Key takeaways
- Ask every contractor for proof that they are licensed and insured.
- Ask who will actually build your fence: employees or subcontractors.
- Get a written estimate that spells out material, height, style, footage and gates.
- Understand the warranty, the payment schedule and who handles HOA paperwork and utility locates.
A fence is a long-term part of your home, and who builds it matters as much as the material. Two fences made from the same lumber can look and last very differently depending on how the posts are set, how straight the lines are and how carefully the gates are hung.
Whether you're getting quotes from us or anyone else, these 12 questions will help you compare fence contractors in the Charlotte area and choose with confidence. We've included how Fences & Firepits answers each one, so you know exactly where we stand.
Credentials and crew
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Ask for proof, not just a yes. Insurance protects you if someone is hurt on your property or something is damaged during the work. A contractor who hesitates to share proof is a red flag.
Our answer: Fences & Firepits LLC is licensed and insured. Ask us for documentation at your estimate.
2. Who will actually build my fence?
This is one of the most important questions, and one people often forget to ask. Some companies sell the job and then hand it to a subcontractor crew you've never met. That can mean inconsistent quality and unclear responsibility if something goes wrong.
Our answer: Every installer is a Fences & Firepits employee. We do not hire subcontractors. Our full crew is six people, all in-house.
3. Who will I talk to during the project?
Know who to call with questions before, during and after installation.
Our answer: Owner Ron Memallaj handles estimates personally in most cases and is reachable at (980) 339-2182, Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM.
Estimates and pricing
4. Will you come out and measure?
Online calculators are great for budgeting, but an accurate price requires someone to walk the fence line, check slopes and access and look for obstacles.
Our answer: Our estimates are free and include an on-site visit and measurements. Our online calculator gives a preliminary range in the meantime.
5. Is the estimate in writing, and what does it include?
A good estimate lists the material, height, style, total footage, number and type of gates, removal of any old fence and cleanup. Vague estimates lead to surprises.
6. What could change the price?
Ask what might change the final cost, such as rock, roots, changes you request or HOA-required revisions, and how changes are handled.
7. What is the payment schedule, and what methods do you accept?
Understand when deposits and final payments are due before you sign.
Our answer: We accept Apple Pay, cash, check, credit card and Zelle. Payment terms are spelled out in writing.
Process and paperwork
8. Will you help with my HOA application?
In much of the Charlotte area, HOA approval is a required step. A contractor who knows the process can save you time. Be wary of anyone who promises approval. Only the HOA can decide.
Our answer: We help prepare HOA paperwork, including a site plan and product details. We never guarantee approval. Read our HOA approval guide.
9. Who requests the utility locate?
Underground utilities must be marked before anyone digs. Make sure you know who handles it.
Our answer: We request the utility locate as part of scheduling.
10. What does the process look like from start to finish?
A clear process signals an organized company. You should know what happens after you sign and roughly how long each step takes.
Our answer: Initial contact, on-site visit and measurements, written estimate, scheduling with HOA and utility help, in-house installation and a final walkthrough. See our process and our timeline guide.
After the install
11. What warranty do you offer, and what does it cover?
Ask for the warranty in writing. Know what it covers (workmanship, materials or both), how long it lasts and how to make a claim.
Our answer: Our installations are backed by a 2-year limited workmanship warranty, outlined in our terms and conditions.
12. Can I see examples of your work?
Look for photos of real projects the company installed, not stock photos or renderings. Ask whether you can see work similar to your project.
Our answer: Our project gallery shows real Fences & Firepits installations around Charlotte, Waxhaw, Huntersville and Ballantyne. You can also read customer reviews.
Red flags to watch for
- Won't provide proof of insurance
- Can't say who will do the installation
- Gives a price without measuring
- Estimate is vague about materials, height or footage
- Pressures you to sign the same day
- Asks for full payment up front
- Promises guaranteed HOA approval
- Has no written warranty
- Shows only stock photos instead of real work
Comparing quotes fairly
When you have more than one quote, line them up side by side. Make sure each quote has the same material, height, style, footage and number and type of gates. A lower price sometimes reflects a lighter-duty build, fewer posts, a different grade of lumber or skipped removal and cleanup. Ask each contractor to explain the difference.
| Compare | Questions |
|---|---|
| Material | Same material, grade and color? |
| Size | Same height and total footage? |
| Style | Same board style or panel? |
| Gates | Same number, width and type? |
| Extras | Old fence removal, haul-away, cleanup included? |
| Crew | Employees or subcontractors? |
| Warranty | Length and coverage in writing? |
Ready to talk?
We'd be glad to be one of your quotes. Request a free estimate and Ron will walk your property, measure your fence line and give you a written estimate, with no cost and no obligation. Prefer to talk first? Call (980) 339-2182.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a fence contractor before hiring?
Ask whether they are licensed and insured, who will build the fence, whether the estimate is written and detailed, what the warranty covers, who handles HOA paperwork and utility locates, and what the payment schedule is.
Does Fences & Firepits use subcontractors?
No. Every installer is a Fences & Firepits employee. We do not hire subcontractors.
Is Fences & Firepits licensed and insured?
Yes. Fences & Firepits LLC is licensed and insured. You can ask for documentation at your estimate.
What warranty does Fences & Firepits offer?
Installations are backed by a 2-year limited workmanship warranty, outlined in our terms and conditions.
About the author
Fences & Firepits team, reviewed by Ron Memallaj, owner of Fences & Firepits LLC. We're a licensed and insured fence company serving Charlotte and the surrounding communities since 2022. Every fence we build is installed by our own in-house crew. We don't hire subcontractors.
