Choosing the right fencing contractor for your home or business is an important decision that requires careful research and consideration. Installing a new fence or repairing an existing one represents a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure you find a reliable, high-quality company that meets your specific needs. Follow these seven essential tips when hiring a local fence company to ensure you make the best choice for your project.
Research Potential Fencing Companies Thoroughly
Don’t choose the first fencing contractor you find from a quick online search or drive-by; invest time researching a few potential companies before making a hiring decision. Search for local fence companies on Google and Yelp and read through the reviews. Visit company websites to learn about their services, types of fencing they provide, and their work process. Check for details like how long they’ve been in business, if they have licensing and insurance, what materials they use, and pictures of finished jobs. Take note of any red flags like a lack of online presence or predominantly negative reviews.
Make a list of three to five promising local fence companies and research each one thoroughly before moving to the next step. The extra effort pays off down the road in avoiding hiring an unqualified or disreputable contractor.
Request Free Estimates
Once you’ve researched local fence companies, contact your top choices to request a free quote. A detailed estimate from each contractor allows you to compare pricing and services. When meeting with contractors, have them assess your property so their quote reflects accurate measurements for materials and labor.
Provide details on your specific project – do you need a new fence installation or existing fence repairs? What type of fencing do you want installed – wood, chain link, vinyl, ornamental iron? Do terrain challenges like slopes exist that might increase costs? Clarify exactly what’s included in each quote, like materials, debris hauling, permits, gate installation, and warranty.
Be wary of extremely high or lowball estimates, as they may indicate issues with quality or thoroughness. Meet with at least three different contractors in person if possible to get a sense of professionalism and discuss specifics face-to-face.
Verify Licensing, Insurance, and Credentials
Never hire a fence company that can’t provide current proof of licensing and insurance. Unlicensed contractors often do subpar work that doesn’t meet local codes. Ask to see their state-issued contractor’s license, liability insurance certificate, and workers’ compensation documentation.
You’ll also want to verify if the company has staff certified through organizations like the American Fence Association. Check reviews and ask for local references to confirm their reputation. Reputable fencing companies will happily provide credentials and references. Thoroughly verifying credentials protects you from hiring amateur or disreputable contractors.
Choose a Local Company
Hiring a fencing contractor from your local area provides advantages over choosing a company based elsewhere. Local companies are familiar with zoning laws and permitting processes in your city and can pull permits for the project if needed. They have relationships with local suppliers for prompt material access. A shorter travel distance to your property means greater efficiency and cost savings that aren’t baked into the project estimate.
Local companies are invested in customer satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth that allows their business to thrive. Issues down the road can be addressed quickly with their proximity, and you have the assurance of a company that isn’t going to just disappear after finishing your fence. Prioritize working with an established local fence company whenever possible.
Consider Fencing Materials Carefully
The materials you choose for your fence have a significant impact on appearance, durability, longevity, and pricing. Discuss the pros and cons of different materials like wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum and wrought iron with contractors to determine what makes sense for your home and budget. Consider environmental factors like moisture and soil conditions that might rule out certain materials.
Get information on pricing differences between materials and grades of wood. Discuss material warranties that provide protection against defects, rotting, and deterioration. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest option without understanding the trade-offs you may face later in repairs and replacements. Investing in quality fencing materials upfront saves money and headaches down the road.
Ask About the Work Process
Before hiring a fencing company, understand their full work process for installations and repairs. Ask detailed questions about how long the project will take, if they do prep work like demolition and debris removal, and if they obtain digging permits. Find out if existing fences will be repaired or replaced.
Get timelines for each phase of work and the payment schedule – many companies require incremental payments. Be sure you understand expectations for prepping the work area, like clearing plants and obstacles. Reputable companies will gladly explain their work process so there are no surprises. Understanding the work plan in advance ensures a smooth install or repair job.
Get Everything in Writing
Never hire a fence company on a verbal agreement alone – always get a written contract outlining the full scope of work. The contract should specify exactly which services and materials are included in the quote and state any guarantees or warranties. Payment schedules, project timelines, and contingency plans should be detailed as well.
