Choosing a Fence Contractor. Why “Two Guys and a Truck” Isn’t the Same as a Professional Fence Company.

If you’ve ever gotten multiple fence quotes, you’ve probably seen this happen:

One price seems way lower than the rest. And it’s tempting — especially when all fences can look the same on day one.

We see this situation every single week. Homeowners choose the cheapest option because they don’t yet know what actually goes into a properly built fence — or what shortcuts can cost them years down the road.

This article isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to help you make an informed decision, so you don’t end up paying twice for the same fence.

Why the Cheapest Fence Often Becomes the Most Expensive when choosing a Fence Contractor.

Here’s the honest truth most people don’t realize:

Saving $500–$800 upfront can mean your fence lasts 5–7 years instead of 15–20 years.

That difference usually comes down to:

• the quality of the lumber & pickets used

  • there are grades of lumber & fake cedar pickets are used often

• how the posts are set

  • the type of concrete used (if any)

  • the depth & width the posts are set in

• whether old materials are reused

  • often (without disclosing upfront) "two guys in a truck" will use the old posts

• the quality of hardware and fasteners

  • gate hardware varies for specific gates

  • while screws are not always needed, ring-shank galvanized nails are

  • smooth shank nails can pull away easily and bleed on your new fence

• proper spacing, bracing, and alignment

  • this makes a huge difference (in years) to the life of your fence

• experience dealing with local soil and weather

  
  

A fence can look fine when it’s finished — but problems often show up a few years later when:

• posts start leaning

• boards warp or rot prematurely

• gates sag or stop closing

• panels separate during storms

  
  

By the time those issues appear, the person who built it is often long gone.

The Difference Between a Handyman and a Fence Professional

There’s nothing wrong with handymen — they serve a purpose. But fencing is its own trade, and experience matters more than most people realize.

Choosing a Fence Contractor. A professional fence company:

• Understands how deep posts need to be set for this area

• Knows when old posts must be removed (and when they absolutely shouldn’t be reused)

• Accounts for soil movement, drainage, wind load, and moisture

• Uses construction methods meant to last decades, not seasons

  
  

We regularly repair fences that were built on top of old posts or set too shallow — not because the homeowner did anything wrong, but because they didn’t know what questions to ask.

Why Fence Quotes Aren’t Just “Materials + Labor”

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings we run into.

A real fence company isn’t just charging for boards and hours on a clock.

Behind the scenes, a professional fence project includes:

• Rent, Staff and other costs that come with having a legitimate office

• Marketing and advertising expenses

• Measuring and planning the layout correctly

• Sourcing quality materials (often picking up or scheduling deliveries)

• Fuel and travel to and from job sites

• Office time discussing your fence with you, writing detailed quotes, emails, and approvals

• Insurance, licensing, and business overhead

• Proper disposal of old materials

• Warranty responsibility after the job is complete

  
  

When you hire a legitimate fence company, you’re not just paying for wood and nails — you’re paying for accountability, experience, and long-term reliability.

Why Homeowners Get Burned (and Don’t Realize Why)

One of the hardest parts of our job is fixing fences where the homeowner says:

“I thought we were hiring a real fence company.”

The truth is, it’s not always obvious at first. Online ads, yard signs, and social media posts can make very different types of contractors look the same. Here are some practical ways homeowners can tell whether they’re talking to an actual fence professional—or just someone taking side jobs.

A true fence professional will typically:

• Specialize in fencing, not list fencing as just one of many unrelated services (landscaping, pressure washing, drywall, roofing, etc.)

• Ask detailed questions about posts, layout, materials, property lines, drainage, and existing conditions—because fencing is structural, not cosmetic

• Explain the process clearly, including removal, post setting, alignment, spacing, and how the fence will be built from the ground up

• Provide a written, professional quote that reflects planning, measurements, and scope—not a quick number texted after a drive-by

• Have real examples of fence work, including before-and-after photos of multiple projects, on multiple social media outlets, not just one or two generic pictures

• Talk about longevity, not just “getting it done”—including how long the fence should realistically last in local conditions

• Operate as an established business, with consistent branding, online reviews, multiple social media accounts, a real website, and a clear service area; not have a home address on Google Maps or no office address at all

  
  

Fence work looks simple from the outside, which is why many people don’t realize they hired the wrong type of contractor until years later—when posts fail early, panels shift, or repairs start adding up.

What a Trusted Fence Company Actually Provides

When you work with a professional fence company like Katy Fence Repair, you’re getting:

• True experienced professionals who care about their reputation and services, as much as they do about you & your fence

• Honest recommendations (repair vs replacement when appropriate)

• Transparent, fair pricing that represents the quality and service you expect

• Proper installation methods that stand up to time and weather

• Clear communication before, during, and after the job

• Accountability if something needs adjustment later

  
  

We don’t believe in selling people something they don’t need — but we also won’t cut corners that will cost you years of fence life.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a fence contractor isn’t just about price. It’s about value, longevity, and peace of mind.

A fence should protect your property, your pets, your privacy — and your investment — for many years. If you’re unsure why one quote is significantly lower than another, that’s a conversation worth having before the work begins.

If you’d like a professional opinion, contact Katy Fence Repair for a free quote today. We’re always happy to explain your options and help you understand what truly makes sense for your home.

👉 281-271-8583 https://www.katyfencerepair.com