If you’ve checked the yellow pages or searched the Internet for fence companies, you may have found hundreds of companies in the Houston metro area to choose from. So, how do you narrow the field to choose the right fence company for your job?

Quality Assurance

When you’re hiring a fence contractor (or any home and garden company, for that matter), you certainly want assurance that the company is reputable and delivers quality work. Consider the following questions for narrowing your field of prospective fence companies:

Can you provide references of recent work?

Does your company guarantee its work?

Do your fences come with a manufacturer warranty?

Is there any maintenance cost involved for the fence you select?

Do you provide a detailed written estimate?

What is your payment structure?

Can you provide proof of valid license and insurance?

License and Insurance, Please

The next order of business is checking for valid business licensing and insurance of prospective fence companies. This is a critical step to ensure you’re not held holding the bag for any injuries or damage that may occur on or to your property. Make a quick call to the insurance carriers of prospective fence contractors to confirm that policies are up to date.

Handling the Legwork

One common snafu for home projects is performing work without the proper permits. In general, fences below 8-feet tall that are not constructed of masonry or concrete don’t require a permit. However, permit requirements also depend on zoning and your HOA, where applicable. Hire a fence company that will handle these issues for you.