T-post install cost

[UpToNoGood]

I have 1 mile of property that needs to be fenced off. I have two gates installed and all the corners already set. No brush is in the way for the entire run. I have roughly priced the posts and wire to be $3-4k depending on 10 or 15 Ft spacing with 4 strands of wire.

So what would you expect me to pay to have someone install it for me?
Should I attempt to get the materials myself or have the installer get them? I have no connections to get them any cheaper than retail so it doesn't really matter to me.
The property is high desert in NM and was wondering if 10-15ft was better?
Should I have fence stays added as well?
Does the Gauge of wire matter much?


Thanks in advance.

 

[bcp]

A fencing company may charge less for supplies and labor than it would cost for you to buy supplies, then hire it done.

Bruce

 

[whistlepig]

I once priced having fencing done about 4 years ago. They wanted $2.50 per foot. That was with me furnishing all the fencing material.

 

[creekbend]

Hopefully this will provide you with some insight? www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/FM1855.pdf

 

[whistlepig]

On pricing of fencing material I found it best to go to Tractor Supply. I couldn't find anyone else that could better their price.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Wire gauge does matter. Don't skimp on this or you'll be chasing breaks all time.

Brett

 

[DT86]

I'd check with a locally owned farm store. Buying that much fencing material they might give you a "contractor" price.

If you've got the time and energy this should be something you can do on your own.

What is the primary function of the fence? Retaining animals or just a property boundary?

 

[jvolock]

Uptonogood. I used to live in the east mountains and still own a ranch in Mora County (NE of Las Vegas NM). My wife and I, along with my kids have put in over 500 tposts and more than 30 wood posts for corners and gates up on our 40 acres in elbert county Colorado. The soils here contain much more clay than my experience in New Mexico. We've used the bucket of our tractor to drive the tposts into the ground. We've had best success right after a period of moisture, although we put in 1000 ft of fence in November and the ground was bone dry. We ended up driving the tposts in as far as they would go and then used a tpost driver to put them in the rest of the way. With most of NM soils being very sandy, you might be okay driving the tposts just with the tractor bucket. My tposts are spaced 10' apart. We've installed horse fencing. Depending on where you are located, you are going to need to factor in travel time/costs for any contractor you hire unless you hire locals.

Good luck with your project.

 

[UpToNoGood]

What is the primary function of the fence? Retaining animals or just a property boundary?

The primary upfront function will be to set the boundary. Long term it will have some animals when we live there full time. I have also considered letting a local run her horse once in awhile to keep the grass trimmed before we get out there full time.

I have two different fence guys I plan to call today to get a quote.

 

[jvolock]

My primary need for the fence is to keep horses in separate pastures so I can rotate the horses and let certain pastures rest.

Allowing a neighbor pasture her horse might develop some good will. You might want to post a couple no tresspassing signs as well as a sign containing New Mexico's equine immunity statute.

Part of our 40 acres was already fenced with barbed wire and there is 5 strand along the roadside parameter.