When you’re considering installing a new fence or repairing an iron gate, the importance of choosing the right contractor cannot be overstated. A well-installed fence can provide security, privacy, and enhance your property’s appearance, but the quality of the installation heavily depends on the contractor you hire. While it may be tempting to go with a cheaper, unlicensed contractor or a fly-by-night company, the risks far outweigh the savings. Hiring a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor—especially one who has been in business for decades—can ensure that the job is done correctly, safely, and according to regulations. At Fred’s Fencing, we bring over 40 years of expertise in the business, ensuring your project is in safe hands.

Why Choose a Licensed and Insured Contractor

Legal Protection

Hiring a licensed contractor offers significant legal protection. Licensed contractors have met the requirements set by local authorities and adhere to industry standards. They know the building codes and regulations that apply to fencing projects and ensure that all work is compliant with local laws. This is crucial, as failing to meet these standards could lead to fines or even the need to redo the work. At Fred’s Fencing, we ensure that every project we undertake is compliant with all local regulations, so you can rest easy knowing everything is up to code.

Unlicensed contractors, on the other hand, may not be familiar with these codes and could end up cutting corners, risking non-compliance, or even causing future legal headaches. By hiring a licensed contractor, you protect yourself from potential legal issues and ensure that your project is completed to the highest standards.

Insurance and Workers’ Compensation: Why It Matters

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a licensed contractor is the assurance that they are fully insured and have workers’ compensation coverage. This means that if an accident occurs on the job site, the insurance will cover any damage to your property, as well as medical expenses if a worker gets injured.

At Fred’s Fencing, we prioritize the safety of our team and our clients by carrying full insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This ensures that both the worksite and the people involved are protected, giving you peace of mind throughout the entire process.

If you choose an unlicensed contractor, you could be putting yourself at financial risk. Without the proper insurance or workers’ compensation, you might be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for any damage or injury that occurs during the project. This could lead to significant costs, which could easily have been avoided by hiring a professional contractor with the proper coverage.

Compliance with Local Codes and Regulations

A licensed contractor will always work in compliance with the relevant local codes and regulations. These regulations ensure that your fence is not only safe but also built to last. From the height of the fence to the materials used, a professional will ensure everything is in line with the law.

At Fred’s Fencing, we’ve been following these regulations for over 40 years, ensuring that every fence we build meets the local requirements and is constructed to last.

Unlicensed contractors, however, might bypass these requirements, which can lead to issues down the line. For example, if a fence is built too high or in the wrong location, it could lead to disputes with neighbors or fines from local authorities. In some cases, if the work doesn’t comply with regulations, you might have to pay for costly rework.

Experience and Reputation Matter

Longevity in the Industry (40 Years in Business)

One of the most significant advantages of hiring a contractor with decades of experience—such as a company that’s been in business for 40 years like Fred’s Fencing—is their depth of knowledge. A contractor with that much experience has seen it all: different materials, varied designs, challenging installations, and even unusual circumstances. Over time, they’ve honed their skills and perfected their craft, giving them a level of expertise that newer or unlicensed contractors simply cannot match.

An established company has a proven track record of delivering quality results, and they’ve built their reputation on reliability and trustworthiness. Their longevity in the business speaks volumes about their ability to maintain quality service and customer satisfaction year after year.

Customer Satisfaction and Trust

A company that has been in business for 40 years has likely earned the trust of many customers. With decades of experience, we understand the importance of building long-term relationships with clients. This means you can trust us to complete the project to your satisfaction.

At Fred’s Fencing, we’ve built lasting relationships with homeowners and businesses throughout San Diego, and our reputation for high-quality work speaks for itself.

Most long-established companies have a portfolio of completed projects and a history of positive reviews, which are essential when choosing a contractor. In contrast, unlicensed contractors or fly-by-night companies may lack a solid track record or reliable customer references, making them a riskier choice.

The Risks of Hiring Unlicensed or Fly by Night Contractors

Low Quality Workmanship

One of the biggest concerns with hiring unlicensed or short-term contractors is the potential for poor workmanship. These contractors may lack the skills, tools, or training necessary to complete the job to a high standard. As a result, you might end up with a fence that’s poorly constructed, unstable, or prone to wear and tear.

