title: "Complete Guide to Hiring a Fencing Contractor in Washington State" description: "Everything you need to know before hiring a fence contractor in Washington. License verification, questions to ask, red flags, and how to get the best results." category: "fencing" lastVerified: "2026-03-10" schema: "HowTo"

How to Hire a Fencing Contractor in Washington State

Hiring the right fencing contractor makes the difference between a fence that lasts 20+ years and one that sags, rots, or blows over in the first windstorm. This guide walks you through everything Washington homeowners need to know.

Step 1: Verify Washington Contractor Licensing

Required Registration

All fencing contractors in Washington must be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). This isn't just paperwork—it protects you.

To verify a contractor:

  1. Visit L&I Contractor Verification
  2. Search by business name or license number
  3. Confirm status shows "ACTIVE"
  4. Check for any violations or complaints

What Registration Provides

When a contractor is properly registered, you get:

  • Contractor's bond: $12,000 minimum protection
  • Liability insurance: Required coverage
  • Infraction history: Visible complaints and violations
  • Legal recourse: Ability to file claims if something goes wrong

Unregistered Contractors

Hiring an unregistered contractor means:

  • No bond protection if they don't finish
  • No insurance if someone gets hurt
  • No recourse through L&I complaint process
  • Potential permit problems (inspectors check licenses)

Bottom line: Never hire an unregistered fence contractor. The savings aren't worth the risk.

Step 2: Get Multiple Quotes

How Many Quotes?

Get 3–4 quotes minimum for any fence project. This helps you:

  • Understand fair market pricing
  • Compare contractor professionalism
  • Spot outliers (too cheap or too expensive)
  • Evaluate communication styles

What a Good Quote Includes

A professional fence quote should specify:

Project Details:

  • Total linear feet
  • Fence height and style
  • Material specifications (cedar grade, vinyl thickness, etc.)
  • Post specifications (size, depth, spacing)
  • Number and type of gates

Site Work:

  • Old fence removal (if applicable)
  • Grading or terrain work
  • Utility locating (811 call)
  • Post hole digging method

Materials Breakdown:

  • Brand/grade of materials
  • Post type (4×4, 4×6, steel, etc.)
  • Hardware specifications
  • Concrete amount per post

Timeline & Terms:

  • Start date
  • Expected duration
  • Payment schedule
  • Warranty offered

Red Flags in Quotes

Be cautious if a quote:

  • Is verbal only (no written breakdown)
  • Lacks material specifications
  • Requests 50%+ deposit upfront
  • Is dramatically lower than others (corner-cutting likely)
  • Doesn't mention permits when required

Step 3: Check References and Work

Questions for References

Ask past customers:

  1. Did the project finish on time and on budget?
  2. How did they handle unexpected issues?
  3. How does the fence look 1+ years later?
  4. Would you hire them again?
  5. Any problems with gates or hardware?

Review Online Presence

  • Google reviews: Look for patterns, not just star ratings
  • BBB: Check for complaints and resolution
  • Photos of past work: Do their previous fences match your expectations?

Drive-By Inspection

Ask for addresses of recent installations you can drive by. Look for:

  • Straight lines and consistent spacing
  • Proper gate operation (watch someone use it if possible)
  • Quality of finish work at corners and ends
  • How posts meet the ground

Step 4: Understand Materials

Cedar (Western Red)

The Pacific Northwest standard for wood fencing.

Grades:

  • Clear/select: No knots, premium pricing
  • #1 grade: Small knots, good appearance
  • #2 grade: More knots, still structural
  • STK (select tight knot): Balanced quality/price

Best for: Residential privacy fences, natural aesthetic Lifespan: 15–25 years with maintenance

Pressure-Treated Pine

Chemically treated for rot resistance.

Types:

  • Ground contact: For posts buried in soil
  • Above ground: For horizontal rails and boards

Best for: Budget-conscious projects, areas not visible Lifespan: 15–20 years

Vinyl/PVC

Zero maintenance plastic fencing.

Thickness matters:

  • Thin wall: Cheaper, more brittle
  • Thick wall: Premium, better durability
  • Steel reinforced: Top tier for large panels

Best for: HOA communities, low-maintenance needs Lifespan: 20–30+ years

Composite

Wood-plastic blend with natural appearance.

Best for: Premium appearance with low maintenance Lifespan: 25–30+ years Cost: Highest material cost

Chain-Link

Most economical, ideal for large areas.

Gauge: Lower number = thicker wire (9 gauge is heavier than 11.5) Coating: Galvanized (silver) or vinyl-coated (green, black, brown)

Best for: Property perimeters, pet containment, security Lifespan: 20+ years

Step 5: Handle Permits Properly

When Permits Are Required

Most Washington cities require permits for:

  • Fences over 6 feet tall
  • Fences in front yards (often stricter rules)
  • Fences affecting drainage or grading
  • Commercial properties
  • Near public rights-of-way

Whose Responsibility?

