What to Ask a Fence Contractor Before Hiring Them

Installing a new fence is a significant investment in your property. Whether you're adding privacy, creating a safer backyard for your children or pets, enclosing a pool, or simply improving your home's curb appeal, choosing the right fence is only part of the decision.

You also need to choose the right fence contractor.

Before signing a contract, homeowners should know exactly what they're getting, who will be performing the work, and what happens if something doesn't go according to plan. Asking a few important questions upfront can help you compare fence companies and avoid surprises once installation begins.

If you're gathering estimates for a new fence, here are some of the most important questions to ask a fence contractor before hiring them.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

This should be one of your first questions.

Ask the fencing company whether it carries the licensing and insurance required for the work it performs in your area. Don't assume that every contractor providing an estimate has the same credentials or protections.

Insurance is particularly important. Fence installation involves digging, tools, equipment, materials, and people working throughout your property. You want to know you're dealing with a professional company that takes appropriate precautions.

How Much Experience Do You Have Installing Fences?

There's a difference between general construction experience and experience specifically installing fences.

An experienced fence installer should understand issues such as:

• Proper post placement and depth
• Changes in grade and sloped yards
• Gate placement and operation
• Drainage considerations
• Different fencing materials
• Property boundaries and setbacks
• Local installation requirements

Ask how long the contractor has been installing fences and whether the company regularly works with the type of fence you're considering.

What Types of Fencing Do You Install?

Not every fencing company offers the same materials or has equal experience with every type of fence.

Depending on your property and goals, you may be considering wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, or another fencing material. Ask the contractor to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option rather than simply recommending the most expensive one.

A good fence contractor should help you evaluate your options based on factors such as appearance, privacy, durability, maintenance, budget, pets, children, and how you use your property.

Which Fence Would You Recommend for My Property?

This question can tell you a lot about the contractor.

Instead of simply asking for a price on a specific fence, ask what the installer would recommend after seeing your property.

There may be factors you haven't considered. A slope could affect the fence design. A certain material might work better with your landscaping. A different gate location could improve access to your backyard.

The contractor should be able to explain not only what they recommend but why they recommend it.

What Is Included in My Estimate?

Never compare fence estimates based solely on the number at the bottom of the page.

Ask exactly what the quoted price includes.

Depending on the project, an estimate may include:

• Fence materials
• Posts and hardware
• Gates
• Labor
• Removal of an existing fence
• Disposal of old materials
• Site preparation
• Permit-related costs
• Cleanup

If one estimate is significantly lower than another, find out why. The contractors may not be quoting the same scope of work.

Could There Be Additional Costs?

Ask what could cause the final price to change.

For example, unexpected underground obstacles, difficult soil conditions, changes requested by the homeowner, or additional work discovered during installation could potentially affect the project.

A reputable contractor should be willing to discuss possible additional costs before work begins and explain how change orders or unexpected expenses are handled.

Who Handles Permits and Local Requirements?

Fence requirements can vary by municipality.

Depending on where you live and the type or location of your fence, there may be rules involving fence height, placement, setbacks, corner lots, pools, or other factors.

Ask whether permits are required for your project and who is responsible for obtaining them.

Homeowners in West Chester and throughout Chester County should also remember that requirements can differ depending on the municipality in which the property is located. Don't assume the rules at a friend's house a few miles away are necessarily the rules that apply to yours.

How Are Property Lines Confirmed?

This is an especially important question.

A fence installed in the wrong location can create a much bigger problem than an unattractive fence. Don't rely on where an old fence, hedge, tree line, or neighbor's landscaping happens to be located.

Ask the contractor what information is needed to establish the fence line and whether you may need a property survey.

Knowing exactly where your property begins and ends can help prevent disputes with neighbors and expensive corrections later.

Who Is Responsible for Having Underground Utilities Marked?

Fence installation requires digging, which means underground utilities must be considered before work begins.

Ask your contractor how utility marking is handled and what you need to do before installation day.

Also tell your contractor about private underground features that may not be identified through standard utility marking, such as irrigation systems, invisible pet fences, landscape lighting, drainage lines, or privately installed electrical lines.

How Deep Will the Fence Posts Be?

You don't need to become a fence installation expert, but this is still a worthwhile question.

Posts are critical to the strength and stability of a fence. Ask how the posts will be installed and how the contractor determines the appropriate depth for your particular fence and property.

The answer may depend on the fence material, fence height, soil, terrain, and local conditions.

Be cautious of anyone who gives you a universal answer without considering the actual project.

