In Atlanta choosing the right fence contractor is a smart move that saves your wallet. Homeowners across the city — from Midtown’s modern yards to Marietta’s rolling hills — know this really well. So before the first post hits the ground, slow down, and ask the right questions!
Questions to Ask!
1. Licensed, Insured, and Local
The first question should always be about credentials. A reputable fence contractor is licensed, insured, and rooted in the community. Insurance protects you. If a worker is injured or property is damaged, you shouldn’t be the one paying for it.
Local experience matters too. Atlanta’s soil is tough, drainage is tricky, and humidity never takes a day off. Only a local pro knows how deep posts should go (usually 30–36 inches) and which materials hold up against Georgia weather.
2. Real Experience: Not Just Years on Paper
Time spent in the trade doesn’t always mean real experience. What counts is where those years were earned.
Atlanta’s neighborhoods have their own quirks — from sloped yards in Buckhead to dense clay in Decatur. A contractor who’s worked across the region knows how to build for each. Ask to see local projects. Ask for client photos. Reliable contractors, especially those associated with the American Fence Association, never hesitate to show their work.
3. Permits and HOA Rules: Handled or Ignored?
Fence height, placement, and material rules change from one county to another. What’s fine in Fulton might not fly in DeKalb. A seasoned contractor handles this maze for you. They know city codes, HOA rules, and how to avoid fines or rework.
Be sure to ask:
- Will you handle my permit process?
- Are you familiar with Atlanta city and county fencing codes?
- Will you call utility services before digging?
4. Materials That Withstand Georgia Weather
Pretty doesn’t always mean practical. In humid Atlanta, a fence must be chosen for strength, not just looks. Pressure-treated pine resists decay. Aluminum won’t rust. Vinyl stays spotless through summer storms.
Ask these before you sign:
- Are materials rated for ground contact?
- Is hardware galvanized or stainless?
- Are posts sealed before installation?
5. Soil and Drainage: The Silent Fence Killers
Atlanta’s soil is beautiful and bold, but terrible for unplanned fences. Clay traps water, pushes posts, and causes rot.
A proper foundation is essential. Gravel bases should be used for drainage, and posts must be set deep enough to stay firm through rain and shifting soil.
Ask your contractor:
- How are drainage issues managed?
- What’s the post depth and base material?
- Will slopes or uneven ground be adjusted?
6. The Installation Process: Step by Step
You deserve to know what will happen in your yard. A professional contractor will outline their process clearly:
- Site prep and layout
- Post digging and setting
- Panel and rail installation
- Gate alignment
- Final inspection and cleanup
Ask who supervises the crew. Ask how long it’ll take. Reliable teams plan for weather delays and don’t rush what shouldn’t be rushed.
7. Written, Itemized Estimates:No Guesswork
Verbal quotes vanish when issues arise. Written, itemized estimates protect both sides. A good quote includes materials, labor, gates, cleanup, and permits. It also lists what’s not covered — like slope grading or tree removal.
Watch for red flags:
- “We’ll adjust the price later.”
- “That depends on how it goes.”
- No written scope or warranty.
8. Warranties That Actually Mean Something
A strong fence deserves a strong warranty. Two types should be offered:
Material warranty: Covers issues like rust or rot from manufacturers.
Workmanship warranty: Covers installation flaws like leaning posts or loose gates.
If a company refuses to stand behind their work, walk away. A good fence builder proudly guarantees both.
9. Who’s Really Doing the Work?
Sometimes, the person quoting the job never steps on your property again. Instead, subcontractors you’ve never met show up. That’s a problem.
Ask if installation will be handled by in-house crews or supervised teams. You deserve consistency and accountability from start to finish.
10. Support After the Fence Is Up
Even the best fences settle, shift, or need a quick fix. What happens when that day comes?
Ask these:
- Do you inspect after installation?
- How fast are warranty or repair calls handled?
- Who do I contact if I need help?
11. Maintenance and Care: Who Guides You?
Every fence needs some love. Wood requires staining. Vinyl needs the occasional wash. Aluminum deserves hinge checks. Contractors who truly care don’t just build — they guide. They tell you how to clean, seal, and maintain your fence year after year.
12. Proof of Work: See It for Yourself
A confident contractor will invite you to see their fences up close. Real work, not brochure photos. Walk past a recent project. Look for straight lines, solid gates, and smooth finishes. If they hesitate, something’s off.
