A fence should last 15 years or more, so the company you hire matters as much as the material you choose. The cheapest quote can turn expensive fast if posts lean after one winter, a gate drags, or the fence ends up on your neighbor's side of the line.
Here are the 10 questions we'd ask any fence company in the Knoxville area, including us, and what a good answer sounds like.
Key Takeaways
- In Tennessee, a contractor's license is required for projects of $25,000 or more.
- In Knox County, a home improvement license is required for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to under $25,000.
- Get a detailed written quote that lists material, height, linear feet, gates, post details, removal and warranty, so quotes can be compared.
- Ask who pulls the permit and who calls TN 811 before digging.
- Watch for red flags: no license number, one-line quotes, pressure to sign today and large cash deposits.
10 Questions to Ask a Fence Contractor Before You Hire
1. Are you licensed in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires a contractor's license for projects of $25,000 or more. In Knox County, a home improvement license is required for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to under $25,000, which covers many residential fences. You can look up any license on the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance's license search before you sign.
2. Do you carry liability insurance and workers' comp?
Ask for a certificate of insurance. If a worker gets hurt or a post auger hits something on your property, you don't want that bill landing on you.
3. How long have you been building fences here?
Local experience matters in East Tennessee. Our red clay shifts with freeze-thaw cycles, many yards are sloped, and the region sits in the termite belt. A crew that knows this sets posts below the frost line in concrete and uses posts treated for ground contact.
4. Will I get a detailed written quote?
A good quote lists the material, height, style, total linear feet, number and size of gates, post spacing and depth, removal of any old fence, and cleanup. If two quotes don't list the same things, you can't compare them. Our 5 hidden costs of fence installation shows what often gets left out.
5. Who handles permits and utility locates?
Most cities and counties around Knoxville require a fence permit, and many HOAs need to approve the design. Ask who pulls the permit and who calls TN 811 to mark underground utilities before digging. (At Bryant Fence, we call TN 811 for you; pulling the permit and any property survey is the homeowner's responsibility, and we guide you through it.) See our fence permits & rules guide.
6. How do you know where my property line is?
The installer shouldn't guess. Ask whether they'll work from your survey or plat and whether they recommend a new survey if the pins can't be found. Many homeowners build a few inches inside the line to avoid disputes.
7. How deep are the posts, and what are they set in?
This is where cheap fences fail. Ask about post depth, concrete, and what the posts are made of. For wood fences here, posts should be pressure-treated for ground contact, not landscape timbers or untreated cedar. Read wood fence myths to see why.
8. What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
Product warranties (from the manufacturer) and installation warranties (from the contractor) are different. Get both in writing, and ask who you call if a gate starts to sag. Here's how our warranty works.
9. What's the timeline and payment schedule?
Ask when the job can start, how long it will take, how much deposit is due, and when the balance is paid. Be careful with anyone who wants most of the money before any material arrives.
10. Can I see reviews and recent work near me?
Look for a steady stream of recent reviews, not just a high rating, and photos of finished jobs in neighborhoods like yours. Ask how the company handled a job that went wrong; the answer tells you a lot.
Comparing quotes? Bring a comparable written quote to your free estimate. Our price assurance page explains how we compare like for like. You can get a free quote or call (865) 947-9663.
Red Flags When Hiring a Fence Company
- No license number, or a license that doesn't show up in the state search
- A one-line quote with no linear feet, post details or gate count
- Pressure to sign today for a "special price"
- Large cash deposits before materials are ordered
- No written warranty
- They don't ask about permits, HOA rules or utility locates
Quick Checklist: Comparing Two Fence Quotes
| Check | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Same material, height and style? | ||
| Same total linear feet? | ||
| Same number and width of gates? | ||
| Post material, depth and concrete listed? | ||
| Old fence removal and cleanup included? | ||
| Permit / TN 811 responsibilities clear? | ||
| Installation warranty in writing? |
Why Knoxville Homeowners Choose Bryant Fence
- Building fences in East Tennessee since 1981
- Licensed and insured Tennessee fence contractor
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- 300+ five-star customer reviews (read them here)
- Serving 80+ communities across East Tennessee (find your town)
Sources
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: license requirements
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: home improvement license and counties
- Bryant Fence fence permits & rules guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fence contractors need a license in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires a contractor's license for projects of $25,000 or more. In Knox County and several other counties, a home improvement license is required for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to under $25,000.
Who is responsible for the fence permit?
It depends on the contractor, so ask before you sign. At Bryant Fence we call TN 811 to locate utilities; pulling the permit and any property survey is the homeowner's responsibility, and we guide you through it.
How do I compare fence quotes?
Make sure both quotes list the same material, height, style, total linear feet, gates, post details, removal and cleanup, and warranty. If the details don't match, the prices don't compare.
What questions should I ask a fence company?
Ask about licensing, insurance, local experience, a detailed written quote, permits and utility locates, property lines, post depth and material, warranty, timeline and payment schedule, and recent reviews.
How do I find a good fence company near me?
Check the license, read recent reviews, look at finished jobs near you, and get at least two detailed written quotes that list the same scope.
Ready to talk to a local fence contractor? Learn more about Bryant Fence, then get a free quote or call (865) 947-9663.
