A new fence can add privacy, keep pets and kids safe, and finish the look of a yard. It’s also a project that involves your neighbors, your property line, and often your city or HOA. A fence in the wrong spot, at the wrong height, or built with poorly set posts can create headaches for years.
Here’s how to hire a fence contractor you can trust and avoid the most common problems.
Start with the basics
Before you call contractors, think through:
- Purpose: privacy, security, pets, pool safety, decoration, or noise
- Material: wood, vinyl, metal, chain link, or composite. Each has trade-offs in look, maintenance, and lifespan.
- Height and style, keeping in mind local rules
- Gates: how many, how wide, and where
- Budget range
Know your property line
Building on the wrong side of a property line can lead to disputes or even removal. Don’t rely on guesses or old fence locations. Options include checking your property documents, looking for survey markers, or hiring a licensed surveyor if the line is unclear. Ask your contractor how they confirm fence placement, but remember that confirming the property line is ultimately the owner’s responsibility in many situations.
Talk to your neighbors
A quick conversation before the project can prevent a lot of friction. Let neighbors know your plans, especially if you’re replacing a shared fence. Some areas have rules about shared fences and cost sharing, so check what applies where you live. Your neighbors may also know a great fence contractor.
Check permits and HOA rules
Many cities require permits for fences, especially above certain heights or near the street. HOAs often have rules about materials, colors, and styles. Pool fences may have specific safety requirements. Ask your contractor who handles permits, and get HOA approval in writing before work starts.
Before any digging, underground utilities should be marked. In the U.S., you can call 811 to request utility marking. Ask your contractor whether they arrange this.
Step 1: Ask people you know
Fences are visible, which makes recommendations easy to find.
- Neighbors with a fence you like
- Friends who’ve recently installed or replaced a fence
- Your landscaper, handyman, or HOA
Ask follow-up questions: Did the crew show up when promised? Are the posts and gates still solid? Did they clean up? Did the final price match the quote? Would they hire them again?
Step 2: Check license and insurance
Licensing requirements vary by state and project size. Ask what applies where you live, and verify any license with the official board. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Step 3: Get detailed written quotes
A good quote includes:
- Fence length, height, and exact layout
- Material grade and type, including posts and hardware
- How posts will be set, including depth and footing method
- Gates and hardware
- Removal and disposal of the old fence
- Permits and utility marking
- Cleanup
- Timeline and warranty
Comparing these details helps you see why quotes differ. Post setting and materials often explain the gap.
Step 4: Ask the right questions
- How do you confirm where the fence will go?
- Who handles permits and HOA requirements?
- How deep will you set posts, and how?
- What materials do you recommend for my yard and climate, and why?
- How do you handle slopes, rocky soil, or tree roots?
- What warranty do you offer on materials and workmanship?
- Will your crew or subcontractors do the work?
- What happens if you hit something underground?
Red flags
- No mention of permits or property lines
- Pressure to start immediately
- Large upfront payments
- Vague quotes that don’t list materials or post details
- No proof of insurance
- Cash-only deals without a written contract
Maintenance matters
Ask your contractor how to care for the fence you choose. Wood may need sealing or staining, while vinyl and metal have their own needs. Simple maintenance helps a fence last.
How MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® can help
Fences live on property lines, so your neighbors are often the best source of a good name. MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® is a social & professional networking app where you connect with service pros through the people in your own network, with visibility up to second-degree connections. You can browse a feed, like and comment, and message pros. Pros build visibility through real client relationships.
FAQ
How do I choose a fence contractor?
Ask neighbors and friends who have fences you like. Then verify license and insurance, compare detailed written quotes, and ask how they handle permits, property lines, and post installation.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Many cities require permits, especially above certain heights. Check local rules and HOA requirements, and ask your contractor to handle permits.
Who is responsible for finding the property line?
In many cases, it’s the homeowner. Check your documents, look for survey markers, or hire a licensed surveyor if the line is unclear.
What fence material is best?
It depends on your goals, budget, climate, and maintenance preferences. Ask contractors to explain the trade-offs for your yard.
Should I tell my neighbors before installing a fence?
It’s a good idea. A quick conversation can prevent disputes, and some areas have rules about shared fences.
Find a fence pro your network already trusts
Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.