A fence is a big investment.
Many consumers spend quite a bit of time choosing their design and materials.
Even with the best materials, your fence will not function properly or last for many years if it is installed incorrectly.
This is the reason that residential and commercial property owners must find a qualified fence contractor to build and install their fence.
Open the local phone book and chances are, you will find numerous listings for fence contractors.
Simply picking a name out of the phone book or from an online listing is never a good idea.
You want to find an experienced contractor who will do the job right the first time at an affordable price.
Use the simple tips below to find a fence professional in your area.
The first thing you should do when searching for a fence contractor is to ask friends and family for references.
Many times, people you know will be familiar with a company or individual who specializes in the type of fence you require.
Take time to check out fences in your neighborhood that look appealing to you.
Ask the homeowners about their experience with the contractor and any issues they may have with their fence.
First hand knowledge is often helpful in determining whether or not you should do business with that particular company.
Check the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been complaints issued against the contractor you are interested in.
If there are, try to find out how they were resolved.
You may find more consumer ratings online as well.
Many contractors belong to websites that allow customers to comment on their service and experience.
Be sure to check whether the contractor is licensed and insured.
Ask about any warranties that he offers on workmanship.
Additional warranties may be available from the manufacturers as well.
A good contractor should be able to give you a reasonable estimate.
Do not let him start work without a written estimate in hand.
It is good practice to compare a couple different estimates.
Check to make sure that the contractor is using high-grade materials.
Lower grades of timber may save you money initially but fences made with these materials may not last as long or function as well as fences built with high-end materials.
Ask the contractor to describe and show you pictures of the different types of fences that he builds.
A reputable contractor should have no problem building a variety of fence designs with many different materials, including aluminum, wood, vinyl, and chain link.
You want to work with an experienced contractor who has a wide range of talents and knowledge.
Avoid working with contractors who require large sums of money upfront.
While most professionals will require a deposit, be wary of paying too much before the job is complete.
A payment schedule should be agreed upon before any work begins.
A fence can be expensive and will greatly influence the look of your yard.
Find an experienced and reputable contractor in your area to ensure that the work is done correctly and your fence is a valuable asset to your home.