Fence Contract Add-Ons That Increase Profit & Protect Your Business

How to use optional services to boost revenue while clarifying customer responsibilities

You’ve quoted a fence installation for $5,000. The customer loves it. But here is what you aren’t telling them: if your crew hits a sprinkler line, you’ll spend $800 fixing it. If they want you to haul away the dirt from 20 post holes, that’s three extra hours of labor you didn't account for. And when they call six months later asking you to stain the fence "like we discussed," you’re stuck either doing free work or arguing about what was included.

Sound familiar?

Most fence contractors leave money on the table and expose themselves to costly surprises by not offering optional add-ons. Smart contractors use add-ons to accomplish three critical goals:

• Increase profit by selling services customers actually want.
• Protect the business by transferring risk for optional items.
• Eliminate disputes by clarifying exactly what is included and what costs extra.

This guide shows you how to structure optional add-ons in your fence installation contracts, provides 15 specific examples you can use today, and teaches you how to present these options so customers see value—not just an upsell.

Why Optional Add-Ons Work for Your Bottom Line

They Increase Average Job Value The difference between a $5,000 job and a $6,200 job is often just a few smart add-ons. When presented properly, 40-60% of customers will accept at least one optional service, boosting your revenue without the cost of bidding more jobs.

They Transfer Risk Away From Your Business Underground utilities, hidden obstacles, and unclear expectations cost contractors thousands in unexpected expenses. Add-ons let customers choose whether to "insure" against these risks or accept responsibility themselves.

They Eliminate "I Thought That Was Included" Disputes When add-ons are clearly listed, even if declined, there is no confusion later. Everything is documented in writing.

They Demonstrate Professionalism Offering options shows you have thought through the entire project. Customers appreciate contractors who anticipate potential issues and present solutions upfront.

How to Structure Add-Ons in Your Contract

Use a Dedicated "Optional Services" Section Add a section to your contract that lists available add-ons with a clear description, price, and a "Yes/No" checkbox.

Clarify What Happens if a Service is Declined This is critical. Spell out exactly who is responsible if the customer says no. For example: "If Utility Protection is declined, Customer accepts 100% liability for any damage to unmarked lines."

Require Initials Next to Declined Items For high-risk items like utility insurance, have customers initial next to "NO" to prove they understood the risks they are assuming.

Present Add-Ons During the Estimate Review Don’t surprise customers with add-ons after they’ve agreed to the base price. Walk through these options during the initial presentation so they can make informed choices.

15 Essential Add-Ons Every Fence Contractor Should Offer

1. Underground Sprinkler/Private Utiltiy Protection Insurance Covers repair costs if you hit sprinkler lines, invisible dog fences, or landscape lighting wires not marked by 811. Hitting a single sprinkler line can cost $400-$1,200.

• Pricing: $195–$495 depending on property complexity or variable pricing based on the number of posts.

2. Post Hole Dirt Removal or Relocation 20 post holes generate 3–4 cubic yards of dirt. Offer to haul it away, spread it on-site, or leave it in piles.

• Pricing: $350–$600 for removal; $150–$250 for spreading or variable pricing based on the number of posts.

3. Old Fence Removal and Disposal Never assume fence removal is included. It is labor-intensive and involves dump fees.

• Pricing: $3–$8 per linear foot.

4. Concrete Footing Upgrade Upgrading from standard settings to deeper or larger footings for extra stability in high-wind areas.

• Pricing: $15–$40 per post.

5. Staining, Painting, or Sealing Wood fences need protection from UV and moisture. This is your highest-margin add-on.

• Pricing: $1.50–$4.00 per linear foot.

6. Tree and Obstacle Removal Avoid "scope creep" by charging for trimming bushes or removing small trees in the fence path.

• Pricing: $50–$500+ depending on the obstacle.

7. Gate Upgrade Options Offer self-closing hinges, decorative hardware, or keyed locks. Gates are high-visibility and customers are often willing to pay for better security.

• Pricing: $50–$200 per gate.

8. Landscape Protection and Restoration For high-end properties, offer to use plywood walkways and protective barriers to minimize lawn disturbance.

• Pricing: $200–$600.

9. Documented Completion Inspection A formal walk-through with photo documentation at the end of the job to ensure the customer is happy and the work is "signed off."

• Pricing: $150–$250 (or included to reduce callbacks).

10. Extended Workmanship Warranty Extend your standard 1-year warranty to 3 or 5 years for a flat fee. This builds trust and adds pure profit.

• Pricing: $200–$500.

11. Permit Acquisition Service Handle the paperwork and city hall visits for the customer.

• Pricing: Actual permit cost + $75–$150 service fee.

12. Seasonal Weather Protection For winter or rainy season work, charge for ground protection tarps, frost-prevention, or expedited schedules.

• Pricing: $300–$800.

13. Pet Containment Additions Include "dig barriers" (buried wire) or "gap reducers" at the bottom of the fence for small dogs.

• Pricing: $3–$6 per linear foot.

14. Access Path Protection Specifically for protecting and then restoring paths used by heavy equipment.

• Pricing: $250–$600.

15. Rush/Priority Scheduling If a customer needs a fence done "before a graduation party next week," charge a premium for the guaranteed slot.

• Pricing: 10–20% premium on base price.

How to Present Add-Ons to Customers

Frame as Options, Not Upsells Instead of asking if they want to buy something, say: "I want to make sure you're aware of all your options for protecting your property. Would you like me to explain how our utility protection works?"

Lead with Risk Prevention Customers respond more to avoiding a loss than gaining a benefit. Frame add-ons as protection against unexpected repair costs or messy yards.

Use Success Stories "About 70% of our customers with sprinklers choose the utility protection. Last month, it saved a homeowner $1,200 when we accidentally hit an unmarked line."

Common Mistakes with Add-Ons

Making Everything an Add-On Your base price should still include a standard, quality installation. Only truly optional items or risk-transfer items should be add-ons.

Vague Pricing "Available for additional charge" leads to negotiation. Always use specific dollar amounts.

Not Getting Acceptance in Writing Verbal agreements lead to payment disputes. Ensure every add-on choice is checked and signed on the digital or paper contract.

Managing Add-Ons with DirtFace

Manually tracking these options across dozens of contracts is a nightmare. Modern fence contractors use software to standardize the process.

DirtFace is built to make add-ons simple. Our platform provides:

• Add-on functionality built into quoting.
• One-click contract generation with digital "Accept/Decline" checkboxes.
• Digital Signatures

Work smarter, not harder. Starting at $99/month.

Start Your Free 14-Day Trial of DirtFace →