Fence Replacement & Removal in Chicago, IL · AFA Member Installer (American Fence Association)

Fence replacement in Chicago means taking out an old fence line completely, including the concrete footings and posts, and building a new one from the ground up. Whether your wood privacy fence has rotted at the base, your vinyl panels are cracked, or your chain link is rusted through, we handle the full tear-out, haul-away, and rebuild. Greater Chicago's residential neighborhoods, from single-family homes in Evanston to brick bungalows in Cicero and newer subdivisions in Downers Grove, all face the same fence lifecycle: weather exposure, ground settlement, and material fatigue eventually require a full replacement rather than another repair. We work with you to choose the right material for your budget and site, remove the old fence properly so the next one sits straight, and install it to code and to last.

Why Fence Replacement Matters in Chicago: When Repair No Longer Works

A fence that has settled, leaned, or lost structural integrity is not just ugly; it fails to do its job. Posts that have rotted at the ground line, rails that sag, or panels that no longer sit flush create gaps, allow animals through, and look neglected. In Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, the freeze-thaw cycle, wet springs, and aging wood or vinyl all take their toll. Sometimes a repair to a single post or section buys you a few more years. Other times, the fence has deteriorated so far that replacing the whole run is the smarter investment because it gives you 15 to 20 years of reliable service instead of another season or two of patching.

• We assess whether repair or replacement makes sense for your budget and timeline.
• Full removal includes hauling away all old materials and digging out the concrete footings that held the old posts.
• Leaving old concrete in the ground causes the new fence to sit crooked or uneven as the new posts settle differently.
• We verify utility lines are marked before we dig, because Illinois law requires an 811 locate before any post-hole digging.
• The new fence is set properly: posts plumbed, rails level, and concrete tamped or poured to code so it stays straight for years.

Getting a fence replacement right the first time saves you from having to do the work again in five years.

Local requirement: Chicago and many surrounding municipalities require permits for fence installation or replacement. Setbacks, height limits, and material rules vary by city and by zoning. Always check with your local building department before we start, and if you have an HOA, verify their architectural standards for height, color, and material. We work with you to navigate these rules.

For more information on Chicago's fence code and permit process, visit the City of Chicago Department of Buildings Permits page.

How Fence Replacement & Removal Works: Step by Step

The process starts with an honest look at what you have and what you want. We come out, measure the run, identify any obstacles (utility lines, trees, structures), and talk through your material choices. Once you approve the estimate and any required permits are pulled, we schedule the work. Removal day is loud and dusty, but organized. Installation follows the same day or the next, depending on the scope and weather.

1. We call 811 to have all underground utilities marked before we touch the ground.
2. We remove the old fence panels, rails, and posts, then dig out or jackhammer the concrete footings so nothing is left underground.
3. We haul all debris away, leaving your property clean.
4. We lay out the new fence line, set posts on proper spacing, check for level and plumb, and pour or tamp concrete around each post.
5. We attach rails, install panels or pickets, add cap trim, and hang any gates with self-closing hardware if you choose.
6. Final walk-through and cleanup complete the job.

On a typical residential run of 100 to 150 linear feet, the whole process takes one to two days depending on the material and ground conditions.

Example in your area: A homeowner in Oak Park with a 120-foot wood privacy fence that had settled and rotted at the posts called us for a full replacement. We removed the old fence and its concrete footings in one day, then installed a new pressure-treated pine fence with 6-inch-by-6-inch posts set 6 feet apart and concrete footings 30 inches deep. The new fence sits plumb and level, and because we dug out all the old concrete, there was no settling. Visit our Fence Repair page to learn when repair is the better choice.

Fence Replacement & Removal Cost in Chicago: What to Expect

Fence replacement and removal costs depend on the length of the fence, the material you choose, ground conditions, and whether you are replacing an existing fence or starting from scratch. In the Chicago area, you can expect removal and basic installation to start around $2,900 for a smaller job, but most residential replacements run between $4,000 and $8,000 for a typical yard. Vinyl and ornamental metal cost more than wood or chain link, but they last longer and require less maintenance. Hard ground, rocky soil, or the need to work around trees and structures can add to the labor cost. The best way to know your true cost is to get a free estimate from us and one or two other local contractors so you can compare pricing and scope.

We charge by the linear foot for the fence itself, plus removal and disposal, plus any site-specific factors like concrete cutting or extra hauling. Visit our pricing page for a detailed breakdown and a free estimate request.

Fence Replacement & Removal Near Me: What Chicago Homeowners Should Know Before Hiring

Choosing the right contractor for your fence replacement is as important as choosing the right material. You want someone who shows up on time, explains the work clearly, and leaves your property cleaner than they found it. Before you call, know that fence installation rules vary across Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Berwyn, and every other suburb, so always check your local building department and your HOA before you commit to a design. Ask any contractor you interview for references from recent jobs in your area, and verify they carry liability insurance. Get a written estimate that includes the cost of removal, disposal, and the new installation so there are no surprises.

• Verify the contractor is fully insured and can provide a certificate of insurance before work begins.
• Ask for at least two references from jobs completed in the last year in your city or nearby.
• Request a written estimate that breaks down removal, disposal, materials, labor, and any permits.
• Confirm the contractor will call 811 to mark utilities before digging any post holes.
• Check your local building department website for fence height, setback, and material rules specific to your address.
• If you have an HOA, verify architectural standards for color, height, and material before you approve the estimate.

A professional contractor will answer these questions directly and not rush you into a decision.

Chicago Fence Pros has been in business since 2009 and is an AFA Member Installer with the American Fence Association. We work across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including Evanston, Oak Park, Cicero, Berwyn, Skokie, Des Plaines, Northbrook, Mount Prospect, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Park Ridge, Niles, and Glenview. Call us for a free estimate at (872) 259-5832, and we will walk you through the process and answer all your questions.

Fence Replacement & Removal in Chicago: Pricing Guide

Indicative pricing, the exact cost depends on square footage, finish, and site access. Free personalized estimate within 24h at (872) 259-5832.