After More Than 25 Years of Building Fences, Here's Why I Believe Homeowners Deserve to Know Exactly Who Is Building Their Fence.
If you've ever gotten estimates from several fence companies, you've probably heard something like this:
"Our crew will be out Monday."
"Our installers will take care of everything."
"We'll have a team there next week."
Most homeowners don't think much about those words.
I do.
Because one of the most important questions you can ask before hiring a fence contractor is this:
"Who is actually going to build my fence?"
For me, the answer has always been simple.
I am.
When you hire Mike Downs Fencing, you're hiring the same person who comes to your home, listens to what you're looking for, measures your property, answers your questions, and personally builds your fence from start to finish.
There are no subcontractors.
There are no revolving crews.
There are no strangers showing up that you've never met.
That's how I've chosen to run my business for more than 25 years, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
"Our crew will be out Monday."
"Our installers will take care of everything."
"We'll have a team there next week."
Most homeowners don't think much about those words.
I do.
Because one of the most important questions you can ask before hiring a fence contractor is this:
"Who is actually going to build my fence?"
For me, the answer has always been simple.
I am.
When you hire Mike Downs Fencing, you're hiring the same person who comes to your home, listens to what you're looking for, measures your property, answers your questions, and personally builds your fence from start to finish.
There are no subcontractors.
There are no revolving crews.
There are no strangers showing up that you've never met.
That's how I've chosen to run my business for more than 25 years, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I Didn't Always Feel This Way
A lot of people assume I've always worked alone.
The truth is, early in my career I tried doing things the way many companies do.
I hired crews.
I brought in extra help.
On paper, it seemed like the right business decision.
The problem wasn't that the people were bad workers.
The problem was consistency.
Every crew was different.
Some paid attention to every detail.
Some didn't.
Some took pride in their work.
Others were focused on finishing as quickly as possible so they could move on to the next job.
One crew might build an excellent fence.
The next crew might leave me disappointed.
And at the end of the day, it wasn't their name on the truck.
It wasn't their company people remembered.
It was mine.
That's when I realized something that changed the way I do business.
I can only guarantee the quality of the work if I'm the one doing the work.
That decision shaped Mike Downs Fencing into the company it is today.
A Fence Is Only as Good as the Person Installing It
People spend a lot of time comparing fence materials.
Should I choose cedar?
Should I use steel posts?
Board-on-board or side-by-side?
Those are important questions.
But here's something I've learned after replacing hundreds of fences across North Texas.
The installer matters just as much as the materials.
I've removed fences where the cedar pickets still had years of life left.
The problem wasn't the wood.
The problem was the installation.
Posts weren't set deep enough.
Concrete was inadequate.
Corners had been rushed.
Gates were installed out of alignment.
The homeowner blamed the fence.
The real problem started on the first day it was built.
That's why I believe craftsmanship matters every bit as much as the lumber you choose.
A lot of people assume I've always worked alone.
The truth is, early in my career I tried doing things the way many companies do.
I hired crews.
I brought in extra help.
On paper, it seemed like the right business decision.
The problem wasn't that the people were bad workers.
The problem was consistency.
Every crew was different.
Some paid attention to every detail.
Some didn't.
Some took pride in their work.
Others were focused on finishing as quickly as possible so they could move on to the next job.
One crew might build an excellent fence.
The next crew might leave me disappointed.
And at the end of the day, it wasn't their name on the truck.
It wasn't their company people remembered.
It was mine.
That's when I realized something that changed the way I do business.
I can only guarantee the quality of the work if I'm the one doing the work.
That decision shaped Mike Downs Fencing into the company it is today.
A Fence Is Only as Good as the Person Installing It
People spend a lot of time comparing fence materials.
Should I choose cedar?
Should I use steel posts?
Board-on-board or side-by-side?
Those are important questions.
But here's something I've learned after replacing hundreds of fences across North Texas.
The installer matters just as much as the materials.
I've removed fences where the cedar pickets still had years of life left.
The problem wasn't the wood.
The problem was the installation.
Posts weren't set deep enough.
Concrete was inadequate.
Corners had been rushed.
Gates were installed out of alignment.
The homeowner blamed the fence.
The real problem started on the first day it was built.
That's why I believe craftsmanship matters every bit as much as the lumber you choose.
What Homeowners Never See
Most people judge a fence by how it looks when it's finished.
I understand that.
But after building fences for more than two decades, I've learned the real quality is hidden underground and in the small details.
You don't see the time spent carefully laying out a straight fence line.
You don't see checking every measurement before digging.
You don't see making sure each post is positioned correctly before concrete is poured.
You don't see taking the extra time to make sure gates swing smoothly and latch properly.
Those details aren't exciting.
But they're the difference between a fence that still looks great years from now and one that starts giving you problems long before it should.
North Texas Doesn't Forgive Shortcuts
Growing up and working in North Texas has taught me something.
