| #1 |
Be
sure to explain precisely what you would
like to have done. When getting multiple
quotes, you will ensure the contractors
are bidding on the same work.
|
| #2 |
Choose
the contractor who is the best value.
This may not be the lowest price. Be
cautious if one price is significantly
lower than another. Consider a company's
reputation and level of service offered.
As with any service, you get what you
pay for.
|
| #3 |
Be
sure your contractor has all of the
necessary insurance. Laws vary from
state to state, but most require contractors
to carry liability, property damage,
and worker's compensation insurance.
A contractor who cuts corners can offer
a lower price, but will put the property
owner at risk.
|
| #4 |
Discuss
building codes, permits, location utilities,
and property lines. Determine who will
be responsible for each. A good contractor
will be knowledgeable in these areas.
|
| #5 |
Contact
the Better
Business Bureau or Chamber
of Commerce.
|
| #6 |
Keep
an eye out for other fencing projects
similar to your needs. Ask around, many
excellent contractors are out there
with outstanding reputations.
|
| #7 |
Contact
the American
Fence Association (AFA). Their
members are required to operate under
a code of ethics that ensures professionalism
and customer service. The association
strives to improve members skills,
techniques, product knowledge, and
safety through meetings and training
programs.
|
| #8 |
A
quality-oriented contractor will have
a list of satisfied customers as references.
Inspecting recent projects will give
you a feel for their workmanship. Searching
for the best materials will be in vain
if they are improperly installed.
|
| #9 |
Choose
a contractor who is informative and
knowledgeable of their products. A good
installer will encourage questions and
explain in detail the work to be done
and materials used.
|
| #10 |
If
they are available, ask for samples
of the product you are interested in.
|
| #11 |
Once
you have chosen a contractor, it is
not always necessary but is good practice
to use a written contract. When used,
a contract should fully detail a job
and include a firm cost. Be sure that
it specifies the products you have chosen
by brand name.
|
| #12 |
Be
aware that most contractors require
a deposit. Ordering most specialty products
will require a deposit as a show of
faith and to expedite the order. Discuss
all payment schedules in detail with
your contractor.
|
| #13 |
Do
not complete payment until the work
is properly finished.
|
| #14 |
Use
common sense. A good contractor will
comply with these guidelines already
and should have no problem extending
this level of service to you.
|
| #15 |
Be
sure to register all warranties upon
project completion. |
