Before you sign a contract, here are 7 questions to ask your fence contractor. These questions are designed to not only help you vet your contractor to determine if you've got the right company, but also to help set expectations and improve communication to get you a higher quality outcome.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
This doesn't mean a contractor has to be in business for 20 years to be qualified.
But if a company has only been around for a few months, it's worth asking: What were you doing before you started this business?
Someone who is new to owning a business may still have decades of experience in the fencing industry. The important thing is understanding the experience behind the company.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have With This Type of Fence?
Fence installation has a lot of basic principles that apply across different fence types. But every fencing system also has its own requirements.
For example, some of our rail fence systems, such as Buckley Steel Board and Noble Estate, require very specific post spacing. These systems are more technical to install correctly than systems such as Ponderosa or Noble Contour, which allow more flexibility with post spacing.
Noble Contour is another good example. It uses different diameter posts in different parts of the fence. When setting a string line, the installer has to account for those differences so the center of the fence and rails remain straight.
So don't just ask whether a contractor "installs fences." Ask: How many feet of this specific fence style have you installed?
3. How Deep Do You Set Your Posts?
This is an especially important question in areas where the ground freezes.
As a general rule, fence posts should typically be installed at least 50% deeper than the average frost depth, with additional depth potentially required depending on the soil and project conditions. If your ground freezes to 20 inches on average, make sure the posts are a minimum of 30 inches deep.
The exact requirements can vary based on the fence system, soil conditions, terrain, and local climate. The point isn't to tell your contractor how to do their job, but rather to make sure that they have a dependable plan for installing your fence so that it stays straight, plumb, and stable for decades.
4. What Method Do You Plan To Use for Setting the Posts?
There are several ways fence posts can be installed, including:
- Wet-set concrete
- Dry-set concrete
- Dry-pack concrete
- Tamped soil
- Pounded posts
In many situations, more than one method can produce good results. However, certain installation methods may not be appropriate for every soil condition, fence system, or application.
Ask your contractor what method they plan to use and why. A good contractor should be able to explain their approach and make adjustments for varying soil conditions.
5. How Long Will the Project Take Once It Starts?
This is a simple question, but it's important for planning. If you're coordinating landscaping, moving livestock, scheduling other contractors, or planning around a property event, knowing the expected installation duration can make a big difference.
Ask for a realistic estimate of how long the actual installation will take once the crew begins and you could even take it a step farther and ask for a best case and worst case scenario.
6. What Is the Expected Lead Time Before Installation Begins?
There's a difference between:
- "How long will it take to build my fence?"
- "When can you actually start?"
Ask your contractor how long they expect it to be between signing the contract and the beginning of installation. Then ask a follow-up question: How confident are you that you'll be able to meet that timeline?
Construction schedules can change due to supplier delays, bad weather, team members getting sick and a variety of other factors. A good contractor should be willing to communicate honestly about expected lead times and potential delays.
7. Do You Think This Is the Best Fence for My Property?
This may be the most important question on the list. You don't necessarily want a contractor who simply takes orders. You want someone who will use their experience to help you make a good decision.
For example, you might walk into the process thinking you want a particular type of horse fence, only to discover that another system would better fit your terrain, budget, animals, or long-term goals. Sometimes a different fence may cost more upfront, but you'll be so glad you made the investment in the end.
Try to help your contractor feel comfortable telling you what they think is best for you even if it's different than what you had thought. The goal should be to work together to determine which fence will be the best for you over the long term.
The Right Contractor Should Feel Like a Partner
A good fence contractor shouldn't just be someone who shows up, installs the fence, and sends you a bill. They should act as a coach using their years of experience to help you accomplish your goals and dreams.
Final Thoughts
A fence is a significant investment, and choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right fence. Before you hire someone, take a few minutes to ask these questions. The answers can give you a much better understanding of their experience, their installation process, and whether they're truly interested in helping you find the right solution.
And remember, you don't have to know everything about fencing before you start.
It is our goal at Hold Em Fencing to be that top notch contractor described above. At the time of this writing, we don't service all of the US, but we are actively growing and expanding. Whether we install in your area yet or not, give us a call and see if our team can help guide you through the process and maybe we can even provide materials or install to help make your dreams come true.
Just call +1 (208) 765-8133
