How to Choose a Reputable Fence Installer
Information and questions to help you in
your selection:
1) Does the contractor maintain a
commercial place of business?
Seek a fence installer with experience and
references. Be aware that many contractors pose as professionals, yet they work
out of their homes or garages. This type of contractor may not be available to
service your product once it is installed. Research your installer as closely
as you research the product that is to be installed. Feel free to contact your
local area Better Business Bureau to obtain a report on the potential fence
installer, fence contractor or business.
2) Does the fence contractor install and
service his fencing using his employees or does he subcontract out to others?
Choosing a fence contractor who utilizes
his own employees is important because an employee is governed by the company
who employees him. This type of working relationship is more beneficial due to
the fact that most reputable fence companies will train all employees "in
house" and have total control over all shipping dates, materials used and
days and times in which jobs are scheduled. There is better communication in
selecting a fence company that installs its own jobs. The fence installer you select
should be able to give you a complete time table for your job. Fence
contractors who "sub" out their work do not always have good control
over the sub as the subcontractor schedules his own work at his convenience.
Many times a sub will perform several jobs at one time. Depending on how they
rank your job will depend on where you fall amongst their work schedule.
Fence contractor in south
jersey
3) Does the contractor back up his work by
a written guarantee?
It is the norm of the fence industry to provide
a residential customer with a written one year labor warranty.
4) How long has the installer / company
been in operation?
Find out if the installer has the
experience needed in your specific product and make sure they specialize in
fence installation. Be advised that a "jack of all trades" may not
possess the proper knowledge needed to tackle the installation of certain types
of fencing.
5) Is the potential fence installer
licensed, bonded, and insured?
a. What is a license and why is it
important that your installer possess one? A reputable installer, company, or
contractor should always be licensed in the cities that he works in. A license
acts as work permit. It means that he has filled out the proper paperwork and
paid the cities fees in order to legally work in your city. It is just another
step in dealing with a reputable person. The city screens its candidates and
makes sure that they do not have previous violations.
b. What does it mean to be bonded and
insured and why is this important to me? It is important to seek a professional
that has the proper coverage and that has taken the time to be accredited in
your city. Choosing a contractor who is licensed in your city means that they
do not have any outstanding violations.
c. Does the individual you are considering
possess knowledge of the fence regulations and codes which are in place within
your city or township. All fence regulations must be followed in order to avoid
potential hazards.
6) Are references available upon request?
For your own protection take the time to
speak to existing customers and also take the time to view the potential
contractors' work.
7) What type of work ethic does this
installer possess?
Can you get a specific time frame as to
delivery of materials, days and times of installation, length of time for
installation? Some fence systems may be installed the same day whereas other
fence systems take two separate days for installation. Make sure you get a
thorough explanation as to the time frame expected to install your particular
type of fencing. For your own protection make sure you get all the details.
8) Be leery of an installer who is asking
for all the money up front.
Most reputable installers will seek half
down and the balance upon satisfactory completion of his work. Other
individuals will seek thirty percent, upon post setting, with the balance
becoming due upon satisfactory completion of his work. Work out the terms of
payment or payment schedule prior to commencement of work on your project!
9) Does this fence installer use concrete
to set the fence posts?
If yes, how long does he allow the concrete
to "set" prior to returning to finish the job? It is standard
practice in the fence industry to set all chain link posts, ornamental
aluminum, steel, iron, wood fence systems, and vinyl in concrete footers. The
exception to the rule is if these fence systems are to be utilized in
situations where the fencing will be mounted between pillars. Many split rail
fence systems are tamped in dirt footers but even in this setting the gate
posts are generally concreted. Assess your situation carefully and select the
method which best accommodates your setting. It is obvious that a fence system
installed in concrete footers will hold up longer than one that is not. Resource
|
American
Discount Fence Earns Esteemed 2016 Angie’s List Super Service Award |
No comments: