Are you considering hiring a contractor to install your new fence? Like any purchase, it's important to look into your options and see who will be the best fit. Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the right contractor to install your fence.
Don't just go for the first company you come across. Prices can vary company to company, so it's important to get quotes from a few of them before making your decision.
Be sure to do background research on the contractor before hiring them. Any reputable contractor will be able to supply their license number and have basic insurance coverage. This is a good sign that you're hiring a legitimate operation that cares about standards and safety.
Reviews and testimonials are a good way see if their customers were satisfied by previously completed projects. You can go on sites like Yelp and Home Advisor to find these. Pictures of completed projects can help you get an idea for the quality of their work. You might be able to ask around your neighborhood as well.
It's important to make sure the contractor you choose uses high quality materials. A fence is a long term investment, so you wouldn't want to use low quality materials that only last a few years. The materials aren't the only aspect of quality though. Make sure the contractor isn't going to cut corners during the job. Ask them about their clean up policy to make sure you're not going to be left with a mess after the job is done. Seeing their previous work and reading previous reviews can help you get a look into the kind of work they can do.
Being a part of a professional organization, like the American Fence Association (AFA), can help show that the contractor is a legitimate business that's committed to quality work. Looking up their rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can also give you insight into their professionalism. A company that has lots of unresolved complaints against them will have a low rating. You'll want to look for a company with an A rating or higher.
When getting any kind of work done on your property you'll want to have a contract that outlines the work that will be done. For a legitimate contractor, something like this isn't an issue, and will be a standard practice. A contract will help protect both you and the contractor from any potential conflicts. If the scope of the project is outlined and agreed upon beforehand, you'll have a better idea of what to expect. An itemized breakdown of the costs of the project can also help you compare them to any other options.
While the quality of the work and price are important to consider, having a contractor that's friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer questions can make the entire process easier. If they're annoyed by basic questions and not willing to explain why certain things need to be done, they might not be the right choice for you. If the contractor is willing to listen to your concerns and needs, the job will go much more smoothly overall.
Most fence contractors will have at least a basic warranty. You wouldn't want to work with a contractor that isn't willing to fix any issues immediately after the job is completed. A good contractor will do a final walkthrough with you, inspect the quality of the final product, and be willing to fix any issues you may have.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make your search for a quality contractor a little easier. Be sure to only do business with legitimate contractors, and you can avoid lots of headaches in the future.