Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Fence Contractor, Especially if They’re Not Local

Hiring someone to do work on your property can sometimes feel overwhelming. Many people believe hiring someone to do a job like a fence installation is the most stressful part of the project! That’s understandable, as no one wants to invest in improving their property, just to have the job go awry because of shoddy workmanship or low-quality materials. So, how do you find a fence installer?  If you know where to look, you’re off to a good start. But it’s even more important to know what to ask, to make sure this is the right company for the job. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back, with a list of tips and questions to help you find the perfect fence installer.

Choosing a Fence Contractor

When you are ready for a new fence, where do you look for a fence installation company? You could just do an online search, but that does not narrow down your options enough to help you make a decision. Talk to friends and family members, or start a conversation with a neighbor who has a really good fence. You may get recommendations for several different companies, or one name may come up again and again. Once you have a few company names in mind, though, begin your research. Look for online reviews, visit the company’s website, and learn everything you can about company values, policies, and the work they do. There are several questions you may be able to answer for yourself, about the services they provide, the type of fence material, and whether or not they work in your area. For the answers to other questions, however, you are going to have to ask the company directly. Here are a few key questions to get you started.

Top 5 Questions for a Fence Company

1. Can you provide references? Ask for address references to see the quality of work and product. Most reputable companies will be able to provide several addresses in your area.
2. Are you licensed and insured? It is extremely risky to work with an unlicensed or uninsured fence installer. If something goes wrong or someone gets hurt, an installer without the right licensing and insurance will leave you open to liability. A professional fence installation company will be happy to provide you with proof that they are licensed in your state and adequately insured.
3. Who handles things like permitting and utilities? Some projects don’t require a permit, while others do, and your fencing company should know the regulations in your state. Either the homeowner or the fence company will apply for your permit. Just ask for help if you need it. The fence company will call for utility markings. If they ask you to do it, this is cause for concern.
4. What is included in your quote, and do you provide financing? Before you call a fence company, research fencing costs in your area. Then, while you are speaking to the company, ask for a written, itemized quote. Make sure that the company isn’t asking for you to pay upfront, and ask whether they provide financing.
5. For my unique property, what is the estimated installation timeframe? Some properties are more difficult than others for fence installation, and your installer should be familiar with your property by the time you receive a quote. Your fence installer should be able to tell you about any challenges your property presents, how they’ll be handled, and how long the project should take.

Local Fence Contractor Tips

Local fence contractors are preferable to out-of-town companies, even if you think you could get a better deal from a national company that isn’t nearby. Looking at the questions above will give you some idea of why this is true. Understanding the local permitting requirements and other regulations is much easier for a local company, and contacting local references is easier for you. What’s more, national companies often want to give a quote by video conference, and it’s better to have an installer who will walk the property. Our tips for choosing between local fence companies? Look for experience and longevity in your community. Get estimates from three different companies, so that you will have options, and when you finally choose a fence installer, have a contract in hand before you make a down payment.

When You are Hiring a Fence Builder in Chicagoland, Choose Paramount Fence

Paramount Fence Inc. is a fence company with strong ties to the community and a reputation for excellence in professional fence installation. Our family-owned and operated business is a full-service fencing company in the Chicagoland area, proudly serving the following counties in Illinois: Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, McHenry, and parts of Cook, Will, and Lake. With over a century of combined experience, we’ve been the premier name in fence installation in our community since 2006, and we’ve built an impeccable reputation for professionalism, expertise, and superior results. Using modern, cutting-edge methods, equipment, and techniques, we will help you find the fence of your dreams, and we’ll be with you through every step of your fence installation project. Paramount Fence Inc. is a member of the American Fence Association and has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. To learn more about our work, browse our gallery to check out our prior projects, or contact us for a free on-site estimate from Chicagoland’s trusted local team.