Do I need a permit for a fence in Toronto?

Toronto requires a permit for most fences over 2 metres. Confirm your property line first — a survey may be needed — and a good contractor will advise you and handle the permit application.

How many fence quotes should I get?

Get at least three written quotes. Ensure each specifies the same materials, post depth, post spacing and included work so you can compare on equal terms; significant differences usually come down to materials or post specs.

What should a fence quote include?

A complete quote includes post hole excavation and concrete, all materials, installation, cleanup and debris removal, and the permit application if required. Watch for quotes that exclude concrete or debris removal.

How do I verify a fence contractor?

Ask for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage, confirm a real business address, and call references from fence projects completed in the past 12 months.

How big a deposit is normal?

A reasonable deposit is typically 25–30% or less. Large upfront cash deposits beyond that are a red flag, as is any contractor unwilling to provide a written contract.

What are red flags when hiring a fence contractor?

Watch for large cash deposits, no written contract, no business address or verifiable insurance, no recent references, and a price far below all other quotes.

How to Hire a Fence Contractor Toronto

Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Fence Contractor in Toronto

The wrong fence contractor leaves you with a fence that leans within a year, crosses the property line, or fails permit inspection. The right one is easy to find if you follow a simple process: define the project, compare quotes apples-to-apples, verify credentials and watch for red flags. This guide walks you through every step.

Whether you want privacy, security or curb appeal, hiring the right Toronto fence contractor is the difference between a fence that lasts decades and one you replace in a few years.

How to Find and Hire a Quality Fence Contractor in Toronto

Hiring the wrong fence contractor leads to a fence that leans within a year, doesn't meet property lines, or doesn't pass permit inspection. This guide covers how to find and evaluate fence contractors in Toronto.

2 metres Toronto requires a permit for most fences taller than this — confirm before you build.

Before you compare quotes, know what a complete one should contain:

Quote Item	Complete Quote	Watch Out
Post depth	Specified (48"+)	Unstated
Concrete	Included	Excluded
Cleanup	Included	Extra charge
Permit	Handled	Your problem

Step 1: Define Your Project

Before contacting contractors, know what you want: fence type (wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain-link), approximate length, height, and whether you need a permit. Toronto requires permits for most fences over 2 metres. Define your property line (a survey may be needed).

Step 2: Get Multiple Quotes

Get at least three written quotes for any fence project. Ensure each quote specifies the same materials, post depth, post spacing, and included work. Quotes that differ significantly usually differ in materials or post specifications — ask why.

Step 3: Verify Credentials

Ask for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage. A fence contractor without insurance exposes you to liability if a worker is injured on your property. Verify the contractor has a real business address — not just a phone number.

Step 4: Check References and Portfolio

Ask for references from fence projects completed in the past 12 months. Call them. Ask specifically about post setting, how well the fence has held up, and whether the contractor addressed any issues that came up.

Step 5: Understand What's Included

A complete fence quote should include: post hole excavation and concrete, all materials, installation, cleanup and debris removal, and permit application if required. Watch for quotes that exclude concrete or debris removal.

Red Flags to Avoid

Large upfront cash deposits (more than 25–30%)
No written contract
No business address or verifiable insurance
Unable to provide recent references
Price significantly below all other quotes

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About the author: Written by the team at aMaximum Construction, a licensed and insured fence contractor serving Toronto and the GTA.