13. Timeline Transparency: How Long Will It Really Take?
Atlanta weather can change a schedule fast and some contractors use that to stretch timelines. Ask for a clear start and completion window, not vague promises. A professional will factor in rain days, permit delays, and material delivery upfront, giving you a realistic timeline (typically 1–3 weeks depending on complexity). If a company avoids scheduling specifics, that’s your first red flag.
14. Crew Size and Supervision: Who’s Managing the Job Site?
Ask how many workers will be assigned to your project and who supervises them. A well-managed team means fewer mistakes, cleaner job sites, and faster completion. The best contractors have a foreman or project lead who oversees alignment, safety, and communication, so you’re never left guessing who’s in charge.
15. Clean-Up and Restoration: What Happens After Installation?
A great fence shouldn’t leave a messy yard behind. Always ask if cleanup is included in the contract. Professional crews will haul away debris, backfill post holes properly, regrade disturbed areas, and restore your lawn so it looks as good as or better than before installation.
16. Payment Structure: What’s Due and When?
Transparent contractors outline payment milestones typically a deposit at contract signing, a mid-point draw, and final payment upon completion. If someone demands full payment upfront, proceed cautiously. Legitimate companies align payment with progress, not promises.
17. Handling Unexpected Challenges: What If Things Change Mid-Project?
Sometimes hidden issues appear — buried roots, old concrete footings, or property line surprises. Ask how change orders are managed. The right contractor will stop work, explain the situation, document the cost change, and proceed only with your written approval. Communication is key to avoiding disputes.
18. Fence Design Customization: Do They Offer Style Flexibility?
Atlanta homeowners often blend aesthetics with function — privacy in the back, decorative aluminum up front.
Ask whether your contractor provides design consultations or CAD previews. Skilled companies can customize height transitions, mixed materials, and decorative accents without compromising structure.
19. Communication & Accessibility: How Easy Is It to Reach Them?
Responsiveness is a sign of professionalism. Do they return calls promptly? Do they provide a direct contact during your project? A contractor who values communication before the sale will likely do the same after installation. If you’re chasing updates, imagine chasing warranty support later.
20. Dispute Resolution: How Are Issues Handled?
Even top-tier companies face occasional disputes. The question is how they resolve them.
Ask if they have a written dispute process — formal complaint channels, response timelines, and escalation procedures. The pros address concerns quickly and respectfully, protecting your investment and peace of mind.
21. Industry Affiliations & Certifications: Do They Stay Current?
Memberships with organizations like the American Fence Association or Better Business Bureau show accountability and professionalism.
It means they follow evolving standards for safety, quality, and ethics — not just outdated methods. Ask to see credentials or training certificates for reassurance.
22. Environmental Responsibility: What Happens to Old Fencing Materials?
With sustainability on everyone’s radar, ask how waste is handled. Responsible contractors recycle old wood, metal, and vinyl instead of dumping everything in a landfill.
Eco-conscious practices not only help the planet but also reflect how seriously a contractor takes their work and reputation.
Why Choose Big Jerry’s Fencing for Fence Installation in Atlanta, GA
North Atlanta Territory & Local Ownership
Big Jerry’s recently expanded into North Atlanta. This means their leadership is local, aware of Atlanta’s specific codes, trends, and climate-challenges.
Standardized Systems
We use tested systems (e.g. estimating, scheduling, “Draw Your Fence” tool) that aim to ensure consistency in product quality, pricing transparency, and customer experience.
Adapted to Georgia Weather and Soil Conditions
Atlanta has humid summers, wet rainfall spread across many months, and expansive clay soils that swell and shrink. A good contractor must account for this in material choice, post depth, drainage, and sealing. Big Jerry’s entering the area suggests their methods can scale to these conditions. Local guides also emphasize the importance of these features.
Experience with Local Regulations & Permitting Expected
Expanding a franchise into Atlanta means establishing familiarity with city and county fence codes, HOAs, and utility/digging safety.
The Final Word
At Big Jerry’s Fencing, every project starts with trust. Our local teams know the terrain, follow the codes, and build with precision. From free estimates to clean finishes, every fence is installed to last and backed by our promise. Contact us for fences installation!
