Fences & Decks: Know the 9 Warning Signs of Bad Contractors

Fences & Decks: Know the 9 Warning Signs of Bad Contractors
How to avoid scams, shady contractors, and construction nightmares.

They say strong fences make good neighbors.

But who exactly builds those strong fences? Truthfully, it can be hard to tell.

After all, home improvement projects like new fences and dream decks aren’t something most people undertake every day — or even every decade.

Sadly, smooth-talking contractors count on your lack of experience to cut corners, inflate costs, and even leave town.

We see it every day. We’re called to remedy the mistakes of unscrupulous builders who have drained the time, patience, and money of unsuspecting homeowners.

Among the greatest hits of fence and deck scammers:

Half-completed Jobs: Projects are left in limbo, turning your plan for a personal backyard oasis into a pit of despair every time you look out the window.
Here Today, Excuses Tomorrow: Things start off promising, but when missed workdays pile up as fast as the excuses, it becomes clear you’re no longer a priority.
Substandard Materials: They use materials that can’t withstand the humid summers and freezing winters unique to eastern Missouri and the Metro East, leading to premature wear and tear.
Shoddy Workmanship: The wrong stain, poorly spaced deck boards, wobbly rails — and, yes, even protruding nails — are hallmarks of their work.
Inadequate Foundation and Footing: Poor foundation — and our region’s freeze-thaw cycle — create instability for decks and fence posts.
Budget Creep: Quotes that magically balloon as the work progresses, leaving homeowners paying a ransom in overcharges.

While low-quality craftsmanship isn’t a new problem, today it’s never been more rampant. Almost anyone looking to make a quick buck can advertise as an expert fence or deck builder. They can print out a few business cards, staple flyers around town, or post themselves for hire on an odd jobs website and look legit.

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Is a Big Deal

Remember how much is riding on getting this project right the first time: Your home’s value, the enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces, and even your family’s health and safety are all at stake. A new fence or deck isn’t just wood and nails; it’s summer barbecues, morning coffees in the sunshine, and evening wind-downs with a glass of wine watching the sunset.

That’s what a good contractor is building for your family.

In other words, it’s a job that’s way too important to leave to shady contractors, jack-of-all-trades handymen, or that guy your second cousin’s best friend’s neighbor swears is “really good at swinging a hammer.”

Bad Fence and Deck Builders: Nine Red Flags to Watch For

If you want to avoid the hassles, headaches, and rip-offs, there are a few telltale things that can help you steer clear of disaster. Look for these warning signs:

The Nomad: Does this person have a physical office? Or is it just a P.O. Box and a voicemail box that’s always full? Make sure they have support staff to help you when they’re unavailable. Who are their references?
Pricing Games: Too low? They might be cutting corners. Too high? You’re not looking for gold-plated fences. Don’t get suckered by opportunistic pricing or luxury materials.
Real Fast, Real Cheap, Real Bad: There’s an old saying among contractors: “You can have fast. You can have cheap. You can have it done right. Now pick two.” When you hear about superfast project completions at unbelievable rates, remember it.
The Jack-of-all-trades: If your fence and deck guy is also selling you a new roof, a bathroom remodel, and a kitchen makeover, beware. You want a specialist in outdoor construction, not a Swiss Army knife. Ask for pictures of previous fences and decks they’ve completed.
Inventory Mysteries: Without a consistent lumber and material supplier, your too-good-to-be-true contractor may get cheap material that doesn’t last the season or leave your project floating in back-order limbo.
Ghosting Early and Often: If getting a contractor to return an email or a phone call during the planning stage is difficult, don’t wait until things get worse. Head for the exit now.
The Million Dollar Question: Look for the licenses and insurance contractors in Missouri need, including a Certificate of Insurance with over $1 million policy levels.
No Drawings, No Detailed Bids, No Written Warranty: You want clarity, not confusion. They should be more than happy to detail their bid in writing. No excuses.
They’re Just Kind of Jerks: Follow your gut. A great contractor can turn “shop talk” into plain English. Don’t be made to feel silly, stupid, or annoying for asking questions.

It’s All About the Bigger Picture

Remember: Good craftsmanship is a better value — and so are good business practices. Building your dream deck or fence should be an exciting adventure, not a stress-inducing saga. And yes, it’s possible. Work with an experienced specialist who can do the job right the first time.

We’ll provide a clear, honest estimate for your project along with any financing you qualify for.

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