Any home improvement project, including the installation of a new fence, should be performed by licensed and insured professionals. Hiring a local handyman or a non-licensed contractor can leave you at risk.
What Makes a Licensed Fence Contractor Different from Unlicensed Contractors?
There are several reasons hiring a licensed fence contractor is in your best interest:
- They are knowledgeable about the state and local Bay Area fence-related building codes.
- Most contractors will do the heavy lifting when it comes to working with the building department to pull permits and schedule related inspections.
- Licensed industry professionals are more knowledgeable about the range of fencing materials, their pros and cons, and what makes the most sense for your property and goals.
- Access to higher-quality fencing materials and more skilled laborers.
- Hiring a licensed contractor who is also bonded and insured protects your financial investment.
- Professional fence installations increase the fence’s durability and longevity.
- They warranty their work and labor for a stated period of time, and their work upholds additional manufacturer warranties.
Unlicensed contractors, on the other hand, put you at risk. In addition to their lack of industry knowledge and training, you have minimal recourse if their materials fail or your warranty is voided. Most fencing material manufacturers deny warranty claims if a licensed pro does not install their products.
Additionally, if the unlicensed fence installer does the job incorrectly, disappears before project completion, or fails to pull the proper building permit, you lose anything you’ve invested thus far and also risk penalties and fines from the local building department.
Finally, from a safety standpoint, a poorly installed fence or the wrong materials put your property, you, and your family/pets at risk. This is especially true with increased fire risk, as it’s never been more critical for Bay Area property owners to use fire-resistant fencing materials that work to protect their land and home.
What to Look for in a Licensed and Bonded Professional Fence Contractor
Understanding the value of hiring a reputable fencing contractor is step one. Now it’s time to verify their credentials and know what to look for.
- Verify their contractor’s license online: Licensed fencing professionals can provide their CA contractor’s license (CCL) number. You can also use the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website to search contractors by company name, personal name, license number, etc. Don’t bother getting bids from anyone who isn’t licensed, as it’s a waste of your investment.
- Ask if they’re bonded and insured: If they don’t have a current liability insurance policy, you may be held responsible for accidents or damage during the project. Their contractor’s bond also protects you if they do poor work or abandon the job midstream.
- Speak to a few recent client references: It’s worth your time to speak with recent clients. Online reviews are helpful, but direct conversations reveal more about work ethic, quality, and service.
Most of our business comes via word of mouth from trusted and loyal clients. If you speak to friends and neighbors and they’re happy with their contractor’s work, that may be enough to move forward with scheduling an estimate.
If you aren’t sure where to start, we recommend meeting with at least three to five different contractors to determine which one feels like the best fit for you.
Risks of Using an Unlicensed Contractor for Fence Installation
- Increased Homeowner Liability: Unlicensed contractors often skip workers’ comp, insurance, or permits — pushing that liability onto you.
- Compromised safety & security: A proper fence protects your family, pets, and property from intruders and natural elements — especially in storm or fire-prone areas.
- Subpar work or materials: Unlicensed installers often use cheap, big-box materials and lack access to premium vendor supplies.
- Voided warranties: Manufacturers won’t honor warranties unless products are installed by licensed professionals.
- Fines and penalties: Permits, setbacks, and HOA compliance matter. Skipping these can result in expensive rework and legal issues.
- Potential litigation: Without liability insurance, any job-site injuries can lead to lawsuits against you, the homeowner.
A high-quality, well-built fence should last for decades, providing safety, security, and pride. It’s simply not worth the risk to hire an unlicensed fence installer or company.
Why the Lowest Bid Isn’t Always the Best Choice for Your Fence Installation Project
When you receive your estimates from licensed professionals, there will typically be some minor variation in the estimates. If one bid is significantly lower than the others, consider that a major red flag.
A low-ball bid usually means the contractor cuts corners or lacks the proper licensing, insurance, or experience.
Licensed fence builders are committed to industry ethics, including:
- Using high-quality materials
- Hiring and paying skilled employees
- Following best installation practices
- Handling permits and inspections
- Offering warranties and superior customer service
You absolutely get what you pay for — so invest in professionalism for the best long-term outcome.
Hire Duce Construction Deck & Fence: High Quality Fencing and Peace of Mind
For more than 40 years, Duce Construction Deck & Fence has designed, built, and installed some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful and high-quality fences. We are licensed, insured, and family-owned and operated.
Let our team show you how hiring the right fence company for your project provides peace of mind and superior-quality results.