Hiring a Fence Contractor in San Antonio? Avoid These 7 Costly Mistakes First

A good fence adds value to your home. It gives you privacy, safety, and curb appeal. That’s why your fence needs professional fence installation built to last.

There’s a lot to weigh when you hire a fence contractor in San Antonio.

The short version: Before you sign, get four things. You need a line-by-line quote, proof of insurance from the insurer, a written warranty, and a plan for permits and 811. Skip any company that can’t give you all four.

Here are the most common mistakes homeowners make, and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the Cheapest Bid and Poor Materials

A common mistake is hiring whoever quotes the lowest price. The old saying “you get what you pay for” holds true here. Low bids often mean thin pickets, short posts, or less concrete.

Picking on price alone can lead to costly repairs and an early rebuild.

Cheap bids aren’t always a scam. Often they just leave things out. Ask each company for a line-by-line quote so you can compare:

• Wood species and grade for pickets, rails, and posts
• Post type, depth, and concrete for each post
• Gates, hinges, and latches
• Old fence removal and haul-off
• Permit fees and who pulls the permit
• Stain or sealer, if included

If one quote is far below the rest, find the missing line.

Our guide to the best wood for a fence explains which lumber holds up in San Antonio heat.

Your stain matters, too. Pick one that resists fading and blocks UV rays, so you don’t have to restain in a year.

2. Failing to Check References and Reviews

Almost anyone can build a website and claim years of fence experience. That’s why you need to learn who you’re hiring before you sign.

Read recent customer reviews on more than one site. Look at how the company replies to complaints, not just the star rating.

Then ask for two or three references from jobs built a few years ago. An older fence shows you how their work holds up.

3. Assuming “Licensed” Means Protected

Many homeowners ask if a company is licensed and stop there. In Texas, that question tells you very little. The state has no license for fence builders. It licenses trades like electrical and HVAC, but not fences.

Some cities make builders register before they can pull a permit. That’s paperwork, not a skills test.

Insurance is what protects you. Accidents happen on the job, so check two policies:

• General liability pays for damage to your home, your neighbor’s yard, or buried lines.
• Workers’ comp pays for crew injuries. Most private Texas employers don’t have to carry it, says the Texas Department of Insurance. Ask if they have it, then check on the TDI site.

Ask for a certificate of insurance sent straight from their agent, with your address on it. A photo of a card proves nothing.

If a company can’t or won’t show proof of insurance, move on to the next name.

4. Relying Solely on Photos

Many people pick a fence company by scrolling its photo gallery. Photos show what a crew can do, but they shouldn’t be your only test. Most are taken on day one, before the wood faces a Texas summer.

Meet the company in person, too. A good installer will walk your yard, check the slope and soil, and suggest a style that fits your budget. Ask to see a few past jobs up close.

5. Skipping the Written Contract and Warranty

A handshake deal leaves you with nothing if the job goes wrong. Get a written contract before work starts. It should list:

• The full price and payment schedule
• The start date and expected finish date
• Materials, fence height, and total length
• Cleanup and haul-off of the old fence
• Workmanship warranty terms and length

Watch the payment terms. Avoid any company that wants the full amount before work begins. A fair deposit, with the rest paid after your final walkthrough, protects both sides.

Know the two types of warranty. A manufacturer warranty covers the materials. A workmanship warranty covers the build, like leaning posts or sagging gates.

Get both in writing.

6. Ignoring Permits, HOA Rules, and Property Lines

A fence built in the wrong spot or at the wrong height can cost you a fine or a full rebuild.

City Permits and Height Limits

Inside city limits, the City of San Antonio’s Development Services Department handles the residential fence permit. The city’s Unified Development Code, Section 35-514, sets fence height limits. Front-yard fences have lower limits than backyard fences. Corner lots also have clear-vision rules near intersections.

Some areas, like Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, and Terrell Hills, are separate cities with their own rules. A good fence company knows which city you’re in and pulls the right permit.

HOA Approval

If you live in an HOA, get written approval before work starts. Many HOAs control fence height, style, material, and even stain color.

Property Lines

Know exactly where your property line is. Use your survey, not a guess based on the old fence. A fence built on your neighbor’s land can mean a dispute or a forced removal.

7. Letting the Crew Dig Without Calling 811

Post holes go deep enough to hit gas, power, and cable lines. Texas law says anyone digging must contact 811 at least two business days first.

When you hire a pro, the call is their job, according to Texas811. The service is free.

Ask your contractor for the 811 ticket number before the crew digs. If they don’t know what you’re talking about, that’s a red flag.

Red Flags When Hiring a Fence Contractor

Walk away if you notice any of these warning signs:

• They knock on your door right after a storm and push you to sign that day.
• They want cash only or full payment up front.
• They won’t put the price, scope, or warranty in writing.
• They have no local address or phone number.
• They can’t show proof of insurance.
• They tell you permits and 811 calls “aren’t needed.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fence contractors need a license in Texas?

No. Texas has no state license for fence builders. Some cities make them register to pull permits. Check insurance, reviews, and a written warranty instead.

Do I need a permit to build a fence in San Antonio?

Many fence jobs inside San Antonio city limits need a permit from Development Services. Rules differ in nearby cities like Alamo Heights and Olmos Park. Your fence company should check the rules and pull the permit.

Who calls 811 before a fence is installed?

When you hire a pro, the fence company calls 811, per Texas811. If you build the fence yourself, you must call at least two business days before you dig.

What questions should I ask a fence contractor?

Ask how long they’ve been in business and who pulls the permit. Ask if they carry general liability and workers’ comp. Then ask what the warranty covers, how deep they set posts, and when payments are due.

Contact Alamo Decks & Fence

Choosing a San Antonio fence installer takes time and research. We make it easy. Our team handles the permit, the 811 call, and a written warranty on every job. [CONFIRM: client confirms all three are standard on every job]

Browse our many positive reviews, then contact us or get a free quote on your new fence today. Ask about our fence financing options, too.