1. How long have you been in business?
Why it matters: Longevity in a competitive market like Houston fencing is meaningful evidence. Companies that cut corners, do poor work, or treat customers badly don't survive 20+ years on referrals. A 5-year-old company may be excellent or may not have faced a hurricane season yet. A 47-year company has been tested by everything Houston can throw at a fence business.
Griffin Fence's answer: Founded in 1979 — 47 years in business serving Houston and the greater metro area. Our best source of new business is referrals from customers we've served over four decades.
2. Do you use your own crews or subcontractors?
All Fence Types
Wood, chain link, ornamental iron, vinyl, aluminum, pool fence — Griffin installs every residential and commercial fence type.
Greater Houston Area
We serve all of Harris County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Montgomery County, and surrounding areas.
Expert Installation
Every Griffin crew is trained on post setting, rail alignment, gate hanging, and proper material handling for Houston's climate.
1-Year Warranty
Every fence Griffin installs carries a full 1-year workmanship warranty. We stand behind our work completely.
4.9 Stars, 140 Google Reviews
Houston's most-reviewed fence contractor. Consistent 5-star service since 1979.
Free Estimates
On-site estimates at no charge. Call 713-937-6611 or request online — most quotes completed within 24 hours.
Why it matters: Subcontracted work may not be held to the same quality standards as work performed by the contractor's own trained crews. When you hire a contractor who subcontracts, you may not know who actually shows up to install your fence or what their training and standards are.
Permit Check: Houston city limits don’t require permits for residential fences under 8 ft. Fort Bend County requires permits over 6 ft. HOA approval is separate from city permits.
Griffin Fence's answer: Griffin Fence installs every project with its own trained crews. No subcontractors. Every crew member works to Griffin Fence standards, trained and supervised by Griffin Fence management.
3. What does your warranty cover?
Why it matters: Warranty terms reveal how confident a contractor is in their own work. Vague verbal warranties are not enforceable — always get warranty terms in writing.
Griffin Fence's answer: 1-year workmanship warranty in writing on every installation, covering post installation depth and footing, secure rail and picket attachment, proper alignment and leveling, gate installation and adjustment, and compliance with applicable building codes at time of installation.
4. Do you handle permits?
Why it matters: Houston fence permit guides are required in most Houston suburbs for fences over 6 feet, and in specific cities for front yard fence. A contractor who does not handle permits either doesn't know the local requirements or is leaving the compliance burden on you.
Griffin Fence's answer: Yes. Griffin Fence manages permit applications for all projects in jurisdictions that require them. We know the specific requirements for each city in our service area and factor permit timelines into project scheduling.
5. Can you show me photos of similar completed projects?
Why it matters: Photos of actual completed work are the most direct evidence of quality. Look for consistent finish quality, straight fence lines, clean gate integration, and appearance consistent with what you've been quoted.
Griffin Fence's answer: Yes. Our project gallery shows completed cedar wood privacy fences, ornamental iron installations, commercial chain link, and more across Houston and surrounding areas.
6. What is the project timeline?
Why it matters: Understanding the schedule from deposit to completed fence helps you plan. Houston permits can take 1–4 weeks. HOA approval can take 2–4 weeks. Material lead times vary. Installation typically takes 1–3 days.
Griffin Fence's answer: We provide a specific timeline estimate at the time of quoting. For non-permit projects, most Griffin Fence residential installations begin within 1–3 weeks of estimate approval. Permitted projects add the permit processing timeline.
7. What happens if there's damage to my lawn or plants during installation?
Why it matters: fence installation Houston, TX involves heavy equipment, post hole augers, and material handling across your yard. The contractor's answer reveals their professionalism and how they handle unintended consequences.
Griffin Fence's answer: We take care to minimize lawn and landscape damage during installation. We remove and dispose of post hole excavation material, collect all material scraps, and leave the property in clean condition. If damage occurs, we address it.
