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Hiring the right local fence contractor protects your property, your budget, and your peace of mind. A good fence adds privacy, security, and curb appeal. A poor install leads to sagging gates, neighbor disputes, and surprise costs. Use this clear, step by step guide to plan your project, vet pros, get solid bids, and finish strong.
Introduction
Most fence headaches come from unclear scope, weak contracts, and skipped checks. You can avoid them. Start with a simple plan. Learn local rules. Vet contractors with the same standards. Compare three bids on the same scope. Lock details in writing before you pay a deposit. Then inspect the work before final payment. Keep reading to move through each step with confidence.
Know Your Needs and Constraints
Decide the purpose of your fence
Define your main goal early so the contractor can suggest the right design.
- Privacy and noise reduction
- Pet or child containment
- Security and access control
- Pool code compliance
- Decorative boundary
Purpose guides height, style, materials, and gate choices.
Measure your yard and note obstacles
- Walk the line and measure total length with a tape or wheel
- Mark slopes, trees, roots, sprinklers, sheds, AC units, and tight access points
- Note soil type and drainage issues like soggy spots
- Take photos and sketch a basic layout with gate locations
These details help your bids include the real work and reduce change orders later.
Confirm property lines and utilities
- Check your survey or plot plan; if unsure, hire a surveyor
- Talk to neighbors about shared lines and goals
- Call 811 for utility locates before digging is scheduled
Never place a fence on a line you have not verified. Hitting a utility is dangerous and costly.
Choose a material that fits your goal
- Wood: Warm look, customizable, needs sealing or stain, lower first cost, more upkeep
- Vinyl: Low maintenance, colorfast, can crack if hit hard, higher first cost
- Aluminum or steel: Strong, clean look, good for pools and security, minimal upkeep
- Chain link: Budget friendly, durable, can add slats for privacy
- Composite: Low upkeep, natural look, high first cost
Ask about rackable panels for slopes, or stepped panels if you prefer a tiered look. Confirm compatible gates and hardware for the chosen material.
Set a realistic budget
Costs vary by material, height, terrain, gates, and local labor. Corners, rock, roots, and hard access raise costs. Long straight runs with few gates cost less per foot. Decide your must haves, nice to haves, and what you can cut if bids run high.
Understand Local Rules
Permits and zoning
- Local rules may limit fence height, location, and style
- Street or corner lots often have stricter rules
- Pools require self closing and self latching gates with specific heights and clearances
Call your building department early. Ask what they need and how long approvals take.
HOA and neighbor rules
- Get HOA written approval if required
- Match approved colors and styles
- Share plans with neighbors if the fence is on or near a shared line
Clarity now prevents disputes later.
When to get a new survey
If pins are missing or lines are unclear, do a survey before you sign a contract. A small survey fee can save you from moving a fence later.
Find and Vet Local Contractors
Where to look
- Ask neighbors and community groups for recent experiences
- Check local directories and manufacturer preferred installer lists
- Visit job sites in your area and note company names
Favor specialists who build fences full time in your area.
Check credentials and coverage
Ask for license, general liability insurance, and workers compensation proof, plus a recent local reference you can call.
Confirm names on documents match the business on the proposal. Call the insurer to verify active coverage. Check your state license board for status and complaints.
Review portfolio and references
- Ask for photos of projects similar to yours
- Request two to three recent local references
- Call and ask about schedule, communication, and how issues were handled
Local, recent, and similar to your scope are key.
Read reviews and spot red flags
- Look for patterns of missed deadlines, poor cleanup, or warranty dodges
- Beware of vague bids, cash only demands, or no written contract
- Unusually low bids can signal shortcuts or change order traps
Compare bids the right way
Get at least three written estimates on the same scope, materials, and layout so you can compare apples to apples.
Give each contractor the same sketch, length, height, gate count, and material preferences. Ask each to specify brands, models, and post depth.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Who does the work and when
- Will employees or subcontractors install the fence
- How many crew members
- Estimated start date and duration
Reliable contractors give realistic windows and explain factors that can shift dates, such as weather and permits.
Site prep and utilities
- Who removes old fence and hauls debris
- Who handles vegetation trimming
- Who calls for utility markouts
The proposal should state who pulls permits and who requests utility markouts; do not start work until utilities are marked.
Materials and specs
- Brand and model of panels, posts, and gates
- Post material, size, and wall thickness
- Post depth and footing size by soil type
- Fasteners type and corrosion rating
- Gate frames, hinges, latches, and posts
Ask how they handle slopes, corners, and transitions to existing fences. Confirm any special order lead times.
Warranty and service
- Labor warranty length and what it covers
- Manufacturer warranties for materials
- Response time for adjustments
Get warranty terms in writing.
Change orders and extras
- How are surprises priced, such as rock or roots
- What counts as a change to scope
- How to approve and document changes
Clear rules prevent disputes.
