Financing a new fence can be straightforward and accessible, especially with good credit. From personal loans to credit cards to HELOCs and more, there are plenty of ways to go about it. To determine the best route for you, explore these fence financing options and their benefits and drawbacks.
How much should I save up for a fence?
Fence installation typically costs between $400 and $13,700, with an average cost of $3,178, according to data compiled by Angi, a home improvement advisor. However, your price will depend on factors like the size of your yard, fence height, the type of gate you choose, labor and material.
For example, wood is often cheaper than aluminum, vinyl or metal. Hiring a professional for installation will cost more than building the fence yourself. Regardless, you should consider saving between $1,500 and $6,000 for your fence or exploring financing options so you don’t have to pay for the project all at once.
How much does fence financing cost?
Fence financing costs vary based on factors like loan type, interest rates and the project scope. Typically, interest rates range from 6% to 36% for personal loans, depending on your credit score and lender. For instance, if you took out a $5,000 loan for a fence, it might cost $417 to $808 in interest over three years.
Calculate your loan costs for financing a fence
Loan costs for fence financing vary depending on the loan type, eligibility criteria, interest rates and terms. Typical costs include the principal amount, interest and any associated fees.
Fence financing calculator
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Fence financing options
When deciding how to finance your fence, consider all the options. Each financing type has pros and cons, so one might fit your financial needs better. Here’s a detailed look at your choices.
Personal loans
Using a personal loan for a fence is a great option if you have short-term financing needs or want to fund this project without putting your home up for collateral. However, small personal loans are usually unsecured and have higher interest rates than a secured loan. Plus, you should be wary of taking on more debt if you’re already accumulating debt elsewhere, like on credit cards.
On the upside, personal loans typically come with a fixed interest rate and terms ranging from 12 to 60 months, meaning you’ll have predictable monthly payments for easier budgeting. You’ll get a lump sum for your home improvement project, which you can use however you like.
You can apply for a personal loan for fence financing online and expect funds the same or next day upon approval. The loan amount and interest rate depends on factors such as your credit score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI).
Pros
- Flexibility. You receive a lump sum that you can use for any aspect of your home improvement project.
- Quick access. Funds can be available as soon as the same day or the next, allowing you to start your project promptly.
- Predictable payments. Fixed interest rates and monthly payments make it easier to budget and plan your finances.
Cons
- Higher interest rates for those with bad credit. Unsecured loans can have higher interest rates, especially if your credit score is not strong, increasing the loan’s overall cost.
- Potential origination fees. Some lenders charge fees for processing the loan, which can add to your expenses.
- Potential debt accumulation. Taking on a personal loan while already having other debts can lead to financial strain and make it harder to manage your overall debt load.
What is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches 6+ types of personal loans across 50+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.
HELOC or home equity loan
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan can be a smart way to finance building a fence by tapping into your home’s equity.
With a HELOC, you can access a revolving credit line and draw funds as needed during the draw period. This flexibility is particularly nice for ongoing projects or if unexpected expenses arise. You only pay interest on the amount you borrow, and the interest rates can vary by lender. After the draw period, the repayment phase begins, requiring monthly payments that can fluctuate based on the amount borrowed.
On the other hand, a home equity loan provides a lump sum up front, which you repay in fixed monthly installments over a set term. This option offers predictability in budgeting since you know your monthly payment amount.
However, remember that both HELOCs and home equity loans use your home as collateral, meaning defaulting on payments could risk foreclosure. Typically, the loan amount you can qualify for is capped at a percentage of your home equity, so ensuring you have sufficient equity to cover the fence installation costs is essential.
These financing options are best suited for homeowners with significant home equity who need either flexible or predictable payment structures for their projects.
Pros
- Flexible access to funds. A HELOC allows you to draw money as needed, making it ideal for ongoing projects or unexpected expenses.
- Predictable payments. Home equity loans offer fixed monthly payments, making budgeting easier and more predictable.
- Potentially lower interest rates. Both HELOCs and home equity loans generally have lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans because they are secured by your home.
Cons
- Risk of foreclosure. Using your home as collateral means you risk losing it if you default on payments.
- Equity requirement. You need sufficient home equity to qualify, generally at least 20%, which may limit the amount you can borrow.
- Variable interest rates. HELOCs often come with variable interest rates, which can increase over time and make repayment more costly.
Credit cards
Using a credit card to finance a fence installation can be convenient if you have a card with a low or 0% introductory APR. Typically, these promotional periods last from 12 to 21 months, during which you won’t accrue interest. Just be sure to get a card with a credit limit that covers your fencing project and that you can pay off the balance within the 0% APR period. After that period ends, interest rates apply.
Using a credit card for fence financing is ideal for those who can manage their spending responsibly and ensure the balance is paid off before the high interest rates kick in. It’s also useful for emergencies or immediate repairs, such as fixing a damaged fence.
However, because of potentially high APRs after the promotional period and the risk of accumulating debt, credit cards are generally a last resort for larger home improvement projects like fence installations.
Pros
- Convenience and flexibility. Credit cards offer immediate access to funds without lengthy approval processes, making them convenient for quick purchases or emergencies.
- Rewards and perks. Many credit cards offer rewards such as cash back, points or travel miles based on your spending, which can provide financial benefits for your fence project.
- Introductory 0% APR periods. Some credit cards provide an introductory period with 0% APR on purchases, allowing you to finance your fence without paying interest if you can pay off the balance within the promotional period.
