Ok, let’s be perfectly honest here.
Most fencing contractors do a tremendous amount of work, and they do it well. But if you want to make sure that the job is flawless, i.e you have upcoming home improvement for a client, some research is required.
When a fencing installer is doing their thing, there are two things you don’t want to skimp on: materials and the installation process. And it’s important to have both, as even the best materials won’t do much if they’re incorrectly installed.
Below we’ll go through the primary ways how you can guarantee a top-notch fence installation job.
Usually, I don’t advocate going for the highest-priced option, but by the same token, I don’t recommend going for the lowest bidder either. The fact is that quality materials and craftsmanship can be expensive, so unless you’re willing to pay, there’s no way around it.
Cutting corners on a fencing installation isn’t that hard to pull off. From rushing the measuring process to using inferior materials, you can end up with a fence that may look good initially but terrible in the long run. Remember, a well-built fence that’s maintained properly will last 15-20 years, not 5-10 years!
Our suggestion is, it’s always better to pay a bit more and get the job correctly done!
Any fencing contractor must have a license by law.
Why?
Because fences, if installed incorrectly, can become a safety hazard. A license proves that the contractor complies with all state regulations, along with having the qualities and skills necessary to handle the job. If a contractor doesn’t have a license, they shouldn’t be practicing – period.
Insurance is equally important – it protects you from any legal issues should your contractor’s work cause any external damage. This could be on your own property i.e. a dropped post damaging the driveway, or damage caused to any third-party property.
Furthermore, workers compensation insurance protects the contractor in case they injured themselves on your property. Without it, you may be liable for any medical expenses and even sued for damages.
You should be able to view both their license and insurance documents on request. If they refuse, our suggestion is to run for the hills!
Any fencing contractor worth their salt will have a portfolio of previous work to show you. However, it doesn’t just demonstrate their skill in building a fence; it also gives you an idea of their preferred materials and designs.
If your installer’s body of work is full of shoddy-looking fences that belong in a junkyard, you know to look elsewhere. Contrast this to a portfolio that oozes class and elegance, you can be sure that your fence will turn out just as good!
In addition to seeing their previous work, it’s also important to ask for references.
Don’t be afraid to speak to previous clients about their experiences. Was the contractor hard to work with? Was the fencing installation done on time, and if not, why? Asking will provide unique insights into the contractor you may not be able to find elsewhere.
I you’re opting for a fence installation, it pays to inspect the materials in person and ensure they’re of premium quality. Remember, that many materials can mimic the look of high-end options, but it’s the quality that counts. Therefore, before you make a payment, inspect the materials to ensure:
– The wood is free of rot and decay
– The metal components are rust-free and strong
– All nails and screws used are corrosion resistant
– The paint finish on any material is not cracking or bubbling
If you know someone personally who’s had a fence installed recently, ask them for a referral. This takes away the guesswork of choosing a contractor and offers an idea of their workmanship first-hand.
Furthermore, referrals are also useful for getting discounts! Most contractors will offer reduced rates for any referral that results in a successful job. It’s just another way to save money if you don’t have the time to properly compare prices online.
When getting a referral, ask your friend or relative the following:
– Did the contractor finish the job on time?
– Was their workmanship up to par with what they advertised?
– Were they friendly and professional at all times?
– Was there any damage to your property caused by them? –
– Would you use them again for future jobs?
These questions can help you get an idea of the quality of work and professionalism that comes with your chosen contractor.
If a contractor knows how to install a fence, why should experience play a role? Well, not all fences are built in the same manner. Every project is different, i.e. the layout, materials and post depths will vary from job to job.
Experience helps contractors make quick decisions on-the-fly as they find solutions to any unforeseen issues. For example, if your terrain is on a slope, an experienced installer will have no issues determining the best depth for post holes. Compare this to someone new on the job who’ll possibly take quite a bit longer, and therefore cost you more money.
The same applies to interpersonal skills. You may not think it but being able to communicate effectively with other contractors helps. From your fencing installation timeline to the installation’s layout, everyone has to be on the same page. An experienced contractor knows how to speak to potential workers and ensure that projects stay on track.
Do you need to research to find a quality fencing installer? Not necessarily, as simply choosing one of the top five recommended contractors in your area will likely suffice. However, if your project is particularly important and you don’t want to leave anything to chance, then researching the contractor is essential!
Use our tips above to find your next fencing contractor – you’ll be glad that you did!
Thanks for reading xxx
Hi and welcome to The Willow Tree. I’m Michelle, also known as Shel and I am a mama to three beautiful crazy kids – I have two handsome boys and a wild and wonderful girl.
I really wanted a concrete place to share my love for travel, in particular Disney and offer my readers a chance to gain some knowledge around what we love to do as a family of 5.
I share our family adventures which include days out, travel advice and tips, holiday reviews, restaurant visits and of course, our love for Disney, including Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World.
Life is about creating memories, and here we are sharing them with you
xoxo
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