fence-quote-calculator

# Fence Quote Calculator ## When to Use - Reese asks to "quote a fence job" or "run a takeoff" - Any mention of calculating fence materials, posts, pickets, concrete, or gates - Pricing or estimating a fence project ## Material Specifications ### Post Types & Spacing - **Line posts, corner posts, end posts**: 4x4 pressure treated - **Gate posts**: 6x6 pressure treated (1 per single gate opening, 2 per double gate opening) - **Post spacing**: 8 feet on center ### Post Count Formula 1. Calculate total line sections: `total_linear_feet / 8` (round up) 2. End posts = 2 per fence run (start and end of each continuous run) 3. Corner posts = 1 per corner 4. Line posts = total_sections - 1 - corner_posts (per run) 5. Gate posts: count based on gate config (see gates below) ### Rails - **3x 2x4x8 rails per 8-foot section** - **3x 2x4x8 per gate leaf** (for gate framing) ### Pickets (Wood Fence) - **Type**: 1x6x6 dog ear pressure treated - **Coverage**: 5.5 inches per picket (actual board width, no gap/waste factor) - **Per 8-foot section**: `96 inches / 5.5 inches = 17.45` -> **18 pickets per section** (round up) - **Total pickets**: sections x 18 ### Concrete - **4x4 posts**: 60 lbs per post - **6x6 posts**: 80 lbs per post - **Aluminum posts**: 60 lbs per post - **Vinyl posts**: 80 lbs per post - **Bag size**: 80 lb bags ONLY (Home Depot, 42 bags per pallet) - **Bags per 4x4**: `60/80 = 0.75` -> round up to **1 bag per 4x4 post** - **Bags per 6x6**: `80/80` = **1 bag per 6x6 post** ### Gates - **Standard single gate**: 5 feet wide opening (4 feet if specifically requested) - **Standard double gate**: 10 feet wide opening (8 feet if specifically requested) - **Hardware per gate opening**: 1 latch + 1 handle - **Hinges**: 3 per gate leaf (single gate = 3 hinges, double gate = 6 hinges) - **Drop rod**: 1 per double gate ### Fence Types Supported 1. Wood (PT pine, dog ear pickets) 2. Tan Vinyl 3. White Vinyl 4. 5ft Aluminum 5. 4ft Aluminum ## Output Format When calculating a quote, present results as: ``` MATERIAL TAKEOFF - [Project Name/Address] Fence Type: [type] Total Linear Feet: [X] Gate Config: [X single, X double] POSTS - 4x4 line/corner/end posts: [count] - 6x6 gate posts: [count] RAILS - 2x4x8 (fence sections): [count] - 2x4x8 (gate framing): [count] - Total 2x4x8: [count] PICKETS (wood only) - 1x6x6 dog ear PT: [count] CONCRETE - 80lb bags: [count] - Pallets (42/pallet): [count] GATE HARDWARE - Latches: [count] - Handles: [count] - Hinges: [count] - Drop rods: [count] ``` ## Important Notes - Always round up on pickets and posts. Short materials means a return trip. - If Reese gives you a rough sketch or describes corners/gates, confirm the layout before running numbers. - For vinyl and aluminum, post spacing and section widths may differ from wood. Ask Reese to confirm if specs differ from the 8' OC standard. - Do NOT estimate labor costs in this skill. That's separate pricing.