Getting three fence quotes does not necessarily make the decision easier. You can end up with three different prices, three different installation timelines, and very little explanation of why the proposals differ.
The better approach is to ask the same important fence installation questions of every contractor you consider. Find out who is licensed, how they handle your property and materials, what the installation process includes, who takes care of permits and utility marking, and what happens after the fence is installed.
These fence installation tips can help Richmond-area homeowners compare contractors based on more than the number at the bottom of a quote.
Is the Fence Contractor Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
Start with the basics. Before discussing materials or price, ask for the contractor’s license information and proof of insurance.
In Virginia, contractors performing qualifying construction work must hold the appropriate state contractor license. A reputable fence contractor should be able to provide its license number and documentation of insurance without making you chase it down.
Hurricane Fence holds a Virginia Class A Contractor license, CIC FIC & HIC #2705024990.
Why does this matter? A fence installation affects your property, your boundaries, and potentially neighboring property. If something goes wrong during construction, you want to know that you hired an established contractor with the proper credentials and coverage.
Do not settle for “we’re licensed and insured” as a complete answer. Ask for the information you can verify.
A useful answer includes documentation. A vague answer should prompt another question.
How Much Experience Does the Contractor Have With Your Fence Material?
A company can have years of experience installing fences without having the same level of experience with every material.
That distinction matters. Vinyl, aluminum, wood, and chain link each have different installation requirements. The installer needs to understand how the material handles slopes, gates, posts, expansion, weather exposure, and the conditions found on your property.
Ask the contractor how much experience the crew has with the specific fence you are considering.
If you have not decided on a material yet, ask for a recommendation and, more importantly, ask why they recommend it. A useful answer should explain the trade-offs instead of simply steering you toward the material the company happens to sell most often.
At Hurricane Fence, homeowners commonly consider vinyl and aluminum for their lower-maintenance characteristics in Virginia’s humid climate and seasonal temperature swings. Wood remains an option for homeowners who want its traditional appearance, including cedar fencing.
You can explore the individual options through our:
- Vinyl fence installation for low-maintenance privacy
- Aluminum fence installation for open, ornamental designs
- Wood fence installation for traditional privacy and board-on-board styles
The important thing is not simply finding a contractor who installs your preferred material. You want one who understands how that material should be installed on your particular property.
What Happens Before the Crew Starts Installing?
A professional installation should involve more than showing up with posts and panels on the scheduled day.
Ask what happens between signing the contract and the first day of construction. Does someone walk the property with you? Who confirms the fence layout? How are gates and property lines handled? What happens if the crew discovers a grading issue, obstruction, or other site condition?
At Hurricane Fence, each job begins with a pre-installation walkthrough. The layout is reviewed with the homeowner, and potential issues are identified before installation begins.
This is one of the most useful fence installation questions because the answer tells you how much planning happens before the crew starts digging.
You should also ask about the posts and footings. Hurricane Fence sets posts 30 to 36 inches deep in concrete, below the local frost line. The Virginia Residential Code addresses frost-line considerations for permanent supports in Section R403.1.4.1.
The exact installation method can vary according to the fence material, site, and applicable requirements, so ask the contractor to explain what your particular installation requires.
Concrete curing is another detail worth discussing. Hurricane Fence allows approximately 5 to 10 days for concrete to cure before hanging the fence, depending on the installation. Understanding that step helps you set realistic expectations for the project timeline.
If you are installing an automatic gate, ask one additional question: Who handles the gate operator and access control?
Hurricane Fence has an in-house gate operator division, so gate automation and access control can be handled within the company rather than being automatically passed to a separate subcontractor.
Who Handles Permits and Utility Marking?
You should know who is responsible for the paperwork before installation is scheduled.
For most standard fences in the City of Richmond, a building permit is not required. Pool barrier fences are an exception and require a permit (City of Richmond permit FAQ).
That does not mean every Richmond-area property follows the same rules. Requirements can differ between Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield, so your contractor should confirm the requirements for the property’s specific jurisdiction rather than applying one city’s rules to every project.
