Ask for three papers before you hire: proof of insurance, the licence the contractor holds, and a written estimate that lists every item. A contractor who will not put those in writing is not the one to hire.
Fence Company Chicago is licensed and insured. Ask for the documents when we give you the estimate.
What should I ask a fence contractor before hiring?
- Does this fence need a permit at my address, and who applies?
- Who places the 811 Chicago or JULIE request?
- How deep are the post holes? In Chicago, expect 42 inches.
- What goes around the posts?
- What wood, vinyl grade or chain link gauge, and what post size?
- Does the price include removing and hauling the old fence?
- How many gates, how wide, and what hinges and latches?
- When do you start and how many working days is it?
- What do you do if you hit roots, rubble or an old footing?
How do I check that a contractor is licensed and insured?
Ask which licence they hold and confirm it with the office that issued it. Illinois has no statewide licence for general or fence contractors. The Attorney General's guide notes that the state licenses roofers and plumbers. Licensing here is local. Chicago requires a general contractor licence, issued by the Department of Buildings, for permit work, and a City of Chicago home repair business licence for companies that repair or improve homes. Suburbs register contractors on their own terms. For insurance, the Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513) requires home repair contractors to carry it. Have the contractor's agent send the certificate to you directly.
What should a fence estimate include?
The footage, the height, the material and grade, post size and depth, every gate with its width, tear-out of the old fence, the permit, clean-up, payment terms and a start date. If two estimates differ widely, one has dropped one of those items. Under the Home Repair and Remodeling Act, home repair work over $1,000 must have a written contract, and the contractor must hand you the state's consumer rights brochure.
Should I get three quotes?
Yes, for a full fence. Three quotes show you the going price and reveal who measured with care. Compare what each one includes before you compare the totals.
What deposit is normal?
A deposit that pays for the materials is normal. We did not find an Illinois statute that fixes a maximum deposit for home repair work. Keep the deposit modest, tie later payments to work completed, and pay by check or card so there is a record.
The cheapest quote wants half up front and will not show insurance. Is that a problem?
Yes. Half up front leaves you with a lot to lose if the work stalls. No proof of insurance means damage or an injury on your lot could land on you, and Illinois law requires home repair contractors to be insured. Paying a little more to a contractor with the paperwork is the safer choice.
I paid a deposit and the contractor stopped showing up. What can I do?
Send a written notice with a date by which work must start or the deposit be returned. Keep a copy. You can file a consumer complaint with the Illinois Attorney General, whose office runs consumer fraud helplines and enforces the Home Repair and Remodeling Act. In Chicago you can also report a licensed business to the city through 311. Getting the money back may mean small claims court. Hold on to the contract, proof of payment and every message.
The crew cut my internet line or sprinkler pipe. Who pays?
That depends on whether the line had been marked. Utility owners mark their own lines through 811 Chicago or JULIE. They do not mark private lines such as sprinkler pipe, lighting cable or anything the owner put in. Point out private lines before work begins and have them noted on the estimate, so it is clear who knew about them.
My HOA approved the fence in writing and now wants it moved. What now?
Keep the approval letter and answer in writing. The dispute is between you and the association, and the fence itself is not at fault. A lawyer who handles association matters can tell you how strong your position is.
Can I install a fence myself?
Yes, and a short, straight run is a reasonable job for a weekend. The holes are what wear people out here: 42 inches through clay, by hand if the gangway is too tight for an auger. Gates and long lines are where a home-built fence usually goes wrong. You must still contact 811 Chicago two business days ahead, or JULIE in the suburbs, and follow the permit rule. In Chicago an owner can act as contractor for a fence permit on the city's owner-as-contractor form.
The real price comes from a free visit and a written quote. Call (773) 741-0364 or text us a photo of the fence line.