You called three fence companies. You received three quotes. On paper, they look similar, and the pricing is close enough that it’s tempting to simply choose one and move forward.
Before you decide, it’s worth asking a few important questions.
The quote itself only tells part of the story. The answers you receive about permits, post depth, insurance, materials, and warranty coverage often reveal far more about how a company operates than the final price ever will.
We’ve been installing fences across West Michigan since 2013. These are the five questions we encourage every homeowner to ask before hiring a fence contractor.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Michigan?
This is the first question every homeowner should ask.
Many companies answer with a simple “yes,” but it’s worth understanding exactly what that means.
The License
Under Article 24 of Michigan Public Act 299, residential work valued at $600 or more requires a Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Most fence projects exceed that threshold.
A contractor should be able to provide their Michigan residential builder license number upon request.
The Insurance
Insurance protects both the homeowner and the contractor.
General liability insurance covers property damage that may occur during construction. Workers’ compensation coverage protects both the contractor and the homeowner if a crew member is injured while working on the property.
Homeowners should feel comfortable requesting a current Certificate of Insurance showing both coverages.
Something to ask: Who handles the permit process? In many cases, the contractor should be responsible for pulling permits required for the work.
When hiring a fence contractor, licensing and insurance provide an important foundation before discussing materials, pricing, or scheduling.
2. Who Pulls the Permit and Calls MISS DIG?
This question often tells homeowners a great deal about how a company manages projects.
A professional answer is usually straightforward: the contractor handles both.
The Permit Process
In Kentwood, fences over 30 inches in height require a zoning permit before construction begins. The City of Kentwood’s permit process outlines application requirements, fees, and approval procedures.
Other municipalities throughout West Michigan have their own permit requirements, which may vary by location.
A contractor who regularly works in the area should be familiar with local requirements and help guide homeowners through the process.
MISS DIG 811
Before any excavation occurs, underground utilities must be located.
Under Michigan Public Act 174, when a homeowner hires a contractor, the contractor is responsible for requesting utility locates through MISS DIG 811 before digging begins.
MISS DIG requires that locate requests be submitted at least 3 business days before excavation so utility companies can mark underground lines.
This step protects homeowners, contractors, and utility infrastructure, and it should be a routine part of the installation process.
3. How Deep Will You Set the Posts?
Post depth is one of the most important factors affecting long-term fence performance in Michigan.
The 2015 Michigan Residential Code establishes a minimum frost depth of 42 inches for footing design. Fence posts installed above the frost line can become susceptible to movement during freeze-thaw cycles.
Over time, this movement may lead to uneven fence lines, gate alignment issues, or structural problems.
Soil Conditions Matter
West Michigan properties can vary significantly.
Some areas contain heavier clay soils, while others contain sandier conditions. Soil type can influence installation methods, drainage considerations, and footing design.
A contractor should be able to explain how your specific property conditions affect their approach to installation.
Concrete and Gate Posts
Gate posts carry additional weight and experience greater movement than standard line posts.
For that reason, installation methods often differ between gate posts and line posts, including footing size and concrete requirements.
A good answer includes:
- Post depth
- Installation method
- Soil considerations
- Gate post specifications
The more specific the explanation, the easier it becomes to compare contractors.
4. What Exact Materials Are Included in My Quote?
Terms like “wood fence” or “vinyl fence” describe categories, not specifications.
The details matter.
For Wood Fences
Ask questions about the wood fence specs:
- What wood species is being used?
- What grade is the material?
- What thickness are the pickets?
- Are the rails nominal or true 2x4s?
- What type of pressure-treated posts are being installed?
Fence Brothers uses 11/16-inch cedar pickets and true 2×4 rails. These specifications influence both durability and long-term performance.
For Vinyl Fences
Wall thickness can vary between products. Understanding the product specifications helps homeowners compare vinyl fence proposals more accurately and understand why pricing differences exist.
For Aluminum and Chain Link
When woking with aluminum or chain-link fencing material, thickness, coatings, and gauge ratings all affect long-term durability.
Don’t Forget the Fasteners
Fasteners are often overlooked, but they play an important role in fence longevity.
Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners are commonly used because they resist corrosion and perform well with modern pressure-treated lumber.
A detailed estimate should specify dimensions, grades, brands, and installation materials whenever possible.
Measurements and specifications make it much easier to compare quotes than broad terms like “premium materials.”
5. What Does Your Warranty Cover?
Warranty length is important, but coverage matters just as much. A ten-year warranty may sound impressive, but the real value comes from understanding exactly what is covered, what exclusions apply, and how the company handles service after the installation is complete.
When discussing warranty coverage with your Michigan fence contractor, consider asking:
- Does the warranty cover post movement?
- Does it cover gate adjustments?
- Does it include wood fencing?
- What exclusions apply?
- How are warranty claims handled?
Many contractors offer one- or two-year workmanship warranties. Fence Brothers offers a five-year workmanship warranty that includes wood fencing.
Understanding exactly what is covered allows homeowners to make more informed comparisons between companies.
A written warranty should clearly explain:
- Coverage periods
- Included repairs
- Exclusions
- Claim procedures
The goal is to understand what support is available after the installation is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Fence Company
What questions should I ask a fence contractor before signing anything?
The five questions in this guide cover the essentials: licensing and insurance, permits and MISS DIG, post depth, material specifications, and warranty coverage.
Is the fence contractor or homeowner responsible for calling MISS DIG?
Under Michigan Public Act 174, contractors performing excavation work are responsible for submitting the MISS DIG request before digging begins.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Kentwood?
Yes. Fences taller than 30 inches generally require a permit before construction begins. Requirements and fees may vary depending on the project.
How deep should fence posts be in Michigan?
Michigan’s frost depth is 42 inches, making proper post depth an important consideration for long-term fence performance.
How do I verify a contractor’s license?
Ask for their Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license number and verify it through the LARA license lookup.
Should fence estimates cost money?
Most fence companies provide estimates at no cost. A detailed estimate should include measurements, materials, installation methods, and project information.
Ready to Compare Fence Quotes with Confidence?
These five questions can help homeowners understand the differences between contractors and make more informed decisions.
When you’re ready, we’d be happy to answer them ourselves.
We’ve been helping West Michigan homeowners navigate permits, post depth, materials, warranty coverage, and installation planning since 2013.