Fencing Rules and Advice

How to Choose a Fencing Company in Sydney: A Quote Checklist

28 October 2026 · 7 min read

Light-grey steel boundary fence — Fencing from our company gallery; not presented as a Sydney project.

Key takeaways

In NSW you need a contractor licence to do any residential building or trade work, including fencing, valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials (including GST). Fencing means putting up fences and gates within or on residential property boundary lines, regardless of the materials used.

Before you pay a deposit or sign anything, verify the licence. The NSW Government provides an online licence check. It shows the licence holder's name, licence numbers, categories, expiry dates, licence status, any cancellation or suspension, conditions endorsed on the licence, and public warnings.

Choosing the right fencing company for your property matters. Whether you’re replacing an old fence, adding privacy screening or installing a new gate, the contractor you pick will affect the outcome, timeline and your experience.

This checklist walks you through the practical steps to compare quotes from fencing companies in Sydney, check credentials and make sure your project follows NSW rules.

Check the Contractor’s Licence First

Before you pay a deposit or sign anything, verify the licence. The NSW Government provides an online licence check. It shows the licence holder’s name, licence numbers, categories, expiry dates, licence status, any cancellation or suspension, conditions endorsed on the licence, and public warnings.

Ask every contractor for their NSW contractor licence number and check it yourself on the NSW Government licence check. Check that the name on the licence matches the business name on the quote and that the licence is current. The NSW Government notes that carpentry, metal fabrication and similar licence categories can also allow some fencing work.

If the job includes an automatic gate, remember that all electrical wiring work, regardless of cost, needs an electrical licence in NSW, so the power supply must be done by a licensed electrician.

The same check applies to every business you ask for a quote, including Southside Fencing & Construction: ask about licensing and verify it yourself before you pay a deposit or sign anything.

Source: NSW Government, Fencing work licensing; Service NSW, Check a builder or tradesperson licence.

Get More Than One Written Quote

The NSW Government recommends getting more than one written fencing quote so you can compare scope, materials and price. A quote should be in writing and itemise what’s included.

When you contact fencing companies, share helpful details: your suburb, the work needed, approximate lengths, preferred material or finish, and a few photos if you have them. This helps contractors give you a realistic estimate without unnecessary site visits.

A good written quote should cover:

The total price (including GST)
Fence type, height and length
Materials and finish (for example, Colorbond colour, timber species, powder-coated aluminium)
What’s included: removal of existing fence, footings, posts, rails, capping, gates
Who supplies materials
Start and completion timeframes
Payment schedule
Any exclusions (for example, council approvals, underground service location, repair of landscaping)

Quotes can vary because site conditions differ. Measurements, materials, site access, ground conditions, existing fence removal, finish selections and job complexity all affect the final price. Some contractors arrange a site inspection before providing a final quote, which gives you a more accurate figure.

Southside Fencing & Construction has a Sydney base in the Austral and Leppington area (NSW 2179). Contact us to confirm availability for your suburb. Our services include Colorbond, timber, PVC, aluminium and aluminium slat fencing, gates and gate repairs, retaining walls and fence repairs. You can request a free quote through the contact page or by emailing info@southsidefencing.com.au.

Ask for References and Examples

The NSW Government also suggests asking for references and examples of past work. Ask contractors:

Can you show photos of similar projects?
Can you provide contact details for recent customers?
Have you worked on fences of this style or material before?

References give you confidence the contractor has practical experience with the type of fence you want. If a company hesitates to share examples or references, that’s a warning sign.

Understand the Contract Requirements

Once you’ve chosen a contractor, do not pay any money without a written contract. This is another NSW Government tip and it’s important.

In NSW a builder or tradesperson must provide a written contract for residential building work over $5,000 including GST. The home building contract nsw rules say work from $5,000 to $20,000 needs a small works contract and work over $20,000 needs a large works contract. The maximum deposit is 10% of the contract price.

The contract should include:

Full business name
Detailed scope of work
Start and finish dates
Total contract price, payment schedule and deposit amount
Variation clause (how changes to the scope are approved and priced)
Dispute resolution process

Read every line before you sign. If anything is vague or missing, ask for it in writing. If the contractor will not provide a written contract for work over $5,000, think twice.

Source: NSW Government, Contracts for residential building work.

What to Look for in Each Quote

When you’re comparing quotes side by side, check:

Scope match: Do all quotes cover the same length, height and inclusions? If one quote is cheaper but excludes post removal or capping, it’s not a fair comparison.
Materials: Are the materials the same quality? Colorbond, timber species and aluminium slat systems differ in profile, finish and durability.
Timeline: How soon can they start, and how long will the job take?
Payment terms: Is the deposit within the legal 10% limit? Are progress payments linked to milestones?
Exclusions and assumptions: What’s not included? Does the quote assume level ground, easy access or that you’ll handle council approvals?

If something is unclear, ask. A reputable contractor will explain every line.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Some warning signs should make you cautious:

No licence number provided, or a licence that does not show as current on the NSW licence check
Asking for a large upfront deposit (more than 10%)
Unwilling to provide a written quote or contract
Pressure to sign immediately or pay cash for a discount
Vague scope with no detail about materials, measurements or timeframes
No references or examples of past work

Trust your instinct. If a quote feels too cheap or a contractor avoids your questions, keep looking.

What Southside Offers

At Southside Fencing & Construction we provide fencing services for Sydney homeowners, subject to availability in your suburb. Our quotes depend on measurements, materials, site access, ground conditions, existing fence removal, finish selections and job complexity, and we arrange a site inspection where required before the final quote.

We work with Colorbond, timber, PVC, aluminium and aluminium slat fencing. We also work on gates and gate repairs, retaining walls and fence repairs.

To get started, request a free quote with details of your suburb, the work you need, approximate lengths, your preferred material or finish, and any photos. You can also email us at info@southsidefencing.com.au.

FAQ

How do I check a fencing contractor’s licence in NSW?

Visit the NSW Government licence check tool online. Enter the contractor’s licence number and verify the name, category, expiry date and status. The check will show any suspensions, cancellations or public warnings.

Do I need a written contract for a fence under $5,000 in NSW?

The NSW written contract rules above apply to residential building work over $5,000 including GST. For smaller jobs a written quote is still a sensible way to record the scope, price and payment terms.

What should a fencing quote include?

A complete quote should list the fence type, materials, height, length, total price including GST, what’s included (removal, footings, gates), exclusions, start and finish dates, and payment schedule. If anything is missing, ask for clarification.

Can I pay a deposit before signing a contract?

In NSW the maximum deposit for residential building work is 10% of the contract price. Never pay a deposit without a written contract, and never pay more than 10% upfront.

What’s the difference between a small works contract and a large works contract in NSW?

Work from $5,000 to $20,000 including GST requires a small works contract. Work over $20,000 requires a large works contract. Check the NSW Government contracts page for what each contract type must contain.