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Hiring Wood Fence Builders: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Submitted by sambillings » Wed 23-Jul-2025, 21:04 Subject Area: General Keywords: wood fence builders	1 member rating

Adding a wood fence to your home can completely transform your outdoor space. Whether it’s for privacy, security, or simply curb appeal, wood fencing is one of the most popular choices for homeowners. But to make sure your fence is strong, beautiful, and built to last, you need to work with professional wood fence builders. If you’ve never hired a fencing contractor before, you might wonder what the entire process looks like.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you can expect—from the moment you contact a builder to the final day of installation. This article is written in a simple, easy-to-understand way to help you feel confident in making the right decision for your home project. It’s also based on the experience and quality services offered by trusted experts like Fred’s Fencing in San Diego.

Step 1: Initial Research
Before you hire anyone, the first step is doing a little homework. You want to find experienced wood fence builders in your local area who have a good reputation and strong reviews.

Start by:

Searching online for local companies.

Reading customer reviews.

Looking at websites and photo galleries.

Asking friends, neighbors, or coworkers for referrals.

Make a short list of a few companies that stand out to you. Look for those who specialize in wood fencing specifically, rather than general contractors who do it “on the side.”

Step 2: Contact and Consultation
Once you have a few potential builders, the next step is to contact them for a consultation. This is usually free and gives both you and the contractor a chance to talk about the project.

During the consultation, you’ll discuss:

What kind of fence you want (style, height, wood type).

Your property layout and needs.

Any city regulations or HOA guidelines.

Your budget and timeline.

Professional wood fence builders will also walk around your yard, take measurements, and note any potential challenges like tree roots, slopes, or underground utilities.

Tip: Use this meeting to see if the contractor listens to you, communicates clearly, and shows respect for your ideas and space.

Step 3: Get a Detailed Quote
After your consultation, the builder will send you a written estimate. This quote should break down everything clearly so there are no surprises later.

A good quote will include:

Cost of materials (posts, panels, nails, etc.).

Labor charges.

Timeline for the work.

Additional services like gate installation or staining.

Be cautious of vague estimates or prices that seem too low. The best builders charge a fair price for quality work using strong, durable materials.

Step 4: Contract and Scheduling
Once you’ve reviewed the quote and are happy with everything, the next step is to sign a contract. This is a very important part of the process and protects both you and the builder.

The contract should clearly state:

Project start and finish dates.

Total cost and payment schedule.

Details about materials and installation.

Any warranties offered.

After the contract is signed, the builder will schedule your project and order the necessary materials. Depending on the time of year and how busy the company is, you may have to wait a few weeks.

Step 5: Preparing the Site
Before construction begins, a few things need to be taken care of to prepare the site. This may include:

Calling utility companies to mark underground lines (gas, water, etc.).

Removing old fencing if necessary.

Clearing bushes, branches, or other obstacles near the fence line.

Some builders handle all of this for you, while others may ask you to remove certain items before they arrive. Be sure to clarify this during the consultation.

Step 6: Fence Installation
Now comes the main part—building your new fence. The crew will arrive with tools, equipment, and materials to begin the installation. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Marking the Layout
They’ll start by marking the exact location of the fence line with string and stakes, making sure everything is straight and accurate.

2. Digging Post Holes
Next, they dig deep holes for the fence posts. This step is crucial for making sure the fence stays upright and s ... y, even during storms.

3. Installing Fence Posts
The posts are placed in the holes, leveled carefully, and secured with concrete. Once this is done, the crew typically waits a day or two to let the concrete harden properly.

4. Attaching Fence Panels or Boards
Once the posts are solid, the builder begins attaching the panels or individual boards. They measure carefully to make sure everything is even and aligned.

5. Adding Gates and Hardware
If your project includes a gate, it will be installed last along with the hinges, latches, and other hardware.

This process can take a few days to a week depending on the size of your yard and the complexity of the fence.

Step 7: Cleanup and Final Walkthrough
After the fence is complete, a great builder will clean up the site by removing leftover materials, raking up dirt or debris, and making sure your yard looks as neat as it did before.

You should also do a final walkthrough with the builder to:

Inspect the fence for quality.

Test the gates.

Ask any questions.

Confirm satisfaction.

Professional wood fence builders care about customer service and won’t leave until you’re happy with the results.

Step 8: Payment and Warranty
Once the job is complete and you’re satisfied, you’ll make the final payment as agreed in the contract. Make sure you also receive any written warranties or guarantees that were promised.

Warranties might cover:

Workmanship (for example, if boards come loose or posts lean).

Material quality (if wood rots or splits too early).

This gives you peace of mind and shows that the builder stands behind their work.

Step 9: Fence Maintenance Tips
A good builder will also give you tips on how to care for your new fence. Wood fences can last many years with the right maintenance.

Some basic care tips include:

Staining or sealing every 2-3 years to protect against moisture and sun.

Keeping bushes or vines trimmed away from the wood.

Checking for loose boards or nails regularly.

Washing off dirt or mildew buildup.

Following these tips will help your fence stay strong and look great for a long time.

What to Expect from a Reputable Company Like Fred’s Fencing
If you're in the San Diego area, Fred’s Fencing is a great example of a trusted company that delivers excellent results from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect from builders like them:

Friendly, professional communication.

Honest, clear pricing.

High-quality materials and craftsmanship.

On-time work and clean job sites.

A strong focus on customer satisfaction.

Hiring wood fence builders should never feel stressful. With the right team, the process is smooth, and the end result is something you’ll be proud of.

Common Questions Homeowners Ask
1. How long does it take to build a wood fence?
Typically, 2–5 days depending on yard size, weather, and project complexity.

2. What type of wood is best?
Cedar and redwood are popular choices because they resist rot and insects.

3. Do I need a permit?
In many areas, yes. Your builder should handle this or guide you through the process.

4. Will the fence be built on my property line?
Yes, but your builder may recommend a property survey to be 100% sure.

5. Can I customize the design?
Absolutely. You can choose the style, height, wood type, color, and gate design to match your home.

Final Thoughts
Hiring professional wood fence builders is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your home improvement project. They bring experience, skill, and attention to detail that ensures your new fence is not o

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