Hiring the wrong fence contractor can mean shoddy materials, botched installation, permit violations, or a contractor who disappears after a deposit. The good news: most bad hires are avoidable. Asking the right questions before you sign anything separates reliable professionals from the rest. Here are the seven questions that matter most.
The 7 Questions
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
This is non-negotiable. A licensed contractor has met the minimum qualifications required by your state or municipality. Being bonded protects you if the contractor fails to complete the work. Liability insurance covers damage to your property during installation, and workers' compensation covers injuries to crew members on your property. Ask for copies of their certificates — a legitimate contractor will have them readily available.
Can you provide references from recent jobs?
A contractor with a strong track record should be able to give you at least 2–3 references from jobs completed in the past year. Call them. Ask specifically about whether the project was completed on time and on budget, how the crew treated their property, and whether they'd hire the contractor again. Online reviews on Google and the BBB are useful, but direct references are harder to fake.
What exactly does your quote include?
Get a written, itemized quote that spells out the materials (type, grade, and brand where applicable), labor, post depth and concrete, cleanup, and any included gate hardware. Vague quotes that list only a total dollar amount make it easy for a contractor to cut corners or add costs later. If two quotes look very different in price, it's usually because they're not including the same things.
Do I need a permit, and will you handle it?
Most localities require permits for new fence installations, especially privacy fences over a certain height. A good contractor knows the permit requirements in your area and will pull the permit as part of the job. Be wary of any contractor who suggests skipping the permit process — this can create problems when you sell the home and may result in fines or mandatory removal of the fence.
What's your installation timeline?
Ask when they can start, how long the installation will take, and what could cause delays. Reputable contractors are busy, so a 2–4 week lead time is normal. Get the estimated start and completion dates in writing. If a contractor promises to start tomorrow with no waiting, that can be a sign of low demand for a reason.
What warranty do you offer on materials and labor?
Materials warranties come from the manufacturer — ask what they are for the specific product being installed. Labor warranties are from the contractor directly and typically cover installation defects like leaning posts, improperly hung gates, or gaps in panels. A reputable contractor will stand behind their work for at least one year; many offer longer.
How do you handle unexpected issues or change orders?
Underground utilities, buried debris, or difficult soil conditions can all cause unexpected costs during installation. Ask how the contractor handles this — specifically, will they communicate with you before spending additional money, and will any changes be documented in a written change order with a price? Contractors who handle surprises professionally are the ones worth hiring.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Requests for full payment upfront before any work begins
- No physical business address or verifiable license number
- Quote provided verbally with nothing in writing
- Pressure to decide immediately or "lose the deal"
- No mention of permits or suggests skipping them
- Inability or unwillingness to provide references
- Significantly lower price than all other quotes with no explanation
What Should Be in Your Contract
Once you've chosen a contractor, insist on a written contract that includes:
- Full scope of work with materials specified (type, brand, grade)
- Total price and payment schedule (never pay more than 30–50% upfront)
- Estimated start and completion dates
- Permit responsibility
- Process for handling changes to the scope of work
- Warranty terms for materials and labor
- What happens if work is not completed as specified
Never pay the final balance until the job is complete and you've inspected the work. A small holdback gives you leverage to ensure punch-list items get addressed.
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