14 Red Flags to avoiding Poor Fencing Contractors

A fence protects your property, livestock, privacy, and budget. The wrong contractor can turn a straightforward build into delays, damage, and disputes. Use this checklist of red flags to spot problems early and hire with confidence.

A Cautionary Tale

A family hired a contractor for a 2,000-foot fence with specific gates, concrete-set posts, and a barbed-wire top. The crew arrived sporadically, set posts crooked without concrete, asked for early payments, and later disappeared with materials the family had already funded. The lesson is simple. Pay attention to early warning signs and protect your project before it goes off the rails.

14 Red Flags to Watch For

Unannounced absences and short, inconsistent shifts signal poor scheduling and weak accountability. Quality shortcuts

Skipped concrete where specified, crooked posts, and misaligned lines indicate a contractor who cannot meet basic standards. Unjustified payment requests

Demands for large upfront sums or mid-project price hikes without documented scope changes are a danger sign. Missing or disappearing materials

Materials you paid for should be onsite, secured, and installed per plan. Excuses and vanishing inventory require immediate action. Unprofessional behavior

Disrespect, aggression, or finger-pointing kills trust and makes resolution difficult. Unclear or changing contracts

Vague language on scope, materials, or schedule invites disputes. Frequent undocumented changes are a red flag. No written agreement

A reliable contractor provides a signed contract that covers scope, specs, payment schedule, and start and finish targets. Poor communication

Slow replies, missed calls, and vague updates lead to delays and mistakes. Professional teams communicate clearly and on time. Unreasonable payment terms

Standard practice is a modest deposit, progress draws tied to milestones, and a final payment after completion and walkthrough. No license or insurance

Refusal to show proof of licensing, workers’ compensation, and general liability coverage exposes you to risk. Very low bids with fuzzy details

A price far below the market often means inferior materials, weak crews, or change-order games later. Refusal to provide references or photos

Established contractors have recent projects you can verify and clients you can call. No permits or utility checks

Skipping required permits or 811 utility locates risks fines, injury, and costly rework. Messy sites and no safety plan

How to Protect Your Project

Ask for license numbers, certificates of insurance, and coverage limits. Call the carrier to confirm active policies. Demand a clear scope

Specify post size and depth, concrete requirements, wire type and gauge, strand count, gate models, and hardware. Use milestone payments

Link draws to visible progress such as completed corners and braces, stretched wire, and installed gates. Document everything

Put changes in writing with price and schedule impact before work continues. Inspect regularly

Walk the line every few days. Check post plumb, brace geometry, wire tension, and gate alignment. Flag issues immediately. Keep materials controlled

Why Choose Bomann Fencing

Machine-driven posts, true H-brace geometry, calibrated wire tension, and clean terminations. Quality materials

Pressure-treated posts, Class 3 galvanized wire, and hardware selected for local climate. Transparent contracts

Clear scopes, schedules, and milestone billing. References and photos on request. Insured and accountable

Ready to Build it Right

Protect your investment with a fence that is straight, tight, and built to last. Contact Bomann Fencing to review your goals, confirm a detailed scope, and schedule a site walk so your project starts strong and finishes stronger.