Our weather can be hard on fences.
We deal with blazing summers, heavy spring rains, strong winds, and expansive clay soils that constantly move with changing moisture.
I've also dug through solid limestone in parts of our area where installing fence posts takes patience and the right equipment.
Every property presents its own challenges.
That's one reason experience matters.
Building fences here isn't the same as building them somewhere else.
Knowing how North Texas soil behaves helps me build fences that are designed to stand up to our conditions.
Why I Choose to Personally Build Every Fence
People sometimes ask me if building every fence myself limits how many jobs I can take.
The honest answer is yes.
It probably does.
But that's a trade-off I'm willing to make.
I'd rather build fewer fences that I'm proud of than build more fences I can't personally stand behind.
When I leave your property, I want to know exactly how every post was installed.
I want to know every gate was adjusted correctly.
I want to know every board was installed the way I would want it if it were my own home.
That kind of confidence only comes from being personally involved in every project.
Most people judge a fence by how it looks when it's finished.
I understand that.
But after building fences for more than two decades, I've learned the real quality is hidden underground and in the small details.
You don't see the time spent carefully laying out a straight fence line.
You don't see checking every measurement before digging.
You don't see making sure each post is positioned correctly before concrete is poured.
You don't see taking the extra time to make sure gates swing smoothly and latch properly.
Those details aren't exciting.
But they're the difference between a fence that still looks great years from now and one that starts giving you problems long before it should.
North Texas Doesn't Forgive Shortcuts
Growing up and working in North Texas has taught me something.
Our weather can be hard on fences.
We deal with blazing summers, heavy spring rains, strong winds, and expansive clay soils that constantly move with changing moisture.
I've also dug through solid limestone in parts of our area where installing fence posts takes patience and the right equipment.
Every property presents its own challenges.
That's one reason experience matters.
Building fences here isn't the same as building them somewhere else.
Knowing how North Texas soil behaves helps me build fences that are designed to stand up to our conditions.
Why I Choose to Personally Build Every Fence
People sometimes ask me if building every fence myself limits how many jobs I can take.
The honest answer is yes.
It probably does.
But that's a trade-off I'm willing to make.
I'd rather build fewer fences that I'm proud of than build more fences I can't personally stand behind.
When I leave your property, I want to know exactly how every post was installed.
I want to know every gate was adjusted correctly.
I want to know every board was installed the way I would want it if it were my own home.
That kind of confidence only comes from being personally involved in every project.
The Difference You'll Notice
Working directly with the person building your fence changes the experience.
If you have a question, you're talking to me.
If you want to make a small change during construction, you're talking to me.
If you notice something you'd like adjusted, you're talking to the same person who installed it.
Nothing gets lost between a salesperson, a project manager, and an installation crew.
That direct communication helps projects go smoother and gives homeowners confidence throughout the entire process.
Questions I Think Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring Any Fence Company
Even if you don't hire me, I encourage you to ask these questions.
Is Using Subcontractors Always Bad?
No.
There are good subcontractors in every trade.
I've met many hardworking people over the years.
This article isn't meant to criticize companies that choose a different business model.
It's simply explaining why I chose mine.
For me, personally building every fence is the only way I know to consistently deliver the workmanship my customers expect.
It's a commitment I've made to myself and to every homeowner who trusts me with their property.
What My Customers Tell Me
One comment I hear over and over is this:
"It was nice knowing exactly who was going to be at our house."
I never take that for granted.
You're trusting someone to work around your family, your pets, your home, and one of your biggest investments.
I believe you deserve to know exactly who's doing that work.
My Promise to Every Customer
I'll probably never be the biggest fence company in North Texas.
And honestly, that's never been my goal.
My goal has always been much simpler.
Build every fence like it's going in my own backyard.
Treat every customer with honesty and respect.
Never cut corners.
Never rush quality.
Never ask someone else to do work that I'm not willing to do myself.
When my name is on a fence, I want to know it was built the right way.
That's been my philosophy for more than 25 years.
It's the reason Mike Downs Fencing has earned the trust of homeowners across North Texas.
And it's the reason I'll continue personally building every fence for as long as I'm able.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Mike Downs personally build every fence?Yes. I personally install every fence that Mike Downs Fencing builds. I don't hand projects off to subcontractors or revolving installation crews.
Why don't you subcontract labor?Because I've learned that consistency matters. Personally building every project allows me to maintain the same level of workmanship and attention to detail on every fence.
What types of fences do you install?I install custom cedar privacy fences, ornamental iron fences, chain link fences, ranch and agricultural fencing, custom gates, and provide professional fence staining throughout North Texas.
How long have you been building fences?I've been building fences for more than 25 years and have worked on projects throughout Grayson County, Cooke County, Fannin County, Collin County, Denton County, Bryan County, and surrounding communities.
