Another Fence Contractor Disappears in Metro Detroit: Why Hiring the Lowest-Price Bid Is Riskier Than Ever
By John Burke, CEO of Prime Fence — Serving Downriver and Southeast Michigan
When Fox 2 Detroit released another report about a fence contractor disappearing with homeowners’ money, most people in the industry weren’t surprised. Unfortunately, this isn’t new — this latest situation marks the fourth time in just the past couple of years that an independent fence “contractor” in Metro Detroit has taken deposits, vanished, and left families with no fence, no communication, and no path forward.
You can read the full report here:
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/no-defense-disappearing-fence-builder?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=691bfd66e12c460001bb4bc7
As someone who has spent decades in the fence industry, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. What’s happening lately is concerning — and homeowners deserve to understand why these situations keep happening and how to protect themselves.
The Harsh Reality: Michigan Doesn’t Require a Fence Installer License
Most homeowners don’t know this:
The State of Michigan does NOT require a license for fence installation.
This means literally anyone can wake up one morning, buy a used pickup truck, make a Facebook page, call themselves a “fence contractor,” and start collecting deposits.
No training.
No background checks.
No accountability.
That lack of regulation is exactly why so many low-quality, fly-by-night “contractors” flood the market — especially in Southeast Michigan and Downriver. And when they disappear with your deposit, there’s usually no legal protection and no insurance policy in place to make you whole.
Why This Keeps Happening — And Why It’s Getting Worse
There’s a pattern in every one of these stories:
- A low price that sounds “too good to be true”
- A contractor with no real history or track record
- No established company address or long-term presence
- No warranty, no licensing, and no real documentation
- Customers pressured to pay cash or large upfront deposits
When the work becomes overwhelming — or when the scammer collects enough deposits — they vanish. Sometimes they shut down their Facebook page. Sometimes they change their phone number. Sometimes they resurface under a different business name.
After decades in the industry, I can tell you:
Contractors who don’t have a real reputation to protect have nothing to lose.
The Cost of “Saving Money” on a Fence
A fence is a long-term investment. It protects your home, your children, and your privacy.
Choosing “the cheapest bid” often leads to:
- Losing your deposit
- Poor craftsmanship
- Inferior materials
- No warranty support
- Repairs needed in as little as 2–3 years
- Complete replacement far sooner than expected
What you save upfront usually costs far more in the long run.
Why Homeowners Are Turning to Reputable Companies Like Prime Fence
At Prime Fence, we’ve built our entire company around the opposite approach of these pop-up contractors.
Homeowners choose us not because we’re the cheapest — but because we’re trustworthy, transparent, and legitimately experienced.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✔ Decades of Industry Experience
Our leadership has spent years building and operating fence companies the right way.
✔ Led by an Inc. 5000 CEO
As a former Inc. 5000 award recipient, I’ve built one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Excellence, discipline, and integrity are non-negotiable in our culture.
✔ Nominated for the BBB Torch Award for Ethics
Our commitment to honesty and ethical business practices has been recognized publicly.
✔ Drug-Free / Alcohol-Free Ownership
Leadership grounded in discipline, integrity, and reliability.
✔ Five-Star Reputation Across Southeast Michigan
Real reviews from real homeowners who trust us with their biggest projects.
✔ Premium Materials + Lifetime Warranty
We don’t cut corners. We build fences designed to last.
✔ Trusted by Downriver and Southeast Michigan Communities
Prime Fence is a long-term presence — not a contractor who “might be gone next month.”
What to Look for When Hiring ANY Fence Contractor
Even if you don’t hire Prime Fence, I want homeowners to be informed and protected. Before hiring anyone, ask these seven questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- Can I verify your address and business registration?
- Do you use subcontractors or in-house builders?
- What materials do you use, and what warranties back them?
- Can you show photos of recent work in my area?
- Do you have recent, local reviews — not just online followers?
- What happens if something goes wrong with my fence?
If a contractor can’t answer these confidently, consider that a major red flag.
The Bottom Line: Your Fence Contractor Matters
The latest Fox 2 Detroit report is another reminder that the cheapest price often comes with the highest risk — especially in Metro Detroit and Downriver where unlicensed, unqualified contractors are everywhere.
A fence should give you safety, security, and peace of mind — not stress, uncertainty, or financial loss.
At Prime Fence, we believe homeowners deserve better.
You deserve craftsmanship you can trust.
You deserve protection, not excuses.
You deserve a fence that stands for decades, not months.