Purchasing a fence is a significant investment in your home. You might be putting up a fence to improve privacy or keep your family and pets safe. Or perhaps you would like to enhance your home’s curb appeal. A fence can help you achieve all of those objectives.

Selecting a fence contractor for your project does not have to be a complicated process. Still, it is vital to ensure that you deal with a reputable firm that will deliver high-quality products and services.

Here are six things to consider when speaking to the salesperson:

Does the Fence Company Use High-Quality Materials?

A quality product starts with the finest materials. Suppose for example, the contractor is purchasing materials from one of the big-box building supply stores. In that case the materials will be nowhere near the same quality you are getting from a professional fence contractor.  

The right type of cedar installed will make a massive difference in your fence’s quality, look, and overall longevity. Look for a contractor using #1-grade, Northern White Cedar, for its fence sections. Northern White Cedar is the top choice for fencing in the Northeast. It is a premium-grade wood that resists decay and insect infestation. #1-grade cedar comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has limited knots, few blemishes, and either side of the wood is clear of discolorations and defects.

This grade of wood will be much stronger, durable, and more aesthetically pleasing than #2-grade cedar or spruce, sold at big-box building supply stores and used by some contractors.



Are the Fence Sections Custom-Made?

Fence panels made custom for your specific project, rather than mass-produced at a mill, will create a superior fence. With custom-made sections, the contractor meets the exact height and width requirement of your unique area. In addition, fences that are handcrafted provide the required symmetry, balance, and proportion to match your specific project's aesthetic details. 

Is Fencing their Full-time Business?

General landscapers, construction companies, general contractors, and licensed handymen all may be interested in taking on your project. But hiring a fencing contractor is the best choice. Only they will offer the experience and expertise required to help you design the best fence for your property because they are experts in fencing. If there is a steep slope in your yard or other unique features, they will be able to offer suggestions on how to address it. Only a fence contractor can deliver unique fence designs that will match your home's architecture and meet the needs of discerning customers.

How Long has the Company been in Business?

You want to make sure that your fence contractor is not a fly-by-night organization or just a contractor with a truck. A reputable firm will have decades of experience under the same company name serving the same geographical area.

Does the company carry insurance, including liability and workman’s compensation?

Your potential fence contractor should be fully insured. The company must carry commercial general liability, worker's compensation, and employer’s liability insurance. 

What Type of Reputation Does the Company Have?

In today’s online world, it is pretty simple to find out what people think about a company. Search company reviews on websites like Angie to see what experiences other customers have had with your potential contractor. Ask the contractor to provide references in your area.    See if there are fences in your neighborhood with the fence contractor’s sign on them. All there are ways you can determine how well the company serves its customers.

Does the Company Provide a Written Contract?

Every potential contractor will offer you a quote for your project. However, a quick text with a price is not sufficient. You need to know precisely what you are paying for. A professional will provide a written proposal detailing your project, including the exact fence layout, with measurements and materials. The proposal should also outline specifics regarding payment terms and warranty.