Asking the right questions can help you find a fencing contractor that suits your needs. Below are some of the questions that you should ask: 

Describe a challenging installation project and how you overcame the obstacles. This question evaluates problem-solving skills and leadership abilities, which are critical for a lead installer role. 

Do you have a showroom? 

When you meet with a fence contractor, it is important to have questions ready. This allows you to better understand how the company works and ensures that all your needs are being met. 

Some fence companies differentiate themselves with the type of fencing they offer and special warranties or add-on services. Knowing what sets them apart from the competition can help you decide which one is the best fit for your project. 

Additionally, a reliable fence contractor should be able to provide a realistic timeline based on the size and complexity of your fencing project. This will allow you to plan accordingly and make sure the installation doesn’t interfere with your daily routine or property access. Lastly, it is important to confirm whether the fence contractor has general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. 

Do you offer a warranty? 

A warranty will protect you if something goes wrong with your fence after it’s installed. Whether it’s due to workmanship or the physical product, all legitimate fence companies should offer some type of warranty. 

A good way to gauge a fence contractor’s reliability is to ask for samples of their work and visit the sites in person. This will allow you to see how the fencing looks in real life, as opposed to just pictures, and will give you an idea of their craftsmanship. 

Additionally, be sure to find out about their payment expectations and the timeline for completing the project. This will help you manage your own expectations, as well as minimize potential misunderstandings later on. Most reputable contractors will include a clear and detailed contract in order to prevent any miscommunications. 

How long have you been in business? 

The amount of time a company has been in business is an indicator of their stability and professionalism. It’s important to choose a contractor that has enough experience to perform your project with minimal disruptions. 

You should also ask whether the fence company will obtain any local permits for you. This includes contacting utility companies to verify the location of any underground gas, water and power lines before starting construction.

A reputable fencing company will present a portfolio of previous jobs and traceable references. They will also set clear expectations around payment, including how much is due upfront and when milestones will be reached. If a fencing company is reluctant to provide these details, it could be a red flag. Be sure to do your homework and check online reviews. 

What is your pricing structure? 

A simple pricing structure can help you keep track of your costs and make sure you are bidding jobs fairly. Consider incorporating all of your overhead into your job pricing, including insurance, materials, labor, and other expenses. 

Review local market conditions to understand what your target audience is willing to pay for fencing services. Homeowners may want affordable options, while commercial clients might value premium materials and craftsmanship. Tiered pricing can help you cast a wider net and win more customers. 

Schedule a site visit with your client before beginning any fence project. This will ensure that you are fully prepared to quote the project accurately and avoid any surprises or scope creep. It also gives you the opportunity to address any special requests that could affect your build timeline or costs. 

Do you have any references? 

As you shop around for a fencing company, you should be sure to ask each one for customer references. This step can help you judge the company’s work ethic, professionalism, and reliability. A reputable contractor will have no problem providing you with client referrals to contact, along with a portfolio of past projects that they have completed. 

When talking with fence companies O’Fallon, MO client references, be sure to inquire about their experience with the company. You can learn a lot about a company by reading customer reviews, including how responsive the company was to questions and concerns and how well they finished each project on time. In addition, you can also learn a lot about a company by visiting a recently completed installation to see their workmanship firsthand.