Costs – Decks & Fences

Looking Beyond the Price Tag

Quotes and More

In the process of deciding which contractors will receive your business, it’s easy to be tempted by the lowest quote and call it a day. But without understanding what actually goes into the numbers on those estimates, you could end up with shoddy materials, corners cut on workmanship, or hidden costs that sneak up later. An unscrupulous contractor can quickly take advantage of your trust, leaving you with far less than you bargained for.

At A.D. Holmes Fence & Deck, we believe informed homeowners make the best choices for their properties. The following guide walks you through the crucial details that make or break a fence investment so you get lasting value, not just a “good price.”

This guide covers:

• Why comparing fence quotes is about more than just price tags
  
• Common pitfalls of picking the cheapest contractor
  
• How to check if you’re really comparing apples to apples on materials and layout
  
• The importance of premium versus budget-grade wood or vinyl, and quality installation methods
  
• What warranty coverage should really look like
  
• How references and reviews reveal contractor reliability
  
• Questions you must ask every contractor and the red flags to watch for

Use these tips to confidently evaluate your options, avoid costly mistakes, and choose a fence that delivers lasting quality and peace of mind.

Leveling the Playing Field

Before you can make a fair comparison, you need to ensure each quote covers the same scope of work. Start by checking that each estimate includes the same fence layout.

A proper quote should provide a detailed sketch or plan showing each fence line with measurements, the location of gates, and the positioning of the fence in relation to your property. Total linear footage should be clearly stated and match the layout shown in the plans.

If one quote seems significantly cheaper than others, verify that the contractor hasn’t simply measured less fencing or excluded sections you need. Additionally, make sure all quotes account for the same additional services.

Some contractors include removal and disposal of existing fencing in their base price while others list this as an additional charge. Clarify who handles permits, whether site preparation is included, and if any obstacles like trees, slopes, or rocky terrain require special attention that might affect pricing.

What Is It Made Of?

The materials used in your fence directly determine how long it will last and how much maintenance it requires. Yet material quality is often where some contractors cut corners.

Wood Fence Materials

When comparing wood fence quotes, don’t just accept vague descriptions such as “cedar” or “pressure-treated pine”. The grade and quality of wood varies tremendously and directly impacts your fence’s lifespan.

For cedar fencing, ask whether the contractor uses #1 grade cedar, lower quality #2, or construction grade cedar. Premium #1 grade cedar has fewer knots, less sapwood, and will last significantly longer than construction grade material. While #1 grade costs more upfront, it can extend your fence life by 5-10 years.

Pressure-treated lumber also comes in different retention levels that indicate how much preservative was forced into the wood. Ground contact rated lumber (0.40 or 0.60 retention level) provides superior rot resistance for posts that sit in soil compared to above-ground rated lumber (0.25 retention level). A quality contractor will specify ground contact treated lumber for all posts.

Additionally, it’s worth paying attention to whether the quote specifies kiln-dried lumber or green (wet) lumber. Kiln-dried lumber costs more but has already gone through its shrinking and warping process before installation, meaning your fence won’t shift the same way as green lumber would.

Vinyl and PVC Materials

Vinyl fencing quality varies based on the virgin PVC content, wall thickness, and UV inhibitors added during manufacturing. While perhaps branded as more eco-friendly, lower-priced vinyl often contains recycled materials that can become brittle over time and may develop a chalky appearance within a few years.

Premium vinyl fencing should be manufactured from virgin PVC with titanium dioxide added for UV resistance. Wall thickness matters significantly for strength and durability. Quality vinyl fence posts should have walls at least 0.125 inches thick. The thinner the vinyl, the more prone to cracking and bending.

Ask contractors to specify the manufacturer and product line they’re quoting. Reputable manufacturers stand behind their products with substantial warranties, while generic or store-brand vinyl often comes with limited coverage.

Aluminum and Metal Materials

For aluminum fencing, the gauge of the material determines strength. Commercial-grade aluminum uses heavier gauge rails and pickets than residential-grade options. The coating thickness and quality of the powder coating also affect how well the fence resists corrosion and maintains its appearance.

Ask about the coating warranty and whether the manufacturer provides coverage against fading, chalking, and rust. Quality aluminum fencing typically includes a baked-on powder coating that should carry at least a 15-20 year finish warranty.

