Are you looking to have a wooden fence installed on your property? If so, then you'll probably want to hire a fencing contractor to handle this project for you. Any reputable fencing contractor should be happy to provide you with a free estimate--but there are some important questions you'll want to ask before signing a contract that will help you make better sense of your estimate and ultimately make the right decision.
Will You Set the Posts in Concrete?
With wooden fencing posts, it's always a good idea to set the posts themselves in concrete. This will help to ensure the durability of the fence itself, especially in times of high winds or other adverse weather conditions. It will require more work (and probably a higher cost on your part) to set these posts in concrete, but the last thing you want is to have your brand new fence falling apart within the first year.
Does Your Estimate Include Staining?
Unless the wood for your fence comes pre-treated, it will need to be stained sometime in the first year after installation. Some fencing contractors will include staining or painting services as part of their quote, so be sure to ask. If staining/painting is included, your fencing contractor will likely come back out a few months after the fence has been installed to complete the work, as staining right away can trap moisture inside the wood and lead to rot.
Will You Obtain Necessary Permits?
Whether you need to obtain a fencing permit from your neighborhood's HOA or an official permit through your city government, this is something your fencing contractor should be able to handle on your behalf. Make sure that he or she will include any permits (and related fees) as part of your quote.
What Kind of Maintenance Will Be Needed?
Finally, before you decide on a specific type of wood for your fence, be sure to inquire about care and maintenance requirements. How often, for example, will your fence need to be re-painted or re-stained? Some other maintenance tasks you may need to consider include greasing gate hinges, replacing posts, and replacing screws or nails as they rust out. Any reputable fencing contractor should be able to give you a detailed explanation of the type of maintenance that you can expect.
By asking these questions when obtaining fencing estimates, you'll be well on your way to making the right decision.
Share26 June 2018
I've found that one of the perks of being a homeowner is the privacy that your own home provides. However, sometimes there can be a lack of privacy if you are in your yard and it is unfenced. When we bought our home, there was not a fence. One night, after the neighbors dog wandered through our barbecue one time too many, I decided that it was time to look up a fence contractor. We soon found a great price on a fence with a fantastic fence contractor. Now we can keep our privacy while still feeling open towards the neighbors.