DIY Do it Yourself or Not®

Building any type of fence is strenuous work, but the results are gratifying and an eye-catching improvement to a house. While a fence made of chain link doesn't have the pizzazz of more stylish ones, you won't find a more hardworking or long-lasting material that adds protection and privacy on your property. A chain link fence consists of the framework, fabric, fittings and gates made of galvanized components. It gets strength from a framework of posts and rails that fit together, and is covered with mesh stretched across its frame. Some chain link fences have vinyl or polyester color coatings in addition to zinc to help them blend in with the landscape.

A fence contractor charges $802 to build a good-quality 4-foot high, 100-foot long chain link fence with posts spaced at 7-foot intervals. You can buy the fence materials, cement and a comealong, a specialty tool that stretches the mesh on its frame, at a home or yard center for $590 and build the fence. You'll save 26 percent of the cost of building a chain link fence by doing it yourself.

The job involves laying out the fence, digging postholes, pouring and mixing concrete, and stretching the mesh across the frame. You need a tape measure, carpenter's level, pliers, wrench, pipe cutter or circular saw (with metal cutting blade), shovel, hoe, wheelbarrow, and string and stakes.

Before you begin any fencing project, check the survey of your property to know exactly where your property lines are. Also check to learn about fence height requirements specified by your local zoning laws or subdivision covenants.