Your questions, answered plainly.
Estimates, scheduling, steel posts, the warranty, permits, property lines, HOAs, and financing, all answered here so you do not find out later.
Estimates and pricing
How do estimates work?
You call, and we book the estimate on that first call. A salesperson comes out, walks the property with you, takes measurements, and typically provides an itemized written price the same day.
How long does the estimate visit take?
Usually under an hour. We walk the line, measure it, check the grade and access, plan gate locations, and flag anything that could complicate the build.
How soon can I get an estimate?
The visit gets scheduled on your first call, so you will know the date before you hang up. How far out it lands depends on the season.
Do I need to be home for the estimate?
It helps. Decisions about gates, slopes, privacy, and layout are easier to make together on site. We can measure without you, but being there helps us understand exactly what you want.
Why don’t you publish prices on the website?
A number without a site visit is a guess. Project size, slope, gates, access, demolition, and other property details all affect the work involved and the final price.
What affects the cost of my project?
Project size, corners, slope, drainage, gates, demolition, haul-away, crew and truck access, fence height, and permit requirements can all affect the scope and final cost.
Is there really a $5,000 minimum?
Yes. Our project minimum is $5,000. We will let you know on the phone, so you can confirm the project is a good fit before scheduling an estimate.
Scheduling and the build
How soon after signing will you start?
Your project is scheduled within a week of signing, meaning you will have a date. Actual build timing depends on the season, project size, and what is already on the calendar.
What does “scheduled within a week” mean?
It means that within a week of signing your proposal, you will have a date for your project. If anything changes after that, we will keep you updated.
Do you build through the winter?
Yes. We work year-round, including through the winter months. Some individual steps can depend on the weather, and we will let you know if the schedule needs to change.
Who will be on my property?
A Lionheart crew. On the morning your project starts, your salesperson or project manager meets the crew at your property and walks through the job with you before work begins.
How long will the build take?
It depends on the project size and ground conditions. We will give you a realistic timeframe at the estimate based on what your particular project involves.
What happens if something changes mid-project?
We will explain what changed and what it means for the scope and cost before moving forward. Your salesperson, project manager, and crew stay in contact through completion.
How we build
Why steel posts instead of wood?
Wood posts can rot where they meet damp soil. Steel posts are standard on our wood fencing, giving the fence strong support where it matters most.
What are steel gate frames and why do they matter?
Gates move every day, so staying aligned matters. We use steel gate frames on our wood fencing to provide structural support while the wood creates the finished appearance.
What about vinyl, chain link, and metal fences?
Steel posts and steel gate frames are standard on our wood fencing specifically. Vinyl, chain link, and ornamental metal are different systems with different structural requirements. Every post is set in concrete.
Do you set posts in concrete?
Every post, on every job. Footing depth is matched to the fence height and how firm or soft the ground is on your property.
How do you handle a sloped yard?
A fence can step down a slope in level sections or follow the ground in a continuous line. We discuss the appearance with you during the estimate before anything is done.
Do you build the gates yourselves?
Yes. We hang, swing, latch, and adjust them before we leave. Gate posts also receive the support needed for the additional weight and movement they carry.
How long should a fence last here?
Fence life depends on the material, exposure, drainage, and installation. We focus on the part we control by building each fence to our established construction standards.
Warranty
What exactly does the lifetime workmanship warranty cover?
It covers installation quality while the original customer owns the property. If a problem results from improper installation or our workmanship, we repair it at no labor cost to you.
What is excluded from the warranty?
Weather damage, accidents, misuse, ground movement, vegetation, animals, other outside factors, and normal wear and tear. Material defects and failures are subject to the applicable manufacturer warranty.
What is the difference between the workmanship and the material warranty?
The workmanship warranty is ours and covers installation. The material warranty belongs to the manufacturer and covers material defects or failures. They are separate warranties with separate coverage.
Does the warranty transfer if I sell the house?
It covers the original customer for as long as they own the property, so it does not carry over to a new owner. That is the limit as written.
How do I make a warranty claim?
Call us. We inspect the issue and determine whether it is workmanship, material, or an outside factor. If it is our workmanship, we repair it at no labor cost.
Does it cover storm damage?
