How to Compare Fence Quotes in Tallahassee: What a Good Bid Spells Out

Why quotes for the same yard differ

"How do I decide between fence companies?" is one of the most common questions homeowners ask fence builders online, often alongside photos of a finished fence that doesn't look right. Most of the gap between bids comes from specification: post size and depth, material grade, hardware, gates, and what's included around the job. A bid that doesn't spell those out makes a fair comparison impossible. For what drives the overall number, see what drives privacy fence installation cost.

What a clear quote should spell out

• Material and grade. Not just "wood" — the species, the grade, and for posts, whether they're rated for ground contact.
• Post size, spacing and depth. Posts carry the whole fence. How deep they're set, and how far apart, matters more than anything you'll see from the yard — especially in Tallahassee's clay soils and storm season.
• How posts are set. Concrete, gravel, or driven metal, and how water is kept from sitting around the base — see why posts rot at the concrete line.
• Fasteners and hardware. Galvanized or stainless fasteners, and hinges and latches sized for each gate.
• Gates. Width, framing and bracing for each one; gates are where shortcuts show first — see why gates sag.
• Old fence removal and haul-away, if there's an existing fence.
• Permits — who pulls them, and whether the cost is included. See the Leon County fence permit process.
• Layout and property line. Who confirms where the line is — see how close to the property line a fence can go.
• Site conditions. Slopes, roots and trees, and how they'll be handled.
• Cleanup and warranty, in writing.

Questions worth asking

• How deep will the posts be set, and in what?
• Will the fence be built on site, or with pre-built panels? On a sloped or uneven yard, that choice affects how the fence follows the ground — see fencing a sloped yard.
• Who will be doing the work, and who do I call if something isn't right after it's finished?
• When is payment due, and what stage of the job does each payment line up with?

What to look at during the install

Posts that look plumb and evenly spaced, consistent post height before the pickets go on, gates that swing freely and latch on their own, and a clean line along the ground. If anything looks off, it's far easier to raise it while the crew is still there than after the last payment.

Pool fences have extra requirements

If the fence is also a pool barrier, confirm the quote covers the gate and latch requirements, not just the fence — see Florida pool fence requirements.

Comparing quotes now?

Call for a free quote with every item above spelled out, or see our privacy fence installation page.