Richmond also has height restrictions. In rear and side yards, fences can generally reach 6.5 feet, with posts, columns, or gates permitted additional height. Front-yard restrictions are different, and properties in Old and Historic Districts may require Commission of Architectural Review approval.
Ask the contractor:
- Does my project require a permit?
- Who submits it?
- Are there HOA requirements I need to address?
- Who confirms the fence location and property boundaries?
- Who contacts Virginia 811?
The last question is particularly important. Virginia law requires anyone digging to contact Virginia 811 at least three working days before excavation. That requirement applies regardless of how shallow the excavation may seem.
Hurricane Fence advises homeowners to contact Virginia 811 before installation so underground utilities can be properly marked before fence post installation.
A contractor who clearly explains these responsibilities is giving you more than a quote. They are showing you how the project will actually be managed.
What Is the Installation Timeline, and What Happens Afterward?
Price gets most of the attention during the quoting process, but the schedule and post-installation support can affect your experience just as much.
Ask when the contractor expects the installation to begin, what could delay the project, and how long different stages take.
Concrete curing is one example. If the fence requires concrete footings to cure before panels or gates are installed, that needs to be reflected in the expected timeline. A contractor who explains the process upfront is easier to plan around than one who promises an unrealistically fast completion date.
Communication is another useful test. Ask what happens if you have a question after signing the contract or after the crew leaves.
At Hurricane Fence, a live person answers the phone, and inbound leads receive a callback within 24 hours.
Then ask about the warranty.
Hurricane Fence’s residential workmanship warranty covers installation errors for one year, with repairs made within 30 days of notice. Normal aging and natural changes in wood, such as warping or cracking, are excluded.
Get warranty terms in writing and ask specifically what is covered, what is excluded, and how you make a claim.
Finally, ask about cleanup. Find out if the contractor removes the old fence, construction debris, excess material, and other waste when the project is complete.
These details may not change the appearance of the fence, but they can make a significant difference in what you are left with after installation day.
Five Questions Worth Asking Before You Sign
If you do not want to walk into a fence consultation with a long checklist, start with these five:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured, and can I verify the credentials?
- How much experience do you have installing the material I want?
- What happens before installation, and how are posts and footings installed?
- Who handles permits, HOA requirements, and the Virginia 811 utility locate?
- What are the timeline, warranty, communication, and cleanup policies?
The answers should give you a much clearer picture of the contractor than a price comparison alone.
A lower quote is not necessarily the better value if it leaves out important preparation, uses a different specification, or provides less support after installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Richmond, VA?
The City of Richmond does not generally require a building permit for standard fences, but pool barrier fences require permits. Height restrictions and historic-district requirements can also apply. Henrico and Chesterfield have their own requirements, so confirm the rules for your property’s jurisdiction.
How can I verify that a fence contractor is licensed and insured?
Ask for the contractor’s Virginia license number and proof of insurance. You can then verify the license information through the state. Hurricane Fence holds a Virginia Class A Contractor license (CIC, FIC & HIC #2705024990).
Who is responsible for calling 811 before fence installation?
The person or company performing excavation must ensure the required utility locate is completed. Virginia requires notification at least three working days before digging. Homeowners are responsible for contacting Virginia 811 to have utilities marked before any digging begins, and that is what Hurricane Fence advises them to do.
How deep should fence posts be installed in Virginia?
Post depth depends on the fence system, site conditions, and applicable requirements. Hurricane Fence typically sets posts 30 to 36 inches deep in concrete and below the local frost line. The Virginia Residential Code addresses permanent support depth in Section R403.1.4.1.
What are the most important questions to ask a fence contractor?
Ask about licensing and insurance, experience with your chosen material, the installation process, permits and utility marking, the expected timeline, warranty coverage, and cleanup. These questions help you compare the actual scope of each contractor’s proposal, not just the price.
Choosing a fence contractor is about more than finding someone who can install posts and panels. You are hiring a company to plan the project, work on your property, follow applicable requirements, and stand behind the finished installation.
If you are ready to compare your options with a team that has served Virginia for more than 30 years, request a free, in-person estimate. Hurricane Fence can walk the property with you, discuss the right material and installation approach, and answer your questions before the work begins.
