The Truth About Subcontractors in the Fence Industry and Why It Matters

When you're investing in a new fence, deck, handrail, or porch column, the company you choose—and how they complete the work—makes all the difference. At Makic Fence & Deck LLC, every installation is performed by our own trained, in-house team. We never use subcontractors. The price you see is always the price you pay, with no hidden fees, no last-minute surprises, and no unfamiliar crews showing up at your home.
Across St. Louis and surrounding communities like Arnold, Oakville, Fenton, Ballwin, Wildwood, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Mehlville, and Columbia, Illinois, many homeowners are unaware that a large portion of fence and deck companies rely heavily on subcontracted labor. Homeowners comparing fence contractors often research different fence materials before making a decision. Whether you're considering privacy fencing, low-maintenance vinyl fencing, or durable chain link fencing, understanding who will actually install your fence is just as important as choosing the fence itself.
Links:
The Problem with Subcontracted Fence & Deck Installers. When a company uses subcontractors, they often have limited control over:
Who arrives at your property
The installer’s experience or training
Whether background checks were completed
How consistently the job is supervised
Whether the installer even represents the company you hired
In many cases, subcontractors are picked up last minute, may be working multiple jobs at once, or may not be reachable later if something goes wrong.
If an issue arises, you may hear:
“You’ll have to contact the installer directly.”
That leaves homeowners stuck between the company and the subcontractor—especially when the subcontractor no longer works with the company or has moved on to another crew.
Insurance can also get messy. Subcontractors usually carry their own individual insurance rather than being covered under the company. If property damage or an accident occurs, you could end up chasing multiple parties for answers and documentation.
Your fence or deck is too important to risk poor workmanship or unclear accountability.
Watch Out for Out-of-Town or Corporate-Style Companies
Another growing issue in the St. Louis market is out-of-state companies advertising locally despite having no real presence in the region. These companies often:
Use rotating subcontractor crews
Don’t know St. Louis permit requirements
Don’t understand local soil conditions
Can’t offer fast follow-up service
Are difficult to reach after installation
If problems appear months later, homeowners may find themselves dealing with a company located hundreds of miles away.
Working with a local St. Louis fence and deck company ensures your installers understand the climate, HOA requirements, city codes, inspection requirements, and neighborhood expectations throughout the region. Whether you're planning a new privacy fence in Ballwin or a chain link fence installation in Oakville, local experience can help avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Links:
How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves Before Hiring
Here are quick steps every homeowner should take before signing a fence or deck contract:
1. Ask directly: “Do you use subcontractors?”
- If the answer is yes—move on.
2. Look at the crew’s vehicles and uniforms.
- Unmarked trucks almost always mean subcontractors.
3. Request proof of insurance.
- The company’s name—not an individual installer—should be listed. Ask for your name to be included on the certificate.
4. Get a true final bid.
You should never be charged extra for:
Hard soil
Jackhammer holes
Root removal
Clearing small shrubs or debris
These are normal parts of fence installation and should be included in the original quote.
Our Promise to St. Louis Homeowners
At Makic Fence & Deck LLC, we proudly serve St. Louis and surrounding communities including:
Arnold, Oakville, Fenton, Ballwin, Wildwood, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Mehlville, Affton, Lemay, Crestwood, Columbia IL, Belleville IL, O’Fallon IL, and more.
And we do things differently:
✅ No subcontractors — ever
Every installer is a trained employee of our company.
✅ No hidden fees
We never charge extra for jackhammer holes or difficult soil.
✅ Fully insured
We provide documentation upon request and add you to our certificate.
✅ Clear communication & accountability
One company, one crew, one point of contact.
✅ Quality work built to last
We understand St. Louis soil, weather patterns, and local codes.
Many homeowners begin their research by comparing fence materials and installation options before requesting estimates. If you're currently planning a fence project, explore some of our most requested fence installation services:
Choose a Fence & Deck Company That Stands Behind Every Job
When you hire Makic Fence & Deck, you’re choosing a trusted local team that handles every part of the job—from the first measurement to the final cleanup. No subcontractors. No confusion. No excuses.
Just honest pricing, professional installation, and reliable service for your home.
Makic Fence & Deck LLC — Local. Professional. Built to Last.




