Many homeowners are daunted by the process of finding the best tradespeople for the job. How do you know you’re getting a high-quality, reliable, experienced professional who’s up to the task? Here are a few areas to evaluate when choosing a company to build your new fence.
Legitimacy
While many home improvement and construction companies are established and legit, unfortunately a certain number of fly-by-night crews also ply their trade. Before you even call a company for an estimate, you can weed out some obviously shady options.
Note how the company presents itself. Do they have an up-to-date website? Does their advertising include a real street address? The Better Business Bureau, Yelp and Angie’s List all provide clues to a company’s reliability and the quality of its work.
Ideally, the fence company’s website will provide photos of completed projects. Calling and asking for references is always a good idea. When you call, note whether or not they answer the phone in a professional and welcoming manner. You should also check to make sure the company is licensed, insured and bonded.
First Impressions
First impressions matter. When you invite a contractor to your home to give an estimate, pay attention to how he (or she) presents himself. Does the contractor arrive neatly dressed and on time, or late, sweaty and grubby like they’ve just rushed from another a job? Do they have professional materials, such as business cards or brochures? The right contractor will be friendly, knowledgeable and willing to answer your questions. Beware of anyone who shuts down your concerns or tries to hurry you into signing a limited-time-only offer.
Professional terms
Unless your fence project is unusually complex, a contractor should be able to quickly make an estimate. This should be in writing, itemizing labor and materials, and explaining any warranty. It’s okay if a contractor offers a cash discount. But if he only accepts cash, his company may be disreputable.
Timeline
Once you choose a fence company, they should provide you with a work timeline and a contact person or persons. You’ll need to know who is in charge if there are any problems, delays or concerns.
Materials and Guarantees
A one-year warranty is common in the fence business. If the company offers a longer warranty, that’s even better. It’s a good sign when a company stands behind their work and high-quality materials.
Payment
Establish the payment terms before signing anything. Does the company expect partial payment up front, or do you pay when the job is done? Does it accept credit cards? Many companies offer financing for larger jobs.
At Buzz Custom Fence, we’re professionals who stand behind the integrity of our work. If you’re shopping around for a fence contractor, give us a call today. We’d love to show you examples of our fences and talk about how we can build the perfect new fence for you
