Most homeowners in Central Florida eventually face the same dilemma: the old fence is leaning, a storm just knocked down a panel, or the new puppy keeps escaping the backyard. You know you need help, but typing "fence companies near me" into Google gives you hundreds of results. Who do you trust? How do you know you'ren't getting ripped off?
Finding a reliable contractor in Orlando doesn't have to be a gamble. You need someone who understands our unique sandy soil, hurricane seasons, and HOA regulations. By looking at the right details—like local reputation, insurance, and specific project portfolios—you can filter out the fly-by-night operations and find a partner who will protect your property for years to come.
Hiring a truly local expert isn't just about supporting the community; it's about durability. A national chain might not realize that fence posts in Lake Nona or Dr. Phillips need to be set differently due to soil composition than they might be in other states.
Local pros know that Orlando's 90°F+ summers with high humidity are brutal on materials. They understand why pressure-treated pine needs specific sealants here, or why vinyl is often a smarter long-term play against the intense UV rays. When you hire someone with deep roots in Orange and Osceola counties, you're hiring someone who knows exactly what the Florida weather will do to your investment over the next 10 to 15 years.
Google Maps is often the first stop, but you need to look beyond just the star rating. When you search for fence companies, zoom in on your specific neighborhood. A company that has done work in Winter Park or College Park likely understands the specific permitting and aesthetic requirements of those historic areas.
Look for consistency in the reviews. A 4.8 rating with 200 reviews is often more reliable than a 5.0 rating with only two reviews. Pay close attention to recent reviews from the last six months. This tells you about the current state of the company's staffing and material supply. Are people mentioning that the crew showed up on time? Did they clean up after themselves?
Specifically, look for photos in the "Updates" or "Photos" section of their Google Business Profile. If you're interested in a shadowbox fence installation, look for recent examples of that specific style. Shadowbox fences are great for airflow during hurricane season, but they require precise spacing to look right. Seeing recent photo proof gives you confidence that they can handle the technical details.
While Google is great, platforms like Angi (formerly Angie's List) or Yelp can offer a different layer of verification. These platforms often require businesses to pass background checks or verify their licenses before getting a "verified" badge.
However, don't just look at the score. Read the stories behind the reviews. If a customer complains about a delay, see if the business owner responded professionally. Construction delays happen—especially during Florida's rainy season—but communication is what separates the pros from the amateurs. A company that takes the time to address a negative review politely is a company that cares about its reputation.
Also, check for specific service mentions. If you need fence repair Orlando Florida, residents have reviewed, search for that exact phrase within the reviews. You want to ensure the company doesn't just build massive commercial projects but also cares about residential repairs.
Your neighbors are your best resource because they have the same soil, the same weather, and likely the same HOA rules as you. If you see a fence you love while walking the dog, knock on the door or leave a polite note asking who installed it.
Community Facebook groups (like those for Conway or Avalon Park) are also goldmines for honest feedback. When you ask for recommendations, also ask, "Who should I avoid?" You will often get honest stories about contractors who took deposits and disappeared or left jobs unfinished.
When you get a name, ask specific questions:
A company's website is its digital resume. It should look professional and provide clear information about what they do. Beware of sites that use only stock photos. You want to see gritty, real photos of their trucks, their crews, and their actual work sites.
Look for educational content. Do they explain the difference between wood grades? Do they discuss wood picket fence installation styles like dog-ear vs. gothic? A company that takes the time to educate you on its website is likely to be patient and helpful during the actual project.
Social media pages are great for seeing "behind the scenes." Check their Facebook or Instagram. Are they posting regularly? Active accounts show they are currently in business and proud of their work. It's also a great place to spot their quality control. In photos of wood fences, look at the bottom of the pickets—are they level? Is the hardware straight? These small details matter.
This is the most critical step that homeowners often skip. In Florida, fence contractors must be licensed. This isn't just a piece of paper; it protects you. If an unlicensed worker gets hurt on your property, you could be liable for their medical bills.
Ask for proof of two things:
Don't be shy about asking to see the certificates. A legitimate business will have them ready on their phone or in their truck. You can also verify licenses through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website or the local county building department.
Price is always a factor. When looking for fence repair Orlando Florida, costs can vary wildly. A typical repair might range from $150 to $600 depending on if you need a few pickets replaced or a new post set in concrete.
Be wary of quotes that are drastically lower than the others. This often means they are using inferior materials (like untreated pine instead of pressure-treated) or they aren't paying for insurance. A good rule of thumb is to get three quotes. If one is 40% cheaper than the rest, there is usually a reason, and it rarely ends well for the homeowner.
Also, ask about timelines. Good contractors are busy. If someone says they can start tomorrow, ask why. Are they just efficient, or do they have no other work? A wait time of 2-4 weeks is standard for reputable companies in Central Florida, especially after storm season.
Finding the right fence company takes a little bit of homework, but it protects your wallet and your home. By verifying local experience, checking recent real-world photos, and ensuring they have the proper insurance, you can feel good about your choice.
Your fence is the first line of defense for your home and a big part of your curb appeal. Don't settle for the first name you see. Look for the experts who know the difference between a fence that lasts five years and one that lasts twenty.
If you're looking for reliable service, whether it’s a small fence repair Orlando Florida, or a brand new perimeter for your property, we are here to help.
Ready to secure your yard? Contact Wulff Fence today at (407) 745-8635 for a free estimate.