Installing a fence is more than a curb-appeal upgrade; it’s an investment in privacy, safety, property value, and daily life. Whether you're enclosing a yard for children and pets, framing a garden, or adding security and style to your property, selecting the right fencing service matters. This guide walks you through the essential factors to evaluate so you can hire a team that delivers professional results, on budget and on schedule.

Start With a Clear Project Goal

Before you call contractors, write down what you want the fence to accomplish. Is your priority privacy, security, aesthetics, or low maintenance? Do you need a pool code-compliant barrier, or are you protecting animals? Defining the goal helps narrow choices: some companies specialize in ornamental work and high-end materials, others in secure, code-compliant installations.

Assess Material Options and Longevity

Materials determine performance and cost. Common choices include wood, vinyl, aluminum, and composite materials. Ask potential fencing services about material grade, treatment, and expected lifespan. A reputable installer will discuss trade-offs. For example, wood offers a warm look but needs maintenance; vinyl resists rot and requires less upkeep; aluminum offers strength and modern profiles. Look for services that commit to the highest quality materials and can explain why they specify a particular grade or supplier. This protects you from cheaper, thinner metals or untreated timber that look fine at first but fail prematurely.

Consider Warranty and Craftsmanship Guarantees

A workmanship warranty shows a company stands behind its installation. Ask whether the fencing service offers a workmanship warranty and what it covers. A clear, written promise such as a three-year craftsmanship warranty is a strong signal the installer expects their work to last and will fix mistakes without passing costs back to you.

Check Credentials and Specialized Skills

Beyond licensing and insurance, ask about special certifications. For metal fences, welding quality is critical to long-term performance. If your project includes steel gates or ornamental ironwork, a fencing service that lists an AWS-certified welder on staff provides extra assurance the welds meet industry standards. Always confirm credentials and ask for copies or references.

Look for Safety, Permits, and Local Regulations

Good fencing companies handle the red tape. Ask whether they provide a free initial consultation and if they will manage permits, zoning reviews, and utility clearances. A contractor who says that they handle permits, zoning, and utilities reduces your workload and mitigates risk; improper permits can result in fines or costly rework. Check that a fencing service follows local safety and building codes, too.

Check for Safe Installation Practices

Ask how the crew sets posts, prepares gates, and protects finishes during and after work. Properly set posts, typically in concrete to appropriate depths for your zone, provide long-term stability. Inquire about drainage and whether they use hardware rated for outdoor exposure. Reputable companies emphasize secure and safe installations and will walk you through the construction sequence during the consultation.

Consider Experience and Their Approach

Experience matters. A company with over 10 years of experience is more likely to anticipate challenges like tricky slopes, neighborhood covenants, or seasonal ground shifting. Locally owned, long-running contractors also tend to understand municipal inspectors and permit timelines. Prefer local fencing services, as they have a reputation to protect in your community and can respond quickly if issues arise.

Look for a company that listens. A customer-focused, hands-on approach shows in how they communicate: clear estimates, timely responses, and site visits. During the free consultation, a hands-on installer will measure the site, discuss material samples, suggest alternatives, and point out potential obstacles rather than offering a ballpark quote over the phone.

Request a Quote

Obtain written estimates from at least three reputable services. A useful quote breaks down material costs, labor, permit fees, and any additional expenses (grading, removal of old fencing, gate hardware). Be wary of vague or unusually low bids; they often hide change orders. Confirm how the company handles unforeseen issues, like buried debris or root systems, and whether those contingencies will be quoted before work continues.

Consider Utility Safety

Confirm that the fencing service will coordinate utility marking before digging. They should call the local utility notification service to avoid hitting buried lines. If the installers say they handle permits, zoning, and utilities, then get specifics: will they submit plans, schedule inspections, and resolve drainage or easement concerns with neighbors? Having this managed for you prevents delays and liability.

Examine Community Reputation

A locally owned and operated company tends to prioritize customer relationships and has easier access to local references. Check online reviews, but also ask for three recent local references with similar projects. Drive by completed jobs if possible — seeing a finished fence in person provides insight into the craft, alignment, and how the work has weathered over time.

Compare Bids

When comparing bids, focus on value. The cheapest quote may cut corners on materials, fasteners, or site prep. A higher bid that includes the highest quality materials, proper footings, and clear warranty terms often saves money over the long term by avoiding repairs and premature replacement. Consider lifecycle cost, not just the initial price.

Consider Timeline, Communication, and Project Management

Ask about project milestones and who your point of contact will be. A dependable installer provides a start date, estimated completion date, and regular updates. If a fencing service emphasizes a hands-on approach, communication will be structured and proactive: you’ll receive confirmation of permits issued, inspection dates, and a final walk-through.

Review Financing and Payment Terms

Understand payment expectations. Avoid paying large sums upfront — a reasonable schedule ties payments to milestones. Some companies offer financing or phased payments for larger builds. Ensure the contract spells out what constitutes final acceptance and the process for resolving disputes.

Request a Final Walk-Through

At the end of the project, insist on a final walk-through. A professional installer will point out maintenance needs (staining intervals for wood, lubrication for gate hardware), provide warranty paperwork, and explain how to submit a claim if necessary. If metalwork was part of the job, ask them to show weld locations and discuss corrosion protection measures.

Make a Final Decision

Choose a fencing service that balances experience, transparent pricing, and clear warranties. Give extra weight to companies that offer a free initial consultation, demonstrate local experience and community ties, use the highest quality materials, and stand behind installations with a three-year craftsmanship warranty. If you need metalwork, prioritize teams with an AWS-certified welder and a reputation for secure and safe installations.

According to the Freedonia Group, the U.S. market for fencing is currently $12 billion. When it comes to choosing the right fencing service and getting the best deal within this market, be sure to ask the right questions and prioritize long-term value. With thoughtful planning, like clear goals, multiple written estimates, verification of credentials, and an emphasis on safety and quality, you’ll end up with a fence that performs well and looks great for years. Here at Coastal Fence, we are proud to be one of the leading fencing service in Newport, RI and the surrounding communities! We use superior materials, offer custom consultations, and stand behind our work with a three-year craftsmanship warranty. From wood and cedar to aluminum and composite fencing, we have a variety of materials to choose from. Get in touch with our local team for a free initial consultation today.