What questions should I ask fence companies before hiring one in BC?

Before hiring a fence company in BC, you should ask a minimum of 10 specific questions covering their licensing, insurance, materials, installation methods, warranty, and project management — the answers will quickly separate experienced professionals from operators who cut corners. Here's what to ask and what good answers look like.

"Are you registered with WorkSafeBC, and can I see your clearance letter?" This is the single most important question. Every construction employer in British Columbia is legally required to register with WorkSafeBC and maintain good standing. A clearance letter confirms the company is current on premiums and that workers are covered if injured on your property. If a contractor cannot produce a clearance letter or claims they don't need one, walk away — you could be personally liable for workplace injuries on your property. You can verify any company's status at worksafebc.com.

"Do you carry commercial general liability insurance, and how much?" The answer should be a minimum of $2 million in CGL coverage. This insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property, your neighbour's property, or underground utilities. Ask for a certificate of insurance — a professional contractor provides this routinely. In Metro Vancouver, where fence work often happens in tight spaces between houses, the risk of damage to neighbouring structures, gardens, and underground services is real.

"What specific materials will you use, and where do you source them?" A good fence company specifies exactly what they're using — Western Red Cedar (tight-knot, #2 grade, or premium), pressure-treated SPF, the lumber dimensions for posts (4x4 vs. 6x6), the type of concrete for footings, and whether fasteners are galvanized or stainless steel. In Metro Vancouver, stainless steel fasteners are preferred because galvanized hardware corrodes faster in the marine climate. Vague answers like "good quality wood" or "standard materials" are red flags — they leave room for substituting cheaper materials on installation day.

"How deep will you set the posts, and how much concrete per post?" In Metro Vancouver's wet, often soft soil, fence posts should be set a minimum of 24 inches deep for a 6-foot fence, with 30 inches or more for exposed locations, gate posts, or 8-foot fences. Each post should have a gravel drainage bed (4 to 6 inches) beneath the concrete to prevent water from pooling around the post base — this simple detail can add 5 to 10 years to post life in our wet climate. A contractor who answers "18 inches" or "we'll see when we get there" is planning to cut corners on the most critical structural element of your fence.

"Will you call BC One Call before digging?" The only acceptable answer is yes. BC One Call (1-800-474-6886 or bconecall.bc.ca) provides a free utility locate service that marks the location of buried gas, electrical, water, sewer, and telecommunications lines on your property. Digging post holes without a utility locate is illegal in BC and extremely dangerous — hitting a buried gas line can cause an explosion, and striking an electrical cable can be fatal. A professional fence company calls BC One Call as standard practice for every project and waits for the locate marks before digging.

"Can I see photos and references from recent projects in my area?" A company that has been building fences in Metro Vancouver for several years should have a substantial portfolio. Ask specifically for projects using the same material and style you're considering, and request 3 to 5 references from the past 12 months. Call the references and ask about timeline adherence, price accuracy, workmanship quality, cleanup, and whether any issues have appeared since installation.

"What does your warranty cover, and for how long?" A reputable fence company offers a minimum 1-year workmanship warranty covering defects in installation — leaning posts, sagging rails, loose boards, and gate malfunctions. Some companies offer 2 to 5-year workmanship warranties. Material warranties are separate and depend on the manufacturer (vinyl fencing typically carries 20 to 30-year manufacturer warranties, while wood has no manufacturer warranty). Get warranty terms in writing as part of the contract.

"What is your payment schedule?" Professional fence companies typically require a deposit of 25 to 40% to secure the project and order materials, with the balance due upon completion and your satisfaction. Any company demanding full payment upfront is a significant risk — once they have your money, you lose leverage if the work is poor or incomplete. Progress payments on larger projects (for example, 30% deposit, 30% after posts are set, 40% on completion) are reasonable and protect both parties.

"How do you handle unexpected conditions — like hitting rock, tree roots, or discovering the property line is different than expected?" Metro Vancouver properties frequently present surprises during post hole digging — buried concrete from old fence footings, tree roots from neighbouring trees, rocky soil on the North Shore and in Coquitlam, and high water tables in Richmond and Delta. A professional contractor has a standard approach for these situations (jackhammer rental, root cutting, adjusted post placement) and communicates with you about any additional costs before proceeding. A contractor who doesn't have a clear answer for this question lacks experience.

"What is the project timeline, and what happens if weather causes delays?" Metro Vancouver's rainy climate means fence projects during October through March are frequently delayed by weather. A good contractor provides a realistic timeline with weather buffers built in, communicates proactively about delays, and doesn't pour concrete footings in heavy rain (which compromises the cure). Expect a typical 100-linear-foot fence to take 2 to 4 working days once the crew starts.

Vancouver Fence Builders can help you find fence contractors through the Vancouver Construction Network — browse local professionals at vancouverconstructionnetwork.com/directory?trade=fencing for free.

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