What to Ask Your Fence Company Before Hiring Them

Installing a new fence is a significant investment in your property. The right fence can improve privacy, security, curb appeal, pet safety, and the way you use your outdoor space for years to come. But the quality of the finished fence depends on more than choosing between wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel, or another material.

Choosing the right fence company matters just as much.

Before hiring a fence contractor, it is worth asking a few important questions. A reputable fencing company should be able to explain your options, provide a clear estimate, discuss the installation process, and help you understand exactly what you are getting for your investment.

If you're considering a new fence in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, or the surrounding Quad Cities area, use these questions to help you evaluate your options.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This should be one of the first questions you ask any contractor working on your property.

Ask the fence company about the licensing and insurance requirements that apply to your project and whether they meet them. Proper insurance can provide important protection if an accident or property damage occurs during installation.

Don't feel uncomfortable asking. Professional fence contractors should be accustomed to customers asking about their credentials.

2. How Much Experience Do You Have Installing Fences?

Fence installation may look straightforward, but every property presents different challenges.

Slopes, soil conditions, landscaping, property layouts, gates, underground utilities, and existing structures can all affect an installation. An experienced fence company should know how to identify potential issues before work begins and recommend solutions appropriate for the property.

You can also get more specific.

Ask whether the company regularly installs the type of fence you're considering. Experience installing wood privacy fencing doesn't necessarily tell you everything about a contractor's experience with ornamental steel, aluminum, vinyl, or commercial fencing.

3. What Type of Fence Is Best for My Property?

You don't necessarily need to know what type of fence you want before contacting a fence company. In fact, helping you make that decision should be part of the consultation process.

Explain what you want your fence to accomplish.

Are you primarily looking for privacy? Do you need a secure backyard for children or pets? Are you enclosing a pool? Is curb appeal the priority? Do you want minimal maintenance? Are you trying to establish a clear property boundary?

A good fence contractor should listen first and then explain the advantages and considerations associated with different fencing materials and designs.

4. What Are the Differences Between the Fence Materials You Offer?

There isn't one fencing material that's right for every property.

Ask your contractor to explain how your options compare in areas such as:

Appearance

Privacy

Durability

Maintenance

Initial cost

Long-term ownership costs

Security

Pet containment

Customization

Expected lifespan

For example, a homeowner interested in traditional aesthetics may have different priorities than someone who wants a low-maintenance fence. A commercial property requiring additional security will have different requirements than a backyard where the main goal is privacy.

The recommendation should fit your property and goals, rather than simply being the easiest product for the contractor to sell.

5. Can You Help Me Choose the Right Fence Style?

Material is only part of the decision.

Height, color, picket spacing, post style, gates, decorative elements, and other design choices can dramatically change how a fence looks and functions.

Ask your fencing company to walk you through available styles and help you think about how the fence will complement your home, landscaping, and surrounding property.

Your fence may be part of your property for many years. It should look like it belongs there.

6. What Is Included in My Fence Estimate?

Comparing fence estimates based only on the number at the bottom can be misleading.

One contractor's estimate may include services or materials that another contractor's estimate doesn't.

Ask for a clear explanation of what is included in the quote. Depending on the project, that could include materials, labor, gates, hardware, removal of an existing fence, cleanup, hauling away debris, and other project-related costs.

If something isn't included, ask about it before signing a contract.

The goal is to understand the total project, not simply the advertised price.

7. How Do You Determine Where the Fence Should Be Installed?

Few things can complicate a fence project faster than confusion about property lines.

Ask how the contractor determines the fence location and what responsibility the homeowner has for identifying property boundaries.

Depending on the property and project, you may need to reference an existing survey or obtain additional information about your property lines.

Never assume that an existing fence is necessarily located exactly on the legal property boundary.

8. Who Handles Underground Utility Marking?

Fence installation requires digging, which makes underground utilities an important consideration.

Ask how utility marking is handled before installation begins and whether there are private utilities that may require additional attention.

Irrigation systems, invisible pet fences, privately installed electrical lines, drainage systems, or other features may not always be handled the same way as public utilities.

Tell your fence contractor about anything you know is underground before work starts.

9. Are Permits Required for My Fence?

Fence requirements can vary depending on where your property is located and what you're installing.

Ask whether your project requires permits and, if so, who is responsible for obtaining them.

You should also discuss any applicable rules involving fence height, placement, corner lots, pools, easements, or other property-specific considerations.

A fence contractor familiar with Davenport and surrounding communities should be prepared to discuss the local process and help you understand what may apply to your project.

10. What About HOA Requirements?

If your home belongs to a homeowners association, there may be additional restrictions beyond local requirements.

Your HOA could have rules regarding fence materials, colors, styles, heights, placement, or other design characteristics.

