You want a fence and have decided you would like to hire someone to install it for you. With so many fence contractors available it can seem overwhelming to know who to hire. While you are receiving prices from different contractors, it also gives you the opportunity to interview each contractor.
What you will find is contactor's have different ways of doing estimates and different ways of installing fences. There are also some things you will want to make sure a contractor has before hiring them. You will find there are different ways contractors give estimates when you start calling to receive estimates. The two most common ways are on site or by phone or email. An on site estimate is when a contractor comes to the property, measures it, talks with you about the project, and gives you a price to install it. A phone or email estimate is when you provide the length of the fence and the details, and the contractor gives you a price based on the information you provided. Both have cons and pros. An on site estimate gives you the opportunity to meet the contractor face to face. You can walk with the contractor while he measures your yard and go and ask questions over areas that may present problems, such as a large tree on the fence line or a drainage ditch. This will also give you an opportunity to see what kind of vibe you get about the contractor. A gut feeling can go a long way.
An onsite estimate may also give you an opportunity to see pictures of previous work and a sample of the materials used. The final price may be slightly higher than someone who only does phone estimates. While the on site estimate is usually free, there is cost in gas and time and is usually incorporated into the final fence price. A phone estimate is a fast way to get a fence price. You call with the measurements, how many gates, and any problems you may see, and the contractor gives you an estimate. The final price may be slightly less if this is the only way the contractor gives estimates. However, this does not give you the opportunity to meet the contractor before you hire them. The way you like an estimate done is up to personal taste. It's almost like going out to lunch. You can go to a restaurant, go up to the counter, order, wait for your food, take it to the table and eat. Or you can go to a restaurant and sit down, someone will take your order and bring you your food, and you eat.
Another thing to consider Knoxville fence company with fence contractors is how they install your fence. Sub contracting work out means the fence company you hired hires another fence company or fence builder to install the fence. The downfall is these companies rely on contractors that work for many companies and may find scheduling issues, they rely on the sub contractors insurance, and the craftsmanship can vary due to different contractors using different techniques to install.
This is usually done by smaller companies. While installation may be top notch, it does not leave as much time to meet with potential clients so it may take longer to find a mutual time to meet. Whether you like the on site estimate, the phone estimate, the sub contracting, in house employees, or owner installs, there are a few things you must make sure of before hiring a fence contractor. The first and most important is insurance. General liability and worker's compensation insurance is an absolute must. General liability insurance covers any damage to your property caused by a fence contractor. The insurance policy kicks in if any damage occurs that the contractor can not afford to pay for out of pocket. If a contractor is using an auger to dig a hole next to the house and cracks the foundation, you will expect them to take care of it. You may have to take them to court if the contractor does not have the funds to pay for the damage and does not have insurance.
Even if you win the court case, the contractor may still not have the funds to pay for the damage. You should also check the contractor's references. Before hiring anyone to build your fence, do your homework.
While you are receiving prices from different contractors, it also gives you the opportunity to interview each contractor. A phone or email estimate is when you provide the length of the fence and the details, and the contractor gives you a price based on the information you provided. Another thing to consider with fence contractors is how they install your fence. The downfall is these companies rely on contractors that work for many companies and may find scheduling issues, they rely on the sub contractors insurance, and the craftsmanship can vary due to different contractors using different techniques to install. Whether you like the on site estimate, the phone estimate, the sub contracting, in house employees, or owner installs, there are a few things you must make sure of before hiring a fence contractor.