Your house isn’t just an investment, it’s a beautiful home that you’re proud to show off. Curb appeal is part of that pride, it also boosts your resale value, especially in Ottawa where we have so many beautiful, family homes. 

You’ve probably heard stories from homeowners who have installed their own fence; it’s usually a much bigger job than anticipated. That’s why those who have installed their own fence are often the first to recommend you hire someone for the job. It’s definitely a good idea to reach out to at least three companies to compare and get estimates from. Finding the right fence company you can trust to do the job, on time, and on budget, can be harder than you imagine. We’re hoping to help by offering some insight with 5 Things to Look for in a Fence Company. 

  • RESEARCH FROM THE COUCH

You can learn a lot about a company before they even come to your house for an estimate. 

  • How do they answer the phone? A legitimate business will have a professional way to answer the phone that includes their business name.
  • Advertising you see, including flyers and websites should provide a verifiable address. Fly-by-night services do not usually have a legitimate address they can be linked to.
  • Check the BBB listings. You’ll often read about complaints from other consumers and see how the organization resolved them.
  • INVESTIGATE EACH COMPANY’S WARRANTY

Since a fence is a long term product, their warranty should be longterm as well. But just like other major renovation projects, the warranty may only cover materials. Ask what is covered and for how long. If labour is NOT covered, is there an option for a warranty that does include it?

  • HOW DO THEY EVALUATE COMPLICATIONS

Before a representative from the company comes to your property for an estimate, take a look around for complications that may drive the price up. Trees, rocks, and other obstructions can hinder fencing, and increase costs. If there’s a significant slope, it will affect the construction of the fence and its cost. Perhaps the land is level where the fence will be installed but if the crew has to manually carry materials uphill, it will likely affect the price of the project. Bring up each of these complications with the representative and rate their responses. 

  • ASK QUESTIONS, LOTS OF QUESTIONS

We recommend discussing the following with the fencing companies you are interviewing:

  • Who obtains the permits and closes them out?
  • Does the company call the utility locator for any underground utility lines?
  • Are there any legal hindrances such as zoning issues or easements that you need to know about?
  • If your lot is graded, how do they handle the slope?
  • What materials are they recommending and why?
  • Are the gates and the hardware to go with included in the quote?
  • How long will it take until they start the job, and how long does it take to complete? 
  • If they’re replacing a fence, will they also tear down and remove the old fence?
  • What is included in the warranty and for how long?
  • RED FLAGS

While meeting with different companies and contractors, there are a few additional things you should keep in mind, including:

  • The companies representative is looking for an immediate answer. You should never feel pressured to buy right away and if you do, don’t be afraid to question why.
  • Are they recommending you pay in cash? There are plenty of reliable and legitimate businesses that offer a cash discount, but you should be able to choose your payment method. If not, it could be a sign that the business isn’t reliable and won’t be around for long.
  • Request a written estimate. Even if the company’s representative provides one verbally and hands you a business card. It’s not the same as a written estimate, preferably on company letterhead with a signature. More information on getting an estimate can be found here. 

 When all is said and done, trust your gut more than anything else. If the guy with the cheapest estimate came across as sketchy, you’ll regret choosing price over peace of mind. Ensure your questions are answered – not sidestepped, and work with the company you choose to design your fence together. In the end, you should LOVE the final result.