Unlicensed contractors may also cut corners to save time or money. For example, they might use lower-quality materials, skip important steps in the installation process, or fail to follow proper safety protocols. This can result in problems down the line, such as premature rusting or instability in the structure of the fence.

Potential for Fraud or Scams

Fly-by-night companies are often set up with the intention of making a quick profit and disappearing before any problems arise. These contractors may offer “too good to be true” prices to lure customers in, only to deliver subpar work or, worse, take the payment and run.

Since these companies often don’t have a permanent physical address or a track record of reliable work, it’s nearly impossible to hold them accountable once the job is done. If something goes wrong or you need to address issues with the fence later on, they may be unreachable.

At Fred’s Fencing, we’ve been around for over 40 years, and we’re proud to have built a solid reputation for honesty, quality, and reliability. Our clients know that we’re here to stay, and they can always count on us for any future work or service.

Insurance and Liability Gaps

Unlicensed contractors often don’t carry insurance or workers’ compensation coverage, which puts you at risk. If a worker is injured on your property, or if there’s damage to your home or surrounding area during the job, you could be left holding the bill. With a licensed, insured contractor, you can rest assured that these situations are covered.

How a Licensed and Insured Contractor Provides Peace of Mind

Clear Contracts and Agreements

When you hire a licensed contractor, you’ll receive a clear, written contract that outlines the scope of work, project timeline, payment schedule, and other important details. This contract protects both parties by ensuring everyone is on the same page about expectations.

At Fred’s Fencing, we provide clear, written contracts for every job we take on, ensuring you understand the process and what to expect every step of the way.

Unlicensed contractors may offer little to no written documentation, which can lead to misunderstandings about the work to be done. With a professional, you get transparency and a guarantee that the project will proceed according to plan.

Accountability and Transparency

Licensed contractors are more likely to be accountable for their work. They provide you with clear, detailed information about the job, including what materials will be used, what the expected timeline is, and what the final cost will be. If something goes wrong, they will address it in a timely and professional manner.

On the other hand, unlicensed contractors may not provide this level of transparency. If issues arise, it may be difficult to get in touch with them, and they may not take responsibility for problems.

Key Benefits of Choosing a Professional Over Unlicensed Contractors

• Safety: Licensed contractors ensure a safe working environment and are covered by workers’ compensation in case of accidents.
• Quality Assurance: A professional contractor uses high-quality materials and follows industry standards, ensuring that the fence is built to last.
• Compliance: Professionals adhere to local building codes, meaning you don’t have to worry about fines or legal problems later on. 

What Sets an Experienced, Licensed Contractor Apart?

At Fred’s Fencing, with over 40 years in the business, we bring unmatched experience, quality craftsmanship, and dedication to every project we take on. Our decades of expertise ensure that your fencing project is completed to the highest standards, with a focus on safety, durability, and aesthetics. We’ve spent the past 40 years building our reputation, and we continue to deliver exceptional results, one fence at a time.

How to Verify if a Contractor is Licensed, Insured, and Experienced

To ensure you’re hiring a professional contractor, here’s how to verify their credentials:

• Check Their License: Ask for proof of their contractor’s license, and verify it with your local licensing authority.
• Verify Insurance and Workers’ Comp: Make sure the contractor carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Ask for proof of coverage.
• Ask for References and Reviews: Look for online reviews, ask the contractor for references, and check their portfolio of past work.
• Get a Written Contract: Ensure that you receive a detailed, written contract before any work begins.

Conclusion

While hiring an unlicensed or fly-by-night contractor might seem like a quick and affordable option, the risks involved can lead to headaches, financial loss, and poor-quality work. A licensed, insured, and experienced contractor with decades of expertise ensures that your project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standard. If you want peace of mind and a fence that stands the test of time, always choose a professional who has a proven track record in the industry.

Looking to get started on your next fencing project? Contact Fred’s Fencing today to speak with one of our licensed and insured fencing experts, and let us help you create the perfect fence for your property with over 40 years of experience in the industry.