Although installing a fence might seem like a simple task, it’s a project that requires more skill and experience than many realize. Beyond just providing security and privacy, your fence plays a significant role in shaping the overall appearance of your property. A poorly built or improperly installed fence can not only compromise its functionality but also harm your home’s curb appeal, potentially lowering its market value.
If tackling the installation yourself is out of the question, the next logical step is hiring a professional fencing contractor. However, with a wide range of contractors offering varying services and pricing, it can be overwhelming to determine who is truly qualified and trustworthy.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some key tips for finding a reliable fencing contractor who can deliver quality results tailored to your needs:
Check Multiple Sources
Google is a fantastic resource for finding a fence installation service. By typing keywords like ‘fencing installations near me’ or ‘reliable fencing contractors,’ you can quickly generate a list of potential companies. However, it’s not the only way to find a qualified contractor.
Home service sites like HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack Angie’s List, and Yelp can also be incredibly useful in finding local providers. You’ll quickly find reviews from former customers and get a general feel for the contractor’s service quality.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are also invaluable for researching local contractors. If a contractor has an active presence on these networks, it’s often a good indication of their professionalism and customer service focus.
Remember that many fencing contractors don’t own a website but may be on social media. You can easily miss out on these businesses by focusing solely on Google.
Assess How Quickly They Get Back to You
Fencing contractors are busy people, but they still respond to inquiries relatively quickly. If you reach out for their services but are ignored for days or even weeks, it could be a sign that they are disorganized, unprofessional, or simply not interested.
Similarly, once you’ve agreed to a job, they shouldn’t take more than 5 days to provide a quote. There’s a difference between being busy and unresponsive.
Either way, it’s better to move on and find another contractor who can give you the attention you deserve.
Remember that reputable companies know that clients are the backbone of their business, so they will make sure that your needs are taken care of as soon as possible.
Verify Credentials
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential contractors, it’s time to confirm their credentials. Unfortunately, plenty of people are out there looking to make a quick buck by cutting corners.
A good way to verify credentials is to confirm their licensing and insurance. A reputable fencing contractor should have both a business license and general liability insurance. The latter provides coverage for any damages or injuries that may occur during the installation process.
Licensing, meanwhile, provides without a doubt that a contractor is professional and trained in their trade. While an amateur may be able to install a basic fence, it’s always best to leave complex installations to the pros.
Conduct Quick Interviews
We know any contractor can promise you the world when it comes to results. However, a quick interview can reveal further information about their experience, customer service skills, and credentials.
Questions you may ask include:
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you offer free estimates?
- What type of fencing do you specialize in?
- Do you have any fencing recommendations for my home?
- Do you offer any warranties or guarantees?
Besides, the following information will give you a general idea of the contractor’s attitude. Do they answer your questions, or do they beat around the bush and provide evasive answers? Do they explain their process, or do they expect you to accept their offer without any details?
You can tell who’s genuinely interested in helping you by conducting quick interviews and who’s there to make a quick buck. You also want to work with someone you can get along with, as butting heads throughout the installation is never a pleasant experience.
Always trust your gut feeling, and you won’t go wrong.
Compare At Least Three Different Quotes
You’ve narrowed down potential candidates who are perfectly qualified for the job. The next step is comparing at least three quotes to get the best deal.
Always remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best. Read all terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to any contracts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
By the same token, premium prices don’t necessarily reflect the contractor’s quality of service. You may be paying more because the company has higher overheads or has built a solid reputation in the industry. While the latter is fantastic, plenty of fencing contractors will do a marvelous job for a reasonable fee.
Get a Written Contract Free of Ambiguity
While it’s standard practice for contractors to provide written contracts, some may not. You may instead get a handshake and a promise of good results.
This is a massive no-no.
This is because you may pay more than you bargained for, as verbal contracts are much more complicated to dissect in court. Furthermore, you’ll have no physical proof should you need to claim against the contractor.
Therefore, always ensure that your contract is in writing and free from ambiguity.
An official contract that outlines the scope of work, breaking down labor costs, material costs, and any additional fees and payment terms. Any changes to the project should also be included for your protection.
Conclusion
Finding a reliable fencing installation service isn’t complicated. In fact, you can probably find a reputable one just by going to any search engine.
However, if you want the best possible value for money and be extra cautious, it’s best to take the above steps. Check their credentials, conduct quick interviews, compare quotes, and get a written contract. This way, your contractor will be prepared and well-equipped to handle your project without any issues.
Good luck!
