Whether you want additional security, privacy, or decoration, a new fence might be just what your home needs. If you are thinking of installing a new fence, your choice of fence contractor is of the utmost importance. Your choice of fence contractor can mean the difference between a high-quality installation and a poor job that won’t last. To help you out, the team at MyFenceCo. is here with these quick pointers on how to choose a fence contractor in Lakeland, FL.
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What To Look for in a Fence Contractor in Lakeland, FL
Make sure you hit on the following categories when searching for a fencing contractor.
Recommendations
The first place to start when looking for a fencing contractor is by asking your friends and professional network. Odds are a family member or work colleague knows a decent fencing company, and word-of-mouth recommendations typically carry a certain amount of reliability. Ask your acquaintances about their experience with the contractor and how they like the results.
Similarly, get multiple estimates from contractors. In addition, when choosing between a general contractor vs. a fencing company, choose the fencing company, because it has specialized skills and experience.
Experience
There are not really any formal fencing contractor qualifications, so the first factor to look for is experience. The more experienced a given contractor is, the better they will be to apply their knowledge to your unique fencing situation. Newer fencing companies are not necessarily inferior as long as they can demonstrate an adequate range of fencing experience and know about permits and HOA regulations.
Insurance
Every fencing company should carry both general liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation insurance. Liability insurance protects homeowners from litigation if injuries occur on the job site, and workers’ compensation insurance is to cover employee medical expenses due to on-the-job injuries.
If a fencing contractor doesn’t have or can’t produce proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, you should look elsewhere. Having appropriate business insurance should be a dealbreaker in your search, as uninsured companies will be unreliable.
References
Any fencing company worth its salt will be able to provide references to demonstrate its expertise and customer service. These references could be individuals or businesses that attest to the quality and services the fencing company offers. You can also check online reviews to gauge contractor quality. If you look for online reviews, try to find them on a third-party site, like Yelp or Google My Business, to get more accurate and honest reviews.
Portfolio
Make sure you ask the fence company if they can show pictures of their previous work. Most fence companies and general contractors have some kind of portfolio they show prospective clients to demonstrate their work quality and style. A portfolio gives you a look at what the finished product will look like and can guide your decision.
Warranties and Guarantees
Don’t forget to ask about warranty details or guarantees. Warranties ensure the lifespan of a product and protect you in the event something goes wrong with the fence installation. For example, MyFenceCo. offers lifetime warranties on fence materials and one to five-year warranties on fence installation and labor.
Fence Company Red Flags
Just like how there are desirable features to look for in fencing companies in Lakeland, FL, there are also red flags to avoid. Below are some of the most important fencing company red flags that will help you know how to choose a fence contractor:
- They can’t provide proof of liability or workers’ compensation insurance. If an employee at an uninsured fencing company gets hurt on your property, you might be on the hook, legally speaking.
- They don’t provide a written estimate of the costs. A good contractor will always provide a clear, written price that includes costs for labor, materials, and other miscellaneous factors.
- They have low-quality reviews and complaints. Every company will have to deal with some negative reviews, but repeat negative reviews that mention the same issues should affect your judgment.
- They don’t communicate well. A good fencing contractor should communicate clearly, promptly, and with a professional tone. You should be able to call them at most hours of the day and speak to a real person to answer your questions. Email correspondence should have correct grammar and style.
Reliable Fencing Contractors in Lakeland, FL
Make sure that you have the right side of the fence facing your house, get quality installation, and more. Now that you know how to choose a fence contractor, contact MyFenceCo. online today to schedule a free estimate in Lakeland, FL!