A new fence can completely transform your property, adding privacy, defining boundaries, and improving curb appeal. But hiring the right fence contractor in Nashville is just as important as choosing the right material.

Between the city’s clay soil, humid summers, and mix of urban and rural lot types, local experience matters more than you might think.

At Heron Building Co, we’ve seen too many projects go sideways because of preventable mistakes made early in the process.

Here are the five most common mistakes homeowners make when hiring a fence contractor in Nashville, and how to avoid them.

5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring Fence Contractor in Nashville

1. Choosing the Lowest Bid Without Asking What’s Included

A cheap quote can be tempting, especially when materials and labor costs vary so much between contractors.

But too often, the lowest bid hides shortcuts, using untreated posts, thinner pickets, or shallow footings that won’t last through one wet Tennessee winter.

In Nashville’s clay-heavy soil, posts must be set deep enough (often 24–36 inches) with proper drainage or concrete footing to prevent leaning. Many low-cost installers skip this entirely.

A trustworthy contractor will walk you through the line items, material grade, post depth, sealing, and warranty, so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Paying a little more upfront often means saving thousands later.

2. Not Checking Licensing, Insurance, and Permits

Fence installation might seem straightforward, but it still falls under Davidson County and Tennessee construction regulations.

Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured installer puts you at risk if property damage or injuries occur on-site.

Permitting is another commonly overlooked detail. For example:

• Most residential fences up to 6 feet require no special permit.
• Anything taller, or located near a property line or street setback, often does.

Reputable contractors handle these permits on your behalf, and ensure your fence complies with local zoning rules, HOA covenants, or historic district requirements.

It’s one of those things you shouldn’t have to chase down yourself.

3. Ignoring Site Conditions and Drainage

Your property’s slope, soil composition, and drainage pattern directly affect how long your fence will last. Yet many installers quote sight-unseen, assuming flat, dry ground.

In Nashville, the red clay retains moisture and expands when wet, a recipe for leaning posts or premature rot if not installed correctly.

Drainage channels and grading adjustments might be small details, but they make the difference between a 5-year fence and a 20-year fence.

Professional contractors inspect the site before estimating costs. At Heron, we evaluate everything from groundwater flow to tree root zones before recommending materials or post depths.

That kind of prep ensures your fence stays straight, dry, and structurally sound.

4. Overlooking Material Quality and Long-Term Maintenance

Not all wood, composite, or metal fences are created equal.

Homeowners often choose based on looks, the “warm wood” aesthetic or a brochure image, without asking what grade or treatment the material actually has.

For example:

• Cedar lasts longer than pine but still requires sealing every few years.
• Composite offers low maintenance but varies widely in strength and UV resistance between brands.
• Aluminum fences should use powder-coated, not painted, finishes for Nashville’s humidity.

Ask your contractor about manufacturer warranties, hardware type (galvanized or stainless), and post caps.

A professional should also outline a simple maintenance plan, cleaning, staining, or sealing, so your fence stays beautiful and functional long-term.

5. Not Reviewing Past Work or References

This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when hiring fence contractor in Nashville. Even in the age of Google reviews, photos and firsthand references matter. A fence might look good in pictures but reveal sloppy installation or uneven spacing up close.

Ask your contractor for:

• A portfolio of recent projects in the Nashville area (ideally similar in size or material).
• Client references who can vouch for their communication, cleanup, and aftercare.

Reputable builders don’t hesitate to share this information, they’re proud of their craftsmanship. Heron, for example, showcases past Nashville and Franklin installations to help homeowners visualize what’s possible and build confidence before we start.

Bonus: Forgetting to Ask About Warranty and Post-Installation Support

Many homeowners assume all fences come with a warranty, but not all do. A reliable contractor will stand behind both the materials and the workmanship for several years.

Post-installation support matters, too. Good contractors schedule check-ins or respond quickly if a panel shifts or a latch loosens after the first season.

That’s part of what separates a one-time installer from a long-term professional partner.

Hiring Right the First Time

Building a fence should be a once-in-a-decade investment, not a recurring repair project.

Avoiding these five mistakes means choosing a contractor who values precision, transparency, and craftsmanship as much as you do.

At Heron Building Co, we design and install custom fences across Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood, combining quality materials with deep local expertise.

From permits and grading to post-install inspections, every step is handled the right way, the first time.

Thinking about a new fence? Contact Heron Building Co. to schedule a consultation and get a quote that’s built for your home, and built to last.