Important Questions to Ask the Local Fence Company Before Hiring Them

When it comes to installing a fence on your property, you will probably undertake this endeavor once. That means that you need to have it done right the first time, and that requires finding the right contractor. Finding the right local fence company to install a fence to ensure that it looks good and lasts for as long as possible doesn’t have to be hard, but it will take some time and effort. 

Before having a contractor put up your fence, there are some questions you want to ask the fence installer. Read on to find out what these are.

Questions to Ask the Local Fence Company

Before you settle on a fence contractor, you need to ask some questions to ensure that you’ll be getting exactly what you want out of the process. Not all local fence companies are created equal, so asking questions to find the contractor that will fit into your budget and put up a fence that will make you happy is beneficial. 

Here are the important questions you should be asking the fence installer:

1. How Long Has Your Company Been in Business?

When it comes to hiring a fence contractor, you want to know that you are getting someone who has skills and experience. If they have been in business for a long time, you know that they are doing something right.

Not only do they have the ability to make customers happy and install fences that last, but they have also seen a lot of different issues and problems while installing fences. This means they should have the ability to overcome any challenge that might arise.

2. Is Your Company Licensed to Operate in the Local Area and State?

Working with fence companies who are licensed to operate in your local area and state ensures that you are protected should something go wrong with the process. It also shows that they are legitimate and have gone through the process of registering their business. 

If you work with fence contractors who aren’t licensed, this will make you responsible for anything that could go wrong. For example, if the work they do is shoddy, you have no recourse when it comes to getting the problems fixed. Should an accident occur on your property during the installation process, you could be held responsible for paying for medical bills. 

In addition to making sure local fence companies are licensed, you’ll also want to check to make sure they have insurance. This further reduces your responsibility and obligation to pay for any accidents or injuries that might occur. Don’t just take their word for being licensed and insured. Ask for proof or go online to find it yourself. If they refuse to show you the proof, cut your losses and look for another contractor.

3. Will Your Company Pull Permits?

Most states and cities require that you have a permit to erect a fence on your property. If the fencing company is legitimate and has been in business for a while, they will know exactly which permits need to be pulled. They may even obtain these permits for you and include them in the price of the fence. 

In addition to asking the fence installer if they pull permits, you might also consider contacting local officials and finding out which permits are actually needed. This can help you determine if the contractor is telling the truth and keep you in compliance with local laws and regulations.

4. Will You Contact Utility Companies to Locate Buried Lines?

There are a lot of buried lines in your yard, including sewer/water pipes, cables, and other items. Before digging holes to put a fence in your yard, it’s important to know exactly where these lines are. Asking local fence companies if they call the utility companies or if you have to will ensure that these lines aren’t damaged during the process.

5. Do You Have References I Can Contact?

If you are working with reputable fence contractors, they will be more than willing to give you a list of references that you can call. Take the time to speak with these people to get an idea of what you can expect from the fencing company.

You might also consider checking out online reviews left by other customers. This can give you even further insight into how the company treats customers and if others are happy with the service they received.

6. Do You Provide a Written, Itemized Quote?

Knowing exactly how much you will have to pay for a fence can help you determine if it will fit into your budget. Having the quote itemized will let you know exactly what the fencing contractor is charging for labor and materials. If they are trustworthy and reputable, they will be more than happy to provide a written, itemized quote for all of their fencing jobs.

7. Do You Offer Any Warranties?

Working with professional, experienced fence companies means that you are getting a high-quality product that will be installed correctly. However, there are things that are out of the contractor’s control, and that might include issues with the materials or one of their employees having a bad day. 

Fence companies that are trustworthy and reputable will recognize that they are human and offer warranties on their materials and/or workmanship. Thus, if anything goes wrong, they will do what they can to fix it and ensure that you are satisfied with the final product.

Working With Local Fence Contractors

Working with a local fence company to install a fence around your property will ensure that you get professionals who know which materials work best for the local environment. They’ll also know which permits are required, the utility companies that need to be contacted, and how to deal with any issues that might arise. 

Whether you are looking to install a new fence or replace an old one, make sure it gets done right the first time. 

At Rio Grande Fence Co., we have the skills and experience to help with any and all of your fencing needs. We are more than happy to answer the questions listed above, as well as any others that might arise. Contact us today!