Questions we hear all the time.
Cost, permits, HOA review, timeline, warranty, and financing. If you do not see your question here, give us a call and we will talk it through.
General
The questions we get every week
What does a new fence usually cost?
It comes down to the material, height, gate count, grade, and access. Chain-link costs less than cedar, vinyl, or aluminum. Our fence page shows installed ranges by material, then we price your exact layout after seeing the yard.
Do you handle permits and HOA approval?
Yes. When a permit or HOA approval is needed, we prepare the drawings and paperwork and submit it for you. Government and association fees are separate and shown clearly in your proposal.
How long will my project take?
We will give you the schedule after we see the site. Permit and HOA reviews can take a few weeks. Once the job is cleared, most fences take one to three days and decks or patios take longer depending on the size and scope.
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?
Our installation work is covered by a written 10-year workmanship warranty. Materials carry their manufacturer warranty, and the term depends on what you choose.
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
Will I need a fence permit?
It depends on the height and where you live. We check the rules for your address, prepare the application if one is needed, and file it with the right office.
How deep do fence posts need to be set in Maryland?
For most jobs, 30–36 inches. The exact depth depends on the fence, soil, and grade. We set the line for a stable fence and gates that keep working properly.
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?
Usually the base was too thin, drainage was missed, or the ground was not compacted properly. We dig to the depth the site needs and build the base in layers before the pavers go down.
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 free estimate for your project.
We will walk the property, talk through the work, and give you a clear price in writing.
Send the details and we will get back to you within one business day. We can also handle permit and HOA paperwork when it applies.