Start with the basics of their experience
Ask how long they have been installing fences in your area. A contractor who knows the local soil, weather, and permit process will run into fewer surprises. Also ask how many fence jobs they complete in a typical month. A crew that does fences every week has the tools and habits to get it right faster than someone who takes on fences only occasionally.
Ask for references from recent fence jobs, not projects from years ago. Call those homeowners and ask if the crew showed up on time, if the property was cleaned up each day, and if the fence still looks good. A contractor who hesitates to give references may not have many happy customers. You are hiring someone to work on your home, so you want proof they do good work.
Dig into the materials they plan to use
For wood fences, ask what species of lumber they use and where it comes from. Cedar and pressure-treated pine are standard, but there are grades within each. Ask if the pickets are #1 or #2 grade, and whether the posts are rated for ground contact. Lower-grade lumber has more knots and may warp faster. A good contractor can explain the difference and show you samples.
For chain link, ask about the gauge of the wire and the thickness of the post walls. A heavier gauge mesh (11 or 9) is stronger and harder to bend than a lighter 14-gauge. Schedule 40 pipe posts are thicker than Schedule 20 and resist bending better in wind or if a vehicle bumps the fence. Ask whether the fittings are galvanized or coated, and whether the mesh is galvanized before or after weaving.
Understand their installation process
Ask how deep they dig post holes and whether they use concrete for every post. The answer should be consistent with what your soil needs. In Central Texas, posts for a six-foot fence should be set at least 24 inches deep in concrete. Ask if they brace posts while the concrete cures and how long they wait before attaching panels. A crew that rushes this step risks leaning posts later.
Ask how they handle utility lines and property lines. A responsible contractor calls the utility marking service before digging and will not start until lines are marked. Ask if they require you to provide a recent survey or if they work from existing markers. Also ask how they handle rain or extreme heat. A professional crew has a plan for weather delays and communicates schedule changes to you.
Clarify the warranty and what it covers
Ask what warranty the contractor offers on their work and what it specifically covers. Some warranties cover only the materials, while others cover labor if a post shifts or a gate sags. Find out how long the warranty lasts and whether it transfers to a new owner if you sell the house. Get the warranty terms in writing before you sign anything.
Ask what is not covered. Most warranties exclude damage from vehicles, tree roots, or extreme weather. They may also exclude normal wear like wood checking or slight settling of a gate. Knowing the limits helps you set realistic expectations. A contractor who is upfront about what is and is not covered is more likely to be honest about the rest of the job.
Compare bids carefully before deciding
When you get multiple bids, compare the scope of work, not just the total price. One bid may include heavier posts, deeper holes, and better-grade lumber, while another uses the cheapest materials. Ask each contractor to itemize materials and labor so you can see where the money goes. A higher bid may be better value if it uses materials that last longer.
Trust your gut during the conversation. A contractor who shows up on time, answers your questions clearly, and walks the property with you is likely to treat the job the same way. If a contractor is vague about schedules, avoids questions, or pressures you to sign quickly, that is a red flag. Take your time and choose someone who makes you feel confident about the work.