Most fence jobs go fine. The ones that don't usually go wrong on paper: a vague estimate, no written warranty, or a fence that breaks the city's height rules. Here is what to check before you hire anyone.
Before you call anyone
- Know what you want. Decide roughly on material, height, gates and where the fence runs. Our material comparison sets out the trade-offs.
- Check the city rules for your lot. City of Amarillo Building Safety says most residential fences 8 feet or shorter don't need a permit, but they must still meet zoning height limits, corner-lot rules apply, and a pool or spa barrier always needs a permit. See Amarillo fence permits.
- Confirm the property line. If the fence sits on or near a boundary, settle it with your neighbor first. See who pays for a fence between neighbors.
Comparing fence companies
- Get more than one written estimate. The Texas Attorney General recommends getting more than one estimate and not being pushed into signing right away. Ask each company to list the material, height, length, post type and spacing, gates and removal of the old fence, so the estimates can be compared line by line.
- Ask for proof of insurance. The Attorney General's office advises asking contractors for proof of insurance, because if a contractor is not insured you could be liable for accidents on your property.
- Ask who calls 811. Setting fence posts is digging, and Texas law requires a call to 811 two business days before digging. Texas811 says that when you hire a contractor, the notification is the contractor's responsibility. Ask for the ticket number. See calling 811 before setting posts.
- Check them out. The Attorney General suggests checking a contractor online and asking for references from past customers. In a windy area like the Panhandle, ask to see a fence they built a few years ago, not only last month.
Before you sign
- Get everything in writing. The Attorney General says the written contract should state what the contractor will do, when the work starts and when it will be finished, and include everything the salesperson promised. Don't sign a contract with blanks in it, and keep a copy of everything you sign.
- Get the warranty in writing. If a contractor offers a guarantee, the Attorney General says it should be written into the contract, stating what is covered, who stands behind it (the contractor or the manufacturer) and for how long.
- Watch the payments. Ask in writing whether the contractor will place a lien or security interest on your property, and don't make the final payment or sign completion papers until the work is finished to your satisfaction. If you sign at your home, the Attorney General notes the contract must include a notice giving you three business days to cancel.
After a windstorm
After storms, the Attorney General warns that door-to-door contractors arrive in affected neighborhoods. Most are honest, but be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign on the spot or won't leave a contract overnight. If you have insurance, the adjuster's estimate gives you a benchmark. See fence repair.
Where we fit in
This site is a free referral service, not a fence company. If you send a request, we pass it to one independent local fence contractor, who quotes you directly. Use the checklist above with them like you would with anyone else.
General information only, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change, so confirm with the agency linked below or a licensed professional before you start work.
Sources
- Texas Attorney General: How to Avoid Home Improvement Scams
- Texas Attorney General: Disaster Scams (door-to-door contractors)
- City of Amarillo Building Safety: Work Exempt From Permit
- Texas811: Homeowner / DIYer
Last reviewed: October 2026.
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