What areas do you serve?Mike Downs Fencing proudly serves Sherman, Denison, Gainesville, Whitesboro, Howe, Van Alstyne, Pottsboro, Collinsville, Gunter, Anna, Melissa, Celina, Prosper, Aubrey, Pilot Point, Tioga, Sanger, Bonham, Trenton, Durant, Lake Texoma, and many surrounding North Texas communities.
Let's Build Your Fence the Right Way
If you're planning a new fence, replacing an old one, or simply have questions about the best options for your property, I'd be happy to help.
When you call Mike Downs Fencing, you'll talk directly with me. When your project begins, I'll be the one building it. And when it's finished, you'll know exactly who stood behind every post, every board, and every gate.
That's the way I've done business for more than 25 years.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Mike Downs Fencing
✔ Mike Personally Builds Every Fence
✔ Never Uses Subcontractors
✔ 25+ Years of Hands-On Experience
✔ Veteran Owned & Operated
✔ Genuine Western Red Cedar
✔ Heavy-Duty Steel Posts
✔ Free Estimates
✔ Financing Available
www.fencingplusmore.com
903-814-8118
Working directly with the person building your fence changes the experience.
If you have a question, you're talking to me.
If you want to make a small change during construction, you're talking to me.
If you notice something you'd like adjusted, you're talking to the same person who installed it.
Nothing gets lost between a salesperson, a project manager, and an installation crew.
That direct communication helps projects go smoother and gives homeowners confidence throughout the entire process.
Questions I Think Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring Any Fence Company
Even if you don't hire me, I encourage you to ask these questions.
- Who will actually build my fence?
- Are they employees or subcontractors?
- How much experience does the installer have?
- Will the same people be there every day?
- Who adjusts the gates before the project is complete?
- Who do I call if I have questions during construction?
- Who is responsible if something isn't installed correctly?
- How long has the company been building fences?
- Can they explain why they build the way they do?
Is Using Subcontractors Always Bad?
No.
There are good subcontractors in every trade.
I've met many hardworking people over the years.
This article isn't meant to criticize companies that choose a different business model.
It's simply explaining why I chose mine.
For me, personally building every fence is the only way I know to consistently deliver the workmanship my customers expect.
It's a commitment I've made to myself and to every homeowner who trusts me with their property.
What My Customers Tell Me
One comment I hear over and over is this:
"It was nice knowing exactly who was going to be at our house."
I never take that for granted.
You're trusting someone to work around your family, your pets, your home, and one of your biggest investments.
I believe you deserve to know exactly who's doing that work.
My Promise to Every Customer
I'll probably never be the biggest fence company in North Texas.
And honestly, that's never been my goal.
My goal has always been much simpler.
Build every fence like it's going in my own backyard.
Treat every customer with honesty and respect.
Never cut corners.
Never rush quality.
Never ask someone else to do work that I'm not willing to do myself.
When my name is on a fence, I want to know it was built the right way.
That's been my philosophy for more than 25 years.
It's the reason Mike Downs Fencing has earned the trust of homeowners across North Texas.
And it's the reason I'll continue personally building every fence for as long as I'm able.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Mike Downs personally build every fence?Yes. I personally install every fence that Mike Downs Fencing builds. I don't hand projects off to subcontractors or revolving installation crews.
Why don't you subcontract labor?Because I've learned that consistency matters. Personally building every project allows me to maintain the same level of workmanship and attention to detail on every fence.
What types of fences do you install?I install custom cedar privacy fences, ornamental iron fences, chain link fences, ranch and agricultural fencing, custom gates, and provide professional fence staining throughout North Texas.
How long have you been building fences?I've been building fences for more than 25 years and have worked on projects throughout Grayson County, Cooke County, Fannin County, Collin County, Denton County, Bryan County, and surrounding communities.
What areas do you serve?Mike Downs Fencing proudly serves Sherman, Denison, Gainesville, Whitesboro, Howe, Van Alstyne, Pottsboro, Collinsville, Gunter, Anna, Melissa, Celina, Prosper, Aubrey, Pilot Point, Tioga, Sanger, Bonham, Trenton, Durant, Lake Texoma, and many surrounding North Texas communities.
Let's Build Your Fence the Right Way
If you're planning a new fence, replacing an old one, or simply have questions about the best options for your property, I'd be happy to help.
When you call Mike Downs Fencing, you'll talk directly with me. When your project begins, I'll be the one building it. And when it's finished, you'll know exactly who stood behind every post, every board, and every gate.
That's the way I've done business for more than 25 years.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Mike Downs Fencing
✔ Mike Personally Builds Every Fence
✔ Never Uses Subcontractors
✔ 25+ Years of Hands-On Experience
✔ Veteran Owned & Operated
✔ Genuine Western Red Cedar
✔ Heavy-Duty Steel Posts
✔ Free Estimates
✔ Financing Available
www.fencingplusmore.com
903-814-8118
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