How to Pick the Best Fence Company for Your Home or Business

Choosing a fence company is a big decision. It’s about protecting our property, enhancing curb appeal, or securing our business. The right fence can make a huge difference. But, picking the first contractor isn’t always the best choice. There are many factors to consider. We’ll explore these to help you pick the best fence company for your project.

Key Points to find the Best Fence Company

• Check if the fence company is licensed, insured, and bonded. You can do this through official state boards and insurance providers.
• Look at recent customer reviews on different platforms. This will help you see how satisfied customers are, the quality of work, and how they handle problems.
• Ask for detailed written estimates from different contractors. These should include material costs, labor, and warranty information.
• Check their portfolio and visit previous installations. This will let you see the quality of their work firsthand.
• See how well they communicate and manage projects. Check their timeline commitments and how they keep you updated.

Verify Credentials and Insurance

Before you sign anything, make sure the fence company’s credentials and insurance coverage are in order. Confirm they have the right state licensing and local permits. Ask for their contractor’s license number and check it yourself.

They should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. General liability protects you if there’s damage during installation. Workers’ comp covers their employees if they get hurt on your property. Get certificates of insurance directly from their provider, not just their word.

Also, check if they’re bonded. This protects you if they don’t finish the work as agreed.

Be cautious of contractors who want 100% upfront deposits. The best fence company will usually only ask for 25-30% down payment.

Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Reading customer reviews and testimonials gives you important insights. Look at reviews on Google Business, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. This will give you a full picture of their performance.

Focus on the details of installation quality, timeliness, and after-service support. See how they handle challenges. Did they respond well to negative feedback? Did they fix problems quickly? Recent reviews are more important than old ones.

Don’t just look at the star ratings. Read the detailed feedback. Look for patterns in comments about professionalism, cleanup, and whether the final product matched the quote. Photos posted by previous customers can be very telling. Customers will say the think someone is the best fence company based on their review.

Companies like Texas Fence Service have kept an A+ BBB rating for over 20 years. They’re known for quality work and great customer service.

Evaluate Past Work Examples

Look closely at a fence company’s photo gallery of past projects. This will show you their craftsmanship and attention to detail. Good examples should show well-installed fences, level runs, and clean finishes.

Professional contractors have extensive portfolios of their best work. This lets you see their skills with different styles and solutions. By looking at these portfolios, you can see examples of wrought iron fences and other materials.

Photo Galleries Matter

When looking for the best fence company, their portfolio of completed projects is key. Check their photo galleries closely. They show the quality of work and attention to detail.

Look for clear, high-quality images. They should show fences from different angles. This includes close-ups of joints, posts, and hardware.

A good photo gallery will show various fence styles and materials. It should also show how they handle slopes and corners. This helps us see if they can meet our needs.

Quality of Past Projects

Looking at a fence company’s completed projects is more than just looking at photos. We should visit their finished fences to see the quality. Look for precise post alignment and consistent spacing between pickets.

Check how they handle challenging terrain and obstacles. Good contractors keep fence lines level on slopes. They also anchor posts correctly and use the right materials.

Quality work shows in the details. Look for well-sealed wood and rust-resistant components.

Compare Written Estimates

After getting several fence quotes, carefully examine each written estimate. Look for differences in pricing, materials, and project specifications. Make sure each estimate meets your project needs.

1. Check the materials, including type and quality, and post installation depth
2. Compare labor costs and crew size estimates, including timeline commitments
3. Evaluate warranty terms, including coverage period and what’s included
4. Look for additional fees like permits and debris removal

Consider that split rail fences can offer a rustic look and cost savings.

Ask About Materials and Warranties

The quality of materials and warranty coverage affect your fence’s life and value. Ask about the materials, including post sizes and hardware types. Make sure they fit your property’s needs.

When looking at warranties, check both manufacturer and labor coverage. Look for warranties lasting at least 1-3 years on workmanship and 15-20 years on materials. Ask if the warranty transfers to new owners and what might void it.

For coastal properties, make sure the company uses rust-resistant metals like aluminum or coated steel.

Check Communication and Professionalism

We need to see how fast fence companies answer our calls and emails. Timely communication shows they’re organized and care about their customers.

A good fence contractor keeps us updated on the project timeline. This includes when materials arrive, when they start installing, and any delays due to weather.

The team should know their stuff, be friendly, and follow business protocols. This is true from the first meeting to when the job is done.

The Best Fence Company will focus on making customers happy. With over 90% of clients saying they’re excellent, clear communication is key.

Response Time Matters

Good fence contractors answer quickly and talk clearly throughout your project. How fast they respond shows how efficient and customer-focused they are.

When looking at fence contractors, watch for these important signs:

1. They reply to your first message within a day, by phone, email, or online form.
2. They schedule a meeting to give you an estimate within 3-5 business days.
3. They send you a detailed quote within 48 hours after visiting your site.
4. They answer your questions about the project on the same day during installation.

How fast a contractor responds shows their project management skills and respect for your time. If they’re slow to answer at first, they might be slow throughout the project. This is not what you expect to see from the best fence company.

Clear Project Updates

Regular project updates are crucial for your fence contractor. Choose a company that gives you detailed progress reports through your preferred method, like email or text. These updates should track the timeline, material delivery, and any challenges.

Look for contractors who share important project milestones with photos and keep a detailed record of any changes. They should tell you about weather delays, permit updates, or other important news. Companies that use scheduling software let you track the project in real-time. This keeps everyone on the same page and avoids surprises.

Professional Staff Conduct

Skilled fence teams show their professionalism through consistent communication, respectful behavior, and following industry standards. When checking a company’s staff, look for teams that keep high standards all project long.

Staff should arrive on time, wear company uniforms or proper work clothes, and have ID. Crew leaders should talk clearly about daily work schedules and site-specific needs. Workers should respect your property, clean up daily, and follow safety rules and local codes.

We’ll find companies with staff that shows these professional qualities. This ensures your project goes smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions On Finding The Best Fence Company

How Long Does a Typical Fence Installation Take to Complete?

Our fence installation usually takes 1-3 days. But, bigger projects or tricky terrain might take 5-7 days. Weather and permits can also affect the time.

What Should I Do if My Neighbor Disagrees With My Fence Plans?

First, we’ll check property lines and local rules together. We’ll help you document talks, consider mediation, and if needed, get a lawyer before installing your fence.

Do I Need Permits to Install a Fence in My Area?

We’ll check your local building department or HOA for fence permit rules. Most places need permits for new fences. The rules on height, material, and how far back the fence can be vary.

Can Fencing Be Installed During Winter or Rainy Seasons?

We can put up fences all year, but winter and rain are tricky. We’ll plan the concrete work around freezes. And we’ll make sure the soil drains right during wet times.

Will the Fence Company Handle Utility Line Marking Before Installation?

We’ll work with local utilities to mark underground lines before we start. It’s common practice. But, you must call 811 first for the free service.

Takeaway

We’ve covered the key steps to pick the best fence company. This includes checking insurance documentation and looking at material specifications and warranty terms. Our method ensures your fence follows local codes and saves you money. Choose contractors with a track record, proper certifications, and top-notch materials. They should meet your property’s needs.