9 Questions Every Customer Should Ask When Searching for Fences Near Me

Whatsapp

The internet has made it a lot simpler to find the answers to questions like “find fences near me.”

These days, you simply log in to your browser, type in fences near me, and a list of companies pops up. However, just because fence companies appear in your search for fence companies near me, that does not mean they’re the right fence company for you! Here are some critical questions you should be asking to find the right fence company for you.

1. What Kind of Fences Do You Install?

The first problem with generic searches like fences near me is that you get unfiltered results.

Fence companies don’t all install all types of fences, and they don’t all install fences for every type of property.

The search results for your fences near me search might include companies that only do chain link fences or that specialize in wood fences. There might be some that only install fences for residential properties and those that only do industrial fences and high-security perimeter fencing. Fence companies are not like Swiss Army knives. They tend to be specialists, and you need to find the right ones for the type of fence and project you have.

Before you ask any other questions, find out if the companies you’re contacting do the type of fence you need. It will save everyone involved a lot of time.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Different cities and areas have different requirements for fence companies, so the specific requirements for your area might differ. However, a good way to ensure that the companies you’ve shortlisted from your search for fences near me are legally allowed to install fences in your area is to ask them if they are licensed and insured.

Licensed usually means that they have a business license, which also means they need to comply with local business regulations. Insurance should include public liability insurance and, ideally worker’s compensation. This covers costs if anyone working on your site or even passing by is injured or if property is damaged.

3. What Is Your Current Lead Time?

It might seem strange to ask the companies you’ve shortlisted from your search for fences near me what their lead time is before you get a quote, but this is another tip that’s designed to save everyone time.

If you need your fence in a hurry, but some of the companies you contact can only help in a couple of months, it won’t help anyone to get a quote from them. The same applies if you want a specific product and you need it installed quickly. Ask companies whether they carry the product in stock or whether they need to order it, and factor that into your timeline considerations.

4. Have You Done Similar Fence Projects, and Where Can I See Them?

Even if fence companies have been in business for a while and have a generally good reputation, you still want to find someone who has experience in the specific type of fence you’re looking for.

Ask your prospective fence companies if they have done similar projects and where you can see them. Whether they give you photos or an address to drive by, you’ll get a good idea of their skill level and workmanship.

Don’t forget to ask for contactable references for those projects too. It doesn’t happen very often, but there’s always a chance you’re seeing someone else’s work. So contactable references to verify the client’s experience with the company you’re talking to are a must.

5. How Long Have You Been In Business?

Another important question to ask when you’re filtering through the results of a search for fences near me is how long your shortlisted companies have been in business.

This is particularly important if the fence company requires deposits or downpayments before they start your project. While there are never any guarantees that something won’t go wrong, the longer a company has been in business, the more likely they are to stay in business!

6. What Options Do I Have?

Usually, when you’re looking for fences near me online, you already have some idea of the type of fence you want; however, there are so many variations and options available, all with vastly different pros, cons and price tags.

Ask the fence companies you contact for quotes to provide the options they think will work best for your project and why they recommend them. You’re more likely to find the right fence if you consider more than one option, and who better to make recommendations than a fence expert?

7. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

Professional fence companies will most likely provide a fence system that is durable and long-lasting, well-installed and looks great. But sometimes, things do go wrong.

Before you commit to any fence company or product, ask them what kinds of warranty they offer. Many fence companies offer different warranties for materials and labor, so ask about both. Usually, if you buy a branded fence product, you will get a manufacturer’s warranty on that product and a workmanship warranty on the labor to install it.

Make sure you will get any warranty in writing, and find out what the after-sales service process is if something does go wrong.

8. How Do You Do This Kind of Installation?

You know the saying, “there are many ways to skin a cat?” Well, installing a fence is very much like that.

Some companies use skid steers and heavy equipment. Others use portable augurs and post-pounders. Some hand dig their holes, while others charge extra for hand digging.

Every fence company will install fences a little differently, so find out what the process entails with the companies you shortlist from your fences near me search.

9. What Are Your Terms of Quotation?

The biggest mistake many people make when getting fence quotes is only looking at the price at the bottom of the page. You really also need to look at the whole quote, and in particular, the terms of quotation.

As they say, the large print giveth and the fine print taketh away!

Fence company terms of quotation usually cover payment, who needs to do surveying and underground locates, who needs to take down your old fence and who will dispose of it, what you need to provide your fence company and more. Be sure to not only ask about these terms but read them carefully and ask any questions you have before you sign any contracts or agreements.

Take Your Time

As you can see from this list of important questions, there’s more to solving the problem of finding fence companies near me than just searching online and getting a quote!

If you don’t ask all of these questions before you commit to a fence company, you might find that you don’t get the service or results you were hoping for. So take a little extra time when you’re shopping for a fence, and save yourself time and trouble later.