Top 3 Tips for Choosing a Fencing Contractor
Exterior perimeter fences need to be replaced about once every 10 years. The job is quite labor intensive and requires deftness and skills particularly with accuracy and alignment. If one post is askew, not only will the aesthetics be off but property lines can be effected as well, opening up the possibility of a lawsuit. For this reason, many people choose to hire third party fence building contractors when it comes time to replace their old ramparts. Here are some tips to follow when selecting a fence building contractor.
Post Removal
One of the areas that differentiates the work done by an individual versus a third party is attention to detail. After all, an individual who works on their own house will do their best to make sure the job gets done correctly. Unfortunately, many contractors are only concerned with getting the job done quickly. One of the ways third party fence building contractors cut corners is by not completely removing wooden fence posts. Instead, they will break the posts at ground level and simply dig separate holes for the new posts. This is because wooden fence posts can be a challenge to remove. Many are set in concrete which requires a jackhammer or backhoe to be removed correctly. This means time and a great deal of back breaking effort to remove the wooden posts. Alternatively, the contractor can just break the post at the base and dig a new 12 – 16 inch hole which saves them a great deal of labor.
Overall Cost
Depending on the length of the fence and quality of the wood used, one side of normal size lot’s exterior perimeter fence can range from $500 to $1,500. Several things that will determine the cost includes if a gate will be included, the slope of the land, the ease of soil removal and the price of wood/ nails/ concrete in the respective area. A lower price is not always the best bargain. Make sure to check the Internet for reviews of companies. Previous customers will often times leave detailed reviews about their experiences. Choose a contractor that is both trustworthy and honest when it comes to appraisals.
How Long Will the Project Take to Complete?
Finally, the last main area of concern should be how long the project will take. Remember, a high quality job with adequate post removal will take longer than a contractor that just breaks the posts off at the base. The quickest projects can be completed in one day if corners are cut and there are enough people working on the new fence. Although the final result may not be the highest quality, it may be the best alternative for persons with pools in the backyard, territorial dogs or small children. On the other hand, a contractor that completely removes old posts and sets the new ones with precision and care may take several days to complete the entire perimeter.
