Fence construction is a significant investment in your home’s security and appearance. Unfortunately, many contractors don’t tell you the full story. At Primescape Fence and Stain, we believe you should know exactly what you’re getting. Here’s what other contractors hide, and how we do things differently.

1. Markup on materials runs steep

The secret: Most homeowners don’t realize that materials like wood, vinyl, and aluminum are often marked up by 20–50%. Contractors fold those inflated numbers into your quote, making it nearly impossible to see where your money is going. What looks like a competitive bid may actually be padded heavily on the materials side.

Our difference: At Primescape, we give you transparent quotes. We separate labor and materials so you know what you’re paying for. Because we purchase in volume from trusted suppliers, we also secure better pricing. Instead of pocketing the savings, we pass them on to you. This way, you get quality products at a fair rate, without hidden markups. Our transparent quoting process ensures that you know exactly what you’re paying for, giving you peace of mind and confidence in our services.

2. Posts determine how long your fence lasts

The secret: A fence is only as strong as its posts. Many contractors save time and money by setting posts too shallow or using untreated wood that won’t last. Shallow posts start leaning, and untreated wood rots quickly, leading to major failures within a few years.

Our difference: Primescape uses PostMaster Plus steel posts on every fence. These posts are engineered to withstand high winds, resist rot, and last decades longer than wood. They’re hidden from view for a clean look but provide far greater strength. Every post is set at the correct depth for your soil type, so your fence doesn’t just look good on day one—it still stands straight years later.

3. Cheap materials cost more later

The secret: Low-grade lumber and untreated pickets are often used to keep bids attractive. What you don’t see is that they warp, split, and decay much faster than higher-quality options. That means paying for repairs, replacements, or even full reinstallation long before you expected.

Our difference: We don’t build with the cheapest wood available. We use treated pine, cedar, vinyl, and aluminum fencing that are built to last. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects. Vinyl requires almost no upkeep and doesn’t fade in the sun. Aluminum gives you strength with very little maintenance. We explain these options upfront so you can choose based on longevity, not just the lowest price.

4. Fence placement can backfire

The secret: If a contractor builds across your property line, you could face legal disputes and the cost of tearing down a brand-new fence. Some contractors don’t even bring it up because it’s “not their problem.”

Our difference: Primescape insists on getting fence placement right. We recommend a property survey before work begins, and we can connect you with trusted surveyors. This simple step prevents neighbor disputes, city fines, and expensive rework. Your fence will be built where it belongs, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s legally compliant, giving you a sense of reassurance and confidence in our services.

5. Gates are billed like luxury items

The secret: Contractors know you need a gate, so they charge premium rates for even basic models. In some cases, gates double the cost of the project.

Our difference: We treat gates as part of the fence, not a luxury upgrade. Whether you need a simple walk gate or a wide double gate for vehicles, we price fairly and build to the same standards as the rest of your fence. If you want an automatic opener, we install it professionally without inflated costs. Gates should make your life easier, not your bill bigger. We respect your needs and value your investment, ensuring fair pricing for all our services.

6. Labor shortcuts show

The secret: A rushed crew may skip using string lines or levels, relying instead on “eyeballing.” This creates uneven tops, irregular spacing, and fences that look sloppy from the start. It’s one of the most common complaints homeowners have after hiring the contractor with the lowest bid.

Our difference: We don’t rush the process. Every fence is laid out with string lines and levels. Posts and pickets are evenly spaced. The finished product looks straight, clean, and professional. Our crews are trained to treat every job site as if it were their own property, and our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty guarantees the results.

7. Concrete isn’t always best

The secret: Pouring concrete around every post may sound strong, but in wet climates, it often traps water against the wood. Over time, that moisture accelerates rot at the base of the post. Contractors rarely explain this because concrete is the fastest option for them.

Our difference: Primescape uses PostMaster Plus steel posts on every fence. These posts are engineered to withstand high winds, resist rot, and last decades longer than wood. They’re hidden from view for a clean look but provide far greater strength. Every post is set at the correct depth for your soil type, so your fence doesn’t just look good on day one; it still stands straight years later.

8. Warranties aren’t always firm

The secret: Many contractors offer only short warranties or none at all. Others advertise a warranty, but make it so limited that it covers almost nothing. If something goes wrong a year later, you’re left paying for repairs out of pocket.

Our difference: Every Primescape project comes with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. If your fence has issues because of our installation, we fix it—no arguments and no hidden clauses. We stand behind our work for as long as you own the fence.

9. DIY isn’t always cheaper

The secret: Contractors may discourage DIY because it threatens their profits. While some parts of a project really do require professional equipment, there are tasks you can safely handle yourself. Homeowners don’t hear that from most contractors.

Our difference: We’re honest about what you can do on your own. Staining or small repairs are manageable with the right products and guidance, and we’ll point you in the right direction. But for installations that require precise leveling, heavy equipment, or special hardware, our crews handle it properly. We’re not here to sell you what you don’t need. We’re here to build it right.

Knowing which fence tasks to handle yourself can save you time and money. Explore our complete guide on professional vs. DIY fence installation to make the best decision for your project.

10. Maintenance hides in the fine print

The secret: Contractors rarely explain what upkeep each fence type requires. A cheap wood fence may look fine when it’s installed, but within a year, you’ll be sanding, staining, or repairing boards. Vinyl or aluminum might have been the better choice, but no one told you.

Our difference: We explain maintenance before you sign. If you prefer a natural wood look, we recommend pre-staining or our eco-friendly staining services to protect it in the long term. If you want something low-maintenance, vinyl or aluminum are excellent options. You make an informed decision, knowing the lifetime costs and care upfront.

Why homeowners trust Primescape

Primescape is licensed, insured, and based in Livingston Parish, serving Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Prairieville, and surrounding communities. We focus on durable materials, precise workmanship, and transparent pricing. Every fence we build comes with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and financing options to make it easier to fit your budget.

Ready to protect your property with a fence built the right way? Request your free instant quote today.