Define one written scope for every proposal
Compare the same written scope rather than headline totals with different inclusions. Record what is known and label unresolved items instead of asking a supplier to price an assumed boundary, approval or work method.
Fence line and ownership
Describe the proposed line and whether it is a boundary, internal, front, side, pool or other fence. If the boundary line is uncertain, do not rely on satellite imagery; obtain advice from an appropriately qualified surveyor.
Existing conditions
Record the existing fence, vegetation, gates, retaining elements, slopes, drainage, access and nearby structures without entering unsafe areas or disturbing materials.
Requested work
State whether the enquiry concerns construction, replacement, repair, removal, gates or another defined outcome. Keep retaining, earthworks and electrical work separately identified.
Material and finish
Describe the proposed material, profile, colour, height, gaps, posts, rails, capping and treatment without assuming a product is suitable for the site.
Removal and waste
Ask whether demolition, sorting, transport, disposal and site cleanup are included. Stop if suspected asbestos or another hazardous material may be present and obtain appropriate advice.
Proposal assumptions
Require each response to list inclusions, exclusions, access assumptions, approval responsibilities, utility investigations, tax treatment and how variations would be authorised.
Resolve constraints before treating proposals as comparable
Dividing-fence process: each state and territory has its own dividing-fence law. A quote does not determine the legal boundary, contribution, notice process or what fence is sufficient. Use the official jurisdiction source below and the boundary-fencing guide before work where an adjoining owner may be affected.
Planning and building controls: check the local council approval requirements for the property, proposed fence and related work. Rules can depend on location, overlays, setbacks, street corners, heritage, retaining work, pool use and other site facts.
Underground and overhead assets: Before You Dig Australia can provide participating utility asset information. Plans are a starting point, not permission to excavate or proof that every service has been identified. Keep people away from electrical hazards and contact the responsible network operator where needed.
Pool barriers: a general fencing proposal is not a pool-barrier design or compliance finding. Start with the pool-safety authority directory and obtain property-specific advice.
Compare itemised proposals, not generic rates
Scope
Confirm the same fence line, material specification, gates, removal, access and related work appear in every proposal.
Responsibilities
Identify who checks boundaries, approvals, utilities, site conditions and any specialist design or certification.
Commercial terms
Compare tax treatment, exclusions, payment stages, warranties, variation process and what happens if site assumptions are wrong.
Independently check licensing and insurance requirements with the relevant state or territory regulator, then verify the person or business proposed for the work. A directory entry or marketplace match is not an endorsement.
Official and national starting points
These sources do not provide a national fence price or property-specific conclusion. Read the current source for the property and obtain professional or legal advice where the facts are disputed.
| Jurisdiction | Official legislation |
|---|---|
| NSW | Dividing Fences Act 1991 |
| Victoria | Fences Act 1968 |
| Queensland | Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 |
| South Australia | Fences Act 1975 |
| Western Australia | Dividing Fences Act 1961 |
| Tasmania | Boundary Fences Act 1908 |
| ACT | Common Boundaries Act 1981 |
| Northern Territory | Fences Act 1972 |
Before You Dig Australia
Utility-plan request service
A national starting point for requesting information supplied by participating underground asset owners before ground is disturbed.
Limit: Utility plans do not identify every site hazard or verify a legal boundary. The person controlling the work must determine what further locating, investigation and controls are required.
Open sourceACCC
Consumer rights and guarantees
General consumer-rights information about products and services under the Australian Consumer Law.
Limit: The ACCC does not provide property-specific legal advice or resolve individual disputes. State and territory regulators may also have relevant licensing information.
Open sourceStart a site-specific fencing enquiry
Supplier availability varies by location and project. Responses and quotes are not guaranteed. Information sent to The Wombat is not a boundary survey, approval, engineering advice, compliance assessment or quote. Confirm the provider, site facts, legal pathway and written scope independently before proceeding.