April 23, 2025

By: Texas Fence

Hiring a Fence Contractor? Here’s What Every Homeowner Should Know (From The Fence Experts)

Looking to hire a fence contractor but not sure where to start? We get it.

After 20+ years in the fence industry here in Houston, We’ve seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to fence installation.

Today, We’re sharing what you really need to know before you hand over your hard-earned money to any fence contractor.

Why Choosing the Right Fence Contractor Matters More Than You Think

Let me tell you a quick story. (names changed to protect the innocent)

Last summer, we got a call from Janet in Katy. She’d hired a “discount” fence contractor who promised to build her cedar fence for 30% less than other quotes.

Six months later, her fence was leaning, posts were rotting, and gates wouldn’t close properly. The company? No replies when she called.

We ended up rebuilding the entire fence – properly this time.

The truth is a fence is more than just a boundary for your property:

It’s a major investment that affects your home’s value
It’s a security feature protecting your family and pets
It’s something you’ll look at every single day for years
It’s often the first impression visitors get of your home

A quality fence contractor doesn’t just put up a fence – they create something that lasts, looks great, and actually does the job you need it to do.

7 Critical Questions to Ask Any Fence Contractor (That Most Homeowners Don’t)

When you’re interviewing fence contractors in Houston (or anywhere), here are the questions that separate the professionals from the pretenders:

1. “How do you handle post installation?”

This is the foundation of your entire fence. If they don’t go deep enough or use the right concrete mix, you’ll have problems within a year.

What to look for:

Posts should be set at least 24″ deep in our Houston soil
They should use proper concrete
They should know about our specific soil challenges in different parts of Houston

2. “What grade of materials do you use?”

There’s a huge difference between fence-grade lumber and the cheaper stuff some contractors try to slip by you.

What to look for:

For cedar fences: #1 grade Western Red Cedar (not the cheaper white cedar)
For pine: pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact
For hardware: hot-dipped galvanized (not just coated) to prevent rust

We’ve literally seen contractors use indoor lumber on outdoor fences. It rots within months in our humidity.

3. “Can I see your insurance certificate?”

This is non-negotiable. If they hesitate at all, walk away.

What to look for:

General liability insurance (minimum $1M coverage)
Workers’ compensation insurance
A willingness to provide proof without hesitation

If someone gets hurt on your property and the contractor isn’t properly insured, guess who might be liable? You.

4. “What’s your warranty, and what exactly does it cover?”

The length of the warranty matters less than what it actually covers.

What to look for:

Coverage for materials AND labor (not just materials)
Clear explanation of what voids the warranty
Transferable warranty if you sell your home
No “fine print” exclusions that make it worthless

5. “Who’s actually doing the installation?”

Many fence contractors win your business, then subcontract to the lowest bidder.

What to look for:

Company employees (not day laborers or subcontractors)
Crews that have worked together for years
Background-checked workers who are legally authorized to work
Supervisors who will be on-site during installation

Our crews at Texas Fence have been with us an average over 7 years, most much longer. They’re not learning on your job.

6. “How do you handle special situations like property lines, permits, and HOA approvals?”

A true professional handles the complicated stuff for you.

What to look for:

Experience with local HOAs and their requirements
Knowledge of permit processes in your specific area
Willingness to help with paperwork and submissions
Clear communication about property line issues

We’ve worked with just about every HOA in the Houston area and know exactly what each one requires – often saving our customers weeks of back-and-forth.

7. “What’s your payment schedule?”

This tells you a lot about their financial stability and confidence.

What to look for:

No more than 50% deposit upfront
Final payment only when you’re satisfied
Clear milestone payments for larger projects
No pressure tactics around payment

Red flag: Any fence contractor demanding 100% payment upfront is a huge risk.

The Right Materials Make All the Difference (But Most Homeowners Don’t Know This)

As a fence contractor serving Houston for decades, We’ve learned which fence materials stand up to our unique climate:

Cedar Fencing: Not All Cedar Is Created Equal

The most popular choice for Houston homes, but there are huge differences in quality:

What to look for:

Western Red Cedar (not Eastern White Cedar – it’s weaker)
Boards at least 5/8″ thick (not the thinner 1/2″ that warps easily)
Kiln-dried lumber (reduces warping in our humidity)
Proper spacing between pickets to allow for expansion

This is where many fence contractors cut corners. That “too good to be true” quote? They’re probably using inferior cedar that will look terrible in a year.

