Why it pays to ask the right questions
A good fence can improve privacy, security, noise control and street appeal for years. But in New Zealand, fencing jobs can vary a lot in cost and complexity depending on the site, soil type, boundary issues, wind exposure, and whether you’re replacing an old fence or starting from scratch.
Before you hire a fencer, a few well-chosen questions can tell you a lot about their workmanship, reliability and professionalism. They can also help you compare written quotes properly, avoid budget blow-outs and reduce the risk of disputes with neighbours or your local council.
Use the checklist below as a practical conversation guide before you sign anything.
1) What experience do you have with fences like mine?
Start with the basics. Ask what kinds of fencing they regularly build and whether they’ve done jobs similar to yours.
Good questions include:
- Have you worked on timber paling, post-and-rail, coloursteel, aluminium, pool fencing or retaining-and-fence combinations? - Do you have experience with my type of section — flat, sloping, rocky, clay-heavy or windy? - Have you done fences in my suburb or district before? - Can you show photos of recent jobs that are similar to what I want?
Why this matters: a fencer who mainly does straight timber boundary fences may not be the best fit for a difficult rural site, a pool barrier, or a fence that needs to work around drainage, retaining walls or property setbacks.
If your job is more complex than a standard boundary fence, ask them to explain how they would manage:
- uneven ground - underground services - existing hedges or trees - wind loading on exposed sites - integration with gates, retaining, or landscaping
2) Are you licensed or registered for any part of this work?
Most general fencing work in New Zealand is not a licensed trade in the same way as electrical or plumbing work. However, fencing jobs can overlap with other regulated work and building consent requirements.
Ask specifically whether any part of the job involves:
- **building work** that may need a council building consent - **retaining walls** or structural elements that affect stability - **electric fencing**, which must be installed safely and appropriately - **plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying** near the fence line, if relevant - **electrical work** for gates, automation or lighting, which must be carried out by a person authorised under the **EWRB** rules
A reputable fencer should be able to tell you when another qualified trade is needed, and when you should check with your local council.
If the job includes anything that could affect structure or drainage, ask:
- Will this require a building consent from my council? - Will you prepare drawings or details if consent is needed? - Do you work with builders, electricians or other specialists if required?
3) Are you insured, and what does that cover?
Insurance is one of the most important questions to ask. Don’t assume every contractor carries the same level of cover.
Ask for confirmation of:
- **public liability insurance** - cover for accidental damage to your house, driveway, services or neighbour’s property - cover for the contractor’s workers and tools - any exclusions that might affect your project
If the fence is being built near a retaining wall, carpark, pool, power lines or services, insurance becomes even more important.
Useful follow-up questions:
- Can you provide a certificate of currency? - What happens if a post hole damages a buried cable or pipe? - Who is responsible if existing fence sections, plants or paving are damaged during removal?
A fencer who is properly insured should answer these questions without being defensive.
4) What exactly is included in your quote?
Always ask for a written quote with enough detail to compare one contractor with another. A low headline price can hide missing items that become costly later.
A good quote should clearly state:
- length and height of fence - fence type and materials - post spacing and post size - footing depth and concrete details where relevant - gate size, hardware and lock options - removal and disposal of old fence materials - site clearance and spoil removal - staining, painting or treatment, if included - GST and any delivery charges
Here’s a simple comparison table you can use:
| Quote item | What to check | Why it matters | |---|---|---| | Fence type | Timber, steel, aluminium, pool barrier, etc. | Changes cost, durability and appearance | | Materials | Timber grade, coating, fixings, gate hardware | Affects lifespan and maintenance | | Labour | Includes removal, installation, tidy-up? | Avoids surprise extras | | Site prep | Tree roots, old posts, levelling, concrete removal | Common source of variation | | Consents | Who arranges council approval if needed? | Delays and extra fees can arise | | Warranty | What is covered and for how long? | Helps if defects appear later | | GST | Is the price inclusive or plus GST? | Essential for true price comparison |
If something is vague, ask them to put it in writing. For example: “Does your price include removing and disposing of the old fence?” or “Is the gate latch included?”
5) How do you handle boundary and neighbour issues?
In New Zealand, fences are often boundary projects, which means you may need to think about neighbour agreements, access and the exact boundary line.
Ask the fencer:
- Do you help confirm the fence line before work starts? - Do you work from a survey plan if one is supplied? - What happens if the existing fence is not on the legal boundary? - Will you need access through a neighbour’s property?
A fencer is not a surveyor, so if there’s any uncertainty about where the boundary is, get a qualified surveyor involved before work starts. That is much cheaper than fixing a dispute later.
