How to Hire a Fence Contractor
While putting up a fence on your own is possible, it's not without its challenges. If you perform an internet search, you'll find plenty of fence firms that can help you out. However, it is a different story when it comes to finding a fencing contractor that will perform the work properly, have the necessary qualifications, and ensure that your fence complies with all applicable permissions and regulations.
A fencing contractor is someone who specializes in building and repairing fences, and who may offer advice to homeowners on which type of fence would be best for their purposes. A fence frames your house from the street and gives passersby their first impression of your property. When building a new fence, you want to make sure the work is done well and that the attractive fence design you choose is sturdy and durable. Choosing a trustworthy contractor that is qualified to construct the ideal fence for your yard can be challenging when you already have a lot on your plate.Â
In this article, you'll learn how to find the best fence contractor for your home's landscaping by conducting research, learning about your options, and selecting the most qualified business.
Typical Fence Contractor Projects
Fencing contractors are useful whether you want a new white picket fence or need your old privacy fence fixed.
The following is a list of the numerous jobs that may be handled by a fence contractor:
- Fence consultations
- Recommendations on the type of fencing and the material to choose, based on your requirements.
- Construction and installation of a fence
- Alterations made to the fencing
- Building permits as well as zoning regulations must be met.
- Maintenance and repair work on the fence and gate
- Marking of both boundaries and utilities
- Conception, construction, and assembly of new fence gates
How to Hire a Fence Contractor?
Putting in the effort to conduct research is essential if one is to select the most qualified fence contractor. It is a good idea to begin the process by talking to members of your family and circle of friends to find out who they would recommend as reliable contractors they have worked with in the past.
Learn more about a firm by familiarizing yourself with its reputation on the internet and by contacting its support staff. You may also conduct research on fence contractors by visiting the hardware shop in your area. When you have your list of potential vendors reduced down, you may give them a call to talk about their pricing, credentials, and expertise.
Questions to Ask While Hiring a Fence Contractor
- Do you have a license and proof of insurance?
- Do you report to a general contractor in any capacity?
- Do you offer a set amount for the installation, or do you charge per the hour?
- Could you offer references?
- What are your financial expectations?
- Could you provide me with an estimate in writing?
- Will you get the necessary permits?
- Will they contact the utility finder to determine the precise position of any buried utility ground?
- Will the slope be too much for them?
- How long do you anticipate it will take you to do the task?
Fence Contractor Right Qualification
The majority of homeowners decide to put up their own fencing in their yards. However, in order to erect a fence in many states, you are required to get permission first. The installation of a fence is handled from start to finish by a fence contractor, who is responsible for all elements of the job, including dealing with permits and HOA regulations.Â
Even though there are no prerequisites required to start a career as a fence installer, the majority of organizations in this industry search for candidates who have previous expertise in carpentry, building, or maintenance in some capacity. Business licenses for fence contractors are governed by the same regulations as those governing general construction.
In the majority of states, a license of some kind is required for any kind of business dealing with construction. This includes those who work in plumbing, electrical work, and building fences. You need to get the conversation started by asking a few questions and finding out whether the prospective contractor possesses the following expertise and credentials before you can select the best fence contractor.
Training
There is no requirement in the fencing sector for a college degree of any kind. However, many professionals in the fencing industry received their training at specialized institutions. There are classes that can be taken to learn how to erect fences, and these classes combine classroom instruction with practical experience.
One week is required to graduate from a school program that teaches fence installation. There is also the option of attending a fence contractor business school in the form of a concentrated classroom-only course lasting one week.
Credentials
In the majority of states, obtaining a general contractor license is necessary in order to install or construct a new fence. On the other hand, the prerequisites for obtaining a license vary depending on the state. Although there is a Certified Fence Contractor (CFC) accreditation, it is often reserved for those in top management or who operate their own businesses.
In order to earn a license, a fence contractor has to demonstrate that they have a minimum of ten years of experience in the business, in addition to receiving continual training and demonstrating that they are current on the most recent trends and practices. There is a time limit of three years to get the Certified Fence Contractor certificate.
Insurance
The homeowner or business owner is protected from legal action by a fence contractor's general liability coverage in the event that the contractor accidentally causes damage to the property or sustains injuries while working on the project.
Before you choose a fence firm, make sure you ask to see proof of their insurance and find out exactly what is covered.
Find Out What It Usually Costs
It is useful to have an understanding of the typical expenses associated with erecting a fence prior to requesting price estimates from local contractors. The cost of installing a fence for a homeowner may range anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000, depending on a number of different factors. Since the majority of materials are sold by linear foot, the entire length of the fence is one of the most important variables to take into account.
The typical prices range widely based on the type of material being purchased. For instance, the cost of installing a vinyl fence can range anywhere from $10 to $35 per linear foot, but the cost of installing a barbed wire fence might range anywhere from $1 to $6 per linear foot.
The majority of projects need between 24 - 72 hours of labor, which results in fence contractors charging an average of $50 per hour for their services across the country.
Get Multiple Estimates
In the same way that you should do so for other significant sorts of home improvement tasks, it is a good idea to seek estimates from various different fence contractors.
This technique is the greatest way to acquire a reliable and thorough sense of the average cost range, and it is also the best way to have a better understanding of the different compromises that may be made between quality, convenience, as well as cost. Since fence installation is a competitive business, the vast majority of contractors will be ready to make and offer an estimate in a reasonably short period of time.
A house visit from the contractor to inspect the property and provide an estimate is going to produce the most accurate and dependable results possible. Because it is outside work, it is possible that this will take place when you are not at home; but, if you are also going to interview them, you may do both of these chores at the same time.
It is imperative that you obtain a written estimate. It is not worth doing business with a contractor that will simply give a handshake agreement. You should also inquire about the validity period of the estimate so that you are aware of the amount of time you have to consider your alternatives.
Find Out More Information Regarding the Warranty
Make sure that you have a complete understanding of the warranty that the contractor is providing before work begins. Does it also include the cost of the supplies in addition to the labor? Does the maker of the materials provide a warranty for their products?
The duration of the period is the single most important factor. Both the fence and the guarantee have to be able to withstand the test of time. Although the typical length of a warranty in this business is three years, some contractors provide protection for as long as nine. It is important to keep in mind that if you are working with a handyperson, you should not expect them to give a warranty for their work.
Get Ready for Their Appointment!
Make sure that you have completed all that needs to be done in order to get the fence installer and their team off to a good start before the contractor and their crew arrive to begin working on the installation of the fence. Make sure that your dogs are contained in a place that is not going to be disturbed by the work that will be done by the contractor.
It is necessary to clean the area of any toys, tools, or anything that might potentially be in the way. Put yourself in a position where you can easily reach the team to ask any questions that may come up, but where you won't get in the way of their efforts to do the task as quickly and effectively as possible.
Typical Contractor Vs. Fencing Contractor
A person who is responsible for coordinating and supervising the operations at a construction site is known as a general contractor. To be able to operate as a general contractor in most places, one has to have prior experience in the field in addition to a current state license.
They are employed in a variety of building construction projects. A fencing contractor is someone who specializes in the installation and repair of fences. Even if companies are exempt from the licensing requirements in some areas, they still have to get a permit before beginning building. In most cases, general contractors oversee the work of fence contractors, who often work under their direction.
