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How to hire a Fencing Contractor

Fencing contractors install and repair fences made of wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, wrought iron, and composite materials. A well-built fence provides privacy, security, curb appeal, and increased property value. Getting the installation right the first time avoids costly repairs.

$15 to $50

per linear foot

10 steps

Full hiring checklist

8 red flags

Warning signs to catch

The hiring checklist.

Work through these before you hire any fencing contractor. Skip a step and it's usually the one that comes back to bite you.

  1. 01

    Check licensing

    Some states and municipalities require fencing contractors to be licensed. Check your local requirements.

  2. 02

    Verify insurance

    Confirm general liability insurance to protect against property damage during installation.

  3. 03

    Know your property lines

    Get a survey or confirm your property boundaries before installing a fence. Building on a neighbor's property creates legal problems.

  4. 04

    Check local regulations

    Zoning laws, HOA rules, and setback requirements may dictate fence height, style, and placement. Your contractor should know these.

  5. 05

    Get multiple estimates

    Estimates should specify material type, post spacing, post depth, hardware, gates, and total linear feet.

  6. 06

    Discuss material options

    Compare durability, maintenance, cost, and appearance of wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, and composite fencing.

  7. 07

    Ask about post installation

    Posts should be set in concrete to the appropriate depth (typically one-third of the total post length). Ask about their method.

  8. 08

    Review their work

    Ask for photos and references. Drive by recent fence installations to check for straight lines, consistent spacing, and quality gates.

  9. 09

    Confirm gate placement and hardware

    Discuss gate width, hinge type, latch style, and whether the gate will accommodate equipment like lawnmowers.

  10. 10

    Get a written contract

    Include material specs, linear footage, gate details, timeline, total price, and warranty on materials and labor.

Red flags to watch for.

Any one of these should give you pause. Two or more, and it's time to walk away.

  • Does not check property lines before starting
  • Ignores local zoning or HOA requirements
  • Sets posts without concrete footings
  • Uses undersized posts for the fence height
  • Cannot explain different material options
  • No written estimate or contract
  • Has no examples of previous fence installations
  • Demands full payment before materials are delivered

Questions to ask first.

Ask these before you sign anything. The answers tell you fast who knows the work and who's improvising.

  1. 01What material do you recommend for my needs and budget?
  2. 02How deep will the posts be set and will they be in concrete?
  3. 03Are you familiar with the local zoning and HOA rules for fencing?
  4. 04How many gates are included and what hardware will you use?
  5. 05What is the expected lifespan of this fence?
  6. 06What warranty do you offer on materials and labor?
  7. 07How long will the installation take?
  8. 08Do I need a permit and will you handle it?

What to verify.

Confirm every one of these in writing before you sign a contract with any fencing contractor.

  • Contractor license (if required locally)
  • General liability insurance
  • Knowledge of local zoning and HOA requirements
  • Portfolio of recent installations
  • References from past clients

Average cost

$15 to $50

per linear foot

Prices swing with location, project complexity, and the fencing contractor's experience. Always get multiple written estimates and compare them line by line, not just on the bottom number, before you decide.

Find licensed fencing contractors near you.

Browse verified listings with ratings, reviews, and licensing details in the free Vemra directory, then request quotes from the ones you've vetted.

Search fencing contractors

Common questions.

How much does a new fence cost?
Fence costs vary widely by material: chain link runs $15 to $25 per linear foot installed, wood costs $20 to $40 per linear foot, vinyl runs $25 to $50 per linear foot, and aluminum ranges from $25 to $55 per linear foot. A typical 200-foot residential fence costs $4,000 to $10,000.
How long does fence installation take?
A professional crew can typically install 100 to 200 linear feet of fencing per day. A standard residential fence takes one to three days. Factors include terrain, material type, and the number of gates.
What is the most durable fence material?
Vinyl and aluminum are the most durable and lowest maintenance options, lasting 20 to 30 years with minimal upkeep. Pressure-treated wood lasts 15 to 20 years with regular staining or sealing. Cedar lasts 15 to 25 years. Chain link lasts 15 to 20 years.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most municipalities require a permit for new fence installation. The permit process typically involves submitting a site plan showing the fence location, height, and setback from property lines. Your fencing contractor should handle the permit application.

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