7 Tips for Hiring a Local Fence Company

Homeowners frequently install their own fences. But a fence also can be one of the biggest do-it-yourself yard projects that you will ever undertake. No doubt there are dozens of local companies in your area who can install a fence for you. Finding the right fence company that can do the job on-budget and on-time, with the beauty you expect, might be harder than you imagine. Take a few preliminary steps to ensure that you hire the best local fence company for your specific project.

Look Beyond Fencing Companies

The company does not need to deal only with fences to be able to install your fence. In fact, it does not even need to be a company; this can be an individual. General landscapers, construction companies, general contractors, licensed handymen: any might be able to install your fence. For your protection, stick with licensed companies and individuals as they are accountable and typically are bonded and insured.

Search Your Neighborhood

Professional fence companies often nail a badge onto completed fences that advertise their work. Walk or drive around your local neighborhood, and if you see a badged fence that you like, take note of the builder. If there is no badge and the fence is relatively new, you might be able to ask the owner if they remember who built the fence.

Obtain Multiple Estimates

The classic advice for hiring professionals for any home remodeling is to obtain three or more estimates. Multiple estimates almost always produce a broader spread of cost bids, making it much easier to choose the right combination of cost and quality for your project.

For busy homeowners, this can seem like a daunting task. True, soliciting estimates for specialized indoor work such as basement finishing, kitchen remodels, and tile work for showers and bathrooms can be quite time-consuming.

By contrast, getting estimates for fence installation is considerably easier. Since fence installation is a highly competitive business, sales representatives tend to be flexible and eager to show up quickly. Because this is exterior work, representatives may even agree to visit the property and to work up an estimate when you are not home.

Evaluate Complications That Affect Costs

The lowest cost fence will be built on land that is free of complications, among other factors. Before the sales representative comes to work up an estimate, evaluate your property for complications that may drive up the price.

Obstructions such as trees and rocks may hinder the fencing or affect costs. Evaluate grading. If you are lucky enough to have a level lot, this is not a problem. But if the lot has a significant slope, this will affect how the fence is constructed and its cost. Evaluate access to the job site. If the crew will need to manually carry materials up a hill, for example, this will elevate costs, as well.

Prepare For the Representative’s Visit

When a fencing company representative visits your property, recognize that yours is just one of many addresses the rep will visit that day. Both of you want this task performed quickly yet accurately.

Keep the dogs inside, unlock all gates, and clear foliage from around problem areas. Look at where the fence will meet other pre-existing fences or your house, and clear out those areas to a reasonable degree. When the representative is measuring, stay out of the way but remain close if they need anything from you.

Pay Attention to the Warranty

What kind of warranty does the fence company offer? If the company offers a guarantee, does this warranty cover just labor or does it include materials, too? Because fences are long-term products, their warranties should be long-term, as well.

You should expect a warranty of at least three years, with warranties of seven to nine years not being uncommon, either. If you hire a handyman service, you may not have any type of warranty.

Ask the Representative the Right Questions

• Will the fence company obtain permits? In some localities, permission from a local government agency is required to do the work. After the work is finished, an inspector must visit to approve the work and close out the permit.
• Will the company call the utility locator for you to pinpoint the location of any underground utility lines? Do you need to do this instead?
• Discuss legal hindrances such as easements and zoning. Reputable local fencing companies should have a ready knowledge of local zoning and setback regulations affecting fence construction.
• If yours is a graded lot, how will the company handle the slope? Will the fence be stepped (that is, leaving triangular spaces under the fence—a problem if you have pets) or will it be contoured to run close to the ground?
• Will the fence’s height vary over the course of its run? Even though you may agree on a 6-foot fence—usually the maximum height allowed in many cities—this height may vary based on the grade.
• Are the gates and associated hardware part of the quoted cost? If not, how much will these items cost?
• What is the company’s timeline? Fence companies tend to have backlogs in the spring and summer and it may take several weeks or longer for them to get to you. Once the company starts work, will it work steadily with a good-sized crew? Or do they envision a more piecemeal approach, where the crew works over a series of days or weeks?