Getting a new fence is a big deal. Whether you want more privacy, better security, or just a nice way to mark your property, building a fence takes time, money, and planning. The last thing you want is to hire the wrong contractor and end up with delays, extra costs, or poor-quality work.
Before you sign any contract, it’s important to know exactly who you’re working with. Just because someone says they’ve done fences before doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your project. Asking the right questions early on can help you avoid issues down the road.
1. Are You Working With a Trusted Fencing Supplier?
The materials used in your fence play a big role in how long it lasts and how good it looks. That’s why you should ask the contractor where they’re getting their supplies. A good contractor will work with a reliable fencing supplier who provides quality wood, vinyl, aluminum, or whatever material you’ve chosen.
If a contractor cuts corners by using low-quality materials, your fence might look fine at first, but fall apart in just a few years. Knowing who their supplier is and whether they stand behind their products can help you feel more confident about the final result.
2. Can You Show Proof of License and Insurance?
Any professional fence contractor should be licensed to work in your area. Licensing means they’ve met certain standards and are legally allowed to do the work. You also want to make sure they’re fully insured.
If something goes wrong, like damage to your property or an injury on-site, you don’t want to be stuck with the bill. Asking for this proof up front is a simple way to protect yourself before work even begins.
3. Do You Have References or a Portfolio?
One of the best ways to judge a contractor’s work is to see what they’ve done in the past. Ask if they have photos of recent projects or if you can contact past customers. If they’ve done good work, they’ll be happy to show it off. If they avoid the question or make excuses, that might be a red flag.
Talking to someone who has already worked with the contractor can give you real insight into their skills, reliability, and how they handle problems.
4. What’s Included in the Estimate?
Price is important, but you need to know what you’re getting for that price. Ask for a clear, written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and any other costs.
Make sure the estimate includes cleanup and disposal of old fencing if needed. This helps you avoid surprise fees later on and lets you compare bids more fairly if you’re looking at multiple contractors.
5. What Is the Timeline for the Project?
It’s easy to assume that once work starts, the fence will go up quickly. But some contractors take on more jobs than they can handle or run into delays.
Ask for a realistic timeline, including when they’ll start and how long the work should take. Be sure to find out what might cause delays, such as weather or backordered materials, and how they plan to deal with those issues.
