When deciding how to choose the best fencing contractor, it’s important to separate good contractors from good salespeople. A lot of contractors can talk the talk but can’t always walk the walk to back it up.
We asked our own crew, the people who actually set posts and hang gates for a living, what advice they’d give a friend looking to hire a fence contractor. Here are their most important tips to help you choose.
At a Glance:
- Make sure they’re licensed and insured. Non-negotiable, and any legitimate contractor will have this ready without being asked twice.
- Get more than one estimate. Keep in mind that the difference between bids might be due to crew size and warranty, and not materials.
- Ask the right questions. How specifically a contractor answers about hardware, permits, and timelines tells you more than what they say.
- Look at their past projects and customer reviews. Judge a fence by how it holds up after a few years, and judge a company by how it handles complaints.
- Take into account if they’re a local company. Local know-how on climate, soil, and permitting is a big plus.
Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured
This is a must for you to even consider a fence contractor, since a company that isn’t licensed, bonded, and insured is a liability. It’s what protects you if someone gets hurt on your property or the work turns doesn’t hold up. Any contractor worth hiring will have this information ready without you having to press for it.
Get More Than One Estimate
Most guides online will tell you to get at least three estimates, and that’s sound advice. While one estimate will tell you what one company thinks your project should cost, comparing it with other estimates will tell you where the real range is for your area.
Pay attention to what’s actually different between estimates and companies beyond just the fence installation cost. A lower bid usually isn’t cutting corners on materials. More often, the difference comes down to structure, crew size, and warranty. A solo operator or small crew can be cheaper because they don’t carry office staff or project managers, but that also means if they get pulled onto another job, your project waits. A larger company costs more because of that operational infrastructure, but it buys you scheduling consistency and accountability.
Warranty length is another important factor to compare. A lifetime workmanship warranty means something very different than a one-year warranty, or none at all.
Related: What Impacts the Cost of a Fence?
Ask the Right Questions
When in conversations to determine the best fence contractor for your project, make sure to ask the right questions. Here are a few questions we recommend asking a fence contractor:
How do you set posts, and what hardware do you use for gates and fasteners?
Two fences can look identical in photos but can vary widely in price and durability based on these two factors.
What’s your process for permitting?
Pay attention to how they answer your question. They should be confident and show that they know how to handle the process. A contractor who gets evasive or shifty is a big red flag.
What’s your process and communication like once the job starts?
Kamden Homola, one of our designers, put it well:
“How’s the process of installation and communication? What’s their process, like how does the job go through the company? How long are they going to be working on the project?”
You should walk away knowing how the job moves through the company, roughly how long it’ll take, and who to call if something comes up. A good contractor will be able to walk you through the details of their process without hesitation.
What happens if the timeline shifts?
There’s no single right answer to how long a fence project should take since every job is different. What matters more is how a contractor handles things if the schedule moves. The standard should be proactive communication: if a timeline changes, you should hear about it before you have to ask.
Read More: Expert Answers Common Fence Questions
Look at Their Past Projects and Customer Reviews
Photos and reviews won’t tell you everything, but they’ll tell you whether a company’s work holds up over time, not just on install day. Make sure to ask to see projects that are a few years old. The true quality of a fence or deck will be seen in how it holds up over time and after a couple of winters.
When it comes to reviews, you’re obviously looking for a company with a lot of 5-star reviews, but don’t spend too much time reading those. Instead, take a look at the negative reviews and how the company responded. That will give you more insight into the company and how it operates than reading perfect reviews.
Take Into Account If They’re a Local Company
A local company knows things about your area that an out-of-town crew simply won’t. They know how the ground behaves through freeze and thaw, what materials hold up in your specific climate, and which permitting offices to call and what those offices actually expect. Those details generally make for a better company to work with. A local company is also easier to hold accountable if something needs adjusting down the road.
Putting It All Together
Looking for the best fence contractor for your job is different from finding the cheapest option. What you want is a contractor that is honest, builds quality fences at fair prices, and will communicate clearly with you throughout the project. Don’t rush your decision and make sure you fully understand their process. Ask as many follow-up questions as you need to get a good idea of how the company works. After all, a good fence contractor should be more than happy to answer all of your questions.
If you’re looking for a fence builder in Portland, Oregon, Cascade Fence & Deck has been trusted in the Pacific Northwest since 1997. Our commitment to building high-quality fences has earned us more than one thousand 5-star reviews. Reach out today for a free estimate.
FAQ
How much does a new fence typically cost?
Fence installation costs depend on materials, length, and what your yard needs. The best way to get a real number is a quick walk-through, not a guess over the phone. Use our fence calculator to draw your fence and get a free estimate.
How long does installation usually take?
Every project is different, but you’ll know your timeline before work starts, and you’ll hear from us right away if anything changes.
Do I need a permit for a new fence or deck?
Often, yes. Requirements vary by area, so it’s worth asking early rather than assuming.
What’s the difference between a lifetime warranty and a standard one?
A lifetime warranty covers workmanship for as long as you own the home. A standard warranty usually covers a year or two.
Should I be worried if a bid comes in lower than the others?
Not necessarily. Lower bids often come from smaller crews with less overhead, not worse materials. Just ask what’s included before comparing numbers side by side. Keep in mind there are also budget fence options.