Hiring a fence contractor is one of those decisions where the wrong choice costs you twice — once for the bad job and again to fix it. In Woodinville and the surrounding King County area, there are plenty of contractors to choose from. Here’s how to tell the good ones from the rest.
At New Ridge Fencing LLC, we’ve been installing fences across Woodinville, Kirkland, Bothell, Kenmore, and Bellevue for over 11 years. We’re not writing this to sell you — we’re writing it because we’ve seen what happens when homeowners hire the wrong contractor, and it’s not pretty.
Want to see if we’re the right fit? Call (425) 408-2460 or request your free estimate online. No obligation, no pressure.
1. Verify Their License
This is non-negotiable. In Washington State, any contractor doing work over $800 must be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). You can look up any contractor’s license on the L&I website in under a minute.
A licensed, bonded contractor means:
- They carry a surety bond that protects you if they don’t complete the work
- They have workers’ compensation insurance, so you’re not liable if someone gets hurt on your property
- They’re accountable to the state
If a contractor can’t provide a license number, walk away.
2. Check Their Insurance
Beyond the L&I bond, a reputable contractor carries general liability insurance. This protects your property if something goes wrong during the job — a broken sprinkler line, damage to a retaining wall, a fence panel falling onto your neighbor’s car. Ask for proof of insurance and verify it’s current.
3. Look at Their Track Record
Google reviews, BBB rating, and word-of-mouth referrals all matter. Look for:
- Consistent 4- and 5-star reviews over time (not just a burst of recent ones)
- Reviews that mention specific projects, not generic praise
- How the contractor responds to the occasional negative review — that tells you a lot about how they handle problems
4. Get a Written Estimate
A good contractor will come to your property, walk the fence line with you, and give you a written estimate that breaks down what’s included: materials, labor, post setting, cleanup, and any extras like old fence removal or gates.
Be cautious of:
- Estimates given over the phone without seeing the property
- Quotes that seem significantly lower than everyone else’s — they’re usually cutting corners on materials, labor, or both
- Contractors who won’t put the price in writing
5. Ask About Materials
Not all cedar is the same grade. Not all vinyl panels are the same thickness. Not all chain link is the same gauge. A good contractor will explain what materials they use and why. See our guide to the best fence materials for Washington’s climate.
6. Understand the Timeline
Ask when they can start and how long the job will take. A contractor who’s booked out a few weeks is usually a good sign — it means they’re in demand. A contractor who can start tomorrow might not be as busy for a reason.
7. Check Their Warranty
What do they stand behind? How do they handle issues that come up after the job is done? A contractor confident in their work will have a clear answer to these questions.
About New Ridge Fencing
We’re a family-owned fence contractor based in Woodinville. Licensed & Bonded with WA State L&I. BBB Accredited. 11+ years in business. We install cedar, vinyl, chain link, ornamental iron, privacy fences, and split rail and hog wire. We also handle fence repair and gate and commercial fencing.
Get Your Free Fence Estimate
New Ridge Fencing LLC — Family-owned fence contractor serving King & Snohomish County for 11+ years.
Licensed & Bonded — WA State L&I | BBB Accredited
(425) 408-2460
Request Your Free Estimate →
