Fence Company Comparisons

Before you hire a contractor, it is important that you find out a few things:

• Do they have a current State Contractor license?

This is important because contractors must prove to the State of MN that they have enough insurance, and it means they are serious about being in this industry for the long term. You can weed out the non-licensed guys right away. A link to look up a residential contractor is provided here: www.doli.state.mn.us or you may copy and paste the address to your browser. You may be surprised to see how many fence companies are not licensed.

• Do they use In-House crews or sub-contractors?

Subs tend to have the best interest of themselves in mind; not the homeowner. Subs are paid by the job and not by the hour, so the faster they work, the more money they make. But speed does not necessarily equal quality. Workmanship is everything!

• Warranty on workmanship?

Anybody can warranty materials for 5, 10, 20 years, but the labor is what costs money. A board replacement or a gate adjustment are minor material costs, but the labor can be $200.00 or more. A one year labor warranty is the same as nothing. It says to the customer that if a board falls off next summer, the new board is free; but the trip charge is $200.00 (does that sound like a good warranty?) Better contractors who build durable projects, will warranty everything for 5 or more years because they know that it will last.

• Small down payment?

Most consumer advocacy groups (BBB, Angie's List) advise paying 30% or less as a down payment. Be cautious of contractors who want more than that. Remember, this down payment reflects your commitment to the job but the contractor hasn't performed any work yet. You have nothing to show for your commitment.

• Scope of work?

A detailed, written proposal is critical to helping you make an informed decision.  The details should include the following:

1. Total Linear Footage
2. Height of Fence
3. Style of Fence
4. Specific Brand, or Grade of Materials
5. Installation Methods and Process
6. Removal of Existing Fence and Haul or Recycle
7. Warranty Information on Labor and Materials
8. Installation Crews (subs or in-house)
9. Project Costs
10. Terms of Payment

You can always hire a nice guy with a "nice price", but do your homework first.  If you follow these steps, you may find that choosing your next contractor is easy and a good way to get the best value.

Thanks for reading!

FenceManDan@gmail.com
651-214-7022

St. Paul Home and Patio Show and Midwest Fence 2016

Midwest Fence is always excited to be a part of the St. Paul Home and Patio Show. The show will be at RiverCentre on February 18-21.  Please stop by our booth for a $250.00 coupon toward the purchase of your new fence and check out all the new fence products that are available this year. This is the first show of the season and will hopefully usher in the warmer weather!  



Midwest is family owned and your trusted brand in fence.  Based in Minnesota, with thousands of happy customers.  If you have a fence project this spring,  you owe it to yourself to check us out!   We'll see you at the show!
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FenceManDan
fencemandan@gmail.com
www.midwestfence.com
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