What Questions Should I Ask a Fence Contractor?
Same Day Fence Company • Updated August 31, 2026
The most important questions to ask a fence contractor before hiring involve experience, insurance, materials, permits, utilities, scheduling, pricing, warranties, and exactly what is included in the written proposal. A good fence consultation should leave you with fewer unknowns, not more.
Start by asking how long the company has installed the type of fence you want and how often they work with that material or style.
- How long have you been installing this type of fence?
- Do you regularly install wood, aluminum, vinyl, chain link, or ornamental fencing?
- Who will be my main point of contact during the project?
- Is the work performed by employees, subcontract crews, or both?
- Can I see recent projects similar to mine?
- Do you carry appropriate general liability and workers compensation coverage?
If a particular license or certification applies to your project, ask for the credential and verify it before work begins.
Do not settle for a proposal that simply says “install fence.” Ask the contractor to explain the actual materials and construction details.
- What fence height and style are included?
- What size and type of posts will be used?
- What rails, pickets, panels, fabric, or hardware are included?
- How will the gates be framed and supported?
- What type of concrete or footing is used around the posts?
- How will slopes or grade changes be handled?
For chain link fencing, ask about fabric gauge, mesh size, coating, post sizes, rails or tension wire, and gate frames. For aluminum or ornamental steel, ask about panel grade, post size, coating, and gate hardware.
Before installation, responsibilities for the property should be clearly defined.
- Who confirms the fence line?
- Who requests Georgia 811 utility locating?
- Who is responsible for locating private utilities?
- Who handles permits, HOA approval, or zoning requirements?
- Do I need to move personal property, landscaping, or other obstacles?
- How are irrigation systems, landscape lighting, septic lines, or invisible pet fences handled?
Georgia 811 coordinates the marking of participating public utilities, but private systems such as irrigation, landscape lighting, invisible pet fencing, and some private service lines may require separate locating.
Ask what needs to happen before the crew arrives and what can affect the installation schedule.
- What is the expected installation timeline?
- How are weather delays handled?
- Are there material lead times?
- Who communicates scheduling changes?
- Does the crew need access to electricity or water?
- What should I do with pets during installation?
The estimate process is often a good indication of how the project itself will be managed. Clear communication before signing can prevent misunderstandings later.
Before signing, make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for and what could create additional charges.
- What is included and excluded from the quoted price?
- When are the deposit and final payment due?
- How are change orders approved and priced?
- Is removal and disposal of an existing fence included?
- Are permits or HOA services included?
- What workmanship warranty is provided?
- Are there separate manufacturer material warranties?
Also ask what happens if the crew encounters rock, buried concrete, an unmarked private utility, tree roots, or another unexpected site condition.
Metro Atlanta & Georgia Planning Notes
For Metro Atlanta and North Georgia fence projects, make sure responsibility for Georgia 811, private utility locating, HOA approval, and city or county permits is documented before installation begins.
Properties only a few miles apart can fall under different jurisdictions, HOAs, zoning requirements, and permit rules. Sloped lots, Georgia clay, retaining walls, narrow backyard access, tree roots, and drainage conditions can also affect how a fence should be installed.
Quick Fence Contractor Checklist
Use these questions to ask a fence contractor before signing your proposal:
- Who handles Georgia 811 and private utilities?
- Who handles permits or HOA requirements?
- What posts, rails, panels, and hardware are included?
- Who supervises the installation crew?
- How are changes documented and priced?
- What workmanship and material warranties apply?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most important question to ask a fence contractor?
Ask the contractor to explain exactly what is included and excluded in the written price. Many disputes begin with assumptions about the project scope.
Should I ask about fence post depth?
Yes. Ask how post depth and footing size are determined for the fence height, post type, soil conditions, wind exposure, and project requirements.
Should I ask who gets the fence permit?
Yes. Permit responsibility should be clear before signing because some contractors offer permit service while others make it the property owner's responsibility.
Does Georgia 811 mark irrigation and other private lines?
Not necessarily. Georgia 811 coordinates participating public utilities, while private systems such as irrigation, landscape lighting, invisible pet fencing, and some private service lines may require separate locating.
Helpful Fence Planning Resources
Planning a Fence Project in Metro Atlanta?
Same Day Fence Company provides residential and commercial fence installation throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. We can help you review fence materials, layout, gates, project requirements, and installation options before work begins.
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