Sitting on the Fence about Hiring a Fence Contractor?

Putting up a fence may seem like an easy DIY project and, many homeowners do elect to take the project on themselves. Quality fence installation, however, is about more than digging holes, slamming in posts, and attaching a wire mesh. Local climate such as wind tendencies and snowfall and local soil conditions will affect not only how deep your posts need to be planted, but also the material you should use and how long you can expect your fence to last. The expertise and the quality of a professional installation from a fence contractor can easily save you money and hassle in the long run.

Fence Style
There are numerous styles of fencing out there. Chain link, picket, and lattice fencing are common but, many kinds of functional and ornamental fencing are available. The key question is what purpose you want your fence to serve. Keeping pets contained and privacy are some of the more popular reasons for fence installation. Other homeowners have pets but don't want their view obstructed. Decorative fencing is a good option in conjunction with gardening or other landscaping features. Whatever your situation, a fence contractor is likely to know what's best. Trying to install a fence that is tough enough for your dog, doesn't cut you off from the world, but isn't as ugly as a standard chain link metal fence is a job best left for a professional fence contractor.

Fence Material
There are almost as many fencing materials as there are fence styles. Vinyl, aluminum, steel, and a variety of different woods are all viable fencing materials. Each material has its own characteristics and relative advantages and disadvantages. Contrary to many people's first impressions, metal fencing is becoming more and more of an ornamental choice. A newer fencing material, the durability and low maintenance of vinyl is slowly making it the standard for functional fencing. Wood is still the touchstone for tradition and elegance, but it requires considerable treatment and maintenance to make it last. Again, the material that's right for you depends on your situation. Both your preferences and your climate conditions will usually dictate the exact fencing material and style, but the best option isn't always the most obvious one.

Hiring a Fence Contractor
You may not think that hiring a fence contractor requires the same diligence as hiring a major home improvement contractor but, many con-artists focus on smaller home projects. Fence installation doesn't require heavy equipment that involves a large initial investment. A con-artist can install shoddy fences that appear fine and then move on to a new area, leaving you with little recourse to recoup your loss.

Talk to several fence contractors and get more than one written estimate. If these written estimates differ greatly, you may want to figure out why. It's possible a contractor is over-charging or it's possible a contractor is offering an inferior fence. You can also use this opportunity to bounce your fencing ideas against multiple contractors and reach a place where you can feel comfortable with your ultimate decision. Check references before you hire your fence contractor. Your gut decision is probably right but, you should still do your homework.