If the fence is a shared boundary fence, also ask whether they can provide enough detail for you to discuss the job clearly with your neighbour. In many cases, a written scope and quote help avoid misunderstandings about cost-sharing, fence height and finish.
6) What is your expected timeline and start date?
Good fencing work depends on weather, material supply and site conditions. In NZ, winter rain, summer demand and holiday periods can all affect timing.
Ask:
- When can you start? - How long will the job take? - What could delay it? - Do you work in wet weather, and if not, how does that affect the programme? - If materials are delayed, how will you let me know?
It’s smart to ask whether the quote is still valid if materials increase in price. Timber, steel and hardware prices can move, and labour availability can change during busy seasons.
For larger jobs, ask for a rough work programme, especially if the fence needs to coordinate with other trades or landscaping.
7) What materials do you recommend, and why?
A trustworthy fencer should be able to explain material choices in plain language, not just push the cheapest option.
Ask:
- Why is this material suitable for my site? - What maintenance will it need? - How long should it last in my location? - Is the timber treated for outdoor use and ground contact where needed? - Are the fasteners and fixings corrosion-resistant?
This matters a lot in coastal areas, where salt air can reduce the life of cheaper fixings and coatings. Likewise, on very exposed properties, you may need stronger posts, deeper footings or a different fence design to handle wind.
If you want a low-maintenance fence, ask about:
- powder-coated aluminium or steel - coloursteel-style screening - composite products, where suitable - timber species and treatment levels
The best choice depends on budget, appearance and how much upkeep you’re prepared to do.
8) Do you offer a guarantee or workmanship warranty?
Ask what happens if something goes wrong after the fence is installed.
Clarify:
- how long the workmanship guarantee lasts - what is covered - whether the warranty is in writing - whether materials carry a separate manufacturer warranty - what counts as normal wear and tear
For example, a warranty may cover loose posts or faulty workmanship, but not damage from a vehicle, tree roots, storms, or ground movement outside the installer’s control.
Ask how to make a warranty claim and how quickly they respond to issues.
9) Can you give me references or recent customer feedback?
References help you check whether the fencer turns up on time, communicates clearly and finishes to a good standard.
Ask for:
- two or three recent customer references - photos of completed jobs - online reviews, if available - addresses of completed fences you can drive past, if the customer agrees
When speaking to previous customers, ask:
- Was the quote accurate? - Was the site left tidy? - Did the job finish on time? - Were there any surprises or extras? - Would you use them again?
A good fencer should be comfortable providing references. If they hesitate, that’s a warning sign.
10) Who will actually do the work?
Sometimes the person who quotes the job is not the one doing the installation. That’s not necessarily a problem, but you should know who is responsible.
Ask:
- Will you do the work yourself or send a crew? - How many people will be on site? - Who is the point of contact if I have questions? - Are your staff employed or subcontracted? - Will the same team handle the full job from start to finish?
This helps you understand who is accountable for quality, communication and site safety.
11) How will you protect my property and leave the site tidy?
Fence jobs can be messy. Posts, concrete, old wire, broken timber and dug-out soil all need to be managed properly.
Ask how they will handle:
- protecting driveways, paths, lawns and garden beds - locating underground services before digging - removing old fencing and rubbish - backfilling holes and levelling disturbed ground - cleaning up nails, screws and offcuts
If the fence is near planting, paving or a finished lawn, it is worth confirming what the final tidy-up includes. You don’t want to discover that removal of rubbish or restoration of the site costs extra.
12) What payment terms do you require?
Be cautious if a contractor asks for a large upfront payment without a clear reason.
Ask:
- What deposit do you require? - When are progress payments due? - Is the final payment due on completion or after a defect check? - Do you provide a receipt and invoice?
For smaller fencing jobs, payment is often staged around a deposit and a final payment. For bigger jobs, there may be progress claims. Make sure the payment schedule matches the quote and the stage of work.
Never rely only on verbal promises. Get the scope, price, timeline and payment terms in writing.
13) What should I ask before I sign?
Before you commit, use this final checklist:
- Have I received at least two or three written quotes? - Does each quote include the same scope and materials? - Have I checked insurance and references? - Do I understand whether consent or other trade work is needed? - Have I confirmed the timeline and payment terms? - Is the warranty written down? - Do I know who will actually do the work?
If a quote seems much cheaper than the others, ask what has been left out. If one is much higher, ask what extra value is included. The best choice is not always the cheapest — it’s the one that clearly explains what you’re getting and stands behind its work.
Final tip: compare on more than price
A fence is a long-term part of your property, so the right contractor should be transparent, insured, responsive and experienced with the kind of site you have. By asking the questions above, you’ll be better placed to spot the professionals, avoid hidden costs and choose a fencer who can deliver a fence that lasts in New Zealand conditions.