Straight answers, before you have to ask.
Cost, permits, HOA review, timeline, warranty, financing. If your question is not here, call us — we would rather talk you out of the wrong project than sell you one.
General
The questions we get every week
How much does a new fence cost in Maryland?
Most residential fence projects in Montgomery and Howard County land between $32 and $68 per linear foot installed. Chain-link is at the low end; ornamental aluminum and tall board-on-board cedar are at the top. A typical 150-foot backyard enclosure runs roughly $5,500 to $9,500.
Do you handle permits and HOA approval?
Yes, on every project, at no extra charge. We prepare the county or municipal permit application, assemble the HOA architectural review packet with drawings and material specs, and track it through approval. You do not need to visit a permit office.
How long does the whole process take?
Estimate within one business day of your call. Proposal within 48 hours of the site visit. Permits and HOA review are the long pole — typically 2 to 6 weeks depending on jurisdiction. Once approved, most fences install in 1 to 3 days and most decks and patios in 4 to 10 days.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. A-1 Fencing is a licensed Maryland Home Improvement Commission contractor carrying general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. We provide our MHIC number and a certificate of insurance with every proposal, and we will send one to your HOA on request.
What warranty do you offer?
A 10-year workmanship warranty on structural installation, in writing, plus the full manufacturer warranty on materials — which reaches 25 to 50 years on premium composite decking and lifetime on many paver lines.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer installment loans from 8.99% APR with terms up to 144 months, a 6.99% APR five-year option, and a 12-month same-as-cash plan with no interest if the balance is paid within 365 days. Pre-qualification is a soft credit pull and takes a few minutes.
Do you require a deposit?
We collect a materials deposit at contract signing, with the balance due on completion and your walkthrough sign-off. We never ask for the full amount up front.
What happens if a utility line is in the way?
We schedule Miss Utility marking before any digging on every job, without exception. If a marked line conflicts with the layout, we adjust the design and review the change with you before proceeding.
Can you repair work another contractor installed?
Frequently, yes. We assess whether the existing structure is sound enough to build on and give you a straight answer about repair versus replacement, including when repair is the smarter spend.
What areas do you serve?
All of Montgomery County and Howard County, Maryland, plus Northwest Washington, DC. That includes Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Kensington, Columbia, Ellicott City and surrounding communities.
Fences & Gates
Fence Installation & Repair questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Montgomery County?
Yes. Montgomery County requires a permit for fences over 6.5 feet, and most municipalities require one at any height. We prepare and file the application as part of your project — you do not need to visit the permit office.
How deep do fence posts need to be set in Maryland?
Maryland frost depth is roughly 30 inches. We set posts a minimum of 30–36 inches in concrete footings so frost heave cannot lift or lean the line.
Who is responsible for the finished side of the fence?
Most Maryland jurisdictions and HOAs require the finished side to face your neighbor. Board-on-board and shadowbox styles look identical from both sides, which avoids the issue entirely.
Decks
Deck Building & Repair questions
Does composite decking get too hot in Maryland summers?
Dark composite boards do heat up in direct sun. Lighter colorways and PVC products like AZEK run noticeably cooler. We walk you through surface-temperature differences before you pick a color.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Maryland?
Any deck over 30 inches above grade, or attached to the house, requires a permit and inspection in Montgomery and Howard County. We handle the drawings, filing and inspection scheduling.
Can you repair or resurface my existing deck?
Often, yes. If the framing and footings are sound, we can replace just the decking and railings for a fraction of a full rebuild. We inspect the substructure first and tell you honestly which way is smarter.
Patios
Patio & Paver Installation questions
Why do paver patios sink?
Almost always because the base was too thin or was not compacted in lifts. We excavate 8–12 inches and compact every 2 inches, which is the single biggest reason our patios stay level.
Do patios need a permit in Maryland?
A ground-level patio usually does not require a permit, but impervious-surface limits and stormwater rules can apply on smaller lots. We check your county requirements before we quote.
How do I keep weeds out of the joints?
Polymeric jointing sand, properly activated, seals the joints and blocks most weed growth. A sealer applied every 3–5 years extends that further.
Retaining Walls
Retaining Walls questions
When does a retaining wall need an engineer in Maryland?
Montgomery County generally requires engineered drawings and a permit for walls over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing, or for any wall carrying a surcharge such as a driveway. We coordinate the engineering.
Why is my existing wall leaning?
Bulging or leaning nearly always signals trapped water or a missing base. Repointing the face will not fix it — the wall needs to be rebuilt with proper backfill and drainage.
Walkways
Walkways & Steps questions
How wide should a front walkway be?
Four feet is the comfortable standard — it lets two people walk side by side. Three feet is the practical minimum for a secondary garden path.
Can you add lighting to a walkway?
Yes. We rough in low-voltage conduit during construction so fixtures can be added without cutting anything up later.
Fire Features
Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits questions
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fireplace in Maryland?
Permanent masonry fireplaces and any gas line work require permits and inspection. Freestanding wood fire pits usually do not, but setback rules still apply. We confirm the requirements for your county before starting.
Gas or wood-burning?
Gas wins on convenience and is friendlier to close neighbors. Wood wins on heat output and ambiance. If you already have gas service at the house, the extra cost of a gas line is usually modest.
Get a written, itemized estimate — free.
No sales pressure and no vague line items. We walk your property, measure, and give you a fixed price in writing.
We reply to every estimate request within one business day. Permits and HOA paperwork included at no extra charge.