7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Fencing Contractor in Arkansas
A bad fence contractor isn’t just expensive, it’s the kind of expensive that compounds: leaning posts in year two, sagging gates in year three, and a wholesale teardown by year five. Most failed fence projects in Stuttgart and Little Rock could have been avoided at the hiring stage. Here are the seven hiring mistakes Delta Fence LLC sees most often.
Mistake 1: No Written Quote
A handshake quote is worth what you paid for it. The number changes mid-project, the scope shrinks, and you have no recourse. A real fence quote is written, line-item, and lists materials by type and grade.
Your written quote should specify: post material (cedar, treated pine, steel), post depth (24″ minimum for residential, 36″ for taller fences), concrete or no concrete at the base, picket spacing, gate hardware brand, and total linear footage.
Mistake 2: Skipping the Property Line Verification
Fences built across a property line are the source of the worst Arkansas neighbor disputes we see. Homeowners assume the existing fence line is the property line. It often isn’t. By the time the survey shows the fence is 18 inches into the neighbor’s yard, the new fence has to come down at the homeowner’s expense.
Always verify your property pin locations before fence work begins. If pins aren’t visible, a survey is a small expense that protects a much larger fence install from having to be torn out and rebuilt.
Mistake 3: Big Up-Front Deposits
Industry standard for fence work is 25-40% deposit at material order, balance on completion. Anything above 50% up front is a red flag. Anything above 75% means the contractor is using your money to finish the previous job, or preparing to disappear with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Stuttgart, AR?
For fences over 6 feet tall, yes. Standard residential fences under 6 feet typically don’t require a permit but local subdivisions may have additional rules. We verify requirements as part of every quote.
How long does a typical fence install take?
Standard residential wood fence (150-250 linear feet): 2-4 working days. Chainlink: 1-2 days. Vinyl: 2-3 days. Ornamental iron and gates: 3-6 days depending on configuration.
What’s the average cost of a fence in central Arkansas?
Every material is priced per linear foot installed. From most affordable to most premium: chainlink is the entry tier, wood privacy steps up from there, vinyl runs higher, and ornamental iron tops the range. Pricing varies with height, material grade, and gate count.
How do I verify a contractor is licensed and insured?
Ask for proof of general liability insurance directly from the carrier (not a copy from the contractor). Verify any local business registrations. Check references from at least three recent installs.
Talk to a Local Fencing Pro
Looking for honest fence quotes in Stuttgart, Little Rock, or anywhere in central Arkansas? Free on-site estimate, written quote, no high-pressure sales.
Call (501) 626-7024 Get a Quote