Before you hire, get three things in writing: proof of insurance, any licence number the contractor claims, and an estimate that lists every item. A contractor who avoids putting those on paper is one to pass on.
The Clarksville Fence Company is licensed and insured. Ask for the documents when we give you the estimate.
What should I ask a fence contractor before hiring?
- Do the city, the county or my HOA need to approve this, and who files?
- Who makes the Tennessee 811 request, or Kentucky 811 across the line?
- How deep are the posts, and what do you do when you hit rock?
- Is rock work included in the price or charged extra?
- What grade of lumber, vinyl or chain link, and what size posts?
- Does the price include removing and hauling the old fence?
- How many gates, what width, what hardware?
- When do you start and how many working days is it?
- Will the fence stay out of the easements on my plat?
How do I check that a contractor is licensed and insured?
Look the licence up yourself and have the insurer send the proof. Tennessee's Board for Licensing Contractors, part of the Department of Commerce and Insurance, licenses contractors for jobs of $25,000 or more. Nine counties, including Robertson County where Springfield is, also require a home improvement licence for residential jobs from $3,000 to $24,999. Montgomery County is not one of the nine. Any state licence can be checked at verify.tn.gov. For insurance, ask the contractor's agent to send you a certificate directly.
What should a fence estimate include?
The length, the height, the material and its grade, post size and depth, every gate with its width, removal of the old fence, how rock is handled, clean-up, the payment schedule and a start date. If two estimates differ widely, compare them line by line. One will be missing something the other has.
Should I get three quotes?
Yes for a full fence. Three quotes show you the range and show who took the time to measure and look at the ground. Compare what is included before you compare the totals.
What deposit is normal?
A deposit toward materials is normal, and one third is a sensible upper limit. Tennessee's home improvement contractor law (T.C.A. 62-6-510) restricts a licensed home improvement contractor to a deposit of no more than one third of the contract price in most cases. That law applies in the counties that adopted the home improvement licence. Elsewhere, treat one third as a guide. Pay by check or card and get a receipt.
The cheapest quote wants half up front and will not show insurance. Is that a problem?
It is. Half up front is above the one-third mark, and without proof of insurance an accident or a damaged utility line on your lot may fall to you. After storms, crews from out of the area go door to door around Clarksville with offers like this. Paying a little more for a contractor with papers is the safer choice.
I paid a deposit and the contractor stopped showing up. What can I do?
Send a dated written demand that gives a deadline to start the work or return the money, and keep a copy. If the contractor is licensed, you can file a complaint with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. You can also complain to the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Tennessee Attorney General's office. Neither is a quick way to get money back, which may mean General Sessions Court. Save the contract, the proof of payment and every text.
The crew cut my internet line or sprinkler pipe. Who pays?
The first question is whether the line had been marked. Utility companies mark their own lines after an 811 request. Tennessee 811 does not mark private lines, such as irrigation, a pet containment wire or power to a shed. Point those out before work begins and ask for a note on the estimate, so it is clear what the crew was told.
My HOA approved the fence in writing and now wants it moved. What now?
Keep the approval letter safe and answer in writing. The dispute is between you and the association and is about the covenants, not about the fence itself. An attorney who handles HOA matters can advise you on your position.
Can I install a fence myself?
Yes, and a short level run in chain link or pre-built wood panels is realistic for a handy owner. What stops most people here is the digging. Clay is heavy, and one limestone shelf can end a rented auger's day. Gates and slopes are the other hard parts. You still have to contact Tennessee 811 three working days before digging and follow the same city, county and HOA rules.
The only real price is one based on your yard. Call (931) 293-9766 for a free on-site estimate, or text us a photo of the fence line.