There’s a particular kind of stress that comes with getting your fence done. You know what you want – a clean boundary, a bit more privacy, maybe something that actually looks good from the street. But then come the questions: Who do I call? How do I know they’re any good? What if they’re halfway through the job and disappear?
It’s not irrational. Plenty of Adelaide homeowners have been burned by dodgy trades. And a fence isn’t a small decision. It’s a long-term fixture on your property, visible to you and your neighbours every single day.
So how do you get it right the first time? Here’s what to look for when choosing a fencing contractor in Adelaide.
6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Fencing Contractor in Adelaide
1. Check That They’re Licensed and Insured
This one isn’t optional. In South Australia, fencing work that involves structural elements or certain heights requires a licensed contractor. Beyond the legal side of things, insurance matters because if something goes wrong on site – a damaged retaining wall, an injury, a neighbour’s property affected – you want to know you’re covered.
2. Look for Local Experience – Not Just Experience in General
Adelaide’s conditions are specific. The heat over summer, the clay-heavy soils in many suburbs, the sloping blocks across the Hills and inner north. These all affect which materials perform best and how posts need to be set. A contractor who’s been working across Adelaide’s suburbs will understand these nuances without you having to explain them.
3. Get Everything in Writing – Especially the Quote
A verbal quote is worth nothing. Before any work starts, you should have a written, itemised quote that covers:
- Materials (brand, grade, colour)
- Labor costs
- Site preparation
- Removal and disposal of old fencing if applicable
- Expected timeline and completion date
4. Read Reviews – But Read Them Critically
Google reviews and word of mouth are genuinely useful – but look beyond the star rating. Read what people actually say. Do they mention clean communication? Showing up on time? Finishing what they started?
Also ask the contractor directly if they can refer you to a recent job in your area. Being able to drive past a completed fence and judge it for yourself is worth more than any testimonial.
5. Understand Your Neighbour’s Rights (Before You Build)
This is something a lot of Adelaide homeowners overlook until it’s too late. Under South Australian fencing law, your neighbour may be entitled to share in the cost of a dividing fence – but that also means they have a say in what gets built. A knowledgeable fencing contractor will be familiar with the Fences Act and can guide you through the process.
6. Ask About the Materials They Use
Not all Colorbond is the same. Not all timber is treated equally. A good contractor will be transparent about the brands and grades they source. Also ask about warranties – both on materials and workmanship. Knowing you’ve got some recourse if something fails early gives you peace of mind long after the job’s done.
Get It Right with Master Landscaping Adelaide
At Master Landscaping Adelaide, we tick every box above – and we’ve been doing it across Adelaide’s suburbs for years. We’re fully licensed and insured, we give you a fixed quote upfront, and we won’t go quiet once the deposit is paid.
We specialise in all types of residential fencing – Colorbond steel, tubular, timber, masonry, and our popular good neighbour fencing Adelaide, which gives both sides of the boundary the same clean finish. No ugly side facing your neighbour. No disputes about who got the short end.
And because we’re a full landscaping contractor, we can also handle retaining walls, paving, and broader landscaping – all under one roof.
Ready to get started? Contact us at 0480 739 400 for a free, no-obligation quote.
