Fences are great for keeping animals inside and out, protecting property from theft, and creating privacy. But figuring out how to choose a fence contractor can be difficult.
But finding the right fence builder can seem overwhelming. There are thousands of companies out there that claim to be experts in fencing. It’s not always clear where to begin looking. And once you find a company, you may have a bad experience.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best fence builder in Pennsylvania. This will include everything from researching the company online to asking friends for referrals.
Get Three Estimates
Get at least three estimates before signing a contract for fence installation. You will learn a lot from talking to three estimators about pricing and options.
Check Licenses
Fence companies in Bucks County, PA must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Each contractor will be issued a unique Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor number (PAHIC#). The law requiring this registration also requires a minimum amount of insurance coverage and contracts that provide certain consumer protections.
Before hiring a contractor to work on your property, check with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General that your chosen contractor is registered with them. Also, be sure you ask and receive a copy of the contractor’s current insurance certification. Also, verify that the contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance, as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires.
Check Reviews
The reputation of your fence contractor in your community is more important than their industry experience. Requesting the names of at least three different references in your neighborhood who have installed a fence from that installer is a good way to assess an installer’s reputation.
Check their online reviews on multiple websites such as Google, Yelp, Facebook and BBB. Be on the lookout for fake five-star reviews that have been used to bury negative reviews.
Professional Accreditation
Check to see if your fence installer belongs to professional associations such as the American Fence Association.
Written Estimates and Contracts
All of your fence estimates should be provided in writing and detail the cost of materials and labor. Be sure to ask who will be responsible for obtaining a building permit for the fence, if necessary. An itemized breakdown of the costs will help you compare them to other options. A detailed estimate should also serve as the contract. For legitimate contractors, this should not be an issue.
A detailed contract will protect you and the contractor from potential conflicts. If the project’s scope and post-construction cleanup are outlined beforehand, you will know what to expect.
Check the Warranty Offered by the Contractor
Most fence contractors will have at least a basic warranty on their workmanship. You want a contractor that will fix any issues after completing the job. A quality contractor should do a final walkthrough with you to inspect your fence and fix any issues you notice.
If you get a wood or chain link fence installed, your contractor will probably provide the warranty on workmanship.
Vinyl and ornamental fence manufacturers offer warranties for manufacturing defects in their products. This will be separate from the warranty offered by a manufacturer.
With this information in mind, I hope you can make your search for quality fencing contractors easier. If you only do business with legitimate contractors, you can avoid many problems.