Your contract should specify who handles permits. Options:

  • Contractor pulls permit: Preferred; they know the process
  • Homeowner pulls permit: Sometimes cheaper but more work

Common Permit Issues

  • Setback requirements: May need to be 6"–12" from property line
  • Sight triangles: Corner lots have visibility requirements
  • Height restrictions: Front yards often limited to 4 feet
  • HOA approval: May be required before city permit

Step 6: Address Property Lines

Finding Your Property Line

Options for establishing exact boundaries:

  • Existing survey: Check your deed documents
  • New survey: $400–$800 for property corners
  • Metal detector: Find existing survey pins
  • Neighbor agreement: Written mutual boundary acknowledgment

Building on the Line vs. Inside

On property line:

  • Neighbor may owe you half the cost (RCW 16.60)
  • But requires neighbor cooperation
  • Disputes can get ugly

Inside your property (by 6"–12"):

  • Full ownership and control
  • No neighbor involvement needed
  • No potential line disputes

Recommendation: Build 6–12 inches inside your property line unless you have a written agreement with your neighbor.

Washington Fence Law (RCW 16.60)

Key points:

  • Adjacent landowners equally share fence maintenance
  • If one builds a lawful fence on the line, the other owes half
  • Disputes can go to court for resolution
  • Livestock fencing has specific requirements

Step 7: Payment Structure

Standard Payment Terms

Deposit: 10–30% to secure scheduling and order materials Progress payment: 30–40% when materials arrive/work begins Final payment: Balance upon completion

Payment Red Flags

  • 50%+ upfront: Too much risk if contractor disappears
  • Full payment before completion: Never do this
  • Cash only: Legitimate businesses accept checks/cards
  • No receipts: Need documentation for warranty claims

Protecting Your Payment

  • Pay by check or credit card (paper trail)
  • Get receipts for every payment
  • Hold final payment until walkthrough complete
  • Don't pay for incomplete work to "keep them happy"

Step 8: Contract Essentials

Must-Have Contract Elements

  1. Contractor's license number and business name
  2. Complete scope of work with specifications
  3. Material list with brands/grades
  4. Total price with payment schedule
  5. Start and completion dates
  6. Permit responsibility
  7. Cleanup and debris removal
  8. Warranty terms
  9. Change order process

Warranty Terms

Understand what's covered:

  • Workmanship warranty: 1–5 years typical
  • Material warranty: Varies by manufacturer
  • What's excluded: Usually storm damage, acts of God

Change Orders

If scope changes during the project:

  • Get changes in writing
  • Agree on price adjustment before work proceeds
  • Both parties sign the change order

Step 9: During Installation

Pre-Work Checklist

Before the crew arrives:

  • 811 utility locate completed
  • Old fence removed (if DIY) or included in contract
  • Access cleared for equipment
  • Pets and children secured
  • Neighbors notified of construction

What to Watch For

During installation, observe:

  • Post depth: Should be 1/3 of total post length minimum
  • Concrete: Each post should get concrete footing
  • Level/plumb: Posts should be straight, rails level
  • Spacing: Consistent between posts
  • Hardware: Appropriate screws/nails (not exposed to weather)

Questions During Installation

Don't hesitate to ask:

  • "How deep are the posts?"
  • "What's the concrete cure time before attaching panels?"
  • "How are you handling the grade change?"
  • "When can we use the gates?"

Step 10: Final Walkthrough

Inspection Checklist

Before final payment:

  • All posts plumb and properly set
  • Rails level and secure
  • Consistent board spacing
  • Gates open/close properly
  • Latches and hardware functional
  • Clean cuts at corners and ends
  • Debris removed
  • Grade slopes away from posts

Document Issues

If you find problems:

  1. Point them out to the contractor
  2. Take photos
  3. Get written agreement on fixes
  4. Withhold final payment until resolved

After Completion

  • Take photos for your records
  • File warranty documentation
  • Note when sealing/staining due (cedar)
  • Set calendar reminder for maintenance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Homeowner Mistakes

  1. Choosing solely on price: Cheapest quote often means cut corners
  2. Skipping license verification: Easy check that prevents major problems
  3. Not getting permits: Creates issues when selling home
  4. Ignoring property lines: Leads to neighbor disputes
  5. Paying too much upfront: Lose leverage if issues arise

Contractor Red Flags

  1. No physical address: Harder to find if problems occur
  2. Brand-new business: Check for contractor history under other names
  3. Pressure to sign immediately: Legitimate contractors don't rush you
  4. Unmarked vehicles: Professional operations have branded trucks
  5. No written contract: Verbal agreements are unenforceable

Seasonal Timing

Best Time to Hire

  • Late winter (Feb–March): Contractors hungry for work, best pricing
  • Spring (April–May): Good weather, reasonable availability
  • Fall (Sept–Oct): Post-summer slowdown, good deals

Avoid If Possible

  • Summer (June–Aug): Busiest season, longest waits, highest prices
  • Peak rain season: Western WA winter pours = delays

Questions to Ask Every Fence Contractor

About Their Business

  1. How long have you been installing fences in Washington?
  2. What's your contractor license number?
  3. Can I see your certificate of insurance?
  4. Who will actually do the work—employees or subcontractors?

About Your Project

  1. What material grade do you recommend and why?
  2. How deep will posts be set?
  3. How do you handle slopes on my property?
  4. What happens if you hit rock or utilities?

About the Process

  1. Who handles the permit application?
  2. What's your timeline from start to finish?
  3. How do you handle weather delays?
  4. What's your payment schedule?

About Quality

  1. What warranty do you offer?
  2. Can I see examples of your recent work?
  3. May I contact three past customers?

Find Licensed Fencing Contractors

Ready to start your fence project? Browse our directory of verified fencing contractors in Washington State to find licensed professionals near you.

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