Checklist: How to Choose a Fencing Contractor
Check around. It doesn’t hurt to get estimates from several contractors; that way you can compare prices and offerings. You may also choose to contact your local Better Business Bureau. Make sure a contractor is “legit” by checking into whether they have a physical location for their business. Also, check to see if they are licensed (i.e., they have no outstanding violations with the city), bonded and insured. Make sure your contractor also knows your local fencing laws.
Compare warranties. A 90-day warranty on labor and materials is standard in the fencing industry, although additional warranties may be available through the manufacturer.
Check references. What do past customers have to say about the contractor? Are they pleased with their fences in the long-term? See if the contractor has a website where customers may post feedback.
Consider experience. Many experts say consumers should look for contractors with at least ten years of experience installing fences. Ideally, the laborers installing your fence will also have at least five years of experience.
See which types of fences each contractor can build. Your contractor should be able to install wood, wrought iron, tubular, composite, chain link and vinyl. Of course, you’ll also need to find out whether each contractor installs the type of fence you want. It’s a good idea to ask how long your project should take.
Ascertain payment requirements. Be wary if a contractor asks you to pay for the whole job up-front—after all, what’s stopping him or her from skipping town with your hard-earned money? Most fencing professionals ask for half down and half later. Others require consumers to pay 30% upon placement of fence posts. Make sure you understand the terms before signing any contract.
Probe into the contractor’s expertise. One of the easiest ways to discover the quality of work each contractor does is to ask whether he or she uses concrete footings for fence posts. Other ways to check on the quality of craftsmanship include asking what types of fasteners are used (galvanized screws are ideal) and looking at work the contractor has done in the past.
Get estimates. Each company works a little differently, but in general there are two types of bids on fencing projects: on-site or via phone or internet. Both have advantages and disadvantages. An on-site estimate may be more accurate, since the contractor can “walk the line,” but a phone or email estimate is usually more convenient for the consumer. If you are opting for a remote estimate, you will need to figure out the basic dimensions of the fence you’d like to have built.
Compare warranties. A 90-day warranty on labor and materials is standard in the fencing industry, although additional warranties may be available through the manufacturer.
Check references. What do past customers have to say about the contractor? Are they pleased with their fences in the long-term? See if the contractor has a website where customers may post feedback.
Consider experience. Many experts say consumers should look for contractors with at least ten years of experience installing fences. Ideally, the laborers installing your fence will also have at least five years of experience.
See which types of fences each contractor can build. Your contractor should be able to install wood, wrought iron, tubular, composite, chain link and vinyl. Of course, you’ll also need to find out whether each contractor installs the type of fence you want. It’s a good idea to ask how long your project should take.
Ascertain payment requirements. Be wary if a contractor asks you to pay for the whole job up-front—after all, what’s stopping him or her from skipping town with your hard-earned money? Most fencing professionals ask for half down and half later. Others require consumers to pay 30% upon placement of fence posts. Make sure you understand the terms before signing any contract.
Probe into the contractor’s expertise. One of the easiest ways to discover the quality of work each contractor does is to ask whether he or she uses concrete footings for fence posts. Other ways to check on the quality of craftsmanship include asking what types of fasteners are used (galvanized screws are ideal) and looking at work the contractor has done in the past.
Get estimates. Each company works a little differently, but in general there are two types of bids on fencing projects: on-site or via phone or internet. Both have advantages and disadvantages. An on-site estimate may be more accurate, since the contractor can “walk the line,” but a phone or email estimate is usually more convenient for the consumer. If you are opting for a remote estimate, you will need to figure out the basic dimensions of the fence you’d like to have built.