Fencing costs in Hobart: what affects your fence

Many Hobart properties sit on steep slopes below kunanyi / Mount Wellington and along the Derwent. Fences often need to step or rake, and retaining walls are common on or near boundaries. Tell contractors about slope, access for equipment and any retaining walls, as they can change the method and the price.

Hard rock such as dolerite lies near the surface in many parts of greater Hobart, making post holes slow to dig and sometimes needing rock drilling or alternative footings. Soils between rock outcrops can also be thin or clay-rich.

Cold, wet winters and strong winds put pressure on tall solid fences, and properties near the Derwent estuary and open coast see salt exposure. Ask about footing depth, post size and finishes suited to the site.

Many suburbs adjoin bushland, and bushfire-prone land mapping applies across much of the greater Hobart area. Where it applies, building rules can limit combustible materials near buildings. Check the Tasmania Fire Service and your council before choosing a fence material.

Heritage precincts such as parts of Battery Point and Sandy Bay can have additional controls on front fences and materials. The Tasmanian Planning Scheme and your council set the rules, so check before you design a street-front fence.

Pool barriers in Tasmania are regulated through the state’s building laws. The rules that apply depend on when the pool was approved. Check with Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) and your council before building or replacing a pool barrier.

The Boundary Fences Act 1908 covers shared boundary fences and the notice process. Confirm the current requirements with the official Tasmanian Government sources and keep records of agreements with neighbours.