How to Choose a Fence Contractor
The Following are tips to follow when looking for a great fence contractor
1. Never make your decision based on price alone.
If you interview enough fence installers, you’ll find that their prices can vary dramatically, even for the same project. First, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Have a clear idea of the type of fencing that you need and would like to have for your project. There a many different types of wood with a variety of grades and species. This is the same for all types of fencing wood, iron, vinyl and chain link to name a few variations. Second the contractor has to charge a realistic price so that the work can be profitable. This will allow the fence contractor to be able to handle a small change or adjustment in the project. If you drive such a hard bargain that your contractor is barely covering their costs, they will have no incentive to help you down the road if you have a problem.
This story below is a common theme we hear from homeowner customers after the fact.
“ I was trying to be cheap (normally worded a little ). A friend needed a new fence at their home at the same time that I needed a new fence at my house. This friend “knew a guy”, and negotiated a volume discount — a cheaper price because the same contractor would do both fences. The contractor did a terrible job. The fence installer refused to stand by his work (or even come inspect the problem). Finally, my friend (who had hired the fence installer for a second project) refused to pay for that second project until our fence was fixed. “As a result nether one of us got our projects finished.” Sad but True Story
2. Hire someone local.
If you hire a fence installer from out of town, they know that good word of mouth won’t help or hurt them… If a contractor is local, word of mouth is very important. You also know that the contractor won’t “disappear” on you during the job and will be there to do any additional work you might have in the future.
3. Meet them in person for the initial meeting
The longer the contractor takes to assess the condition of your fence the more realistic the estimate. Even an experienced fence contractor will need more than a quick walk-around. Ask about the size and experience of the crew. Be wary of the promise that your job will be cheaper because it’s a demonstration project to get more work in your neighborhood.
4. Be clear about your expectations
Preparation is important, but it’s also the area where contractor and consumer expectations go away. Be clear on the type of material you want. If you want a fence that is level height all the way around and not stepped, you need to say so. If you were thinking green is a better color than black for your new chain link fence be sure and express this important fact during the estimation process. The contactor needs to have your wish list and know what your expectations are so they can build a fence that everyone will be happy about.
5. Check references and work
Ask for references, call them, and go see the work. Examine jobs that were done several years ago to see how the work is holding up. A history of positive references is a good sign. Use recent projects to check the skill of a contractor’s current crew. And ask how surprises or problems were resolved.
6. Get several estimates
Each should include a breakdown of labor, material costs, the type, and style. If you are doing any access control products be sure to ask for the brand and models on the products being used. Also get a detailed description of the amount of site preparation that will be done, and what will be done with any exciting fence.
7. Get a complete contract
A Contract should include the contractor’s key information: name, address, office and cell- phone numbers, plus whatever details were in the estimate. Make sure it’s clear what is and is not included in the job.
8. Choose your own Fence and Gate products:
This is where Fence Supply Inc. is unique. We encourage all of our contractors to bring their customers to our location to view the product that will be used. We have a wonderful showroom with a variety of fence and gate styles on display. We also have several gates and operators working and on display so you can compare and visually see, and feel the products. This is also a great starting point as well, so you can express to your contractor what you would like the finished product to be. We are also here to recommend a contractor to you. Any of the contractors that we recommend have been screened by us, we know that they do an excellent job, and strive to make their customers happy.
The Fence Supply Inc team is here to help.
