Addressing Poor Workmanship on a Post-and-Board Fence Installation

A homeowner lists numerous defects in a $2,400 post-and-board fence: splinters, black saw marks, cracked gate hinges (no pilot holes), gates out of plumb, missing bottom board, gaps between horizontal boards, drilled drainage pipes, insufficient staples, and unprofessional "ghost workers." They ask if their expectations are reasonable.

The expert is surprised at the low quality for the price. Key questions: Was the contractor licensed? Were references checked? Was a permit obtained? The homeowner is entitled to proper workmanship. A punch list should be issued before final payment. Show the list to the contractor; if they refuse, contact the state contractor board. Document everything with photos. Withholding payment may lead to small claims court. State laws vary; an unlicensed contractor may trigger board intervention.

Follow-up: The contractor was a 20-year firm with permits and references, but the crew performed poorly. The expert advises direct conversation first, then contractor board if unresolved. The customer's dissatisfaction is valid; the contractor should fix it.