Original research
Questions to ask a fence contractor before you sign
Fourteen questions, the answer to listen for, and the answer that should end the conversation.
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Written by HyreYard Research Desk Research and fact checking
The short answer
Ask a fence contractor four things before anything else: who confirms the property line, who calls 811 and pulls the permit, how the posts are set, and what the warranty covers in writing. Those four answers separate a fence that stays straight from one that leans, or ends up on the neighbour’s land.
Most of the ranking advice for this search comes from fence companies’ own blogs.
The questions they list are sound (licence, insurance, references, gates in the quote, employees or subcontractors), so they are here too.
What a vendor page will not tell you is which answers should make you walk away, so each question below has one.
Licensing rules for fence work vary by state, and some states license no landscape or fence trade at all; our licensing by state study shows where. Use our how we vet criteria as a benchmark.
Questions to ask a fence contractor, with answers
| Question | Listen for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Who confirms the property line? | A survey or located pins before layout | “We go by the old fence” |
| 2. Who calls 811? | They call and wait for marks | “Not needed for posts” |
| 3. Who pulls the permit? | They do, and name it in the contract | “Nobody gets permits for fences” |
| 4. Are you licensed and insured where required? | Licence number (if your state requires one) and a certificate of insurance | Vague, or no paperwork |
| 5. Employees or subcontractors? | A clear answer and a named site lead | Unclear who shows up |
| 6. How are posts set, and how deep? | Material, depth, footing, spacing | “Standard” |
| 7. How do you stop the gate sagging? | Gate frame, bracing, hinge rating | No specific answer |
| 8. Are gates and hardware in the quote? | Itemised | “Extras” |
| 9. What about rock or roots in a post hole? | A stated method and charge basis | Open-ended extra |
| 10. Who removes the old fence and debris? | In the scope | Assumed, not written |
| 11. Which side faces out? | Matches local rule or HOA | Not considered |
| 12. What does the warranty cover? | Workmanship term and material warranty in writing | Verbal only |
| 13. What is the payment schedule? | Deposit and stages tied to work done | Most up front |
| 14. Can I cancel if I signed at home? | They mention the FTC cooling-off period where it applies | Pressure to sign today |
Fence contractor questions that need more than a line
The property line question
The property line is the most expensive fence mistake. A fence over the line can have to come down. If the contractor is relying on an old fence or a guess, get a survey first. See do you need a survey before installing a fence.
The post question
Posts carry the fence. Ask for post material and size, hole depth, whether they are set in concrete or gravel, and spacing. Wood posts rot at the ground line first; see fence post rot. Write the answers into the contract, not just the quote.
The insurance question
One ranking guide notes the policy should include general liability and workers’ compensation, so injuries and damage on your property are not your liability. Ask for the certificate, not a promise.
The cooling-off question
The FTC Cooling-Off Rule gives buyers three days to cancel certain sales made at the home, subject to conditions and a minimum value (FTC). A contractor who pushes for a same-day signature at your kitchen table is a reason to slow down.
What the fence contract should say
Line location, total length, height and gate positions on a drawing.
Board, post and rail material and size; fasteners; any stain.
Depth, footing, spacing.
Who is responsible for each.
Removal and disposal included or not.
Workmanship term and material warranty, in writing.
Deposit and stages. See landscaping deposits.
Your inquiry
Tell us about the work
Nothing goes to a landscaping company unless you agree.
Free, with no obligation: a person at HyreYard reads your request and replies by email. Matching is not live yet, so this is not a quote, and nothing goes to a landscaping company unless you agree. If a tree or limb is on a power line, stay away and call the utility.
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Questions
Should a fence contractor get the permit?
How many fence quotes should I get?
Does a fence company need a licence?
What questions should I ask fence company references?
What should be in a fence estimate?
Written and audited by
HyreYard Research Desk
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