How Is It Built?

Even the best materials won’t perform well if they’re installed badly. Long-term quality takes a longer time to install, and quick installations typically lead to quick failures in your fencing.

Post Installation Techniques

The way fence posts are set determines the structural integrity of your entire fence. This is arguably the most important aspect of fence construction and doing it right is critical.

In most climates, posts need to extend at least one-third of their total height below ground to prevent frost heave. For an 8-foot privacy fence, that means posts need to be buried at least 2.5 to 3 feet deep in properly prepared holes.

Ask contractors specifically how they set posts:

• What diameter holes do they dig? Holes should be 8-12 inches in diameter to allow for proper concrete footing around the post.
  
• Do they use concrete for all posts, or just corner and gate posts? Quality installations use concrete for all posts to maximize stability and prevent leaning over time. Some contractors use gravel-only post setting to save time and money. While this may work in heavy clay soils, it’s generally less durable than concrete and more prone to post movement over time.
  
• How deep do they set posts? Verify the depth meets or exceeds local building codes and is sufficient for your fence height.
  
• How long do they wait for concrete to cure before attaching rails and panels? Concrete should cure for at least 24-48 hours before the fence is completed to ensure posts remain level and properly aligned.
  

Connection Methods

How rails connect to posts significantly impacts fence durability and longevity. There are several methods, and not all are created equal.

• Toe-screwing or toe-nailing: Rails are attached at an angle through the face. This is the weakest method and most prone to failure as wood moves.
  
• Direct screwing through post face: Better than toe-screwing but still allows water to penetrate the post at connection points.
  
• Brackets and hangers: Metal brackets provide the strongest connection and help shed water away from the post. This is the premium installation method.

For picket attachment, quality contractors use corrosion-resistant deck screws or ring-shank nails rather than standard nails that can work loose over time. Ask specifically what fasteners will be used and whether they’re rated for exterior use and compatible with treated lumber.

What Happens Later?

Warranties are there to protect your investment and additionally demonstrate a contractor’s confidence in their work. However, warranties vary dramatically, and understanding exactly what’s covered requires careful reading of the terms.

Fence warranties typically fall into two categories: workmanship warranties and material warranties. Both are important, but they cover different aspects of your fence.

Workmanship Warranties

A workmanship warranty covers defects and issues arising from the installation process. This includes rails or panels becoming misaligned, gates not operating correctly or failing to latch, fasteners working loose or failing prematurely, and in some cases posts becoming loose or leaning.

Quality fence contractors typically offer workmanship warranties ranging from one to five years. Some premium contractors offer even longer coverage. This warranty should cover both the labor to fix issues and any materials damaged due to faulty installation.

Pay special attention to what’s excluded from workmanship warranties. Most don’t cover damage from extreme weather events, soil movement from freeze-thaw cycles, accidents, or normal wear and tear.

However, if posts lean due to improper depth or insufficient concrete, that should be covered as an installation defect.

Material Warranties

Material warranties come from the manufacturer, not the contractor, and cover defects in the fence materials themselves. These typically include warping, splitting, or rotting in wood beyond normal expectations, cracking or brittleness in vinyl, rust or corrosion in metal fencing, and premature fading or discoloration in all types.

Material warranties vary widely by product.

• Pressure-treated lumber might carry a 15-20 year limited warranty against rot and insect damage.
• Premium vinyl fencing often includes limited lifetime warranties against manufacturing defects.
• Aluminum fencing typically offers 15-25 year finish warranties.

Read the fine print on material warranties carefully! Many are prorated, meaning coverage decreases over time. A “lifetime” warranty might provide full replacement in year one but only 20% coverage by year ten. Some warranties only cover material replacement, not the labor to remove failed materials and install replacements.

Getting Warranty Terms in Writing

Don’t accept verbal warranty promises. Insist that all warranty terms be clearly spelled out in your contract, including:

• Specific duration of workmanship coverage
  
• Exactly what workmanship issues are covered and excluded
  
• Material manufacturer and specific product line being installed
  
• Full details of manufacturer warranty coverage
  
• Process for making warranty claims
  
• Whether warranty is transferable if you sell your property

Past Clients Can Answer Your Questions

A contractor makes many promises with their descriptions of the materials and construction methods they’ll use and warranties are there to provide coverage in case something goes wrong. However, references and reviews reveal what they actually deliver.