8. How do you handle property line issues?
Why it matters: Building a fence on the wrong side of the property line is one of the most common and costly fence mistakes. A professional contractor asks about property surveys and helps you understand the risk.
Griffin Fence's answer: We ask every customer about their property survey and recommend getting a survey if there is any uncertainty about property corners. We build inside the property line by default. For shared-boundary fences, we recommend the neighbor be involved in the project discussion.
9. What materials do you recommend for my situation?
Why it matters: A contractor who recommends the same material for every customer without considering your HOA rules, soil conditions, budget, and climate exposure is not providing expert guidance.
Griffin Fence's answer: After assessing your property, HOA requirements, and priorities, we make specific material recommendations. In most Houston residential situations, we recommend cedar with steel posts for wood privacy fence — steel posts eliminate the primary failure point in Houston's clay soil. For coastal properties, we recommend vinyl-coated chain link fence over galvanized, and aluminum over iron for ornamental applications.
10. What is your cleanup process?
Why it matters: A clean worksite at project completion is a marker of professionalism. Some contractors leave concrete bags, old fence debris, and post hole excavation material for the homeowner to deal with.
Griffin Fence's answer: Full cleanup is standard on every Griffin Fence project. We remove all old fence material (if demo is included in the scope), all post hole excavation material, all material scraps and packaging. We do not leave cleanup for the homeowner.
11. Can you provide references?
Why it matters: Willing references are a sign of confidence in customer satisfaction. Be somewhat skeptical of contractors who cannot or will not provide references — or who only provide references from immediate family members.
Griffin Fence's answer: Yes. With 25,000+ satisfied customers across Houston since 1979, we have no shortage of satisfied customers willing to speak with prospective customers. Call 713-937-6611 to request references for specific fence types or geographic areas.
12. What happens if I find an issue after installation?
Why it matters: The contractor's response to this question reveals their customer service philosophy. A confident, reputable contractor will explain their warranty process clearly. An evasive answer is a red flag.
Griffin Fence's answer: Contact us directly at 713-937-6611 or sales@griffinfence.com. Issues covered by the 1-year workmanship warranty are addressed at no charge. Griffin Fence crews return to the project site to assess and correct the issue.
13. Does the estimate include demo of my existing fence?
Why it matters: Demo and disposal of an existing fence is a significant cost item — typically $3–8/linear foot. If it is not included in the estimate, you may face a significant surprise cost or need to arrange demo yourself before installation begins.
Griffin Fence's answer: Demo is itemized separately in every Griffin Fence estimate. If demo is needed, the cost is clearly stated. If you choose to arrange your own fence removal before our crew arrives, we can exclude that cost from the estimate.
14. How do you handle HOA applications?
Why it matters: In Houston's HOA-heavy suburban market, a fence contractor who doesn't know the HOA process creates problems. The Woodlands RDRC, Cinco Ranch ARC, and Sienna HOA all have specific requirements — a contractor unfamiliar with these adds weeks of delays and potential rejection risk.
Griffin Fence's answer: Griffin Fence has experience with more than 50 Houston-area HOA Architectural Review Committees. We prepare application materials formatted for each community's requirements, including material spec sheets, product photos, and installation descriptions. We submit on your behalf and track approval status.
15. Do you offer financing?
Why it matters: A significant fence project can run $3,000–15,000 or more. Financing options make quality fence affordable without requiring the full amount upfront.
Griffin Fence's answer: Yes. Griffin Fence offers financing for qualified buyers. Visit griffinfencehouston.com/financing for current financing options. Financing availability allows you to install the fence you actually need rather than compromising on quality due to upfront cost constraints.
Related resources:
- Why Griffin Fence? Our Full Trust Story
- Complete Fence Buying Guide
- Our Installation Process
- Warranty Information
Additional Resources
For current City of Houston fence permit requirements, visit the Houston Permitting Center. Harris County unincorporated area permit information is available through Harris County Permits.