9 Best Fencing Companies When Hiring a Pro

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What to Look for in a Professional Fencing Company

Fence installation is a common DIY home improvement project because a fence can be relatively simple to plan and build. However, there’s no shame in hiring out the project, especially if it’s a very long fence. If you hire a pro, they take care of purchasing materials and having them delivered, digging holes in what may be rocky ground and making sure the fence conforms to local setback and design codes and restrictions.

There are many national, regional and local fencing installation companies across the U.S. If you decide to hire pros to install a fence, utilize online customer reviews, and ask friends and family if they have recommendations. It’s a big project, so take your time deciding who to hire. Whenever possible, get more than one bid so you can compare your options. Here’s a list of the most important things to consider when vetting fencing companies:

• Look for a specialist: General contractors can build fences, but if they don’t specialize, they may not be helpful with fence design, and then that falls on you. If you’re already settled on the fence material and design, a general contractor may be able to offer a fair price for installation, but a contractor who does only fencing will likely have better access to wholesale materials and be able to offer a better price.
• Check credentials: Any contractor you hire for a home improvement project should be licensed and insured. Otherwise, you aren’t covered for problems that crop up, such as defects in workmanship, onsite accidents and substandard materials. Some states, such as California, require extra accreditation for fencing contractors, and many fencing specialists hold Certified Fence Contractor (CFC) accreditation from the Accreditation & Certification Institute (a national organization). CFC accreditation is largely voluntary and is an indication that the contractor who holds it is serious about quality.
• Compare quotes: Some contractors charge by the linear foot and others by the hour, but most will quote a fixed price based on the length of the fence as well as the design and materials. These quotes are likely to vary from contractor to contractor, so be sure to get more than one bid for comparison. Get signed copies of estimates so when you choose one, you have documentation of the agreed upon cost if there are overcharges when problems arise. Don’t forget to ask about warranties and warranty periods, because they can also differ greatly.
• Get references: Any reputable fencing contractor will happily give you local references. Follow up as many as you can. That’s the best way to find out whether the contractor works in a timely way and delivers as promised. You can also make inquiries about contractors on media apps like NextDoor and Facebook groups, where you’re likely to find people more responsive, given that people these days seldom answer their phone if they don’t recognize the number. It’s also worth a look at fences the contractor has built to get an idea of the quality you can expect.
• Check the company history: A fencing contractor with a good track record over several years is a better bet than one who is just starting out. You might have to pay a little more for experience and a good reputation, but it’s almost always worth it.

If your search for a fencing company hits a snag, here is a list of some of the top ones that operate regionally or nationally. It isn’t exhaustive because it doesn’t include companies and contractors that operate only in your area, but it’s a good start.