Pressure-Treated Pine: A Cost-Effective Option (If Done Right)

Pressure-treated wood can be excellent if your fence contractor knows what they’re doing:

What to look for:

Ground-contact rated lumber (many contractors use the cheaper above-ground stuff)
Treatment level of .40 or higher for our humid climate
Proper drainage design to prevent standing water
Stainless steel fasteners (regular nails will rust and stain the wood)

Wrought Iron and Ornamental Steel: Beauty That Lasts

For ornamental fences, the fabrication quality makes all the difference:

What to look for:

Welded connections (not just screwed together)
Proper primer and powder coating (not just paint)
Flared picket ends for drainage
Quality gate hardware that won’t sag over time

The Texas Fence Difference: What Sets Professional Fence Contractors Apart

After two decades as a fence contractor in Houston, We’ve learned that certain installation techniques make the difference between a fence that lasts 5 years versus 15+ years:

Proper Post Setting Techniques

Superior Gate Construction

Smart Design for Houston’s Climate

Red Flags: How to Spot a Bad Fence Contractor Before It’s Too Late

In all our years at Texas Fence, We’ve heard countless horror stories from homeowners who chose the wrong fence contractor. Here’s what to watch out for:

The “Too Good To Be True” Quote

If a quote is significantly lower than others (more than 15-20%), there’s a reason:

They’re using inferior materials
They’re planning to cut corners on installation
They may add “surprise” charges later
They might not finish the job at all

The Pressure Tactics

Good fence contractors are busy, but beware of high-pressure sales tactics:

“This price is only good today”
“We had a cancellation and can start tomorrow if you sign now”
Refusing to provide a detailed written estimate
Pushing for large cash deposits

The Vague Contract

A professional fence contractor provides clear, detailed contracts:

Red flags in contracts:

Missing specifics about materials (grades, dimensions, etc.)
Unclear payment terms
No clear timeline
Missing or vague warranty information
No mention of cleanup or debris removal

The Communication Issues

How they communicate before the job tells you everything about how they’ll handle problems later:

Slow to respond to calls or emails
Vague answers to specific questions
Unable to provide references
No physical address for their business

Why Local Experience Matters When Choosing a Fence Contractor

Houston has unique challenges that fence contractors from other areas might not understand:

Houston’s Clay Soil

Our soil expands and contracts dramatically with moisture changes. An experienced local fence contractor knows:

How to properly set posts to resist shifting
Where in Houston the soil is most challenging
How to design drainage to prevent fence damage

HOA Requirements

Many Houston neighborhoods have strict HOA requirements. At Texas Fence, we know:

The specific requirements for each major HOA
How to handle the approval process efficiently
Common issues that cause rejections
How to modify designs to meet guidelines while still looking great

Local Regulations

Different areas around Houston have different permit requirements:

We know which areas require permits and inspections
We handle the paperwork as part of our service
We’re familiar with setback requirements and property line rules
We understand flood plain considerations for fence installation

Questions Houston Homeowners Frequently Ask About Hiring a Fence Contractor

How much should a quality fence cost in Houston?

For cedar privacy fencing in 2025, expect to pay $40-75 per linear foot for professional installation from a reputable fence contractor. Prices vary based on:

Height (6′ vs. 8′)
Style (cap and trim, board-on-board, etc.)
Grade of materials
Site challenges (slope, clearing needed, etc.)

Beware of quotes significantly below this range – there’s always a reason.

How long should fence installation take?

For an average residential fence (150-200 linear feet):

1-2 days for a professional crew of 3-4 people
Add extra time for complex designs, difficult terrain, or larger properties
Quality fence contractors book 2-4 weeks in advance during busy seasons

If someone says they can start tomorrow during spring or summer, that’s actually a red flag.

Do I need to be home during installation?

Ideally, you should be present for:

The initial layout to confirm property lines and gate locations
The final walkthrough to inspect the completed fence

A good fence contractor will work with your schedule for these key points.

What about old fence removal?

Professional fence contractors handle this as part of the service:

Old fence removal should be included in your quote
Materials should be properly disposed of (not just left for bulk pickup)
The area should be cleaned before new installation begins

How do I maintain my new fence?