The Power of Third-Party Reviews

Online reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and HomeStars provide unfiltered insights from real customers.

When evaluating reviews, look for patterns rather than focusing on individual comments. A few negative reviews among dozens of positive ones shouldn’t necessarily disqualify a contractor, but consistent complaints about specific issues should catch your attention.

If you don’t see it mentioned, it would be worth asking your contractor if the crew cleans the site of debris or if the homeowner has to handle it. You should also be able to see how contractors respond to negative reviews. A professional response that acknowledges the issue and explains how it was resolved demonstrates accountability and customer service commitment.

By the time you’ve poured over their reviews, you should be able to tell the quality of their work, their professionalism, and commitment to the timetables they set.

Requesting Direct References

In addition to online reviews, ask contractors for direct references from recent projects similar to yours. A reputable contractor will readily provide contact information for satisfied customers who have agreed to serve as references, and it should set off alarm bells if they only provide a couple or outright refuse to provide any.

When speaking with references, ask specific questions:

• Did the project come in on budget, or were there unexpected costs?
  
• How did the contractor handle any challenges or changes that came up?
  
• Has the fence held up well since installation?
  
• Would you hire this contractor again for another project?
  
• Is there anything you wish you had known before starting the project?

Ideally, references will be enthusiastic in their recommendations. And if possible, ask to see completed projects in person. Viewing the contractor’s work firsthand allows you to assess quality and see how fences have held up over time.

Green Means Go, Red Means Stop

Certain red flags during the quoting process should make you pause before signing a contract, regardless of how attractive the price might seem.

• Pressure Tactics and “Act Now” Demands: Reputable contractors don’t pressure you to sign immediately or claim special pricing expires if you don’t commit on the spot. A quality contractor understands the significant investment you’re making and respects your need to shop around before committing.
  
• Vague or Missing Details: Quotes that provide only a lump sum price without itemizing materials, labor, and other costs make it impossible to compare fairly with other bids. If a contractor resists providing specifics about materials, installation methods, or project timeline, consider it a warning sign.
  
• Reluctance to Provide Credentials: Any legitimate fence contractor should readily provide proof of licensing and insurance. If a contractor makes excuses or becomes defensive when asked for these credentials, walk away. Working with an unlicensed or uninsured contractor puts you at financial and legal risk if accidents occur or work doesn’t meet code requirements.
  
• Significantly Lower Pricing: While everyone appreciates a good deal, a quote that’s drastically lower than all others is suspicious. Low-ball pricing often indicates the contractor plans to cut corners in some way or add unexpected charges as the project progresses.
  
• Request for Large Upfront Payment: Standard practice typically involves a modest deposit to secure materials and scheduling, with the balance due upon satisfactory completion. Contractors requesting 50% or more upfront may have cash flow problems or a history of abandoning jobs.
  
• No Physical Business Address: Contractors who work exclusively from vehicles without a permanent office location are harder to hold accountable. Legitimate businesses should have verifiable physical addresses (though not always storefronts) and established business phone numbers.
  
• Trust Your Instincts: Beyond comparing specifications and numbers, pay attention to your overall impression of each contractor. Your gut feeling matters.

The Final Decision

After thoroughly comparing quotes using materials, construction methods, warranties, and references, you’ll be ready to make the right decision for your situation. Always remember that while the lowest price rarely delivers the best value, the highest price doesn’t automatically guarantee the highest quality.

Look for contractors who provide detailed quotes, use quality and climate appropriate materials, demonstrate proper craftsmanship, provide detailed warranties and have an established record of satisfied customers.

At A.D. Holmes Fence & Deck, we’ve built our reputation over 20 years by delivering quality craftsmanship, using premium materials, and treating every customer’s property as if it were our own. We believe transparency in quoting and construction methods helps homeowners make informed decisions that they’ll be happy with for decades to come.

Your fence is a significant investment that affects your property’s appearance, functionality, and value for years. Taking the time to properly evaluate your options ensures you select a contractor who will deliver a fence that meets your expectations.

By looking beyond the price tag and considering everything outlined in this guide, you’re sure to make a decision you can feel confident about.