If you’re having a hard time choosing what type of fencing you want around your property, you’re probably considering hiring a fencing contractor to help you make that decision. Even if you know what type of fence you want, it’s still better not to attempt a fence installation yourself, unless you have experience.
However, choosing a fencing contractor isn’t as simple as just pulling a number up on Google, and scheduling an appointment. There are a few things you should do before hiring a fencing contractor. If you’re unsure what those things are, keep reading, we’ve got you covered.
Check Your Building Site
How much your total cost for your fence installation costs will depend quite a bit on the land it needs to be built on. Things such as trees, uneven grading, and even boulders can drive up the price of the installation. If the workers have a hard time hauling equipment and materials to your property, your price will probably go up. Check the building site beforehand to estimate how much your costs will be for the best results.
Check for the Correct Qualifications
As with any other business, anyone can hang out a sign saying that they are a fencing contractor. However, that doesn’t mean that they have the correct qualifications to be one. We’ll give you a list of the qualifications you should look for before signing on the dotted line to hire a contractor to install your fence.
- Credentials: The contractor should have the license and any credentials that North Carolina asks for to build and install your fence. If the contractor doesn’t have these credentials, it’s best to move on.
- Education: While you don’t have to have a college education, there are schools that they can go to.
- Insurance: You need to ask for proof that your contractor has insurance, so you don’t get stuck holding the bill if an accident happens.
- Ongoing Training: Your contractor should be part of an ongoing training program, such as the American Fence Association, which is a trade group for contractors.
Check Out Average Costs
Before you start calling around asking for quotes from fencing contractors, it’s important to research the average cost of fencing in your area. The average cost is between $1,500 and $8,000 for fence installation, depending on several factors. We’ll list those factors below.
- Total length of the fence
- Materials chosen
- How much the contractor charges for labor
Check Out Different Quotes
The last thing you want to do is go with the first contractor you get a quote from. Instead, check out several different contractors, and get several different quotes. This way you can get a feel for the various tradeoffs between cost, convenience, and quality. Once you’ve checked out the different quotes in your area, then you can make an informed decision.
Wrap Up
When it comes to choosing a fencing contractor, you would think it would be simple, and it will be if you follow the tips above. Remember, just as with any other major home improvement, you need to shop around to find the best quality at the best price.
If you’re ready to schedule your fence installation today, contact us for an appointment.