A fence contractor can charge $5,000–$10,000+ for a project that takes 1–3 days. That's a significant investment based largely on trust — you can't inspect what's underground once the concrete is poured. The right questions before signing a contract protect that investment.
These 15 questions are based on what the AFA's Fence Installation School teaches professional installers. If a contractor can't answer them confidently, keep looking.
Licensing and Insurance (Questions 1–3)
1. "Are you licensed in this city/county?"
Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some cities require a specific fence contractor license; others accept a general contractor license. Unlicensed contractors may do fine work, but you have zero legal recourse if they don't — and your homeowner's insurance may not cover damage caused by unlicensed work. Check your city or county's contractor licensing database.
2. "Can I see your certificate of insurance?"
Every professional contractor carries:
- General liability insurance ($1M+ minimum) — covers damage to your property
- Workers' compensation — covers injuries to the crew on your property
If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have workers' comp, you could be liable. Ask for a current certificate — not just a verbal "yes, we're insured."
3. "Will you pull the permit?"
Professional contractors handle permitting as part of the job. If a contractor says "you don't need a permit" without checking your specific city code, that's a red flag. If they say "we don't pull permits," they're either unlicensed or cutting corners.
Installation Quality (Questions 4–8)
4. "How deep will you set the posts?"
The correct answer references the AFA/ASTM standard: one-third of the total post length below grade, minimum. For a 6-foot fence on an 8-foot post, that's 24–30 inches minimum. In frost-line areas, deeper. If they can't cite a specific depth or say "about 2 feet for everything," they haven't been properly trained. See our post depth guide.
5. "What concrete mix will you use, and how long before you hang the fence?"
The AFA teaches that concrete must cure 48–72 hours before the fence is loaded onto the posts. A contractor who pours concrete and starts hanging panels the same day is building a fence that will shift. The concrete should be a standard pre-mix or site-mixed to proper ratios. See our concrete footings guide.
6. "What size are the post holes?"
Per AFA standards, post holes should be 3× the post diameter (10–12 inches for a 4×4 post). Gate posts need larger holes (14–16 inches). If the answer is "we just dig what the auger makes," they're not adjusting for post type or soil conditions.
7. "Will you call 811 before digging?"
The only acceptable answer is "yes — it's the law." Any hesitation is a dealbreaker. See our 811 guide.
8. "How will you handle slopes on my property?"
If your yard has grade changes, the contractor should describe their approach — stepping, racking, or contouring — and explain why they recommend one method for your material. A vague answer means they'll figure it out on the job, which means your fence will look it.
Materials and Warranty (Questions 9–12)
9. "What brand and grade of materials will you use?"
You should know exactly what's going into your fence: the wood species (cedar vs. treated pine), the vinyl manufacturer and wall thickness, the chain link gauge, or the ornamental grade. Vague answers like "standard materials" can mean the cheapest option available. Get specifics in writing.
10. "Do you offer a workmanship warranty?"
Material warranties come from the manufacturer. Workmanship warranties come from the contractor. Professional fence companies offer 1–5 year warranties on their installation — covering posts that shift, gates that sag, and panels that come loose. No warranty = no accountability.
11. "What happens if a post shifts after installation?"
This tests whether they stand behind their work. The right answer: "We'll come back and fix it at no charge during the warranty period." The wrong answer: "That's normal settling" or "concrete moves."
12. "Can I see photos of recent projects?"
Every professional contractor has a portfolio — on their website, social media, or phone. Ask for projects similar to yours (same material, similar property). Bonus points if they can provide references from those jobs.
Business and Payment (Questions 13–15)
13. "What does your quote include and exclude?"
The hidden costs of a fence project can add 25–40% to the base quote. Get explicit answers on: old fence removal, permit, gates, staining, difficult terrain, post-installation cleanup. Get it in writing.
14. "What's your payment schedule?"
Industry standard: a deposit (25–35%) at signing, with the balance due upon completion and your approval. Red flags: 100% upfront, cash only, or no written contract.
15. "When can you start, and how long will it take?"
Good contractors are booked 2–6 weeks out. Someone who can start tomorrow either isn't busy (why?) or is a crew that moves between contractors based on availability. The timeline should include: permit acquisition, 811 marking, installation, concrete cure time, and final walkthrough.
Red Flags That Mean "Keep Looking"
- No written estimate or contract — everything should be documented
- Asks for full payment upfront — standard is 25–35% deposit
- Can't name specific materials — vague on wood species, gauge, or brand
- Says you don't need a permit without checking your city code
- Door-to-door solicitation after a storm — storm chasers install fast and cheap
- No photos of recent work
- No insurance certificate
- Significantly cheaper than all other quotes — if one quote is 40% below the rest, something is being cut (depth, materials, concrete, labor quality)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get?
Minimum 3, ideally 4–5. This gives you a range to identify outliers (too high = premium, too low = cutting corners). Use our contractor directory to find rated companies in your city.
Should I always go with the cheapest quote?
No. Compare what's included in each quote — materials, gate count, post depth, concrete type, warranty, and timeline. The cheapest quote often excludes items the mid-range quotes include. See our cost per foot guide for realistic pricing.
What if the contractor doesn't know AFA standards?
Not every good contractor has formal AFA certification, but they should know the fundamentals: proper post depth, concrete cure time, 811 requirements, and local code compliance. If they can't answer questions 4–8 confidently, they lack the training that protects your investment.
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*Professional installation standards per American Fence Association Fence Installation School training across all disciplines.*