Before you hire, get three things in writing: proof of insurance, the contractor's state registration or licence number if the job is big enough to need one, and an itemized estimate. Walk away from anyone who will not provide them.
The Fence Company Of New Orleans is licensed and insured. Ask for the documents when we give you your estimate.
What should I ask a fence contractor before hiring?
- Does my address need a permit or a historic district approval, and who applies?
- Who files the Louisiana 811 request?
- How deep and how wide are the footings, given how soft the ground is here?
- Are the wood posts rated for ground contact?
- What grade of wood or vinyl, what gauge of chain link, what size posts?
- Are the screws, nails and hinges galvanized or stainless?
- Is removal and haul-away of the old fence included?
- How many gates, how wide, and what hardware?
- When do you start and how many working days will it take?
- What happens if you hit roots, old brick or buried slab?
How do I check that a contractor is licensed and insured?
Search the contractor on the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) website and get the insurance certificate from the insurer. Under Louisiana law (R.S. 37:2150.1), home improvement work on an existing home worth more than $7,500 and up to $75,000 requires a home improvement registration with the LSLBC, and work above $75,000 requires a residential licence. Smaller jobs do not need state registration, so for those the insurance certificate matters even more.
What should a fence estimate include?
Length, height, material and grade, post size, footing size, every gate and its width, tear-out of the old fence, permit or commission approval, clean-up, payment schedule and a start date. If two estimates differ widely, one has dropped one of those items.
Should I get three quotes?
Yes, for a full fence. Three quotes show you the market price and which contractor actually measured the lot. Compare what each one includes before you compare totals.
What deposit is normal?
A deposit that pays for the materials is normal. We found no Louisiana statute that caps a contractor's deposit, so the amount is what you agree to in the contract. Tie later payments to progress, pay by check or card, and keep receipts.
The cheapest quote wants half up front and will not show insurance. Is that a problem?
It is. Half up front leaves you with a lot at risk before any work is done. Without proof of insurance, damage or an injury on your lot could fall on you. Pay a little more for the contractor who shows the paperwork.
I paid a deposit and the contractor stopped showing up. What can I do?
Send a written demand with a deadline to start work or return the money, and keep a copy. You can file a complaint with the LSLBC and with the Consumer Protection Section of the Louisiana Attorney General. Louisiana also has a criminal statute, R.S. 14:202.1, that treats failing to do any work for 45 days or longer after taking payment as residential contractor fraud, unless the contract gives a longer period. That can be reported to the police or the district attorney. Keep the contract, proof of payment and every message.
The crew cut my internet line or sprinkler pipe. Who pays?
It depends on whether the line had been marked. Utility companies mark their own lines through Louisiana 811. Sprinkler pipe, low-voltage lighting and anything installed by an owner are not marked. Point out private lines before work starts and have them noted on the estimate.
My HOA approved the fence in writing and now wants it moved. What now?
Keep the written approval and answer in writing. The dispute is with the association, not with the fence. A lawyer who handles association matters can advise you.
Can I install a fence myself?
Yes, and a short, straight stretch is manageable. The difficult parts here are footings in wet, soft ground, keeping a long line straight and hanging gates that stay square. You must still contact Louisiana 811 two full business days before digging, and follow your city or parish rules.
The real price for your yard comes from a free on-site estimate. Call (504) 584-7028 or text us a photo of the fence line.