How to Choose a Fence Contractor

Whether you're installing a privacy fence, decorative aluminum fencing, security fencing, or a backyard enclosure for pets and children, choosing the right fence contractor is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A quality fence can improve your home's appearance, increase property value, provide security, and last for decades—but only if it's installed correctly.

Unfortunately, not all fence contractors provide the same level of workmanship, communication, or service. Taking the time to research your options before signing a contract can save you thousands of dollars and prevent costly mistakes.

This guide from the Fence Contractors Association (FCA) walks you through everything homeowners should know before hiring a fence contractor.

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

A fence may seem like a straightforward project, but professional installation involves much more than digging holes and setting posts.

Experienced contractors understand:

• Proper post spacing and depth
• Soil conditions and drainage
• Local building codes
• Property line considerations
• Utility locating procedures
• Gate installation and alignment
• Material-specific installation methods

An improperly installed fence can lean, sag, warp, or fail years before it should. Hiring an experienced contractor helps ensure your investment performs well for many years.

Start With Local Fence Professionals

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a local fence contractor is familiarity with your area's conditions.

Local contractors often understand:

• Regional weather challenges
• Frost depth requirements
• HOA restrictions
• Municipal permitting requirements
• Local suppliers
• Common neighborhood fence styles

They also rely heavily on their local reputation, making customer satisfaction especially important.

Know What Type of Fence You Want

Before requesting estimates, have a general idea of your project goals.

Ask yourself:

• Is privacy my top priority?
• Do I need to keep children or pets safely enclosed?
• Am I installing around a swimming pool?
• Is appearance most important?
• Do I want the lowest maintenance option?
• What is my budget?

Even if you're unsure which material is best, understanding your priorities helps contractors recommend the right solution.

Research Multiple Contractors

Avoid hiring the first company you find online.

Instead:

• Compare several local companies
• Read customer reviews
• Browse project galleries
• Visit company websites
• Check how long they've been in business

Professional contractors should have an established online presence that demonstrates experience and completed projects.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Depending on your state and municipality, fence contractors may be required to hold licenses.

Even where licensing isn't required, every contractor should carry appropriate insurance.

Ask whether they have:

• General liability insurance
• Workers' compensation coverage
• Required local licenses
• Business registration

Insurance protects both the homeowner and contractor if an accident occurs during installation.

Ask About Experience

Experience matters—especially when working with difficult terrain, slopes, retaining walls, custom gates, or specialty fencing.

Some helpful questions include:

• How long have you been installing fences?
• What types of fences do you specialize in?
• Have you completed projects similar to mine?
• Can I see examples of recent work?

An experienced contractor should be comfortable discussing previous installations and explaining their installation process.

Review Their Previous Work

Most reputable fence companies proudly showcase completed projects.

Look for:

• Straight fence lines
• Even spacing
• Consistent post alignment
• Clean gate installation
• Professional finishes
• Attractive layouts

Photos can tell you a great deal about craftsmanship.

If possible, ask whether you can drive by a completed local project.

Read Customer Reviews Carefully

Reviews can reveal far more than an overall star rating.

Pay attention to recurring comments regarding:

• Communication
• Reliability
• Timeliness
• Cleanup
• Professionalism
• Warranty service
• Problem resolution

No company is perfect, but contractors who consistently receive positive feedback usually deliver better customer experiences.

Get Multiple Quotes

Most homeowners should obtain at least three estimates before making a decision.

Quotes should clearly outline:

• Materials
• Fence height
• Total linear footage
• Gate sizes
• Removal of existing fence
• Labor
• Estimated timeline
• Warranty information

Be cautious of estimates that contain very little detail.

Detailed proposals reduce misunderstandings later.

Don't Automatically Choose the Lowest Price

Everyone likes saving money, but the cheapest estimate isn't always the best value.

Lower bids may reflect:

• Lower-quality materials
• Less experienced installers
• Shortcuts during installation
• No warranty
• Missing project components

Instead of asking, "Who's cheapest?" ask: "Who provides the best overall value?"

