Questions to Ask a Fence Contractor 

Are you planning to install a fence on your property? Of course, there’s probably a reason for that. A fence can offer security, safety, and privacy. Furthermore, it can also add value to your house.  

However, before you can get these benefits, you need to properly install the fence. To do this, you will need the help of a professional fence contractor. So, how can you determine if the contractor is reliable or not? The best way is to ask questions. 

Here are several questions to ask a fence contractor before you hire them: 

Is There a Warranty? 

Ask the contractor what type of warranty they provide on their fences. They should offer at least a 1-year warranty for your new fence. This guarantees that the contractor will have to fix it for free if something goes wrong with your fence due to poor workmanship. 

How Do You Manage Payment? 

You should know how the fence contractor accepts payments. Will the contractor accept a check or a credit card? Do they provide their financing? This enables you to properly plan and budget your fence project.  

Do You Have References? 

You should ask for references from previous clients who are happy with their fences. Reading reviews can offer you a couple of extra insights into their history. Avoid a contractor who does not offer references.  

Will You Reach Out to My Utilities? 

Before the fence contractor starts digging the ground, he should contact your utilities. This includes internet, cable, phone, electricity, and water. You need to ensure that the contractor will handle it for you.  

Do You Manage Permits? 

You will need a permit before you can install a fence on your property. Unfortunately, it can be a little hassle to get them. Ask the fence contractor if they manage the required permits for your fencing project.  

How Long Will You Finish the Project? 

You should ask the contractor when will he able to start the project and how long will it take him to finish it. A reliable contractor is often busy. Because of this, they might take a while to schedule your project. Because of this, you will need to know what to expect from the timeline. This enables you to plan accordingly.  

What Kinds of Fences Do You Install? 

There are several forms of fences out there. You should know what kinds of fences the contractor install before you hire him. You are simply wasting money and time if you want something they do not provide. Also, you don’t want the contractor to try something new on your house.  

How Long Have You Been in the Industry? 

You should ask how many years the fence contractor has been in the industry. It’s always best to hire a contractor with a lot of years of experience.  

Are You Insured? 

You need to ensure that the contractor you’re planning to hire is completely insured with worker’s compensation insurance and general liability. This is an extremely crucial factor that you should not ignore.  

When is the Best Time to Install a Fence? 

There are a lot of reasons why homeowners choose to install fences. This includes improved aesthetics for their properties, safety for kids and pets, improved privacy, and much more. If you want to experience these benefits, it might be time for you to set up a budget for a new fence.  

However, you shouldn’t hire a fence builder right away. There are a couple of things you need to consider first. This includes the best time to install a fence.  

Almost every homeowner installs fences during the summer season since the weather is warm. It is also the season where people spend more time outdoors. Thus, they want to increase their privacy by installing fences. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of the year where every fence builder has the most work. Because of this, it might take some time before you can install your fence.  

So, when is the best time to install a fence? Here are several things to consider: 

Winter 

When it comes to installing a fence, a lot of homeowners avoid winter. However, you can still complete the process as long as the ground stays unfrozen. Furthermore, fence builders will probably finish the project faster since they are not usually booked to capacity during this season. Aside from that, installing a fence in the winter enables you to safely allow your pet out in the yard.  

Do Not Fall Behind 

Early fall offers an excellent window to finish the project if you are not able to build your fence during the spring. It might be ideal to schedule your fence installation in the fall, even if you still utilize your yard. During these months, the autumn rain and cooler weather make it a bit complicated to install a fence. However, it is still ideal since the weather isn’t as cold as winter yet. Your new fence will be available for the next summer and spring.  

Spring 

You can schedule installation of your chain-link, metal, decorative, vinyl, or wood fence in early spring. This is particularly true if you can get organized. If you hire a fence builder in February or January, you can schedule the project as soon as the weather turns a little warmer. Usually, this occurs in March. You can guarantee that you’ve got a new fence long before the first summer BBQ if you beat the rush.  

You should consider this as another task for spring cleaning. Of course, you don’t want any construction project going on while you’re trying to enjoy your yard during summer. Possibilities are that during spring, you’re also preparing your lawn, yard, and other outdoor projects. Thus, building a fence during this season might be more ideal.  

To make things simple, your personal preferences greatly affect when you should install a fence. Fall and spring are the ideal time to install a fence if you do not want to deal with bad weather.  

However, if you want to install a fence as soon as possible, then the winter season might be the ideal time for you.