Three things separate a safe hire from a risky one: a California contractor licence you have looked up yourself, proof of insurance sent by the insurer, and a written estimate that itemizes the job. The licence lookup is free on the Contractors State License Board site, cslb.ca.gov.
Fence Company San Jose is licensed and insured. We give you the licence number and a certificate of insurance with your estimate when you ask.
What should I ask a fence contractor before I hire one?
- What is your CSLB licence number and classification?
- Will my fence need a permit, planning approval or HOA sign-off, and who handles it?
- Who opens the USA North 811 ticket?
- What depth and diameter are the post holes, given the clay here?
- What species and grade of wood, or what make of vinyl or metal, is in this price?
- Are posts wood or steel, and what size?
- Is tear-out of the old fence and its footings included, and disposal?
- How many gates, at what widths, with which hardware?
- When would you start, and how many working days will it take?
- How are roots, pipes or rock in a hole handled and charged?
How can I confirm a contractor is licensed and insured?
Use Check a License on cslb.ca.gov and search by name or number. California requires a CSLB licence for any job worth $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials. That figure was $500 until January 1, 2025. The under-$1,000 exemption does not apply if the work needs a permit or the person uses employees. The classification for fence work is C-13, Fencing. The licence record shows the contractor's bond and workers' compensation information. General liability insurance is not on that record, so request a certificate directly from the insurer.
What should a fence estimate include?
- Linear feet and height of each run.
- Material, species and grade, and post size and type.
- Post depth and what the posts are set in.
- Each gate, with width and hardware.
- Removal and disposal of the old fence.
- Who obtains any permit or approval.
- Cleanup, payment schedule and start date.
When two estimates differ by a lot, hold them against this list. One is almost always missing a line. Also note that the CSLB requires a written contract for home improvement work over $500.
Is it worth getting three quotes?
For a full replacement, yes. Three shows you the market and exposes anyone who priced from the street without measuring. For a small repair, one or two is enough. In every case, compare what is included first and the total second.
What deposit is normal in California?
A small one, because the law limits it. For a home improvement contract the down payment cannot be more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less. That is Business and Professions Code section 7159, as described by the CSLB. After the down payment, progress payments should match work done or materials delivered. Pay by check or card so there is a record.
The low bidder wants half up front and cannot show insurance. Should I walk away?
Yes. Half up front is many times what California allows as a down payment on home improvement work, and a contractor who knows the rules would not ask. No proof of insurance means an injury or damage on your property could land on you. Run the name through cslb.ca.gov. Unlicensed operators often fit exactly this description.
I paid the deposit and the contractor stopped showing up. What are my options?
Write to them, with a date on it, and ask for a firm start or completion date. If that gets no reply, file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board, which regulates California contractors and can act against a licence. Keep the contract, proof of payment and all messages together.
The crew cut an internet line or sprinkler pipe. Who covers it?
Look at two things: was the line marked, and what does the contract say. Utility members of USA North 811 mark their own facilities after a ticket. Private lines are not part of that system. Sprinkler pipe, drip lines, pool conduit and low-voltage wire belong to the owner, who needs to show the crew where they run. Have that written on the estimate before digging.
The HOA approved my fence in writing and now wants it moved. What should I do?
Do not move anything yet, and keep the written approval where you can find it. This is a dispute over the association's decision, not over the quality of the fence. A lawyer familiar with California common interest developments can tell you where you stand.
Can I install a fence myself?
You can. A short straight run on level ground is within reach of a careful owner. The difficult parts are hanging gates so they stay square, keeping a long line straight, working on a slope, and digging full-depth holes in summer-hard clay. You must still contact USA North 811 before digging and follow your city's height rules.
For a price on your own fence line, book the free site visit. We measure, then send the quote in writing. Call (408) 539-3039.