For cedar fences in Houston:

Wait 30-60 days before staining to allow wood to dry properly
Use a quality oil-based stain (we recommend TWP or Ready Seal)
Reapply every 2-3 years
Avoid pressure washing (it damages the wood)

For pressure-treated pine:

Wait 6 months before staining to allow chemicals to stabilize
Use a quality sealant designed for pressure-treated wood
Check annually for any loose boards or protruding nails

Making Your Final Decision: How to Choose the Right Fence Contractor

After all my years in the fence industry, here’s my honest advice for making your final decision:

Get Multiple Quotes (But Not Too Many)

Aim for 3 quotes from established fence contractors
Make sure each quote specifies exactly the same materials and design
Be suspicious if one quote is significantly higher or lower than others
Ask for itemization so you can compare apples to apples

Check Their Real-World References

Ask for addresses of fences they installed 3+ years ago (not just recent jobs)
Drive by and look at their work in person if possible
Ask for references in your specific neighborhood
Talk to at least 2-3 past customers

Verify Everything

Check their business registration (should be 5+ years old)
Verify their insurance is current
Check BBB ratings and complaint history
Look beyond Google reviews (they can be manipulated)

Trust Your Gut

In my experience, homeowners who ignore red flags often regret it:

Did they show up on time for the estimate?
Did they listen to your concerns or just push their ideas?
Did they take measurements or just “eyeball” everything?
Do they communicate professionally?

Why We’ve Been Houston’s Trusted Fence Contractor Since 2003

At Texas Fence, we’ve built our reputation on doing things right the first time:

We use only premium materials appropriate for Houston’s climate
Our crews are full-time employees (not day laborers)
We handle everything from HOA approvals to permits
We offer straightforward pricing with no surprise charges
We stand behind our work with a real warranty

Our customers tell us the difference is in the details – from perfectly aligned pickets to gates that still swing perfectly years later.

But don’t just take my word for it. I invite you to check our reviews, drive by our projects, and compare our work to any other fence contractor in Houston.

Ready to Talk About Your Fence Project?

Whether you’re replacing an aging fence or building one for the first time, we’re here to help you make informed decisions.

Contact Texas Fence today for a free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll walk you through your options, provide a detailed quote, and show you why we’ve been Houston’s most trusted fence contractor for over two decades.

Remember – the right fence contractor doesn’t just build a fence. They create something that enhances your home, protects your family, and stands the test of time.

FAQs About Hiring a Fence Contractor

How long should a professionally installed fence last in Houston?

With proper installation from a quality fence contractor, expect:

Cedar fences: 12-15+ years
Pressure-treated pine: 15-20+ years
Ornamental iron/steel: 20+ years
Vinyl: 25+ years

What’s the best time of year to install a fence in Houston?

The ideal time is during our drier months (typically February-May), but a professional fence contractor can install year-round with proper techniques.

How do I know if my property needs a survey before fence installation?

You should consider a survey if:

You can’t locate existing property markers
There’s any dispute with neighbors about boundaries
Your property has irregular boundaries
You don’t have a recent survey on file

A reputable fence contractor will help you determine if a survey is necessary.

What’s the difference between a handyman who builds fences and a professional fence contractor?

A dedicated fence contractor offers:

Specialized knowledge and equipment
Proper licensing and insurance
Experience with local codes and HOA requirements
Volume purchasing of quality materials
Crews that install fences daily (not occasionally)
Warranties backed by an established business

Should I remove my old fence before getting quotes?

No – let the fence contractor see the existing fence. This helps them:

Assess any site challenges
Identify property line issues
Determine if existing posts can be reused
Provide a more accurate quote including removal

What deposit should I expect to pay a fence contractor?

A reputable fence contractor typically requires:

30-50% deposit to order materials
Remainder due upon satisfactory completion
Never pay 100% upfront
Be wary of cash-only fence contractors

How do I prepare my yard for fence installation?

To help your fence contractor work efficiently:

Mark sprinkler heads and lines if possible
Remove obstacles from the fence line
Keep pets secured away from the work area
Identify plants you want to protect
Ensure gate access for materials delivery

Can I install a fence myself instead of hiring a fence contractor?

While DIY is possible, consider:

A professional fence contractor completes in days what might take you weeks
Pros have specialized tools and equipment
Proper post-setting requires experience
Mistakes can be costly to fix later
Warranty protection gives peace of mind

What’s the biggest mistake people make when hiring a fence contractor?

Choosing based solely on price. The lowest bid often results in:

Inferior materials that fail prematurely
Improper installation techniques
Additional costs for repairs within 1-2 years
Frustration and disappointment

How do reputable fence contractors handle payment?

Professional fence contractors:

Provide detailed written estimates
Accept multiple payment methods (not just cash)
Don’t demand final payment until you’re satisfied
Have clear policies about change orders
Provide receipts and warranty information

Remember, when hiring a fence contractor, the goal isn’t just getting a fence installed – it’s having a quality fence that will look great and function properly for many years to come.