Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Fence Contractor

Hiring a fence contractor is a significant decision that can impact your property’s appearance, security, and value. With so many options available, it’s essential to ensure you’re working with a professional who not only understands your needs but also has the expertise to deliver quality results. To help you make an informed choice, here are the top five questions you should ask before hiring a fence contractor.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

One of the first questions you should ask any contractor is whether they are properly licensed and insured. A licensed contractor has met the necessary qualifications and adheres to local regulations, which can give you peace of mind that they’re capable and trustworthy. Insurance is equally important, as it protects you from liability in case of accidents or damages during the project.

Why This Matters: Hiring a licensed and insured contractor reduces your risk and ensures that the contractor is professional and responsible. If they lack either, you could be left vulnerable to potential legal and financial issues.

CR Fence & Rail is a SLC licensed fence contractor and carries $1M product liability insurance, $1M general business liability insurance, and worker's comp.  

2. Can You Provide References or Examples of Previous Work?

A reputable fence contractor should have a portfolio of completed projects and be willing to provide references from past clients. Seeing examples of their work and hearing directly from satisfied customers can give you confidence in their ability to deliver on your project.

Why This Matters: References and examples allow you to assess the contractor’s craftsmanship, reliability, and attention to detail. It also helps you determine if their style and quality meet your expectations.

CR Fence & Rail has a long record of past customers and references.  Here is one from one of our past customer: 

3. What Type of Fencing Materials Do You Recommend for My Project?

The choice of materials can significantly affect the longevity, appearance, and maintenance needs of your fence. A knowledgeable contractor should be able to recommend the best materials based on your specific needs, such as climate, budget, and intended use.

Why This Matters: This question tests the contractor’s expertise and ensures they are familiar with a variety of materials and their respective pros and cons. Their recommendation should reflect both your preferences and the practical considerations of your property.

CR Fence & Rail has a variety of product we recommend and more importantly, our goal in our site visit is to help you identify the best material for your fencing needs specifically.  We manufacture and install a variety of fencing products, ranging from composite wood fencing to standard white vinyl fence. 

4. What Is Your Estimated Timeline for the Project?

Understanding the timeline for your fencing project is crucial for planning and setting expectations. Ask the contractor for an estimated start and completion date, and inquire about factors that could cause delays, such as weather or material availability.

Why This Matters: A clear timeline helps you manage your schedule and reduces the likelihood of unexpected disruptions. It also shows that the contractor is organized and respects your time. Be wary of vague or overly optimistic timelines that may not be realistic.

Once you decide to get started with CR Fence & Rail, our production manager will be in touch with you every step of the way, to make sure that you are aware of when the project will be starting, if there's going to be any sort of delays, any specifics you might need to know, etc.   We are with you all the way, even after the fence installation is done with our Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty. 

5. What Does Your Warranty Cover?

A solid warranty is a sign that the contractor stands behind their work. Ask about the details of their warranty, including what it covers, how long it lasts, and the process for addressing any issues that may arise after the installation is complete.

Why This Matters: A comprehensive warranty provides protection and peace of mind, ensuring that any defects or problems will be handled promptly and professionally. It’s also an indicator of the contractor’s confidence in the quality of their work.

With CR Fence & Rail, we offer BOTH product & craftsmanship warranty.  

Product Warranty:

• Vinyl & Composite Wood: 30 Years
• Metal: 10 Years

Craftsmanship- Lifetime warranty for the life of the product. 

Conclusion

Asking the right questions before hiring a fence contractor can save you time, money, and stress. By ensuring your contractor is licensed and insured, has a strong track record, offers expert material recommendations, provides a clear timeline, and backs up their work with a solid warranty, you can make a well-informed decision. These questions not only empower you as a homeowner but also position your chosen contractor as a knowledgeable and trustworthy partner in enhancing your property.

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