There are many things to consider with a new fence company. This blog post will help you avoid some of the pitfalls by offering helpful questions to ask before hiring a fence company. 

You should never underestimate the importance of your home's privacy and security, so it's important to do your due diligence before committing to a fencing solution. There are many factors that go into making a great choice for your fencing project, including pricing, service, quality, and longevity.

In the design process, the first step is to visit some of the local home improvement stores. The sales staff there can help you match your tastes and budget to a style and size. From there you should consider visiting completed projects in your neighborhood or friend's homes to get an idea of the styles available. You will also want to consider what height fence will be best for your property – typically any type of residential fence should be at least 6' tall or higher.

Choose a material that works best for your application. Wood fences are popular because they can be stained or painted in order to match any color palette desired. Now let's look at the questions that you should ask before hiring a fence company.

1) What types of fences are available and how do they work?

Ask the fence company to explain their process for installing the fence and how it will function. You should be able to clearly understand how the fence will be constructed, what materials are used, how many panels are needed, and how they'll be erected. If a company has a specific type of design in mind it's usually best to discuss it with them first – most fences can be custom-built in any shape or size but it's important that you understand what the design will entail. You don't want a style that doesn't work for your property. It's also important to know what type of system is incorporated into the fence – it may be preferable if you know upfront. 

2) What type of warranty is included on the fence?

Most fences should come with a warranty that lasts for a few years. Ask the fence company to explain how the warranty works and which parts are covered. Paper-thin or thin pickets and rails will usually come with a shorter warranty than thicker panels. Most fence companies offer warranties that cover the main components of the installation, including frames, posts, panels, and gates. Most warranties will only cover cracked wood, broken pickets, or warped wood – it's therefore important to know what's included with the policy.

3) What type of inspections can the fence company perform?

You should be able to know whether or not they perform annual inspections. Annual inspections are not a requirement but are a good idea from time to time. The more a company knows about your property the better the finished product will be. An inspection will include making sure that your fence is structurally sound, that there aren't any loose parts, and that it's installed correctly. These are very important because new fences can cause wear and tear on your property over time – an inspection ensures that everything is safe and up to code.

4) Have you ever installed this type of fence before?

It's important to know if the fence company has worked on similar projects before. First, it will make sure that they know what to expect from your property; second, it will help them understand what you are looking for in a fence; and third, it will make sure that everything works out properly the first time by giving them an idea of the type of materials that are needed. If there are no prior installations to draw from, ask the fence company if they've worked on similar properties in your area and what they used. It's also important to ask whether or not they work with subcontractors – most fencing companies use them but there are some that do not. 

5) Can you please show me samples of your past work?

Once you've decided on the fence style that works best for your property, ask the fence company to send over pictures of their completed projects. These pictures will help you visualize what your property can look like with a new fence. You should also ask them to explain which materials they used and how much it will cost. It's also important to make sure that the sample pictures are in high resolution – you should be able to clearly see every component of each project including the pickets, rails, and posts. It's a good idea to have a sample from each component manufacturer – usually, it's only a few dollars more for this type of sample.

6) Can you please provide me with a list of specifications for the fence?

You should be able to know exactly what size pickets and rails are needed as well as how many panels are needed. You should also be able to clearly see every component so that you can make sure they're ordering the correct ones – usually, the fence company will show this list in their specifications. It's important to know whether or not a company can provide you with samples of their materials and what kind of quality they offer. 

7) How long will it take to build my fence?

Most fencing companies will expect 4-6 weeks for installation but it will usually take longer than that depending on your location. They will usually start from the ground up, including laying down the foundation, digging channels for the posts, setting posts in concrete, and attaching rails and pickets to them. Fences are usually completed in about a day per panel.

8) What types of fences can you install?

There are many different styles available but you should have some idea of what you're looking for. It would be best to discuss this with your fence company – they should understand what you want and how it will function with regard to your property. Some companies will offer services such as fencing your entire property – this will obviously take longer than just installing some new gates on an existing fence. 

Conclusion

There are several things to consider when hiring a fence company. You should be aware of all of the issues that you need to discuss with the company before they get started. Once you've found a company that fits your needs and is trustworthy, it's time to start putting the specifications together. It's much better to order a sample of materials so that you don't have to provide the types of materials needed for installation – it will save you time and money in the long run.