Before hiring, get three things in writing: the contractor's Pennsylvania home improvement registration number, proof of insurance, and an itemized estimate. A contractor who cannot produce all three is not worth the risk.
The Fence Company Of Pittsburgh is licensed and insured. Ask us for the documents with your estimate.
What should I ask a fence contractor before hiring?
- Does my municipality need a permit or zoning approval, and who applies?
- Who places the Pennsylvania One Call (PA 811) notice?
- How deep will the posts go, and what happens if you hit rock?
- How will the fence handle the slope: racked or stepped?
- How does material get to the yard if there is no machine access?
- Which wood, vinyl grade or chain link gauge, and what post size?
- Is removing and hauling the old fence included?
- How many gates, what width, which hinges and latches?
- What is your Pennsylvania home improvement contractor number?
- When do you start and how many working days will it take?
How do I check that a contractor is registered and insured?
Look up the registration with the state and get the insurance from the insurer. Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires contractors who do $5,000 or more of home improvement work a year to register with the Attorney General's office. You can search a registration on the Attorney General's website. Registration is not an endorsement of quality. The Act also requires registered contractors to carry at least $50,000 of personal injury liability cover and $50,000 of property damage cover. Ask for a certificate sent by the contractor's insurance agent.
What should a fence estimate include?
Length, height, material and grade, post size and depth, every gate and its width, old fence removal, permit or zoning approval, clean-up, payment schedule and a start date. In Pennsylvania a home improvement contract over $500 has to be in writing, signed by both sides, and show the contractor's registration number, the total price and approximate start and finish dates. If two estimates differ widely, one is missing a line the other includes.
Should I get three quotes?
Yes, for a full fence. Three quotes show you the local range and who actually walked the slope and measured. Compare what each covers before comparing the totals.
What deposit is normal?
A deposit toward materials is normal, and Pennsylvania law caps it. Under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, when the contract price is more than $5,000 the contractor may not take a deposit above one third of the price, or one third plus the cost of special order materials. You also have three business days after signing to cancel without penalty.
The cheapest quote wants half up front and will not show insurance. Is that a problem?
Yes, on both counts. On a job over $5,000, half up front is more than Pennsylvania law lets a contractor take. And with no proof of insurance, an injury or damage on your property could land on you. Pay a little more for the contractor whose paperwork is in order.
I paid a deposit and the contractor stopped showing up. What can I do?
Send a written demand with a deadline to start the work or return the money, and keep a copy. Then file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, which handles home improvement complaints. Recovering the money may still mean going to your Magisterial District Court. Keep the contract, the payment records and every message.
The crew cut my internet line or sprinkler pipe. Who pays?
The first question is whether the line was marked. Utilities mark what they own after a PA 811 notice. Customer-owned lines such as sprinkler pipe, lighting cable and pet fence wire are generally not marked. Tell your contractor about them beforehand and have it noted on the estimate. That record settles most arguments.
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 it is about their decision, not the fence. A lawyer who handles community association matters can advise you.
Can I install a fence myself?
You can. A short, level run is a reasonable weekend project. Pittsburgh makes it harder than most places: deep holes in clay and rock, slopes that need racking, and materials carried up or down steps. Gates are where home builds most often fail. You must still notify PA 811 at least 3 business days before digging and get any zoning approval your municipality requires.
The only real price is one based on your own yard. The estimate is free and done on site. Call (412) 851-6524 or text us a photo of the fence line.