A fence is one of the most visible parts of your home, and it has to stand up to Texas sun, summer storms and rocky ground for years. The contractor you pick matters at least as much as the material. Here’s how to vet one with confidence.
1. Confirm they’re a real, established business
Look for a consistent business name, a local address or service area, and a track record you can check. Search the business name along with “San Antonio” and read reviews on more than one platform. A pro who has been building in north San Antonio for a while will usually have photos of past local jobs and be happy to share them.
2. Ask for proof of insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage, and ask whether their crew is covered for injuries. If someone gets hurt on your property, or a post auger hits something it shouldn’t, you want to know who is responsible. A good contractor won’t hesitate to send this.
3. Get the scope in writing
A real quote is more than a number. It should spell out:
- Total linear footage and height
- Material type and grade (for example, the species and thickness of pickets, or the gauge of steel)
- Post material, spacing, hole depth and how posts are set
- Number and size of gates, plus hardware
- Removal and haul-off of the old fence, if any
- Who handles permits, HOA paperwork and utility locates
- Payment schedule and warranty terms
If two quotes are far apart on price, the scope usually explains why.
4. Ask how they handle rock and caliche
Much of north San Antonio sits on shallow limestone and caliche. Ask: “What happens if you hit rock?” A pro who works here regularly will have a clear answer, such as drilling or core-boring, and will explain whether it changes the price. Vague answers can turn into shallow posts.
5. Understand the warranty
Ask what the warranty covers (workmanship, materials, or both), how long it lasts, and how you file a claim. Get it in writing. A local owner who plans to be around next year has every reason to stand behind the work.
6. Watch for red flags
- Pressure to sign today or “this price expires tonight”
- Large upfront deposits before any materials arrive, with no clear schedule
- No written contract, or a contract that doesn’t match the quote
- Unwilling to provide insurance or references
- Door-to-door storm chasers who just arrived in town after a hailstorm
7. Compare quality, not just price
Price doesn’t trump quality. The lowest bid often cuts corners you can’t see on day one: shallower posts, thinner pickets, cheaper fasteners. Line up your quotes side by side using our quote comparison checklist.
The bottom line
Take your time, get the details in writing and trust your gut. When you request quotes through 1604 Fence, your request goes to independent, local network pros. You should still vet anyone before you sign, and this checklist is how.
This guide is general information, not legal, engineering or professional advice. Rules vary by city, county and HOA, so always confirm with your HOA and your city before you build.