7 Red Flags When Hiring a Fence Company in Miami

So let's say you finally decide to install a fence. You’ve got the vision—a sturdy, beautiful fence that adds privacy, security, and value to your home. So, you search online, call a few companies, and a friendly-sounding contractor offers you a "too-good-to-be-true" deal.

You pay the deposit. They promise to start next week. But then… silence.

Calls go to voicemail. Texts are left on read. Weeks pass, and your yard is still wide open. When you finally track them down, they hit you with excuses: “We’re waiting on materials.” “The crew is running behind.” Or worse—they just disappear.

Unfortunately, this happens more often than you think. Miami is full of fencing companies, but not all of them are professional, reliable, or even licensed. Some cut corners, overpromise, or flat-out scam homeowners.

That’s why we’re here.

If you want to avoid hiring the wrong fence company, watch for these 7 major red flags.

Red Flag #1: No Proof of Experience or References

Hiring a fence contractor without checking their past work is like hiring a chef without tasting their food. Would you trust someone to cook for a wedding just because they say they’re a great chef? Of course not—you’d want proof.

The same goes for fencing.

A legitimate fence company should proudly showcase their work. They should be eager to show photos of past projects, customer reviews, and references. If they can’t, that’s a huge red flag.

What to Check:

✔ Ask for four references: Two from recent jobs (last 6 months) and two from older projects (1+ years old). This tells you:

• How their current work looks

• How well their fences hold up over time

✔ Look for real photos, not just stock images. (Bonus points if they have before-and-after pictures!)

✔ Read online reviews. If they have dozens of positive Google reviews, that’s a great sign. If they have no reviews or a mix of bad ones? Run.

Real-Life Example:

A Miami homeowner once hired a “cheap” fence contractor who promised a full installation in two weeks. They gave a deposit, signed a simple agreement, and waited. The contractor started the job but quickly disappeared—leaving only a few half-dug holes in their yard.

After chasing him down, the homeowner discovered that this guy had zero past projects, no online presence, and no legitimate business address. They had fallen for a fly-by-night contractor who did sloppy work and bailed before finishing.

They ended up hiring us to fix the mess—paying twice for the same job.

Red Flag Warning Signs:

🚩 The contractor hesitates or refuses to provide references.

🚩 They only show you stock photos (or blurry pictures that could be anyone’s work).

🚩 They have no online presence or Google reviews.

A good fence should last years, even decades. A bad contractor can leave you with a fence that sags, leans, or falls apart in months. Before hiring, demand proof—or you might be paying for repairs way sooner than expected.

Red Flag #2: No Valid Insurance

A fence crew is working in your yard. One guy loses his footing, falls, and breaks his arm. The company shrugs and says, “Sorry, we don’t have workers' comp.”

Guess who’s legally responsible for that medical bill? You.

If your fence contractor isn’t insured, you’re playing with fire. If something goes wrong—an injury, property damage, a lawsuit—you could be on the hook for thousands.

Why This Matters:

Many fly-by-night contractors cut costs by skipping insurance. They assume nothing will go wrong… until it does. And when it does, you’re the one left dealing with the fallout.

How to Protect Yourself:

✔ Ask for proof of insurance (and don’t just take their word for it). Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing:

• General liability coverage

• Worker’s compensation (this is a big one)

✔ Call the insurance company to confirm the policy is active. Some shady contractors buy a short-term policy just to get the paperwork, then cancel it.

✔ Avoid companies that dodge the insurance question or say, “Don’t worry, nothing ever happens.” That’s not confidence—it’s recklessness.

Real Life Example:

A homeowner in Miami once hired a cheap fence company. The job was halfway done when one of the workers sliced his hand open on a saw. No insurance. No workers' comp.

A few weeks later? The homeowner got sued.

The worker’s medical bills exceeded $30,000, and because the company had no coverage, the courts held the homeowner responsible.

Their “affordable fence” turned into a legal and financial disaster.

Red Flag Warning Signs:

🚩 The contractor doesn’t mention insurance in their pitch.

🚩 They say “We’re covered,” but refuse to show proof.

🚩 The policy only includes general liability (without workers' comp).

A real fence company protects its workers AND its customers. If they can’t prove they have insurance, walk away. Otherwise, that “cheap” fence could cost you more than you ever imagined.

Red Flag #3: No Clear Project Timeline

Ever hired a contractor who promised to start “next week,” only for weeks to turn into months? Yeah, it happens all the time.

Fence companies that can’t give you a clear start date and timeline are either disorganized, overbooked, or just stringing you along until they feel like showing up.

Why This Matters:

A fence installation isn’t just about putting up posts and panels. It involves:

✔ Material delivery – Are the materials even in stock?

✔ Permit approvals – Who’s handling that?

✔ Concrete curing time – How long before it’s solid?

If your contractor can’t give you a straight answer on when they’ll start and how long it’ll take, expect delays, excuses, and frustration.

How to Protect Yourself:

✔ Get the timeline in writing – Not just “sometime in June.” You want specifics:

• Start date

• Estimated completion date

• Any possible delays (e.g., weather)✔ Ask how they handle setbacks – A professional company factors in delays and keeps you updated. A bad one just disappears.

