Two quotes. Same fence. Different prices.
It's easy to look at the numbers and assume the cheaper quote is the better deal. Sometimes it is. But sometimes the lower price simply means something was left out.
A fence quote isn't just a price for boards and posts. There is a lot that goes into building a fence that looks good, stays in place, and holds up over time.
Here's what you're actually paying for when you hire a professional fence company in Fort Worth.
What goes into an accurate estimate
Every property is different.
Fort Worth yards can have clay soil, slopes, drainage issues, tree roots, narrow access points, or other conditions that affect how the fence needs to be installed.
That's why a good estimate starts with understanding the property and what the project actually involves. Depending on the project, that may mean asking detailed questions over the phone or looking at the property in person.
If a quote doesn't account for the conditions of your lot, it's difficult to know whether the price actually covers everything the installation will require.
Posts that are built for Fort Worth soil
Fort Worth's clay soil can be tough on fence posts. It expands when it gets wet and contracts as it dries, creating movement around the posts throughout the year.
Posts that aren't installed properly can start shifting over time, and once a post moves, the fence section connected to it moves too.
A professional installation takes post depth, concrete, soil conditions, and drainage into consideration. You may not see those details spelled out in a large line item on your estimate, but they can make a big difference in how the fence performs years down the road.
Materials that make sense for the climate
The materials used on your fence matter just as much as the installation.
Not all cedar is the same grade, and not all hardware is going to perform the same way in the North Texas climate. A good fence company should be able to explain what materials they're using and why they're appropriate for your project.
Choosing the right materials from the beginning can help reduce issues such as premature warping, rot, corrosion, and hardware failure.
Permits when they're required
Depending on the project, a fence installation may require a permit from the city.
Permit requirements can vary based on things such as fence height, location, and property type. If a permit is required, it needs to be handled before the work begins.
A professional fence company should know when a permit is needed and include that process in the project rather than leaving the homeowner to figure it out afterward.
At Top Rail Fence, we handle the permit process for projects where one is required.
A workmanship warranty
There's a difference between a material warranty and a workmanship warranty.
A material warranty generally covers the product itself. A workmanship warranty covers the installation.
Before hiring a fence company, ask exactly what their workmanship warranty covers and how long it lasts. It's an important question, especially when comparing two quotes that appear similar on paper.
Our workmanship warranty covers the installation. If an issue comes from the way the fence was installed, we'll address it.
Cleanup is part of the job
The job isn't finished just because the last post is in the ground.
Once the installation is complete, the work area should be cleaned up. That means removing fence debris, leftover materials, and equipment from the property.
You shouldn't have to spend your weekend cleaning up after the contractor. When we leave, the goal is for your yard to look the way it did when we arrived—with a new fence in it.
Questions to ask before you hire a fence company
If you're comparing quotes, don't just compare the final number. Ask what's included.
Here are a few questions worth asking:
- How deep will you set the posts?
- What concrete and installation method do you use?
- Will you handle permits if the project requires one?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover?
- Will your own crew install the fence, or will you use a subcontractor?
- Is cleanup included in the price?
The answers can tell you a lot about what you're actually getting for the price you're paying.
Looking for a fence company in Fort Worth?
If you're planning a new fence, we're happy to walk you through the options and give you a clear estimate based on your property and project.
Call 817-803-3338 for a free estimate from Top Rail Fence Fort Worth.