⚠️ DON'T HIRE THE WRONG CONTRACTOR

How to Choose a Fence Contractor:
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Avoid scams, shoddy work, and costly mistakes. Learn exactly what to look for when hiring a fence company in Jackson, Madison, and Ridgeland MS.

By Reed Enterprise • 25+ Years Installing Fences • Updated 2024

WARNING: Fence Installation Scams Are Common!

Every year, Mississippi homeowners lose thousands to uninsured contractors, shoddy workmanship, and abandoned projects. Don't become a statistic.

This guide protects you. Ask these 10 questions BEFORE signing any contract or handing over money.

Question #1: Are You Licensed & Insured in Mississippi?

This is THE most important question. An unlicensed, uninsured contractor puts YOU at risk for injuries, property damage, and substandard work.

What to Ask For:

  • Mississippi contractor license number (verify at msboc.us)
  • General liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage)
  • Workers' compensation insurance (protects you if worker injured on your property)

Red Flag: If they can't provide proof of insurance immediately, walk away. No exceptions.

Question #2: How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters. Companies in business 10+ years have proven track records, established reputations, and won't disappear mid-project.

GREEN FLAGS

  • • 10+ years in business
  • • Same owner/management
  • • Local address & phone
  • • Established reputation

RED FLAGS

  • • Brand new company
  • • Out-of-state address
  • • Cell phone only
  • • No Google presence

Pro Tip: Reed Enterprise has been building fences in Jackson MS since 2010 (14+ years). We're not going anywhere.

Question #3: Can You Provide References From Recent Jobs?

Reputable contractors have satisfied customers who are happy to vouch for their work. Ask for 3-5 recent references in your area.

What to Do With References:

  1. 1. Call them - Don't just get names, actually call and ask questions
  2. 2. Ask specific questions: Was project on time? On budget? How was communication? Would you hire again?
  3. 3. Drive by completed projects if possible to see quality of work

🌟 See What Jackson Homeowners Say About Reed Enterprise

We have 127+ verified 5-star reviews from your neighbors. Read real feedback from real customers.

Read Customer Reviews

Question #4: Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Permits aren't optional. Professional contractors handle all permits, understand local codes, and pass inspections the first time.

Why This Matters:

  • Legal Issues: Unpermitted work can result in fines, forced removal, inability to sell your home
  • Safety: Building codes exist for safety. Non-compliant fences can collapse, injure
  • Home Value: Unpermitted work reduces home value, causes problems when selling

Question #5: What's Your Warranty?

A strong warranty shows confidence in workmanship. Understand both material warranties AND labor warranties.

Material Warranty

Provided by manufacturer:

  • • Pressure treated lumber: 10-20 years
  • • Vinyl fencing: Lifetime warranty
  • • Composite decking: 25-50 years

Workmanship Warranty

Provided by contractor:

  • • Industry standard: 1-2 years
  • • Reed Enterprise: 5 years
  • • Covers installation defects

Question #6: What's Included in Your Quote?

Get EVERYTHING in writing. Vague quotes lead to surprise charges and disputes.

Your Quote Should Include:

Materials (brand, grade, quantity)
Labor costs
Permits & fees
Post installation (concrete)
Gates & hardware
Cleanup & debris removal
Start/completion dates
Payment schedule

Question #7: What's Your Payment Schedule?

NEVER pay the full amount upfront. Legitimate contractors don't need full payment before starting.

SAFE Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: 10-33% to start
  • Progress: 30-50% halfway through
  • Final: 20-40% upon completion

This protects you and ensures contractor completes work properly.

SCAM Warning Signs

  • ❌ Demands 50%+ upfront
  • ❌ Cash only, no receipts
  • ❌ Pressure to pay immediately
  • ❌ "Limited time" deposit deals

If they insist on these terms, it's a scam. Walk away.

Question #8: Do You Subcontract the Work?

Know who's actually doing the work. Will it be the company's employees or hired subcontractors?

Why This Matters:

  • Quality Control: Company employees are trained, supervised, held to standards
  • Insurance: Subcontractors may not be insured, creating liability risk
  • Accountability: Easier to resolve issues with direct employees

Reed Enterprise uses our own trained crews - no subcontractors. You get consistent quality on every job.

Question #9: What Happens If There's a Problem?

Issues happen. Professional contractors have clear processes for resolving problems quickly.

Questions to Ask:

  • • Who do I contact if there's an issue?
  • • What's your response time for problems?
  • • How do you handle warranty claims?
  • • What if I'm not satisfied with the work?

Question #10: Can I See Your Portfolio?

Photos don't lie. See examples of completed projects similar to yours before committing.

View 500+ Reed Enterprise Projects

See our completed fences and decks throughout Jackson, Madison, and Ridgeland. Real projects, real quality.

Browse Project Gallery

Ready to Hire a Trusted Fence Contractor?

Reed Enterprise checks ALL the boxes. Licensed, insured, 14+ years in business, 127+ 5-star reviews, 5-year warranty, transparent pricing.

Why 500+ Jackson Homeowners Chose Reed Enterprise:

Fully Licensed & Insured

Mississippi contractor license, $2M liability coverage

14+ Years in Business

Family owned, Jackson based since 2010

127+ Five-Star Reviews

Verified reviews from your neighbors

5-Year Workmanship Warranty

Industry-leading guarantee on all work

Transparent Pricing

Detailed quotes, no hidden fees, no surprises

Own Trained Crews

No subcontractors, consistent quality

Get Your Free Estimate Call: (601) 238-4962

No obligation • Free quote within 24 hours • Serving Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland since 2010