost

Fencing in Perth is not only about selecting your preferred style and then arranging for installation. Homeowners should take into account council approval, fencing laws, weather in Perth, installation issues, repair work and the total cost of fencing. Perth has a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Fencing in Perth has to deal with both intense heat and seasonal rain. The most common fencing options in Perth include Colorbond fences, timber fences, aluminium fences and masonry fences. Requirements for council approval may vary among local government areas. This guide covers approvals, material choices, installation, repairs and fencing costs for Perth homes.

Do I Need Council Approvals for Fencing in WA?

For most Perth homeowners, the answer is no. A regular boundary fence which adheres to the normal height restrictions does not need a building permit. However, the requirements for Perth fencing can vary between local councils depending on the fence’s height, location, design and the property itself.

As a general guide:

• Front fences should normally be about 1.2 metres in height.
• Picket or wrought iron fences, due to their more open and transparent nature, can sometimes be built as high as 1.8 metres from the front boundary line.
• Side and rear fences may be 1.8 meters high.

You will likely require approval in the following instances:

• Where the fence exceeds the council’s guideline height
• Where your property is located in a heritage zone
• Where additional features like retaining walls and screens are to be erected alongside the fence

As fencing requirements vary across Perth local government areas, you should confirm with the relevant council before commencing construction.

WA’s building contractor registration rules have a $20,000 threshold for building work that requires a building permit. But there is a provision stating that fence works are included among incidental structures that are exempt from the need for a registered building contractor.

This implies that residential fence works do not necessarily require a licensed builder when exceeding the $20,000 amount. But there may be some other approvals required based on the fence and the property in question. Homeowners should also check the contractor’s experience, insurance and workmanship before proceeding.

Dividing Fences Act 1961

If your fence is located on the boundary line, then your dispute may come under the provisions of the Dividing Fences Act 1961, which mandates that both parties should contribute 50/50 towards the cost of “sufficient” fencing. However, if one of the parties opts for a fancy fence at higher costs, they will have to bear the additional costs involved. It would be wise to come up with a plan and discuss it with your neighbour before starting the work. 

Pool Fencing Regulations

Fencing for pools has one of the most stringent requirements as it acts as a barrier to prevent unauthorised access to the swimming pool area. Some of the important requirements for pools under the Building Regulations 2012 are as follows:

• Minimum fence height of 1.2 m
• Maximum gap width of 100 mm
• Self-closing and self-latching gates that open outwards
• Non-climbable zone of 900 mm around the fence

However, rules may differ based on pools and property types, so it’s better to confirm with your local council before you construct your pool fence. When you hire experienced fencing contractors near me, they will install pool fences while complying to all the legal requirements. 

Asbestos Fencing Removal

Some of the older properties in Perth still have fences made of asbestos. Although asbestos remains stable while it is not damaged, if your fence has become cracked or damaged in any way, it needs to be taken care of by professionals. Do not try to remove asbestos fences on your own. Hiring Perth outdoor carpentry contractors is a great solution when you need to replace old asbestos fencing with modern options such as Colorbond for a safer, more durable solution.

Choosing Fencing Materials for Perth’s Climate

Colorbond and similar types of fencing made out of rust-resistant metals are great options for Perth, as they can cope with the weather conditions. Depending on the location of your property, its appearance and level of maintenance, you will have to pick an appropriate material. Some of the most popular options are as follows:

Colorbond Steel Fencing

Colorbond is one of the top fencing materials in Perth. It provides privacy, has a clean appearance and generally needs less maintenance than timber. It is also available in a range of colours, making it easier to match different home styles.

Timber Fencing

Timber creates a warm and natural effect and goes well with gardens and old-fashioned houses. But since Perth experiences intense sunlight and rainfall, and is known for termites, wood panels for fences require regular care, such as painting and staining.

Aluminium Fencing

Aluminium is lightweight and rust-resistant. This makes it suitable for front fences, decorative fences, and modern houses. Aluminium slats can give a modern look while allowing air to flow through.

Brick, Masonry and Concrete

Masonry fencing provides a strong and solid look, and is capable of providing good privacy. But heavier structures may require professional design or approval depending on their height and location. Some local requirements also call for engineering input for higher masonry, stone or concrete dividing fences.

Perth Fence Installation: What the Process Involves

The residential carpentry experts in Perth will begin the fencing installation process by carrying out an inspection and taking measurements. Taking these steps in order can prevent problems later.

