Built on experience. Shaped by listening.
Outlook Fencing is a small, experienced Melbourne team designing and installing considered fencing, pool-barrier and gate solutions.
A business built to do the work properly.
Ian Fothergill founded Outlook Fencing in 2003 after leaving the corporate sector in search of greater control over his working life—and a business he could shape around good service and practical workmanship.
The early years were built on timber paling and Colorbond fencing. The team grew to complete thousands of fences for families across Melbourne’s south-east, particularly in new estates. As costs increased and builder-led pricing placed more pressure on quality, Outlook made a deliberate choice to leave timber paling behind and specialise.
Today the focus is Colorbond and feature fencing, gates and automation, and pool fencing. During COVID the workforce was reduced and the business returned to a smaller, more focused model: an experienced team with direct accountability from first conversation to finished project.
“We listen before we recommend. The right solution for the customer matters more than steering them toward the highest-margin product.”Ian Fothergill · Founder
Experience earned across thousands of properties.
Our history gives us a broad view of what works—on new-estate boundaries, around pools and spas, and wherever gates, materials and site conditions need to work together.
Ian establishes Outlook Fencing.
A practical, customer-focused alternative shaped around better service.
Thousands of Melbourne fences.
Strong experience in new estates across the south-eastern suburbs.
A deliberate change in focus.
Colorbond, feature fences, pool barriers, gates and automation become the core.
Small team. Deep experience.
More than 100 years of combined knowledge with clear accountability.
Small enough to stay accountable. Experienced enough for the difficult details.
Our core work is completed by a small team of dedicated staff rather than a revolving door of contractors. For selected projects, we collaborate with trusted small businesses and electrical partners whose standards align with ours.
Ian leads the team and specialises in gate automation. Across the business, our combined capability covers the full path from site measure and planning to fabrication, installation and customer support.
Advice shaped around the property—not the profit margin.
Listen first
We start with how you want the property to look, feel and function, then understand the site and practical constraints.
Explain the options
We make the trade-offs clear so you can choose with confidence, without being pushed into a standard or higher-margin solution.
Build for long-term use
Materials, compliance, access and future automation are considered together—not treated as separate afterthoughts.
Experienced, insured and accountable.
Years of combined team experience
Public-liability insurance
Minimum workmanship guarantee
Pool-barrier compliance knowledge
An important distinction: Ian has completed pool-inspector accreditation training and brings that knowledge of Victorian requirements and relevant Australian Standards to project planning. Outlook Fencing does not provide pool-barrier inspection or certification services. Our capability is also supported by gate-automation and manufacturer training, trusted electrical partners and relevant industry connections.
Homes where the details deserve proper attention.
We are particularly well suited to second and third home buyers who know what matters to them—whether they are building new or undertaking a substantial renovation.
If the project calls for thoughtful planning rather than a one-size-fits-all answer, we would like to hear about it.
Melbourne and surrounding suburbs and regions.
We work across greater Melbourne and travel further for selected projects where our experience is the right fit.
Ask about your locationPlanning a home, pool or gate project where the details matter?
Tell us what you are building and what you need the fencing or gate to achieve. We will listen, explain the options and help you find the right way forward.