Texas Fence Contractor
Quality Fencing Installed That’s Guaranteed to Last
Vinyl Fencing
Today, many home owners are switching from metal and wood fences to vinyl fencing, even though this option was available to the public nearly 20 years ago. The difference now is that everyone understands the benefits that vinyl fencing has to offer. Here are a few other reasons why you might consider vinyl fencing for your home. Read more…
Picket Fences
The price of a white picket fence is a lot cheaper than in year’s past. Plus, you can do so many different things with it now. We’ve compiled enough information here to provide you with the basics and benefits of picket fences. It’s also important to cover everything that has to do with the installation process. More info…
Chain Link Fence
Usually when we see a chain link fence, it’s not running along the property line of a person’s home. Twenty years ago it would have been a different story, but a lot of people have switched from chain link fences to other versions. Learn more about the basics and benefits of the chain link fence, as well as choosing the right one and installing them properly…read more
Pool Fencing
There are more homes with pools in their backyard these days, and unless you live in a fancy home with a lot of acreage, the pool area doesn’t need monumental fences. Today we want to go back to the basics and give you an idea why pool fencing is important. We also want to make sure you understand all the benefits attached to pool fencing…read more
Driveway Gates
When drive way gates were first introduced commercially, they were electric that used hydraulics. It was an expensive business, so companies decided to start using electromechanical alternatives instead. Homeowners soon realized that lower usage options were more cost effective, which is why they are still popular today. Read More…
Dog Kennels
Keeping track of your dogs can be a hassle if they always want to run away. When it’s time to let them outside, you have to consider the fact they will leave your sight whenever they can, especially when it is warm outside. In order to keep them out of harm’s way, dog fence & kennels can reduce the risk of an accident occurring. Read more…
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is considered one of the most durable materials against the harsh weather elements we see throughout the year. If you haven’t seen these iron gates before, you’ve probably seen the material used for outdoor patio furniture. It can withstand rain, snow, and a countless amount of hours in the sun…Read More…
Wooden Gates
Years ago, wooden gates would eventually succumb to Mother Nature. It would begin to rot, warp, and stick out like a sore thumb. Over the years, wooden gates started utilizing materials to treat the wood. It allowed your purchase to last twice as long as it normally would, especially if the proper preventative maintenance is utilized. Read More..
Electric Fence
Click here want to get a more in depth look at the electric fence and why people still use it today. Read More…
Fence installation FAQs
Q: Are steel posts really better than wood posts & why?
A: Absolutely! Steel posts should be your first choice on a long list of options. When it comes to a replacement fence, posts are the single most important component of the entire fence. Wood posts tend to split, twist, warp and rot over time.You may install wood posts but we do not recommend them for long-term satisfaction. Steel posts also allow a variety of gate adjustments.
Q: Why do I see fences leaning, even if they have steel posts?
A: This is caused by the posts not being set deep enough in the ground, or improper watering. Posts must be set a minimum of 30″ deep and set in properly mixed cement. We recommend watering on both sides of your fence equally to keep the soil from pushing the fence out of alignment.
Q: There are some fences in my alley with an ugly black streak below each nail. Why is that?
A: There are hundreds of different types of nails. Only a select few are suitable for use in a cedar fence. Cedar contains a trace amount of acid which eats away at the coating on the nail which causes the nail to “bleed”. Bleeding nails can quickly ruin an otherwise attractive fence. Request your fence company uses only genuine Duo-Fast galvanized, ring shank nails. Duo-Fast is a manufacturer of top quality nails & fasteners.
Q: I don’t know anything about fences; how do I know what choices to make?
A: Call us now and we will guide you through the sometimes-complicated world of fencing. There are so many choices these days it can get confusing. We want to help you avoid poor choices and costly mistakes. Each time you look out your window, we want your new fence to put a smile on your face!
Q: With so many other fence companies, how do i pick the right one?
A: Many people think they can build a fence properly. The question is, “Is it going to look good in six months?” There are many different methods of building a fence and a wide variety of materials to choose from. Many materials & fasteners readily available at home improvement centers are not suitable for our black clay soil and hot climate. Through many years of studying fence performance, we have a vast understanding of which materials and installation methods excel our harsh, dry summers. Our Installers build fences that are custom-designed and built to excel in our specific environment. Our pre qualified fence installers will use only the top materials
Q: Will their installation crews be professionals, or day labor people you pick up?
A: Our installers are the best in the business. They build fences in a very specific time-tested manner. Each craftsman has trained under the owners and learned our specific ways of fence building. These men possess a necessary artistic quality and have an eye for detail. Quality fence building requires skills not just anyone can master.
Selecting The Right Texas Fence Contractor
When Selecting a Fence Company to install or repair your fence…be sure to ask these 7 Questions:
1. What is the full name and address of the company?
All Contractor Selection Guidelines start with this question because most dissatisfaction involves low-bid under capitalized contractors.Automatically reject any contractor without a permanent place of business.
If the contractor is not permanently established, how can you be confident he will complete the work? How can you be confident he will be in business if the work needs service in the future? What do you do if the project fails and you are financially harmed or the contractor is not financially responsible?
The courts are full of dissatisfied Owners with worthless judgments against insolvent contractors.