Before signing a contract, read it thoroughly and clarify any vague language. Get start and end dates in writing, as well as remedies if the work runs past deadline. Only put down a small deposit initially and tie remaining payments to project milestones. Documenting expectations in a contract protects you and ensures you get the fencing project expected on time and on budget.
Hiring a reliable local fencing contractor takes time and diligence, but following these tips guides you to making the best choice for your specific needs. Conducting thorough research and asking the right questions upfront provides peace of mind that you’ll end up with a quality fence installation or repair job at a fair price. Don’t rush the hiring process and be wary of contractors reluctant to provide information or credentials. Investing sufficient time into finding the right fencing company pays dividends for years down the road every time you enjoy your new fence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Fencing Company
Hiring a fencing contractor involves careful research and consideration. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about choosing the right local fence company.
How much does a new fence installation cost?
Fence installation costs range from $1,500 for a simple chain link fence up to $7,000 or more for premium wood or ornamental metal fencing. Exact pricing depends on the fencing material, height, and linear footage to be installed. Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare rates.
What questions should I ask fencing companies?
Key questions to ask any fencing contractor include how long they’ve been in business, if they carry licensing and insurance, what materials and warranty they offer, project timelines, and if their quote includes hauling debris. Ask for references and verify them.
What are signs of an unreliable fencing contractor?
Red flags when researching fencing companies include a lack of licensing and insurance, reluctance to provide references, vague verbal agreements, or requests for full payment upfront. Use caution with contractors substantially undercutting others’ pricing.
Should I hire a national fencing franchise or local contractor?
Local fencing contractors are often a better choice over large national chains based on familiarity with local codes, faster response times, and investment in customer satisfaction. Just be sure to still verify their credentials.
What kind of warranty should I get for a new wood fence?
For wood fencing, a reputable contractor should provide a warranty of at least one year against defects in materials and workmanship. Be sure the warranty covers rot, insect damage, and waterproofing treatments.
How long does a wood fence last?
With proper maintenance like sealing and staining, a wood fence typically lasts 10-15 years. Cedar and redwood last longer than pine or spruce. Vinyl or aluminum lasts 15-25 years, while wrought iron can last 50+ years.
When is the best time of year to install a new fence?
Late spring to early summer when the ground has thawed but before extreme heat arrives is ideal for fencing installations. Avoid winter months when frozen soil prevents digging post holes.
How do I know if my existing fence needs repair or replacement?
Signs it’s time to replace a fence include extensive rotting/insect damage, numerous broken or missing boards, posts leaning more than a few inches, or if it no longer meets code requirements. Make regular inspections.
What permits do I need for a new fence?
If your new fence complies with height and materials guidelines, often no permit is needed. But check with your city permit office for requirements on permits, setbacks from property lines, and boundary surveys.
Choosing the right fencing contractor takes time but following these tips will guide you to find the most qualified company for your project. Do your homework researching local options, verify credentials, get detailed estimates, and protect yourself with a written contract. With proper planning you’ll gain years of satisfaction from a quality fencing job.
Conclusion
Installing a fence on your property is a significant investment that provides security, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. By following these seven essential tips when hiring a local fencing contractor – researching thoroughly, getting quotes, verifying credentials, choosing a local company, evaluating materials, understanding the work plan, and getting a written contract – you can ensure you select the right company for your specific fencing job.
Rushing through the hiring process or just going with the cheapest option often leads to disappointment with the finished product or dealing with unqualified contractors. But taking the time upfront to carefully evaluate multiple fencing companies in your area pays dividends in getting your project done right the first time. Always check references and licensing, look for detailed project estimates in writing, and go with an established local company whenever possible.
With the right contractor hired, you can look forward to years of satisfaction from a quality fence that provides security, defines your property, increases value, and makes a great first impression. Let these tips guide you to connecting with the ideal fencing pro for your home or business.