reliabuilt fence com
ReliaBuilt Fence: What They Actually Do and Why People Hire Them
If you live around San Diego or Calgary and need a fence built that won’t sag in six months, ReliaBuilt Fence is one of the names that keeps showing up. They’ve been doing it for decades — wood, vinyl, chain link, iron, and even glass. This isn’t a franchise; it’s local teams that weld and install fences daily. Here’s what the company does, what it costs, how they work, and what to watch for before signing a contract.
What ReliaBuilt Fence Is Known For
ReliaBuilt Fence operates mainly out of Escondido, California, and Calgary, Alberta. Both locations focus on building and installing residential and commercial fencing. The company has over 40 years in business in the U.S. and is owned and run locally. Their California contractor license number is 948809 — an active license verified by BuildZoom.
They handle almost every major fencing type: wood, vinyl, iron, aluminum, glass, and chain link. They also build and automate driveway gates. ReliaBuilt claims all welding is done in-house, which means fewer subcontractors touching the job. They offer free estimates, on-site measurements, and manufacturer-backed warranties on vinyl and metal materials. In Calgary, their branch adds deck construction and outdoor railing.
Fence Materials and What They’re Used For
Wood fencing is still their most common request. It’s affordable, customizable, and fits well in San Diego’s neighborhoods. But wood fencing fails fast when posts aren’t deep enough or sealed correctly. ReliaBuilt uses pressure-treated posts and concrete footings. Good contractors aim for about 24 to 30 inches of depth, depending on soil. Homeowners often underestimate how important this is.
Vinyl fencing is marketed with lifetime material warranties. It’s low-maintenance, doesn’t rot, and handles weather changes better than pine or cedar. The mistake most homeowners make: assuming vinyl fences are indestructible. They’re not. Impact from mowers or wind-blown objects can crack panels. ReliaBuilt installs reinforced rails on taller panels, which helps reduce flex.
Iron and aluminum fencing are for people who want security without blocking visibility. The Escondido branch fabricates their iron panels and gates in-house. Powder coating is standard, but it needs maintenance every few years to prevent corrosion, especially near the coast. If you live within 10 miles of the ocean, you’ll need to wash salt buildup regularly or risk rusting joints.
Chain link fencing is common for ranches, pets, or commercial lots. It’s the cheapest option per linear foot but doesn’t add privacy. Galvanized chain link lasts longer than vinyl-coated types in hot, dry areas like Escondido. Calgary clients often go for vinyl-coated because of snow and temperature swings.
Glass fencing is more niche — pool enclosures, patios, or modern homes. It requires precision and specific hardware. If the glass isn’t tempered or anchored correctly, the panels can shift or shatter. ReliaBuilt handles design, measurement, and safety compliance for glass fences and gates.
How ReliaBuilt Handles Installation
The company starts with an on-site estimate. Someone measures the property, notes slope or obstructions, and helps pick a fence type. Quotes include materials, labor, and permits if needed. Once approved, the installation process runs like this:
- Utility check. They call 811 or the local utility service to mark lines. Skipping this step is one of the biggest DIY mistakes — hitting a gas or water line can delay everything.
- Demolition. If there’s an old fence, it’s removed and hauled away.
- Post setting. This is the foundation. Posts are set in concrete, usually every 6–8 feet. ReliaBuilt uses either steel or treated wood depending on fence type.
- Panel or rail installation. Wood fences are built section by section. Vinyl and iron are prefabricated.
- Gates and hardware. Driveway or pedestrian gates are installed last to ensure proper alignment.
- Cleanup and inspection. They check for plumb lines and level panels before final payment.
An average backyard fence takes two to five days, depending on material and terrain. Larger ranch or commercial jobs take longer.
Pricing and What Affects It
Pricing varies widely. In California, ReliaBuilt projects usually fall between $40 and $90 per linear foot for wood or vinyl, higher for iron or glass. Calgary’s pricing is in a similar range when converted to U.S. dollars. Factors that change the total:
- Fence height and design
- Gate type (swing vs. slide vs. automated)
- Post depth and concrete volume
- Terrain slope or retaining walls
- Demolition and disposal fees
A 100-foot vinyl privacy fence with one gate could easily land around $5,000–$7,000 installed. A basic 4-foot chain link might cost half that. Automated iron driveway gates often exceed $10,000 once you add motors and wiring.
