Did you know that the global fencing industry is expected to grow by over 6% from now until 2026?
Not only can a fence keep pets in and intruders out but it can also boost the curb appeal of your property. Rather than settling, it’s essential to hire a fence contractor who can provide you with perfect customer service and a high-quality fence.
Are you wondering what topics are important to touch on during your search? Keep reading to learn all about 4 questions to ask fence contractors before hiring them.
1. Can You Give Me a Quote?
It’s always best to get on the same page with money as soon as possible. That way, you don’t end up wasting your time by only finding out about exorbitant fees later on. When it comes to fence prices, it’s crucial to remember that the exact cost will depend on how much ground you want to cover with the fence.
You can either do these measurements yourself or you can have a potential contractor come and assess the situation in person. The price will also fluctuate based on the type of fence you decide to go with. An ornamental fence, for instance, is much cheaper than something made from vinyl.
If you only get a single quote, you won’t know for sure whether the price is fair or not. That’s why it’s worth contacting the most promising fence contractors on your list and asking for quotes from each one. This can let you know which ones are realistic and which ones seem fishy.
Just as a price can be too high, a price that’s too low can end up being just as fishy. This either means the job they plan on doing is going to be subpar or they might have some hidden fees. In either case, there’s plenty more research you should do beyond the costs involved with the project.
2. How Qualified Are You?
One of the most pressing fencing questions relates to qualifications. Qualifications can refer to several different things, all of which are worth talking about with a potential contractor.
For starters, you need to make sure your contractor has the licenses and qualifications that are required in your state. While these can vary from state to state, that doesn’t mean you should let your contractor slide if they don’t have the appropriate certificates.
Aside from double-checking those, you should also ask about the qualifications associated with their team members. Some contractors hire a third party to complete jobs but this is something you should avoid at all costs. The reason for this is that it becomes nearly impossible to confirm whether or not the third party has the qualifications and experiences you’re looking for.
Speaking of experience, this is another type of qualification beyond an official piece of paper. There’s no denying that being in business for a decade or more has a tremendous impact on the kind of results you can expect from them. While that doesn’t mean you should avoid newer businesses, you should definitely be more cautious and do extra research.
Simply put, being in business for many years is a great accomplishment in and of itself.
3. Can You Provide Me With Recent References?
Are you wondering what else to ask a fence contractor before sealing a deal? You might have spent some time looking up online reviews, which is a great way to get a general first impression, but it’s much more accurate to get references.
A reputable fence contractor should have no issue providing you with one or two references. It’s crucial to ensure the references are recent. After all, a company can change quite a lot in a short amount of time, especially if they’ve had a change of management.
Once you get the references on the phone, you should feel free to ask as many questions about their experiences as possible. You should touch on topics relating to timeliness, customer service, fees, expertise, and more. This is one of the best opportunities for getting reliable information before signing a contract.
If you’re still on the fence about things, then you should ask if it would be possible to see the results of their handiwork. A prestigious contractor should have at least a few clear photos of jobs they’ve completed in the recent past. They might also have a showroom where you can see the types of fences they have available.
4. What Fences Can You Put Up?
Hiring a fence contractor doesn’t guarantee they can complete any job under the sun. Some contractors specialize in specific fence types but avoid working with other materials. This is why you should ask what fences they have available.
If they don’t have what you’re looking for, then you can save yourself the time it would take to do further research. There’s a possibility that you aren’t sure what kind of professional fence installation you want to go with.
Asking about recommendations can go a long way toward feeling out a contractor’s customer service expertise. If they are knowledgeable and sound like they’re willing to help, then this is a great sign. If not, then it’s probably a good idea to take your business elsewhere.
A wooden fence is one of the most popular choices, but it’s by no means the only option available to you.
Are You Ready to Hire Reliable Fence Contractors?
Now that you’ve learned all about 4 questions to ask fence contractors before hiring them, you can have much more peace of mind with your decision. That way, you’ll have a fence you can be proud of and that will last for a long time to come.
Since 1995, we’ve been providing happy customers with a fence that’s perfect for their needs and their specific tastes. We also have a great showroom where you can see all the fences in person.
Do you have questions about our high-quality fences? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.