We have all heard the horror stories. A homeowner pays cash upfront for materials, the van drives away, and they never see the money (or the fence) again. Or perhaps the job gets done, but the fence blows down in the first autumn gust because the posts were barely in the ground.
The barrier to entry in our industry is low. Anyone can buy a spade and a van and call themselves a "Landscaper." But there is a massive difference between a guy with a van and a professional contractor.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we often get called in to fix the mess left by "cowboy" builders. We want you to get it right the first time. Here is how to vet your contractor before you sign on the dotted line.
1. The "Digital Footprint" Check
In 2025, a legitimate business leaves a trail. If a contractor has no website, no Google Maps location, and only a mobile number, proceed with caution.
- Google Reviews: Look for recent reviews. Anyone can get their mate to write a 5-star review in 2018. Look for consistent feedback from the last 6 months.
- Social Media Evidence: Check their Facebook or Instagram. Do they post photos of their work? Look for "in progress" shots, not just polished finished results. It shows they actually did the work themselves and didn't just steal a photo from Pinterest.
2. The Quote: Detail is King
The biggest warning sign is the "back of a cigarette packet" quote.
- The Red Flag: "New Fence: £1,000." This gives you no protection. Does that include waste removal? What quality of wood? How deep are the holes?
- The Green Flag: A proper quote should list exactly what is happening: "Excavate 4 holes to 600mm depth. Supply and install 4x Pressure Treated Posts. Supply 3x Featheredge Panels. Remove all waste from site."
If it isn't written down, it isn't included. Demand a breakdown.
3. The "Cash Upfront" Warning
This is the number one sign of a cowboy builder.
Never pay the full amount upfront.
- Standard Practice: For standard fencing, many established companies (like us) won't ask for a penny until the job is done and you are happy.
- Bespoke Items: If you are ordering custom-made automated gates or expensive composite decking, it is normal to pay a deposit (usually 25-50%) to cover the materials. But if a contractor asks for "cash for materials" for a standard timber fence because they "don't have the cash flow," walk away. They likely don't have a trade account, which means they aren't a serious business.
4. Insurance and Guarantees
Accidents happen. If a landscaper drops a paving slab through your conservatory window, who pays?
- Public Liability Insurance: Ask to see proof of it. Any professional will have it on their phone or in the van. If they don't have it, you could be liable for accidents on your property.
- Workmanship Guarantee: Ask, "What happens if this fence leans in 6 months?" A reputable firm will return to fix their mistakes for free. A cowboy will change his phone number.
5. Availability: The "Tomorrow" Trap
We know you want your job done now. But be realistic.
Good contractors in Bristol are busy. If you call someone and they say, "I can start tomorrow," ask yourself why they have no work. Unless it's a tiny emergency repair, a good team will usually have a lead time of a few weeks. Waiting for quality is better than rushing into a disaster.
6. Trust Your Gut
Finally, how do they treat you? Do they turn up for the quote on time? Do they look presentable? Do they listen to what you want, or do they try to bully you into the easiest option for them?
You are inviting these people into your home. If you don't feel comfortable with them during the 15-minute quote, you won't enjoy having them in your garden for a week.
Want a transparent, detailed quote from a team that turns up on time? We are happy to let our reviews and our portfolio speak for themselves.
Featured Image Image [A close-up of a clipboard with a detailed checklist and a pen, held by a person in a high-vis vest with a branded van in the background.] Image Alt Text [Checklist for hiring a fencing contractor in Bristol] Tags Select Tags Contractor Advice Home Improvement Scams Budgeting Bristol Trade SEO Settings Meta Title How to Choose the Right Contractor: Bristol Guide Meta Description Don't get ripped off. Learn how to vet fencing and landscaping contractors, spot "cowboy" quotes, and understand safe payment terms.