5 Questions to Ask Your Fencing Company Before You Sign the Contract
February 22, 2022
It’s exciting to prepare your property for a new fence. More than cosmetic improvement, perimeter fencing can also offer privacy and security, giving you peace of mind for your children and pets.
A fencing upgrade is something many homeowners look forward to installing and enjoying, but it can be challenging to determine what type best suits your needs.
Choosing a trustworthy contractor can save you the time, money, and headache some people have experienced by getting sucked into a scam or receiving an inferior product. You want to make sure you only have people you can trust around your home and family.
As the most trusted fence contractor in Austin, Northwest Fence and Iron is here to help you navigate the process as seamlessly as possible. Here are five questions to ask your fencing company before you sign the contract!
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1. Does the contractor have experience?
You may learn more about why this question is so important after you go through the others, but always ask at the beginning how many years of experience your contractor has in the fencing industry. Is their experience suitable to the type of fence you want, or do they specialize in something else?
Don’t just look for the cheapest option on the market, or you may end up with repairs or a replacement a lot sooner than you thought.
2. What’s the contractor’s reputation in the community?
How does their company reputation stand up in the town or neighborhood? Do they leave a mess when the project is over? Are there unexplained holes in customers’ lawns? Did a customer pay for a new wooden fence only to have it fall over a year later? These are just a few red flags to look out for!
Browse the company’s reviews on Google, social media, and referral sites like Houzz or Angi’s List. Ask for references from previous clients and find out where you can discreetly see past projects in the local Austin area.
3. Do they offer a variety of design options?
Why you want a fence will determine the type of fence you should get. A professional and qualified fence contractor should know what best suits your needs, be it vinyl, wood, chain link, or ornamental iron fencing.
Evaluate how well they have heard your needs. Make sure they offer a fencing solution that aligns with your lifestyle and your budget. You don’t want any “Chuck in a truck” to show up with some prefab panels and call it a day.
A qualified and reputable fence contractor like Northwest Fence and Iron can design and customize your gate and fencing solution with you. We help our clients create and configure a custom fence to be exactly what they want. Custom design is the best way to ensure you’ll be happy with your fence for years to come.
4. What about the licenses, insurance, utilities, and permits?
There is far too much risk involved to work with an unlicensed or uninsured fencing contractor. If something were to go wrong, you could be held liable for damages or injuries and the legal and restoration processes could be grueling.
Any contractor in Texas who has the necessary licensing and insurance will be able to provide proof for both. You can subtly test this out by asking if you need to get a permit for the fencing project or if this is something they will handle.
If they claim this is your responsibility it may be because they don’t have the proper paperwork. Permitting should be the responsibility of the contractor, not the homeowner.
When it comes to utilities, this could fall to either the homeowner or the contractor, depending on your agreement. Always make sure your gas company and electric company are notified before any digging takes place or you may run into underground lines, which could be both dangerous and costly.
5. Do you both know specific installation details?
Make sure your chain link fence installer or fencing contractor knows how to find your property pins and stick to property lines.
If you’re not sure what is included in the quote, ask for an itemized list. This helps you understand everything that is included and where there may be hidden or padded costs.
Fence installation can be disruptive to your family’s routine. Find out how long they expect the installation to take. Do they have an organized plan from start to finish? Or is it a nebulous “few weeks” that could stretch out far too long?
Northwest Fence and Iron: The Premier Fence Contractor in Austin
At Northwest Fence and Iron, our expert team offers everything from ornamental fencing to boost your home’s curb appeal to more practical fencing options for pet containment and creating a safe space for your children to play.
With more than 23 years in the industry, Northwest Fence and Iron has experience manufacturing, designing, and installing fences of all shapes, sizes, and materials. We’re ready to offer you the exceptional service and the high-quality product you deserve.
Contact our team, and let’s bring your fence dreams home!
