How do I verify a fence contractor?

Fence installation is one of the lower-licensure trades in residential construction. Most states do not require a specific fencing license; the work falls under general contractor licensing (where applicable) or general business registration.

Licensing landscape:

- California: C-13 Fencing specialty class through CSLB; required for projects above $500. - Arizona: C-13 Fencing through ROC. - Florida: registered specialty contractor for fencing in many counties. - Texas: no statewide fence license; municipal business license applies. - Most no-statewide-GC-license states: no specific fence license required. - Pool fence/safety barrier installations may require pool contractor licensing in some states.

What requires more verification than the license alone:

1. Property line awareness. Many fence disputes arise from fences installed on the wrong side of the property line. The fence contractor is not a surveyor; they should require a survey or work from existing markers, not from the homeowner's assumption.

2. Easement awareness. Utility easements, drainage easements, conservation easements can prohibit fence installation. Verify before signing.

3. HOA approval. In HOA neighborhoods, fence style, height, and material may be regulated. Contractor should request HOA approval documentation.

4. Local code compliance. Setback requirements, height limits (typically 6' rear, 4' front in most jurisdictions), pool fence safety codes, sight-distance triangles at corners.

5. Underground utility location. Call 811 (state One Call) before digging. The contractor should request this. Damage to underground utilities is the contractor's responsibility but can disrupt your neighbors and your property.

How to verify:

1. Secretary of State entity status.

2. Court records. Property damage lawsuits (fence on neighbor's property), mechanics' liens, breach of contract.

3. Insurance. $1M+ general liability. Property damage coverage specifically — common claim is "fence installed on neighbor's property" requiring removal and reinstallation.

4. References on similar work (material, height, length).

5. Photos of past installations. Visual quality varies widely; ask for portfolio.

6. Permit awareness. Many jurisdictions require fence permits above certain heights (typically 6' or 7'). Contractor should know local rules.

7. 811 (One Call) protocol. Ask: "When do you call 811 before starting?" Should be 2-3 business days before digging.

Red flags:

- Quote without seeing a survey or property pin markers. Fence on the wrong side of the line is a common dispute. - No discussion of HOA approval (in HOA neighborhoods). - No discussion of 811 marking. - Refusal to provide insurance certificate. - Cash-only payment. - Door-to-door solicitation, especially "we're working in the neighborhood."

Pool fence specifics:

- Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act and most state and local codes require self-closing, self-latching pool fences meeting specific height, gap, and barrier requirements. - Pool fence installations typically require building permits and inspection. - The contractor should know local code or coordinate with the pool contractor.

Common fence disputes:

- Fence on neighbor's property. Survey or remove/reinstall at contractor's expense. - Damage to underground utilities (water main, sewer, gas, electric, fiber, irrigation). 811 marking is the defense. - Inadequate posts (depth, concrete) leading to leaning fence within 12-24 months. - Material substitution (cedar replaced with pine, vinyl substituted with cheaper grade). - Gate failure (hardware fails within months).

Groundcheck (earthmove.io/trust) verifies state fence-contractor licensing where it exists (California, Arizona), Secretary of State entity status, court records (relevant for property damage claims), and OSHA history. Local permit and HOA verification are separate — check with the building department and HOA directly.