Frequently Asked Questions
Where in Maryland do you install fences?
We serve Southern Maryland and beyond, for example St. Mary's County (Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Mechanicsville), Charles County (Waldorf, La Plata, St. Charles, Indian Head) and Calvert County (Prince Frederick, Huntingtown, Lusby, Chesapeake Beach). We also serve other Maryland counties, so call to check your area. Our home base is 21248 Whites Neck Rd, Bushwood, MD.
How much does a fence cost in Southern Maryland?
Every yard is different, but an average yard runs about $6,000–$7,000. The cost varies with fence type, length, terrain and site conditions, and our free detailed estimate gives you the exact price.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Maryland?
Sometimes. It depends on your address, the fence height and where it goes on your lot. We check the rules with your county (St. Mary's, Charles or Calvert) or town for your property and handle the permit for you when one is needed, as part of our Permits & Prep step. If your home is near the water, the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area rules can also apply, and we'll check that too.
What's the process from estimate to finished fence?
We follow the same four steps on every job, which we call the Thomas Timeline. 1) Free Consultation: we come out, measure, show you samples and give you a written quote. 2) Contract & Secure: you sign and place a deposit, typically one-third (1/3) of the job total, to lock in your materials and spot on the schedule. 3) Permits & Prep: we handle the permit paperwork, fill out and submit your HOA approval forms if you ask and call 811 to mark underground utilities. 4) Expert Installation: our crew builds your fence, cleans up and does a final walkthrough with you.
Vinyl or aluminum: which is better for my Maryland home?
Vinyl is the pick if you want full privacy and no painting or staining. Aluminum is better if you want an open, decorative look, a pool fence, or a fence that follows a sloped yard, and it won't rust. Lots of homeowners do vinyl privacy in the back and aluminum in the front or around the pool.
How long will my fence take?
Most home fences take 1 to 3 days to build once we start. We typically install about 2 weeks after your permit and HOA approval come through. We'll give you a date when you sign.
What warranty do I get?
You get the manufacturer's warranty on the materials plus our workmanship warranty on the installation, which runs 1 to 5 years depending on the job. If something we built isn't right, call us and we'll come back and fix it.
Will my HOA approve a new fence?
Many Maryland planned communities have HOA covenants that control fence material, height and color. Thomas Fence provides product spec sheets and site diagrams for your HOA application to help it move quickly through board approval. Approval is the HOA's decision, so submit before your installation date is scheduled.
Is Thomas Fence licensed and insured in Maryland?
Yes. Thomas Fence holds Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license #135844 and is fully insured, with General Liability and Worker's Compensation coverage. Every member of its 35-person team completes mandatory safety and hazardous materials training. Ask for insurance certificates with your estimate if your HOA requires them.
Which fence materials hold up in Maryland weather?
Vinyl privacy panels are UV-stabilized and use reinforced bottom rails against wind, rain and snow loads. Powder-coated aluminum resists corrosion in humid conditions, and pressure-treated or cedar wood suits subdivisions and rural properties. Chain link with black or green vinyl coating blends into tree lines.