While a fencing installation may appear straightforward enough, it’s a job that should never be done by inexperienced hands. Your fence doesn’t just provide privacy and deter intruders, it’s also a part of your exterior. As such, a badly constructed fence can easily detract from your home’s curb appeal and even reduce property value.
If DIY is completely out of the question, you’ll need to find a reliable fencing contractor. However, with so many on the market charging different rates, it can be difficult to know who to trust.
Here are some tips on how you can find the best fencing contractor for 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 real former customers and get a general feel for the contractor’s service quality.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and even 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 they may be on social media. By solely focusing on Google, you can easily miss out on these businesses.
Assess How Quickly They Get Back to You
Fencing contractors are busy people, but they still respond to your enquiries relatively quickly. If you reach out for their services but you’re ignored for days or even weeks, it could be a sign that they are disorganized, unprofessional or simply are not interested.
Similarly, once you’ve agreed to a job, they shouldn’t take any longer 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 asap.
Verify Credentials
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, it’s time to confirm their credentials. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of people 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, finding the following information, you’ll also get 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 expect you to accept their offer without any details?
By conducting quick interviews, you’ll be able to tell who’s genuinely interested in helping you, and who’s there to make a quick buck. You also want to work with someone you actually 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 to compare at least three different quotes to get the best deal.
Always remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best. Make sure to 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 aren’t necessarily a reflection of 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, there are plenty of fencing contractors who 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 of them 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 be paying more than you bargained for, as verbal contracts are much harder to dissect in court. Furthermore, you’ll have no physical proof should you need to make a 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. If there are any changes to the project, these should also be included for your protection.
Conclusion
Finding a reliable fencing installation service isn’t complicated. In fact, you probably could find a reputable one just by going on any search engine.
However, if you want the best possible value for money and want to 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!