No. Weather damage is one of the stated exclusions, along with accidents, ground movement, vegetation, and animals. Storm damage would be handled as a repair rather than a warranty issue.
Permits, property lines, and HOAs
Do I need a permit for a fence?
It depends on your jurisdiction, fence height, and location. We confirm what applies to your address during the estimate, and we pull the permit where one is required.
Do I need a permit for a deck or patio cover?
Permit requirements for decks and patio covers vary by jurisdiction and project details. We check what applies to your project and pull the permit where one is required.
Do you pull the permit, or do I?
We do. When a permit is required for your project, we take care of it as part of the job.
Do you call the utility locate?
Yes. We arrange the utility locate and wait for it to clear before digging begins.
How do I find out where my property line is?
Start with your property map or title paperwork, and check the existing fence and property markers. If the boundary is unclear, a survey can confirm it before posts go in.
My neighbor and I share the fence. How does that work?
Talk with your neighbor about the boundary, cost sharing, and finished side before work begins. We build to the property line provided and need agreement before working on a neighbor’s property.
My HOA has fence rules. Can you work with them?
Yes. Associations commonly have rules for materials, styles, colors, heights, and placement, along with an architectural review process. We can help you put the required submittal together.
Materials and services
Which fence material is right for me?
It depends on what you want your fence to do. Cedar offers warmth and privacy, vinyl provides a uniform look, chain link keeps views open, and ornamental metal adds a decorative finish.
Do you do fence repair, or only replacement?
Both, for projects that meet our $5,000 minimum. We look at the entire fence, assess what it needs, and recommend repair when that is the right approach.
Can you match my existing fence?
Often. We will look at the existing fence during the estimate and explain what kind of match is realistic, including differences between weathered and new materials.
Do you install automatic gate openers?
Automatic gate operators and access controls are not part of our listed services. We build gates and can discuss the gate itself with you during the estimate.
Do you build decks and patio covers as well as fences?
Yes. Fencing, decks, patio covers, and railing are all part of the work we offer, and our lifetime workmanship warranty covers installation quality.
Can you do a deck and a patio cover at the same time?
Yes. We can plan the deck and patio cover together, so the project is designed around the full scope of outdoor living work you have in mind.
Financing and payment
What does OAC mean?
“On approved credit.” The offer depends on the lender approving your application. We do not set the terms. Your actual terms are disclosed directly to you during the application.
Can I apply for financing before I have an estimate?
Yes. Knowing your financing range before the site visit lets the conversation focus on what you actually want built and the options available to you.
What are the terms and the length?
Financing is available, including 0% options on approved credit. Specific terms, amounts, and eligibility are set by the lender and disclosed during the application.
What deposit do you take?
A deposit is taken after you sign the proposal and sent as a payment link. The final payment link is sent after the work is complete and you are satisfied.
When is the final payment due?
Final payment comes after completion and after you are satisfied with the work. We walk the finished project with you before the final payment link is sent.
What payment methods do you accept?
Amex, cash, check, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. Deposits and final payments are sent as payment links. Financing is also available on approved credit.
Service area
What areas do you serve?
Thurston, Pierce, Mason, and Lewis counties, roughly an hour and a half from our Tumwater shop. Tumwater and Olympia are where most of our projects are today.
Do you serve Tacoma, Puyallup, and Gig Harbor?
Yes. Tacoma, Puyallup, and Gig Harbor are all within our service area.
How far will you travel?
About an hour and a half from Tumwater is our general service range. Share your location, and we can quickly confirm whether your property is within it.
Where is your office?
Our office is at 2450 Mottman Rd SW in Tumwater. Customers can sign documents or make payments there, while project estimates take place at the property.
Permits and HOA rules vary.
Answers about permits, property boundaries, structural requirements, and HOA rules are general. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and association, so the details for your property and project may be different.
We check what applies as part of the estimate and pull the permit where required. For questions about your address before then, call 360-810-4810 and ask. Pasted markdown
Thurston, Pierce, Mason, and Lewis counties.
Tumwater is our home base, with projects taking us across all four counties. Share your location, and we’ll confirm availability.
Still have a question?
Call us, or book an estimate and ask in person. Free and without obligation. Our project minimum is $5,000.