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How to Choose the Right Fence Contractor: 12 Questions to Ask

Hiring the wrong contractor is the most expensive fence mistake. Use these 12 questions to vet pros before you sign.

USA Fence Guide EditorialApril 12, 20268 min read

A great fence contractor saves you money, time, and headaches. A poor one can leave you with leaning posts, blown permits, and a tear-out bill. These questions separate the pros from the rest.

Licensing and insurance

  • Are you licensed to install fencing in my city or county?
  • Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance?
  • Will you pull the permit, or is that my responsibility?

Experience and references

  • How many fences like mine have you installed in the last year?
  • Can you share three references from the past six months?
  • Do you have photos of completed projects in my material?

Scope, materials, and warranty

  • Are posts set in concrete, and how deep?
  • What brand and grade of material will you use?
  • What does your labor warranty cover, and for how long?
  • How do you handle property-line surveys and utility locates?
Always get at least three written quotes. The lowest bid often skips concrete-set posts or uses thinner-gauge material.

Finally, never pay more than a reasonable deposit upfront, and get the full scope in writing before work begins.

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