A fence in the yard can provide your family with security and privacy. This structure can act as a deterrent to keep pets and children away from busy streets, as well as a layer of protection against intruders. Short fences can serve as a simple boundary between properties, while taller fences keep passersby and nosy neighbors out.
While some DIYers prefer to install their fences, many prefer to have this work done by professionals. Hiring a fence company to install your new fence ensures that the job is handled by trained, knowledgeable professionals with the necessary tools, equipment, and permits. Learn how to find and hire fencing contractors and what the fence installation process involves from pre-construction to post-construction with this informative guide to professional fence installation.
How to Hire Fence Installation Professionals
Online Research
The internet is a priceless resource at your disposal. Use the readily available information to research fencing contractors and fence installation companies in your area. A simple internet search yields a long list of fencing contractors and company websites. You can then investigate potential options and locate contact information for the customer service department of any company on your shortlist.
Aggregator Sites
An aggregator site like Hipage, is a great way to find qualified professionals in your area. These websites feature searchable networks of qualified contractors and fence installation companies, allowing you to quickly find a list of professional fencing contractors and obtain quotes for your project. To find a top fence installation company that can take on your job, use aggregators to compare quotes, get honest ratings, and consult reviews from previous customers.
Local Network
If you're not sure how to navigate through pages of fence installation company search results, a simpler approach may be to ask neighbors, family, and friends if they can recommend any fence installation companies in the area. Keep an eye out for company badges or logos nailed to freshly finished fences in the neighborhood. When you've narrowed your options, go to the company websites to conduct additional research or call the customer service department directly to get answers to your questions before hiring.
Considerations for Hiring Fencing Contractors
Training and Qualifications
When searching for fencing contractors or a fence installation company, inquire about their training and qualifications. Fence contractors are typically in charge of all aspects of the installation, including dealing with permits, HOA requirements, and utility line location, so the workers must be properly trained.
Depending on where you live, you may not need any formal qualifications to work as a fence installer. However, most fence installation companies will look for workers who have prior carpentry or construction experience. Contractors in some states may be required to complete a one-week fence installation program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on installation training.
Fence installation businesses may be required to obtain a fencing contractor license, which varies by state. Check your local regulations and ensure that any company you are considering meets them.
Warranties and Insurance
When hiring a company or contractor to work on your home, you should find out if they have insurance and if the work will be warranted after completion. A fence installation company or a fencing contractor will typically carry general liability insurance, which protects the homeowner or business owner from liability if the contractor damages the property or injures themselves while on the job.
A warranty is often offered to guarantee that the fence installation company is confident in the materials and the construction of the fence. Before hiring a fence installer, check the company website or speak with the customer service department to thoroughly understand the warranty's coverage and limitations.
Services
A fence installation company's service offerings can vary. Some businesses will handle everything from design and installation consultation to ongoing fence maintenance and repairs, whereas smaller businesses may only handle the construction work. Before hiring, inquire about the services provided by the company and what is included in the quoted price. Among the services that may be provided are:
Fence gate installation
Fence maintenance and repair
Fence building
Fence installation
Fence design
Design and installation consultation
Building and zoning department permitting
Marking of boundary and utilities
Pre-Construction Phase
The pre-construction process begins once you have decided on a contractor or company to complete the job. Before the fence can be installed, this phase must be completed. It entails on-site consultation with a fence estimator, obtaining permits, and marking utility lines.
Fence Estimator Visit
Fence companies typically divide their outside personnel into estimators and builders.
The estimator uses a long measuring tape or a wheel-type measuring device to determine the length of the intended fence. The estimator will confirm certain aspects with you, such as fence style, material, property line, and easements.
The fence estimators' job is to estimate and move on to the next project. On the other hand, many estimators have prior field experience and a solid understanding of the trade.
Some companies will allow estimators onto your property unsupervised if you need to work and cannot meet the estimator. However, some businesses may refuse to do so due to liability concerns.
Fence Permit
Before installing a fence, some areas require you to obtain a fence permit before installing a fence, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Check with the fencing contractors to see if they will handle the permit application.
The estimator usually arrives quickly, but the builders will take their time. The average wait time is two to six weeks, depending on your location, season, company, and other factors. If you are responsible for applying for a fence permit, do so as early as possible so that the permitting process doesn't slow down the builders.
Mark Utility Lines
The fence company should contact the local utility marking service early in the installation process to schedule a visit to your property. This service, which is usually free, will mark your yard so the fence company can avoid digging over utility lines. Speak with the fencing contractor or customer service staff to confirm whether the fence installation company will handle this service for you or if you need to contact the local utility marking service on your own.
Construction Phase
After the estimators have visited your home, you can schedule a time for the installers to arrive and begin constructing the new fence.
Post Hole Digging
Before installing the fence, you must schedule a time for the fence installation company to come on-site and dig the fence post holes. This job will only require a small crew using handheld post-hole diggers or a gas or electric post-hole digger to quickly dig down through the soil if the ground is difficult. To help prevent the fence from shifting, moving, or collapsing due to frost heaves, the holes should extend deep enough into the ground that the bottoms of the fence posts sit below the frost line. Frost heaves are not a problem in locations that are warm all year.
Set Posts
The fencing contractors may decide to set the posts the same day they dig the post holes, or they may return later to complete this step. Some contractors will install the posts directly into the concrete, whereas others may install galvanized post brackets at the soil level to protect the post's base. Check with your contractor to see if post brackets will be used or the fence posts will be set directly in the concrete. The concrete will need to dry and cure after the posts are installed.
Fence Construction
After the fence post brackets and posts have been securely installed, a crew will install horizontal stringers, vertical fence boards, gates, and everything else that makes up your fence. Stringers are not used when building a horizontal fence. Instead, the fence post holes are closer together (usually 6 feet apart rather than 8 feet). This allows you to run horizontal fence boards from post to post.
Post-Construction Phase
When the job is finished, the worksite must be cleaned, and the fence must be finished to ensure it remains in good condition for years. You should also use this opportunity to inspect the work and decide on the next steps for the new fence's maintenance and upkeep.
Cleaning and Finishing
After constructing the fence, the crew should remove all scraps, waste, and debris. You'll have the opportunity to inspect the fence for any issues or visible defects in the material. Depending on the company's services, you may be able to have the fence stained and coated for protection, though this is usually done at a later visit. The fence company may do the work in some cases, but in others, the company will contract the finishing work to another company.
Upkeep and maintenance
A fence in the yard is a great benefit that can even increase the property value, but you must maintain it to ensure that it does not become warped, rotted, or structurally unsound. The fence should be sanded, cleaned, and stained or sealed against moisture and UV radiation every three to five years. If you can't handle this job alone, contact a fencing contractor or fence installation company that provides ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
FAQ
What is the cost of a fence?
Installing a fence typically ranges between $1,750 and $4,4251. However, the total cost can be influenced by several factors, such as the length of the fence, the type of fence, the addition of gates or other features, and the local labor rates for fence installers.
Read more: How Much Does a New Fence Cost?
How long does it take to construct a fence?
The time required to dig the holes, cut the lumber, place the posts, pour the concrete, allow the concrete to set, assemble the fence, and finish the fence takes about two to four days on average.
Can I put up a fence myself?
Installing a fence in the yard is a job that an experienced DIYer with the right tools can handle. If you have the skill and are willing to rent a post-hole digger, buy the materials, and set aside two to four days for this project, you can install a fence yourself.
Who installs fences?
Professional fence installers are best suited to installing a new fence in your yard. These fence installation contractors can be found through aggregator sites like Hipage, or with a little online research; you can find fence installation companies in your area.