Payments and deposits
Typical schedules use a small deposit, a progress payment after set milestones, and a balance on completion. Avoid large upfront payments.
Get a Solid Written Proposal
Make details unambiguous
A clear drawing with measurements, fence height and style, post spacing and depth, gate sizes and hardware, a full materials list with brands and models, labor and material costs, permit fees, timeline, payment schedule, cleanup, and warranty terms.
Attach the drawing and any HOA or city requirements as part of the contract.
Scope and layout
- Linear feet by side of yard
- Number and width of gates
- Any transitions or tie ins to existing fences
- Setbacks from property lines if required
Responsibilities
The proposal should state who pulls permits and who requests utility markouts; do not start work until utilities are marked.
Schedule and milestones
- Estimated start and finish windows
- Milestones such as demo, posts set, panels or rails, gates, punch list
- Weather delay policy
Cleanup and protection
- Debris and old fence haul away
- Lawn and landscape protection plan
- Restoration of disturbed areas
Warranty terms
- Labor warranty length
- What triggers a callback
- How to request service
Plan for Installation Day
Prepare the site
- Clear a 3 to 4 foot path along the fence line
- Move furniture, grills, toys, and planters
- Flag sprinklers and low voltage lines
- Unlock gates and provide access to power and water if needed
Place pets indoors or off site. Tell the crew about pets, kids, and any sensitive areas.
Watch the weather and ground
Heavy rain can delay digging and concrete curing. Frozen or saturated ground can extend timelines. Good contractors will adjust to protect quality.
Stay available for quick decisions
Be reachable for small layout tweaks. Confirm post locations near trees, AC units, or hardscapes. Small decisions made fast keep the day moving.
Quality Checks Before Final Payment
Posts, depth, and alignment
- Posts set to specified depth and footing size
- Posts plumb and in a straight line
- Concrete crowned to shed water
Gates and hardware
- Gates swing freely without sag
- Hinges and latches aligned and secure
- Self closing and self latching gates at pools
Fasteners and finish
- Correct fastener type and spacing
- No rust stains or mismatched hardware
- Cut edges sealed or capped per material best practice
Line, height, and grade
- Consistent height and rail alignment
- Panels follow grade as specified, racked or stepped
- Clearance under fence meets plan and code
Punch list and closeout
Walk the project in daylight with the contractor. Note touch ups, squeaks, low spots, or missing caps. Take photos and set a date for fixes.
Hold final payment until you walk the job, create a punch list, and the contractor completes all items and gives you receipts, warranty papers, and permit sign off if required.
Maintenance and Longevity Tips
Wood
- Seal or stain after install and reapply per product
- Keep soil and mulch off pickets to reduce rot
- Trim vegetation for airflow
Vinyl
- Rinse dirt and mildew with mild soap and water
- Avoid impact with heavy equipment
- Check caps and fittings after storms
Metal
- Inspect for chips and touch up paint
- Keep hinges lubricated
- Prevent soil contact with steel to reduce corrosion
Composite
- Wash with manufacturer approved cleaner
- Do not use harsh solvents
- Check fasteners annually
Seasonal checks
- After freezes and storms, recheck gates and latches
- Look for frost heave at posts and reset if needed
- Keep sprinklers from spraying hardware to reduce corrosion
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting without permits or HOA approval
- Building on unverified property lines
- Skipping utility markouts
- Accepting vague or verbal only bids
- Paying large deposits before materials arrive
- Not confirming post depth and footing size in writing
- Ignoring gate specs and hardware quality
- Skipping a punch list walk before final payment
Conclusion
Hiring a local fence contractor gets easier when you follow a clear process. Define your goal and layout. Learn your rules. Vet local specialists. Get three detailed bids on the same scope. Put specs, schedule, and responsibilities in writing. Stay available during install. Inspect carefully before final payment. With this approach you get a straight, sturdy fence that meets code, suits your yard, and lasts.
FAQ
Q: How many bids should I get from local fence contractors
A: Get at least three written estimates on the same scope, materials, and layout so you can compare apples to apples.
Q: What documents should I ask a fence contractor to show before hiring
A: Ask for license, general liability insurance, and workers compensation proof, plus a recent local reference you can call.
Q: Who pulls permits and calls 811 for utility locates
A: The proposal should state who pulls permits and who requests utility markouts; do not start work until utilities are marked.
Q: What should a solid fence estimate include
A: A clear drawing with measurements, fence height and style, post spacing and depth, gate sizes and hardware, a full materials list with brands and models, labor and material costs, permit fees, timeline, payment schedule, cleanup, and warranty terms.
Q: When should I make final payment
A: Hold final payment until you walk the job, create a punch list, and the contractor completes all items and gives you receipts, warranty papers, and permit sign off if required.