A fence can add a lot of value to your property. You can gain privacy, security, curb appeal, and more. When many homeowners start thinking about a new fence, they have to make a big decision right away: try to DIY or get a professional wood fence installation?
There are many good reasons to hire a professional for your fence installation. Perhaps most importantly, you can be sure the job is done right and save your own time and energy. However, some people hesitate to hire professional fence installers because there are so many unknowns in the process.
When the whole process is transparent, it takes a lot of you and puts you back in control of your project. With that in mind, here’s what you can expect from a wood fence installation.
Start with a Free Estimate
Before anyone breaks ground on a new fence, make sure to get an estimate on how much the project will cost. The estimator will come to the property to take some measurements and go over your options. After talking over costs and benefits, you’ll need to choose the fence’s:
- Style
- Height
- Material
- Decorative details
These estimator visits should be free. If a company says they will charge you for an estimate, take this as a red flag. Most reputable fencing companies offer free estimates. It can be helpful to have several companies give you an estimate before you choose who to hire for your wood fence installation.
Ask Plenty of Good Questions
During the visit with the estimator, be sure to ask a lot of questions. You are hiring a team, so think of it as an interview. Many homeowners find that it’s helpful to write a list of questions down before the first appointment.
Some questions you may want to ask include:
- When and how do we make payments?
- What permits do we need? Who gets them?
- Who contacts the utility company before digging begins?
- Do they offer a warranty on their work or materials?
- When could construction start?
- About how long will the project last?
Be sure to include any other questions you may have. It’s important to make sure that the contractor is a good fit for your needs before signing a contract. Make notes of their answers and compare the answers you get from each company.
Select and Hire a Fence Contractor
Once you have gotten estimates and answers from several contractors, it’s time to make your decision. While you should absolutely compare the bottom-line prices, make sure to take into account what that price includes as well.
Sometimes, one contractor will give a slightly lower estimate, but you will have to call the utilities and get the permits. Sometimes the price difference is because of the difference in materials. It’s up to you to determine what is worth the money.
Once you’ve made your selection, contact the company and firm things up. Depending on the contractor, you may need to sign some papers or talk over some final details at this point.
What to Expect During the Wood Fence Installation
It’s finally here – it’s time to get your new fence! First, the crew will start digging. Then, you’ll notice metal poles go up and start framing the fence. You’ll likely notice people measuring and remeasuring areas of your property.
Most crews will have to do some wood cutting on-site, so be prepared for some loud noises. You may even notice debris around your property during the day. However, the crew should clean up the messes.
Feel free to ask questions throughout the process. The team should let you know as they hit major milestones and keep you updated until the job is done.
Don’t Settle for Anything but the Best
When it’s time to trust a professional with your home, don’t settle for just anyone. Not every contractor will follow these exact steps for a wood fence installation. Some professionals may just lack experience, but some people are out to swindle people out of their money.
Don’t be the victim of a scam or any less-than-wonderful work. Make sure to work with an experienced, trusted fence installation company. You should be able to see their portfolio and customer reviews.
Anderson Fence is proud to have served the Delmarva Peninsula since 1958. The area is our home, which is why we treat our customers with the utmost respect. Contact us today to learn more about our wood fence installation process.