Ask your fence company what information you'll need for HOA approval. It is generally better to resolve these requirements before materials are ordered or installation is scheduled.

11. How Will You Handle Slopes and Uneven Ground?

Not every yard is perfectly level.

If your property slopes, ask how the fence will follow the terrain. Depending on the fencing material, design, and severity of the grade, different installation techniques may be appropriate.

This is also a good opportunity to ask how the finished fence will look from different areas of the property.

You don't want to discover after installation that large gaps have been created beneath sections of fencing, particularly if you're installing the fence to contain a dog.

12. What Kind of Posts, Hardware, and Components Will You Use?

The large fence panels or pickets get most of the attention, but a fence is a complete system.

Posts, rails, fasteners, hinges, latches, gates, and other components all contribute to the durability and functionality of the finished fence.

Ask about the complete construction of your proposed fence rather than evaluating it based solely on its most visible material.

13. How Will My Fence Handle Iowa Weather?

Davenport properties experience changing weather conditions throughout the year, so durability should be part of the conversation.

Ask how the recommended material performs through temperature changes, moisture, wind, snow, and other environmental conditions.

You should also ask what maintenance can help protect the fence and keep it looking its best.

The cheapest option initially isn't always the most economical choice over the life of the fence.

14. What Maintenance Will My New Fence Require?

Every homeowner should understand the maintenance requirements before selecting a fence.

Ask whether your fence will require periodic cleaning, staining, sealing, painting, rust prevention, hardware adjustments, or other upkeep.

If you're specifically looking for a low-maintenance fence, tell your contractor during the consultation. That priority may influence which materials make the most sense for your property.

15. How Long Will the Installation Take?

Ask about both the expected project schedule and the actual installation time.

These are two different things.

The company may be able to install your fence relatively quickly once work begins, but material availability, permitting, weather, scheduling, or other factors could affect when the project can start.

A reputable fence company should give you realistic expectations rather than simply promising the fastest possible installation.

16. Who Will Actually Install My Fence?

It's reasonable to know who will be working on your property.

Ask how installation crews are managed and who you should contact if you have a question while work is underway.

Clear communication can make a significant difference in the overall experience, particularly if an unexpected issue arises during installation.

17. What Happens If You Encounter an Unexpected Problem?

Even careful planning can't anticipate everything.

Rocky soil, hidden obstructions, previously unknown utilities, drainage issues, or other conditions can sometimes be discovered after installation begins.

Ask how the fence company handles unexpected situations and how additional work or costs would be communicated and approved.

You shouldn't be surprised by a significantly different bill at the end of the project.

18. What Warranty Comes With My Fence?

Always ask about warranties before choosing a fencing contractor.

There may be separate warranties covering materials and installation workmanship, so make sure you understand the difference.

Ask:

What does the warranty cover? How long does it last? Are there exclusions? Who should you contact if you have a problem?

Most importantly, get applicable warranty information in writing.

19. Can I See Examples of Your Previous Fence Installations?

Photos of completed projects can tell you a lot about a fence company's capabilities.

Look for examples involving the type of fence you're considering, but also pay attention to the details. Look at gates, corners, transitions, slopes, posts, and how the fence integrates with the property.

Customer reviews can provide additional insight into communication, professionalism, timeliness, and the overall installation experience.

20. What Happens After My Fence Is Installed?

The relationship with your fence company shouldn't necessarily end when the crew leaves.

Ask whom you should contact if you notice a problem or have a question after installation.

A company willing to stand behind its workmanship provides additional confidence when you're making a long-term investment in your property.

Choosing a Fence Company in Davenport, IA

Ultimately, choosing a fence company shouldn't come down to price alone.

You're trusting a contractor to install a permanent improvement on your property. Look for a company that takes time to understand what you need, explains your options clearly, provides transparent information about the project, uses quality materials, and stands behind its workmanship.

At Stand Strong Fencing of Davenport, we help homeowners and businesses find fencing solutions designed around their properties, priorities, and budgets. From privacy and security to curb appeal and pet-friendly outdoor spaces, our team can help you evaluate your options and choose a fence that makes sense for your needs.

We offer a variety of residential and commercial fencing options, including wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, steel, privacy fencing, and more.

And because installation matters just as much as the materials themselves, our professional installers focus on building fences designed to stand strong for years to come.

Ready to Start Your Fence Project?

Bring this list of questions with you.

We'd be happy to answer them.

If you're considering a new fence in Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge, Le Claire, Moline, Rock Island, or another community in the surrounding area, contact Stand Strong Fencing of Davenport to schedule a consultation and personalized quote.

Tell us what you want your fence to accomplish, and we'll help you explore the options for your property.