How Will You Handle Slopes or Uneven Ground?

Many properties aren't perfectly flat.

If your yard slopes, ask how the fence will follow the terrain. Depending on the fencing material and design, the contractor may recommend stepping or racking the fence.

You should understand how the finished fence will look before installation begins, particularly along noticeable slopes.

Also ask about gaps beneath the fence if you're installing it to contain a dog or create a more secure backyard.

Where Should the Gates Go?

Gate placement deserves more consideration than it sometimes receives.

Think about how you use your property now and how you might use it in the future.

Do you need access for a lawn mower? Landscaping equipment? A wheelbarrow? A riding mower? Future construction? Do you regularly move trash cans through the backyard?

Ask about both gate location and gate width. A few extra minutes of planning can make your fenced yard much more convenient for years to come.

What Kind of Hardware Will Be Used?

Hinges, latches, fasteners, and other hardware may seem like small details, but they're used repeatedly and exposed to the weather.

Ask what hardware is included with your fence and gates.

If you're installing a fence around a pool or creating an enclosed area for children or pets, also discuss appropriate gate and latch options for those specific needs.

How Long Will Installation Take?

Ask for both the anticipated start date and estimated installation time.

Weather, permitting, material availability, and the complexity of your property can affect the schedule, so understand that an estimate isn't necessarily a guarantee.

More importantly, ask the contractor to explain what could delay the project and how you'll be notified if the schedule changes.

Will You Remove My Existing Fence?

If you already have a fence, don't assume removal and disposal are included.

Ask whether the old fence will be removed, whether that cost is included in your estimate, and what happens to the old materials.

You should also ask whether removing the existing fence could reveal conditions that might affect the new installation.

What Should I Do Before Installation Day?

Your contractor should be able to give you clear instructions.

You may need to move furniture, toys, grills, planters, decorations, or other items away from the fence line. Trees, shrubs, or landscaping may also interfere with access.

If you have pets, ask how long portions of the yard may remain open during installation so you can make other arrangements.

What Warranty Comes With the Fence?

Ask about warranties before you sign the contract, not after something goes wrong.

There may be separate warranties covering materials and workmanship. Find out what is covered, how long coverage lasts, and whether there are exclusions or maintenance requirements that could affect the warranty.

Get warranty information in writing whenever possible.

What Maintenance Will My New Fence Require?

Every fence requires some level of care, but maintenance varies considerably by material.

Ask what you should do to keep your fence looking and performing its best.

For example, wood fencing may require periodic staining or sealing, while vinyl and aluminum generally have different maintenance needs.

Understanding the long-term maintenance requirements can also help you make a better decision when comparing fencing materials.

Can You Show Me Examples of Similar Projects?

Photos of completed projects can help you evaluate both workmanship and design options.

Better yet, ask to see projects similar to yours.

If you have a sloped backyard and want a vinyl privacy fence, pictures of aluminum fences on flat commercial properties won't tell you very much. Look for examples involving similar materials, terrain, layouts, and project goals.

Do You Have Reviews or References?

Take some time to see what previous customers have to say.

Don't focus exclusively on whether every review is positive. Look for patterns involving communication, punctuality, workmanship, cleanup, and how the company responds when customers have questions or concerns.

A fence is designed to remain on your property for years. Spending a little extra time researching the company installing it is worthwhile.

Who Will Be My Contact During the Project?

You shouldn't have to figure out whom to call after installation begins.

Ask who your primary contact will be and how you'll communicate with that person if you have questions.

Good communication can make a major difference, particularly if weather changes the schedule or something unexpected is discovered during installation.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

A professional fence contractor shouldn't make you feel uncomfortable for asking questions about your own project.

In fact, the contractor's willingness to answer questions can be one of the best ways to evaluate the company.

Pay attention to whether the contractor listens to what you want, explains different options, provides clear answers, and takes the time to understand your property.

You're not simply buying fence panels. You're hiring a company to install a permanent improvement on your property.

Looking for a Fence Contractor in West Chester, PA?

At Stand Strong Fencing of West Chester, we believe homeowners should understand their options before making a decision. Our team can evaluate your property, discuss your goals, explain available fencing materials and styles, and help you plan a fence that works for your home.

Whether you're considering a privacy fence, pet fence, pool fence, decorative fence, or a new fence to improve your property's security and curb appeal, we'll help you understand the process from planning through installation.

Have questions about a fencing project in West Chester or the surrounding area? Contact Stand Strong Fencing of West Chester today to schedule a consultation.