Common Mistakes People Make
Homeowners often skip details that turn into problems later. A few of the recurring issues:
- No property line check. Always confirm with a survey before building. Building even a few inches onto a neighbor’s lot can force a rebuild.
- Ignoring local codes. Fence height limits vary by city. Escondido allows 6-foot backyard fences, but front yard limits are usually 3 to 4 feet.
- Poor drainage around posts. Water pooling at post bases rots wood or cracks concrete. Proper grading is crucial.
- Wrong material for environment. In coastal zones, steel rusts fast. In dry inland areas, wood dries and warps. Picking material for looks instead of conditions leads to early repairs.
- Verbal-only agreements. Everything needs to be written — materials, color, finish, post depth, gate type, warranty coverage.
ReliaBuilt provides written contracts, but homeowners still need to read them closely. Some negative reviews mention delays or communication issues. Getting a specific timeline and payment schedule helps prevent frustration.
Why Local Contractors Like ReliaBuilt Matter
National chains sometimes send out subcontractors who don’t know the area or local soil conditions. ReliaBuilt’s advantage is that their crews are local. They know San Diego’s hard clay soil and Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles. That affects how deep posts go and what materials survive long-term. Local contractors also handle permits faster and can return if something shifts after a heavy storm or frost.
Being family-owned also means you can usually reach the same people again. Their Escondido location has public hours (Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and a working phone line that connects to staff, not a call center.
Reviews and Reputation
Online reviews for ReliaBuilt are mixed, but most praise their craftsmanship and variety. Yelp lists them with around 3.6 out of 5 stars, while Google Reviews show roughly 4.2 stars from 26 reviews. Positive feedback mentions punctual crews, solid build quality, and fair pricing. Negative reviews cite schedule delays and limited follow-up after completion. It’s not perfect, but it’s typical for construction contractors who manage multiple crews.
The Calgary branch, ReliaBuilt Fence and Deck, tends to have stronger ratings — around 4.8 stars on Google — emphasizing communication and a 5-year workmanship warranty. That warranty covers installation defects, not general wear or weathering.
When to Hire ReliaBuilt
Hire a fence contractor like ReliaBuilt when:
- You’re replacing a deteriorating or leaning fence.
- You need a permit for a new boundary line or pool enclosure.
- You want a gate system or mixed-material fence.
- You don’t have tools or time to handle post setting and leveling yourself.
Avoid hiring when you’re still unsure about boundary lines or if you’re waiting on landscaping or grading work — those need to be done first.
What Happens If Installation Is Done Wrong
A fence that’s installed improperly will show it fast. Posts start to lean within a year. Gates drag on the ground. Panels rattle in the wind. Wood boards split because of uneven expansion. When posts aren’t deep enough or concrete isn’t compacted correctly, replacement can cost more than the original job. ReliaBuilt uses concrete-set posts and weather-rated hardware to minimize those issues, but homeowners still need to monitor soil movement and drainage afterward.
FAQ
How long does a ReliaBuilt fence last?
Wood fences last around 10–15 years if sealed and maintained. Vinyl and aluminum can last 25 years or more. Iron fences need repainting or recoating every few years to prevent rust.
Does ReliaBuilt offer free estimates?
Yes. Both California and Calgary branches provide free on-site estimates.
Are they licensed and insured?
In California, yes — contractor license #948809. Calgary operations are locally registered and insured as well.
Do they handle permits?
Usually, yes. They assist with local fence permits, especially for height or pool requirements.
What’s covered by warranty?
Vinyl and aluminum materials often have lifetime manufacturer warranties. Labor warranties depend on region — up to 5 years in Calgary, shorter in California.
Do they subcontract work?
Their Escondido branch states that all welding is done in-house, meaning fewer subcontractors. However, installation crews may vary depending on project load.
ReliaBuilt Fence isn’t a budget installer. They’re for homeowners or businesses who want a fence built once and done right. The company’s strength is its mix of materials, experience, and local presence. If you’re comparing quotes in the San Diego or Calgary area, include them in your top three calls. Just make sure every detail — depth, gate type, finish, and warranty — is in writing before you start.
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