WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE HAVING THE FENCE INSTALLED?
There are many things to consider when having a new fence installed. These include:
- The Purpose Of The Fence (Privacy, Pet Or Pool Enclosure, Property, Etc.).
- Where The Fence Will Be Located, (In Existing Location, New Surveyed Location, Etc.)
- What Type Of Fence You Want (Materials, Height, Style, Features And Accessories).
- When You Plan To Have The Work Completed.
At what depth do you set fence posts?
Generally a 6’ fence post is set at 24” deep in concrete
Do I need to be home during the installation?
We find it helpful if you are at home for the first day of installation, that way you can answer any inital questions we may have. After that you don’t have to be there at all. We also like the customer to be there on the day the fence is completed. That way we can walk the job with you, answer any questions and adress any concerns you may have then and there. This way we can ensure your complete satisfaction!
What type of nails are used when installing the fence?
We use hot-dipped galvanized ring shank nails on the boards (fence pickets) and galvanized nails on the 2-by members.
Do you offer paint or stain for my fence?
No, we do not paint or stain fences.
What is a privacy fence made of?
Redwood is the most popular type of wood used for residential fence pickets. It is a very stable wood that resists warping and shrinkage better than many other types of wood. It also contains oils that repel insects and help prevent rot. Posts can be treated fir or steel.
Is it normal to have different shades in my fence boards?
Yes, redwood fence boards are a natural product and not treated in any way, because every tree is unique in color and grain, the fence boards will be too.
Why should I consider steel posts instead of wood posts?
Fence pickets are the most expensive part of a fence, posts are the cheapest. When the cheapest part (posts) rot out, the most expensive part will ‘hit the ground.’ You can think of it like a foundation for a house. You wouldn’t want a great house on a weak foundation. Steel posts only add about 15% to the cost of a new fence, but can add many years to the life of the fence. In fact, some steel fence post manufacturers offer warranties of up to 30 years on their products!
What else should I know about steel fence posts?
Steel fence posts are designed to have some ‘give’ built into them. You may find your new steel fence feels more flexible than your old fence. This is normal, and is in fact an advantage in windy conditions. This flexibiility is similar to the way an airplane wing flexes in the wind, that flexibility gives it strength when under stress.
What kind of warranties do you offer?
We offer a One Year craftsmanship warranty. This covers our workmanship. It includes the opening and closing of gates, everything that fastens it together and the footings in the ground. This does not cover materials. We use the highest quality products, but wood is a natural material and is exposed to sun, wind and rain. Consequently there will be some natural variation.
Who collects from my neighbors when sharing costs?
We collect payment upon completion. We ask that the primary contractor collect payment from neighbors involved when sharing costs. This is often the easiest way to share the costs of a new fence and ensure quick efficient service.
How do I find a good fence company in the area?
So you have decided it is time to replace that old fence around your yard or add a new fence. Whether you are replacing an old fence or building a new one for the first time, there are many things to consider when making this important decision.
GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN HIRING A FENCE COMPANY
- How long has the company been doing business?
- Does the company carry current liability and workers’ compensation insurance?
- Is their contractors license current?
- What are their payment terms?
- What is their warranty?
- What is the estimated time of completion?
THINGS TO DO WHEN HIRING A FENCE COMPANY
- Research your fence company thoroughly.
- Get two or more recent references, you can then drive by and inspect the fence first hand and/or speak with the fence owner.
- Get at least two or three other bids, so you can compare not only price, but which one offers the most value for the money.
- Find a fencing company that will come out and take measurements and discuss options before giving you a price, because you will need to have an accurate estimate to make a good decision.
- Get a written contract so you know the total you will pay before work begins.
Where to find references:
The best place to start asking about fencing companies is your family, friends and especially your neighbors. Other good sources of references include other contractors, management companies, and HOA. Your Home Owners Association may have restrictions on what kind of fence can be built, as well as colors. It’s always best to find out this information before you begin construction. They may also require you to submit plans, colors and an estimate to their architectural committee for approval before you begin.
GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK REFERENCES:
Were you happy with the quality provided by the fencing company?
Everybody has their own ideas of quality, so you should take a look at their fence and judge for yourself. Pay attention to see if the fence posts are straight. Are there visible cracks between the boards that should overlap? Do the gates operate properly?
How does it look... visually?
Make sure the fence looks good. Did the fence company pay attention to the details. Is the fence solid?
Did the fencing company clean up after themselves?
Did they remove the old fence, and leave the yard clean after doing the work? Did they pick up nails or screws from the yard? If you are left to clean up after them, this will cost you more time, money and frustration.
Were they courteous and polite?
This is a very important consideration. The entire experience, from beginning to end, needs to be as stress free as possible. Plus if the fence builder enjoys their job, the quality and attention to details will be better. The customers attitude can and will affect the entire fencing job. Hopefully this will be the first question you ask. If the answer to this question is “no” then do not go any further, you don’t want to work with that person.
Is a warranty included?
A good fence company uses quality materials and has a high level of expertise. Most reputable fence companies carry a one year workmanship warranty.