✔ Watch for vague answers – If they say, “We’ll get to it soon,” that’s not a timeline—it’s a red flag.

Real-Life Example

A Miami homeowner hired a “budget” fence company. They promised to start in two weeks.

Two weeks turned into two months.

Two months turned into six months.

By the time they finally showed up, the homeowner’s backyard had been sitting exposed for half a year, HOA fines had stacked up, and their frustration was through the roof.

The kicker? The contractor never gave an exact timeline—just empty promises.

Red Flag Warning Signs:

🚩 They dodge questions about the start date.

🚩 They won’t put the timeline in writing.

🚩 They blame delays on “waiting for materials” but won’t say when they’ll arrive.

If a company can’t give you a clear, written timeline, don’t expect them to respect your time at all. A professional fence company runs on schedules, not excuses.

Red Flag #4: Shady Payment Practices – The Fastest Way to Get Scammed

Money talks, and how a fence company handles payments says everything about their professionalism. Shady payment practices are a flashing neon sign that you’re about to get ripped off.

Watch Out for These Sketchy Moves:

🚩 Huge Upfront Deposits – If a company asks for 50-100% upfront, that’s a scam waiting to happen. They could take your money and vanish.

🚩 Cash-Only Deals – No paper trail, no proof, no way to get your money back if things go south.

🚩 Vague or No Payment Schedule – A legit company has clear milestones: deposit, material delivery, completion. If they can’t explain how payments work, run.

🚩 Surprise Fees – Ever heard of “rock charges,” “permit processing fees,” or “weather delay surcharges”? Yeah, some companies make up extra fees as they go.

Real-Life Horror Story

A homeowner in Miami hired a fence company that offered a “special discount” if they paid in full before the project started. Seemed like a great deal—until the contractor took the money and disappeared.

No calls. No emails. No fence.

Turns out, the company wasn’t even licensed. The homeowner had to take legal action, costing even more time and money.

How to Protect Yourself:

✔ Never pay more than 30-50% upfront – Standard practice is half upfront, half at completion.

✔ Get everything in writing – Total cost, payment schedule, and any extra fees before you sign.

✔ Use traceable payment methods – Credit card or check only. If they insist on cash, walk away.

✔ Ask about financing – Reputable companies offer structured payment plans, not handshake deals.

If a contractor is pushy about money, refuses to take card payments, or won’t put numbers in writing, that’s your cue to find someone else. A real professional makes payments simple, clear, and fair.

Red Flag #5: The “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” Fence Company

Ever heard of fly-by-night contractors? They show up, take your deposit, do a half-baked job (if they show up at all), and then vanish—never to be seen again.

These companies don’t have a real business structure. No website, no branding, no long-term presence. They might operate out of a pickup truck with no accountability, cutting corners and leaving you in the dust.

Things That Scream "Shady Business"

🚩 No Business Address or Office – If their “business location” is just a P.O. box or a random home address, they can disappear overnight.

🚩 Unbranded Vehicles & Crew – Legitimate companies have branded trucks, uniforms, and professional tools. If they show up in an old van with no logo? Sketchy.

🚩 No Official Website or Social Media – A real business has an online presence with past work, reviews, and contact information.🚩 No Warranty or Guarantees – If they don’t back their work, they probably don’t expect to be around long enough for you to call them back.

🚩 Cash-Only or No Paper Trail – If they insist on cash payments with no receipt, there’s a reason—they don’t want you to be able to track them down.

The Nightmare Story

A Miami homeowner hired a fence contractor off Craigslist who promised a "super cheap fence, installed in a week." He took a 50% deposit upfront, dug a few holes, then… vanished. Calls? Ignored. Texts? Blocked.

Turns out, this guy wasn’t even a real business. No license, no insurance, no office—just a guy who ran off with thousands of dollars.

How to Avoid This Trap:

✔ Check for an Established Reputation – A real business has a proven track record, years in business, and an office (or at least a professional operation).

✔ Look for Branding & Presence – Branded trucks, uniforms, and a strong online presence show they’re in it for the long haul.

✔ Ask About Warranties – If they don’t offer a warranty, that’s a red flag—they don’t expect their work to last.

✔ Avoid Cash-Only Deals – Always get a receipt and contract. If they push for cash with no paper trail, run.

A contractor without a real presence is a contractor you can’t trust. If they disappear, your money and fence go with them. Choose a company that’s built to last.

Red Flag #6: They Leave You to Handle Permits & Legal Hassles

You hire a fence company, thinking they’ll take care of everything. The crew shows up, starts digging… and suddenly, a city inspector halts the entire job.

Why? Because your contractor never pulled a permit. Now, you’re stuck with half-dug holes, a potential fine, and zero accountability from the company that should’ve handled it.

How Bad Contractors Put You at Risk

A legitimate fencing company knows local laws and ensures everything is done legally. But shady contractors? They’ll tell you things like:

🚩 “Oh, you don’t need a permit for this.” (Yes, you probably do!)

🚩 “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” (No, it’s easier to do it right the first time!)

🚩 “Just pull the permit yourself.” (Why are you paying them, then?)