While there is no way to guarantee any business is financially stable, there are some tell-tale signs, and you can take to protect yourself, and assure your satisfaction.
Visit the contractor’s place of business. Does it look like it has been established there for a long time? Does it appear that the equipment, manpower, and wherewithal is available to complete your project in a professional and timely manner?
Automatically reject any bid from a contractor without substance.
Do not be swayed by a personable contractor or his attractive low price. It is not worth the risk. Select only a contractor that is financially committed to the business. Select someone you can call if a problem arises in the future.
A professional contractor will have no problem giving you a tour of the facilities and provide whatever financial proof is required for your peace of mind. Don’t be timid about asking. The professional respects these questions and knows that time is being well spent with an intelligent buyer.
2. Does the company carry insurance and is the coverage adequate?
This is the second most important question. Owners have been financially harmed by uninsured or inadequately insurance contractors.
Automatically reject any contractor without proper and adequate insurance.
A contractor should provide you with a Certificate of Insurance for Comprehensive Liability, that protects you in the event of an accident.
Contractors may also carry other forms of insurance, such as health insurance and vehicle insurance. Do not be confused by these policies. Do not allow the contractor to pass them off as his proof of “contractors” insurance.
Call the insurance company and verify coverage.
Contractor insurance policies are for one year and unscrupulous contractors have been known to modify the dates. Check carefully the dates on the Certificate Of Insurance. Is it current?
A tell-tale pattern of an uninsured or underinsured contractor is the low-bid. Be very wary of the low-bid. Also be wary of multiple low bids. You may have several uninsured contractors bidding the project.
Today, insurance to protect the workers and your property is a significant cost of a construction project.
The contractor, working without insurance, generally has no assets and nothing to lose, so you as the Owner, are totally exposed to any losses.
A professional contractor will readily provide you with a Certificate of Insurance and phone numbers you can call for verification.
Job Site Safety: Safety violations are now causing projects to be shut down and penalties are levied against involved parties. Some Owners have been stuck with incomplete projects due to violations and the contractor’s unwillingness to pay fines or return to the site. In some cases, the Owner can be classified as the employer and they can or have been found responsible for the fines.
3. How Long Has The Contractor Been In Business?
Needless to say, the more experienced the better. Under five years is often a tell-tale sign of an unstable business. Most contracting businesses (90%) fail within the first five years. Examine new business with extra care before awarding the project.
Check references carefully. Current references are only valuable to see if the Owner is happy with the contractor’s work, but only long term references are the proof of actual performance of the contractor’s work.
Most failed construction projects do not happen quickly, but deteriorate over a period of years. New project references should carry equal weight in the decision making process vs. long term projects.
A professional contractor will gladly provide references and want you to speak with his past customers.
Automatically reject any contractors who can not provide a reference list of customers.
4. What is the contractor’s track record for handling complaints?
Automatically reject any contractor who says they never had a complaint. The best of contractors find themselves in disputes for one reason or another.
Ask the contractor for the name of a problem account and explanation as to how they rectified the complaint.
Be forewarned that many quality contractors, in business for a long period of time, and with thousands of completed projects, are exposed to disputes. The question is, not if they have had disputes, but what was done about the dispute after it occurred.
5. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?
Typically, contractor workmanship warranties are for one year or more. Longer warranties are not more valuable than shorter warranties. The length of the warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the contractor to stand behind his warranty. The professional contractor often performs well beyond the written warranty period because he knows that this is what builds customer loyalty and referrals.
Automatically reject any contractor with an unbelievable warranty. The warranty is just a sales tool to that contractor and you don’t know what other “bill of goods” you have been sold.
The long-term warranty is provided by the manufacturer. It is critical to be assured that the product will be installed according to the manufacturer specifications, or there will be no warranty regardless
Professional contractors will have no problem providing this proof, in fact, they will usually present their credentials before being asked.
6. Specific questions for specific projects.
Compliance with local ordinances – Question the contractor about what is required. Contact the local building department for verification. Question if the permit is included in the cost and who is responsible for obtaining the permit.
Product Selection – Make sure the proposal includes a specific reference to the product and color you have chosen. Your proposal will be your proof of purchase in later years.
Manufacturer Warranty Specifications – If the project is to be warranted by a manufacturer, confirm that the agreement states that the work will conform to the manufacturer specifications.
Clean-Up – Call for daily clean-up to help minimize safety issues or exposure.
Payment Terms – Schedule, terms and method of payment should be clearly detailed in the agreement. Establish an agreement regarding retainage if a certain portion of work is left incomplete or there is a “punch list”.
Preliminary Inspection – Plan to meet with the Job Foreman who will be responsible for your satisfaction. Make sure he fully understands the specifications and promises made by his company. Establish the condition of the property before the work starts in the event there is property damage during construction.
7. Are you an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau?
The Dallas Better Business Bureau is a great place to start when investigating a contractor and making sure you are dealing with a reputable company. You can either call the BBB directly at (214) 220-2000
or go online at www.bbb.org.
If you go online you can learn if the contractor has had any complaints and learn if they were resolved.
Fence Installation Service Areas
Home Improvement Resources: Find Philadelphia paving contractors at pavingcontractorpa.com