Cons
- High interest rates. Once the introductory period ends, credit card APRs can be significantly higher than other loan types, potentially increasing the overall cost of financing your fence.
- Potential debt accumulation. Credit cards can encourage overspending and may lead to accumulating debt if not managed responsibly, especially if you can’t pay off the balance before interest accrues.
- Limited credit limits. Depending on your credit history and card limits, you may not be able to cover the full cost of a fence installation with a single credit card, which means you might need multiple cards or additional financing sources.
Vendor or contractor financing
Many fencing contractors and home improvement retailers offer financing plans directly, which can vary in terms of costs, fees and repayment schedules. This option is best for those who want to work with a trusted contractor or retailer and want seamless coordination between the purchase of materials and the installation process, as it comes in a bundle.
It can also be good for those wanting special financing offers or promotional periods to minimize interest costs. Home improvement retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot often provide vendor financing options that cater specifically to fence projects.
However, borrowers should carefully review the terms and conditions, including potential deferred interest charges, to ensure they can manage payments effectively and avoid unexpected fees. Comparing financing options from different vendors or contractors can help secure the most favorable terms for financing a new fence installation.
Pros
- Streamlined process. Vendor or contractor financing allows you to consolidate the purchase of materials and installation services into a single transaction.
- Special financing offers. Many vendors and contractors offer promotional financing options, such as zero-interest periods or low APRs for a specified period.
- Tailored payment plans. Financing plans can be tailored to fit your budget and project needs.
Cons
- Potentially high interest rates. If you don’t qualify for special financing offers or promotional rates, the standard APRs for vendor or contractor financing can be relatively high compared to other loan options.
- Deferred interest traps. Some financing plans may include deferred interest clauses, where interest accrues from the purchase date.
- Limited options. The financing terms and options available may be limited to specific vendors or contractors.
Government assistance
Government assistance programs, such as state and federal initiatives, can be valuable for financing a fence, particularly for homeowners with limited means. The Section 504 Home Repair program, also known as the Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants, is an example. Managed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program helps elderly homeowners, those with very low incomes and individuals with disabilities.
To qualify, applicants must own and live in the house, show they cannot obtain affordable credit elsewhere and have a household income below 50% of the area’s median income. Additionally, applicants must live in a rural area, be US citizens or legal permanent residents and be at least 18 years old. The assistance amount is based on the household’s financial situation, including real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance and other debts.
Section 504 Home Repair Grants are more restrictive than loans. They can only be used to remove health or safety hazards and are only available to homeowners 62 or older. The maximum grant amount is $7,500, but grants and loans can be combined for up to $27,500.
However, selling the property within three years requires repaying the grant. While these programs offer attractive terms for eligible homeowners, they have strict eligibility requirements and funding limitations and can take a long time to process.
Pros
- Low interest rates. Government assistance programs often offer loans at significantly lower interest rates than traditional lenders.
- Grants available. These programs may provide grants that do not require repayment under certain conditions.
- Flexible use of funds. Funds can be used not only for fence installation but also for other home repairs and improvements.
Cons
- Strict eligibility requirements. Eligibility criteria, such as income limits and occupancy requirements, may exclude some homeowners who do not meet specific income thresholds or other qualifications.
- Limited funding amounts. Maximum loan and grant amounts may not fully cover the cost of extensive fence projects.
- Long processing times. Government programs often have lengthy application processes and approval times.
How to get a loan to finance your fence-building project
Following these steps can help you get a home improvement loan so you have the necessary funds to complete your fence project.
- Estimate your project costs. Calculate the total expenses of your fence installation to determine the loan amount you need.
- Review your credit score. Check your credit report to understand your creditworthiness and identify which loan options are available to you. You can get your credit report free online.
- Research lenders. Compare various lenders to find the best rates and terms that fit your financial situation.
- Prequalify for a loan. Apply for prequalification to get an idea of potential loan amounts and interest rates without affecting your credit score.
- Collect necessary documents. Gather documents such as proof of income and employment to expedite the loan application process.
- Submit a formal application. Complete the formal loan application process with your chosen lender, providing all required documentation.
- Receive funds and begin your fencing project. Upon approval, receive the loan funds and proceed with your fence installation.
Bottom line
When it comes to fence financing, you have plenty of options. To choose, consider factors such as your financial situation, what your project entails and your credit score. From personal loans to government assistance, you can find a solution that fits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get loans between $1,000 and $2,000 with bad credit?
Yes, some lenders offer loans in this range to individuals with bad credit, though interest rates may be higher.
How much fence do I need for one acre?
To fence one acre, you’ll need about 835 linear feet of fencing. This calculation assumes a square plot of land, but the actual amount may vary based on the shape and specific dimensions of your property.
What is the cheapest fence to have installed?
The cheapest fence to install is often a chicken or hog wire fence. On average, hog wire costs between $6.50 and $15.50 per linear foot. Wood ranges from $10 to $45 per linear foot, and vinyl costs between $15 and $40 per linear foot.
Can I get loans between $1,000 and $2,000 with no credit check?
Some lenders provide no-credit-check loans, but these can come with higher interest rates and fees.
What are the typical repayment terms for these loans?
Repayment terms for personal loans typically range from 12 to 60 months.
How quickly can I receive the funds?
Depending on the lender, you can receive funds in one to three business days after approval.
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