🚩 “We’ve never had an issue before.” (Until they do—and you’re the one stuck dealing with it!)

What Happens When You Skip the Permit?

❌ Work Gets Shut Down – If an inspector finds an unpermitted fence, they can force you to stop work immediately.

❌ Fines & Penalties – Some cities charge homeowners hundreds or thousands in fines for unauthorized work.

❌ You May Have to Tear It Down – Worst-case scenario? The city orders you to remove the entire fence and start over.

❌ It Hurts Resale Value – If you ever sell your home, missing permits can cause legal headaches or lower your home’s value.

The Nightmare Story

A homeowner in Miami hired a cheap contractor who promised a fast, affordable fence. What the contractor didn’t say? He didn’t bother pulling a permit.

Months later, a neighbor complained. The city inspected, found no permit, and deemed the fence non-compliant. The homeowner had two choices:

1️⃣ Pay thousands in penalties and try to get the permit retroactively.

2️⃣ Tear down the entire fence and start from scratch.

Moral of the story? If a contractor avoids permits, they’re cutting corners—and you’ll pay the price.

How to Avoid This Trap:

✔ Ask Upfront: “Who Handles the Permits?” – A real fencing company will pull permits for you or guide you through the process.

✔ Check Local Laws Yourself – Even if they say you don’t need one, verify with your city or HOA.

✔ Get It in Writing – Your contract should clearly state who is responsible for permits and compliance.

✔ If They Avoid the Question? Walk Away. – A contractor dodging permit questions is a contractor you can’t trust.

A fencing company that ignores permits is a fencing company that’s not looking out for you. If they don’t care about the law, what else are they cutting corners on?

Choose a company that gets it done right.

Red Flag #7: They Push You Into a Decision With High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Ever walked into a store “just to browse,” and suddenly, a pushy salesperson won’t leave you alone? That’s exactly how some shady fence contractors operate.

They’ll hit you with:

🚩 “This price is only good if you sign today!” (Classic scam move—why does the price magically expire?)

🚩 “We have a huge backlog, but I can squeeze you in—if you commit right now.” (Trying to make you panic? Big red flag!)

🚩 “I’ll throw in a special discount, but you have to say yes before I leave.” (If it’s a real discount, why the rush?)

The Problem With High-Pressure Sales Tactics

A legit fencing company wants to educate you, not pressure you. But bad contractors? They rush you into signing so you don’t have time to:

❌ Compare quotes – They don’t want you shopping around.

❌ Read the contract carefully – Hidden fees? Extra charges? You’ll miss them if you’re rushed.

❌ Check their reputation – No time to look up reviews or ask for references.

These aggressive tactics aren’t about helping you. They’re about getting your money before you realize the trap.

The Classic “Bait & Switch” Trick

A Miami homeowner once shared their nightmare experience with a fencing company that used this exact strategy. The rep came in with a too-good-to-be-true deal and claimed it was “only valid for the next 24 hours.”

Feeling the pressure, they signed immediately. But later, the contractor hit them with extra fees for permits, “special materials,” and unforeseen labor costs. The final price? Almost double the original quote.

When they tried to back out, the contractor pointed to the fine print: “No refunds after signing.”

How to Spot & Avoid High-Pressure Sales Scams

✔ Take Your Time – A trustworthy company lets you compare options. If they rush you, they’re hiding something.

✔ Get Everything in Writing – Any “special deal” should be in your contract with no sneaky fine print.

✔ Ask for a Price Breakdown – If they won’t explain the costs clearly, walk away.

✔ Compare at Least 3 Quotes – If one price seems way lower, there’s a catch.

If a fencing company needs to pressure you into signing, that’s a huge red flag. A great company earns your business by delivering value—not by rushing you into a decision you’ll regret.

Conclusion:

Hiring the wrong fencing contractor isn’t just an inconvenience—it can cost you thousands in unexpected repairs, poor workmanship, and legal trouble. If you spot any of these red flags, don’t ignore them:

🚩 No proof of experience or credibility

🚩 Suspiciously cheap pricing

🚩 Vague contracts full of loopholes

🚩 Lack of proper licensing and insurance

🚩 Unclear or ever-changing project timelines

🚩 No Professional Presence

🚩 Aggressive, high-pressure sales tactics

You work hard for your money. You deserve a fence that’s built to last—not one that falls apart in a few years while the contractor is nowhere to be found.

Why Allday Fence is the Right Choice

We’ve spent 20+ years building fences in Miami and surrounding areas, and our reputation speaks for itself:

✅ 100+ verified 5-star Google reviews – Homeowners and businesses trust us because we deliver.

✅ Licensed, insured, and experienced – No guesswork, no cutting corners.

✅ High-quality craftsmanship – Our fences don’t just secure your property; they transform it.

✅ Clear pricing & contracts – No hidden fees, no surprises—just honest work.

✅ Fast, professional installation – We work on schedule, and we do it right the first time.

The fence you install today should last for years—make sure you’re choosing a company that will too.

Before you risk your money on a contractor who might do a good job, let’s talk. We’ll give you expert advice, a transparent quote, and the peace of mind that you’re making the right decision.