If you are like most people, your home and property is a significant investment and it’s only natural that you would want to beautify and protect it. The installation of a fence is an important security element and it’s a large investment for any property owner. Selecting the right fence contractor to handle the job is essential to prevent any complications that may develop during or after the installation.

There are several tips you can use to ensure your fence installation process is successful. Keep reading to learn what those tips are.

Research the Options

Before you interview a fence contractor, you need to learn as much as you can about the company or individual you want to deal with. Much of this can be discovered with your first encounter. Some things to think about include:

• When contacting the office, there should never be a generic answer to your call. A professional company is going to have a professional answering their phones, and they should include the company’s name.
• All advertising needs to include a verifiable address. There are some fly-by-night companies that won’t have a real address they can be traced to.
• Don’t hesitate to look at the listings with the Better Business Bureau. This is offered as a free service and is designed to help consumers.
• While it may be a “knee jerk reaction” it’s not a good idea to simply go with the first company that you find. Remember, the first company listed isn’t an indication of ability.

Red Flags to Look for During an Interview

As you begin to work through the process to find your contractor, there are some other items you need to keep in mind. These include:

• If a contractor requires you to make an immediate decision, use caution.
• Anytime that a professional pressures you to pay for their services with cash isn’t a good sign. There are several legitimate businesses that will provide a cash discount to customers, but this should not be confused with a contractor that requires a cash only payment.
• A quality contractor is going to provide you with a written estimate for the services you have requested if they won’t give you one, you don’t want to do business with them.

Ask the Right Questions

Some other details you need to bring up when you talk to a fencing contractor or a potential contractor include the following:

• What materials they recommend and why they are recommending them.
• If a person is planning to repair or replace the fence and what the procedures include.
• What is the track record for a contractor staying within the estimated amount?
• How often the contractor completes jobs on time.
• If there’s a warranty offered for the work, they provide.
• If the materials be recycled if they aren’t used.

It’s important to always speak with several contractors and get a written estimate before moving forward with a decision.

Planning is Key

As you begin to make your plans to install a fence, you need to get them to make an assessment regarding what you will need to spend on labor and materials. After making these decisions it’s a good idea to share information with the fencing contractor and confirm they can work with your guidelines. Make sure you know where you want the fence to go too. This is crucial when planning the installation of a fence.

Do you live in an Home Owners Association (HOA) neighborhood? If so, then you are aware that there are many rules and regulations that go along with living in this type of neighborhood. This is also the case when it comes to installing a fence. As a homeowner in an HOA, you can’t just install a fence when and if you want. Instead, you need to get permission from the HOA to go ahead with any plans to build a fence on your property. This also goes for any other changes you wish to make on the outside of your property.

Importance of Contacting Your HOA Before Installing a Fence

If your goal is to install a fence, you will need to know the exact HOA regulations for doing this. Does the HOA allow chain link fences, split rails, or containment fences for example? What are the proper dimensions for a fence on your particular property? It would be a sorry waste of time and money to install a fence that your HOA objects to. That’s why it is important to understand these rules and regulations before making a fence choice. To get the HOA approval for a new fence, this typically takes anywhere from one week to two months. But it’s worth the wait to ensure you install the right fence according to the rules in place. If you were to choose to simply go ahead with a fencing project without HOA permission, you could face fines and orders to tear down the fence.

Of course, this can be avoided by working with Western Fence Company who will ensure the job is done professionally and to the standards outlined by the HOA. When you purchased your home, you were given a copy of the HOA rules and regulations. This is a good time to break out that manuscript and find all the information you need about installing or upgrading a new fence on your property, and Western Fence Company is here to help you get the job done right.

Deciding on your new fence does not have to be a stressful decision. Before getting started, you will also want to find the right contractor for the job. Make sure they are licensed and check all of their references. Find all of the material you will need for your fencing project here at Western Fence Co. Contact us today for all of your fencing needs: 1-888-GET-FENCE.

There are many types of fences available on the market, making it difficult for some homeowners to choose which one would best suit their needs. While wood continues to be a popular choice due to the way it looks and the fact it can be painted any color, vinyl fences are quickly gaining popularity for a variety of reasons. Learn why you may want to choose vinyl for your next fence, rather than sticking to the traditional wood or chain link options of the past.

No Sealing or Staining Required

When you choose vinyl fencing, you won’t need to seal it against the weather or stain it to help protect it. Vinyl is incredibly durable. While you can paint it any color you want, the truth remains you don’t have to do anything to it if you don’t want to. All you need to do is install it and go.

Solid, Colored Material

Vinyl fences are made from solid, colored material so it already looks the way you want it when it arrives at your home. You won’t have to worry about repainting it because it holds its color well, nor will you need to worry about it separating at the seams. Each fence post and fence piece is made from one solid piece.

Safe for Kids

When you have kids running and playing in your yard, you want them to be safe. After all, this is probably why you’re installing a fence in the first place. Unfortunately, wood can cause splinters and chain link fences are known to rust and can scratch, not to mention they’re easy to climb. If you choose vinyl for your fence, you can rest assured your kids will be safer in your backyard. There are no pieces to splinter off, and they are extremely difficult to climb.

Little Wear and Tear

Vinyl is a durable material that can stand the test of time and just about anything Mother Nature can throw at it. When you invest in vinyl fences, you can rest assured it was built to last. You won’t have to worry about replacing rotten pieces or boards that have broken or otherwise splintered. These fences are designed to last for many years with little to no maintenance required. Because the vinyl is also somewhat flexible, you won’t even have to worry about it breaking from high winds. It’s far more likely to bend and give a little than it is to break, causing a costly replacement.

There are many reasons homeowners choose to use a fence. Whether it’s privacy or to keep your kids or pets safe in your yard, choosing the right fence can seem like a major undertaking. While it’s important to look closely at the pros and cons of each type, chances are you’ll find vinyl is a great option once you understand why it’s been gaining popularity in recent years.