The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Fence Builders for Your Backyard
Installing a new fence in your backyard is a significant investment that can enhance the privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal of your property. Whether you’re looking to create a safe play area for children, keep pets contained, or simply add a decorative touch to your home, selecting the right fence company is crucial. This guide provides all the information you need to make an informed decision when contracting a fence company.
1. KNOW YOUR REQUIREMENTS!
Linear Feet (Per Linear Foot)
Knowing the total linear feet of the fence you need is the most basic and essential piece of information required for a quote. It directly influences the following:
Material Costs: The amount of materials needed (wood, chain-link, etc.) is calculated based on the total linear footage. More materials translate to higher costs.
Labour Costs: Installation costs are often calculated per linear foot. Knowing the total distance the fence will cover helps in estimating the total labour cost accurately.
Planning and Layout: Understanding the perimeter size helps in planning the layout of the fence, including the placement of posts and panels. It ensures that the fence will adequately cover the intended area.
Gates
Including the number and type of gates in your fencing project before getting a quote is essential due to:
Functionality: Gates provide entry and exit points, so their placement and number depend on how you intend to use the fenced area (e.g., accessing a backyard garden, allowing vehicle entry).
Additional Costs: Gates typically require more materials and labour than standard fencing sections. They might need extra hardware like hinges, latches, and sometimes even electronic openers.
Design Considerations: Gates can be decorative or functional and need to match the style of the fence for aesthetic coherence.
Style of Fence
The style of the fence not only affects the visual appeal but also impacts the budget and functionality:
Aesthetic Impact: The fence’s style should complement the look of your home and surrounding landscape. Aesthetically pleasing fences can also enhance property value. Different fence styles, such as wrought iron, picket, gates, and board on board or shadowbox, offer various visual appeals and customization options.
Material Usage: Different styles may require different amounts and types of materials. For example, a privacy fence might use more wood than a picket fence because it needs to be taller and have panels that are closer together. Wrought iron fences are known for their exceptional durability and can be customized to enhance both security and aesthetic appeal.
Cost Variations: Some styles are more complex to construct than others, affecting labour costs. Intricate designs with custom details can be significantly more expensive.
2. Research Local Fence Companies
Start by searching for fence companies in your area. Check their reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List to understand their reputation. Pay attention to comments about their professionalism, timeliness, and quality of work. It’s also beneficial to ask for recommendations from friends and neighbours.
3. Evaluate Their Credentials
Ensure that the fence company you choose is licensed, insured, and bonded. This protects you from any liabilities in case of accidents during the installation process. A reputable company will not hesitate to provide proof of their credentials.
4. Get Multiple Quotes on Fence Installation Costs
Contact at least three companies for quotes. This will give you a comparative overview of the costs and services offered. Most companies will offer a free estimate, which typically includes an on-site evaluation of your yard and a detailed breakdown of the fence installation cost, covering factors that might affect the overall fence installation costs such as the length and height of the fence, material type, terrain, potential obstacles, and maintenance considerations. For instance, metal fences tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance compared to vinyl fences, which are low-maintenance and cost-effective.
5. Ask the Right Questions
When you meet with potential contractors, ask specific questions:
How long have they been in business?
Can they provide references or a portfolio of past projects?
What warranties or guarantees do they offer on their work and materials?
How long will the installation take?
What are the expected payment terms?
How are labour costs calculated, considering factors like project complexity, installer’s skill level, and ground conditions? Understanding this can help manage your budget more effectively.
What are the benefits and maintenance requirements of a wooden fence?
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6. Wood vs. Chain-Link Fences: Making the Right Choice
1. Aesthetics
Wood Fences: Wood fences offer a classic and natural look that can be tailored to suit any architectural style, from rustic to modern. They can be painted or stained to match any colour scheme, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your property.
Chain-Link Fences: Chain-link fences are more utilitarian in appearance. They are better suited for security purposes rather than beautification. However, they can be fitted with slats or covered with climbing plants to improve their appearance.
2. Privacy
Wood Fences: Wood fences provide excellent privacy because they can be built without any gaps, making them ideal for backyards, swimming pools, or anywhere where privacy is a priority. Ensuring privacy along the fence line is crucial for maintaining a secluded space.
Chain-Link Fences: Chain-link fences offer little privacy on their own. Privacy slats must be inserted between the woven wires to block visibility, which is an additional cost and effort.
3. Maintenance
Wood Fences: Wood requires more maintenance than chain-link. It may need to be treated, stained, or painted periodically to protect against weathering, rot, and pest damage.
Chain-Link Fences: Chain-link is highly durable and requires minimal maintenance. It may only need occasional washing and checking for areas of rust, which are generally minimal if the fence is galvanized or coated.
4. Cost
Wood Fences: Generally, wood fencing can be more expensive than chain-link, both in terms of initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs.
Chain-Link Fences: This type of fencing is usually more affordable and offers longer durability with less maintenance, providing a higher return on investment in the long term. Opting for a DIY fence installation can further reduce costs by saving on labour expenses.
5. Security
Wood Fences: While wood fences can provide a solid barrier, their panels can potentially be climbed over or broken through.
Chain-Link Fences: Chain-link fences are tough and provide a secure barrier. They are difficult to cut and the open weave design allows visibility, which can be an added security feature.
7. The Importance of Post-Sizing in Wood Fences
Choosing the right size for fence posts is vital when installing a wood fence, as they are the foundation that supports the structure.
Stability and Support: The size and depth of the posts determine the fence’s ability to withstand wind and the weight of the fence itself. Larger posts buried deeply in the ground will provide better stability and support, especially for taller fences.
Durability: Properly sized posts reduce the risk of sagging and warping. Thicker posts provide more surface area for each panel attachment, distributing the stress more evenly and increasing the lifespan of the fence.
Material Efficiency: Using the right size of posts ensures that you are not using more material than necessary, which can help control costs without compromising the fence’s integrity.
Aesthetic Consistency: The size of the posts should be proportional to the panels and overall fence design to maintain aesthetic consistency. Oversized or undersized posts can make the fence look unbalanced and poorly constructed.
For residential fences, standard post sizes usually range from 4x4 inches to 6x6 inches, depending on the height and style of the fence. Posts should be set at least 4 feet deep in the ground and secured with concrete to ensure a sturdy installation.
8. Understand Maintenance Requirements
Different fencing materials require different levels of maintenance. Vinyl fences may only need occasional cleaning, whereas wood fences might need regular staining or painting to maintain their appearance and durability. Additionally, if you're replacing an existing fence, consider the costs and labor involved in its removal and disposal. This can significantly add to the project's hidden costs, as dealing with an existing fence requires additional time, effort, and expenses. Discuss maintenance requirements and any potential removal of an existing fence with the fence company to ensure you are fully prepared for the upkeep.
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9. Check for Hidden Costs When Replacing an Existing Fence
Be sure to discuss all potential costs upfront. This includes charges for things like removing an old fence, preparing the site, and any additional hardware that may be necessary. A detailed quote should list all these elements.
10. Review the Contract Thoroughly
Before signing a contract, ensure you understand all the terms and conditions. Pay special attention to clauses about project timelines, payment schedules, and the procedure for handling any disputes that might arise.
11. Plan for the Future
Consider how your needs might change over time and if the fence will accommodate future modifications or enhancements. For example, if you might want to install gates or add higher sections later, discuss these possibilities with the company beforehand.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fence company is essential for ensuring that your new backyard fence meets your needs and lasts for years to come. By following these steps, you can feel confident in your decision and enjoy the numerous benefits a well-built fence can offer.