What to Look For in Houston Fence Companies
Houston Fence Companies
It’s time to put up a fence at your home and you’re about to make an important decision regarding which company to hire to do the work. A fence seems like a simple thing, so maybe you were just going to select the company with the biggest ad, or a company whose name caught your fancy. Any old company should be able to build a decent fence, you reason. Things are not quite that simple; there is much more to think about when it comes to choosing the best from among the many Houston fence companies.
Compare Several Companies
Every company has different methods of doing things, and fencing is no different. Just like you wouldn’t choose a car from looking at just one dealership, you wouldn’t want to commit to hiring a fencing company without taking a look at more than one. It is always wise to see what several Houston fence companies have to offer before making your final decision. Accept bids from each company and then see which comes closest to fitting your needs.
Years of Experience
When it comes to fence building, experience counts for a lot. Home fencing requires a level of expertise that an amateur cannot meet. You certainly don’t want to deal with a bad fencing job done by someone without much training. Find out how many years each company has been building fences in the Houston area.
A professional company will come over and provide expert knowledge about what type of fence is going to look great for your home. They should be able to provide specifics including types of materials, measurements, special requirements, and price estimates.
Get References
One of the best ways to ensure that you are going to get quality workmanship from a company is to ask them to provide references. Any reputable company that does regular business in Houston should have no problem providing several references from satisfied clients.
Contact their references and find out if the company performed their task to the homeowners’ liking. Also, ask if they did the job on time and stuck to the budget. You don’t want to choose a company that has lax standards.
Customer service is also a priority. Ask references how the workers behaved while on the job. This is important, especially if there are children in the home. Workers should always be polite and respectful when on the job.
Get Estimates in Writing
Always ask for an estimate in writing. You don’t want to be in a situation where you were verbally quoted one price, and when you get the bill it is way more money than originally quoted. Written estimates are standard, and the company should be willing to do this without hesitation.
Included in the estimate can be the estimated start and completion dates for the project. You could also have them provide specific details about materials, gates, linear feet and wood stains to be used.
Payment Terms
Most likely you have a certain budget in mind for this project. Discuss with the fence company what kind of payment terms they have. You need to know if a lump sum payment is due before work begins, if they require half upfront and the rest on completion, or if they have special payment arrangements.
They Must Be Insured
An experienced and professional fencing company is able to provide proof of liability insurance, as well as workers’ compensation insurance. Request a copy of their insurance policy for good measure.