A professionally installed fence often costs less over its lifetime than replacing a poorly installed one.

Ask About Materials

Fence quality depends heavily on the materials used.

Ask contractors:

• Which manufacturers do you use?
• What grade of wood do you install?
• Is your vinyl virgin vinyl or recycled?
• What gauge is your chain link?
• What thickness is your aluminum?

Higher-quality materials generally last longer and require fewer repairs.

Understand the Installation Process

Professional contractors should explain exactly what happens before installation begins.

Typical projects include:

• Property measurements
• Utility locating
• Material ordering
• Permit verification (when required)
• Post installation
• Fence installation
• Gate installation
• Final inspection
• Site cleanup

Knowing what to expect helps avoid surprises during construction.

Discuss Timeline Expectations

Ask questions such as:

• When can you begin?
• How long will installation take?
• What could delay the project?
• Will weather affect scheduling?

Most residential fence installations take anywhere from one day to several days depending on project size and complexity.

Ask About Warranties

A quality contractor should stand behind both materials and workmanship.

Clarify:

• Manufacturer warranties
• Labor warranties
• Gate adjustments
• Post movement
• Hardware replacement
• Repair procedures

Understanding warranty coverage before signing the contract prevents confusion later.

Discuss Property Lines

Fence placement is one of the biggest sources of homeowner disputes.

Professional contractors may recommend:

• Existing surveys
• Property pins
• Professional surveys
• Utility locating services

Never assume an old fence marks the exact property boundary.

If uncertainty exists, confirm property lines before installation begins.

Understand Permits and HOA Requirements

Some communities require:

• Fence permits
• Height restrictions
• Setback requirements
• HOA approval
• Approved materials
• Approved colors

Experienced contractors are often familiar with local requirements, but homeowners should also verify applicable rules before construction starts.

Ask Who Will Perform the Installation

Some companies use in-house crews. Others subcontract installations.

Neither approach is automatically better, but homeowners should understand who will actually complete the work.

Questions to ask include:

• Do you use your own crews?
• Are installers experienced?
• Who supervises the project?
• Who should I contact if questions arise?

Review the Contract Carefully

Never rely solely on verbal agreements.

A written contract should clearly include:

• Total project cost
• Payment schedule
• Materials
• Fence layout
• Fence height
• Gate locations
• Warranty information
• Estimated completion date

Read everything before signing.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a contractor:

• Requests full payment upfront
• Refuses to provide references
• Cannot provide insurance information
• Offers an unusually low price
• Uses high-pressure sales tactics
• Provides vague estimates
• Avoids written contracts

Professional fence contractors should welcome your questions and explain their process clearly.

Communication Matters

The best contractors communicate throughout the project.

Look for companies that:

• Return phone calls promptly
• Answer questions clearly
• Explain options honestly
• Provide written estimates
• Keep customers informed

Good communication often reflects how the project itself will be managed.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before signing a contract, consider asking:

• How long have you been installing fences?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• What warranties do you offer?
• Can you provide references?
• Who performs the installation?
• How long will the project take?
• What materials do you recommend?
• Will permits be required?
• Do you handle utility locating?
• How are unexpected issues handled?

The answers will help you compare contractors beyond price alone.

Final Thoughts

A new fence is an investment in your home's appearance, privacy, security, and value. Taking the time to research contractors, compare estimates, and ask the right questions can make the difference between a fence that lasts for decades and one that requires costly repairs after only a few years.

Experienced fence contractors bring knowledge, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that help ensure your project is completed correctly the first time.

Whether you're planning a wood privacy fence, decorative aluminum fencing, durable vinyl fencing, chain link security fencing, or a custom installation, choosing the right contractor is the foundation of a successful project.

At the Fence Contractors Association (FCA), we're committed to helping homeowners make informed decisions and connect with experienced fence professionals. Browse contractor profiles, compare companies, and learn more about fencing materials and installation best practices at FenceContractors.org.