The usual installation process includes the following stages:

1. Site inspection and measurement: The fencers in Perth start by measuring the fence line and checking boundaries, slopes, access and existing structures.
2. Check approvals and boundary arrangements: Approval requirements must be checked before starting. If it is a dividing fence, talk to the neighbouring property owner about your plans.
3. Remove the existing fence: The old fence might have to be removed and taken away. Posts and concrete footings of the old fence might also have to be removed.
4. Prepare the site: Vegetation, debris and other obstructions are cleared by Perth fencing contractors. Slopes, retaining structures and underground services also need to be considered.
5. Install posts and foundations: Posts are placed and fixed depending on the fencing system being used and the environmental factors.
6. Install panels, rails or boards: The chosen material for fencing is installed in accordance with the prepared fence line.
7. Install gates and complete final checks: When you hire fencing experts, they will install the gate and do a final check for the alignment, stability, operation and the overall finish.

How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in Perth?

The Perth fence installation cost ranges from $79 to $200 per metre. It is not only determined by the materials cost, but also by other parameters such as fence type, fence height, ground conditions, demolition requirements, pool fencing needs, and other compliance regulations. These are some of the factors that will influence your fencing expenses:

Fence Type

The fence material cost is one of the biggest influences on the overall price. Typical supplied price ranges include:

• Colorbond: $79 – $170/m
• Timber paling: $84 – $200/m
• Front feature fencing: $32 – $94/m

Fence Length and Height

The size of the fence also affects how much material and labour are required. Most Perth residential fences are around 1.8 m high and 15 m to 40 m long. If you want a taller fence that will give you more privacy, it will cost you an additional 15%-20%.

Site Conditions

Your property’s condition can make quite an influence on the price of installation. Sloped land will need stepped or raked panels to be installed along the slope, and this will increase the price of the installation by 10% to 30%. Hard soil with rocks in it might create difficulties during post-hole digging, while narrow or limited access will demand hand-digging of post holes.

Old Fence Removal

Replacing an existing fence involves more than installing the new one. The old palings or panels have to be stripped off, posts will have to be uprooted, and there will be expenses for waste disposal. Old fence removal can cost around $525 – $1,575/m, depending on the condition of the existing fence, access and disposal requirements.

Pool Fencing Compliance

Pool fencing has additional safety and compliance requirements. The pool fences in Perth should comply with AS 1926.1. So, buying a more affordable fence that fails to comply with the standard can lead to future expenses.

Glass and aluminium are some of the common materials used for pool fencing. The supplied price ranges are:

• Glass pool fencing: $315 – $840/m
• Aluminium pool fencing: $105 – $370/m

Always confirm the applicable requirements before installing or modifying pool fencing.

Perth Fencing Costs by Area

Fencing preferences and prices can vary across Perth, so the most suitable option may differ by region. The following breakdown shows the popular fencing choices and the supplied indicative price ranges for each area.

Fence Repairs in Perth: When Should You Repair or Replace?

The choice generally depends on the degree of damage and the state of the structure of the fence itself. When the issue is localised in a particular area, repair may actually make more sense financially than replacement. Replacement may prove to be a better option than fixing rotten fence posts. 

Repair your fence when:

• There is only minor damage to one or two sections.
• A gate, hinge, or latch is broken.
• Posts can be individually fixed.
• Your fence itself is structurally sound.
• The damage is contained within a specific area.

Replace your fence when:

• Several sections of the fence are damaged.
• The posts or foundation are deteriorating.
• There is rotting wood in large sections.
• Rusting or corrosion is affecting many areas.
• The fence is unstable and misaligned.
• Repeated repairs are becoming expensive.

As a general guide, the fence repair cost in Perth is $60 – $150 per m². The fence replacement cost can be $75 – $300 per m².

Conclusion

Perth fencing should begin with consideration of local laws, selection of material that is suitable for the weather conditions, and assessment of the site before installation. The least expensive choice initially may not prove to be the least expensive in the long run. Compare quotes in writing, understand what is covered and take care of any necessary repairs before the structure is damaged. Need experts to handle a fencing job for you? Contact the professionals at BODA Carpentry Services Perth and get a free quote now. 

Disclaimer: All costs mentioned in this article are estimates only. Actual fencing prices can vary depending on materials, dimensions, site conditions, access, labour, location, approvals and contractor pricing.