Selecting the right contractor for your project can be challenging and frustrating, but if you have a plan; the decision can become more obvious. Here are some questions you should be able to answer before you decide:
- Does the company have a current State Contractor license?
This is important because contractors must prove to the State of MN that they have adequate insurance, that they are bonded and it means they are serious about being in this industry for the long term. A link to look up a residential contractor is provided here: https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/lookup/licensing.aspx
This is a easy way of weeding out the non-licensed contractors right away.
- 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!
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 $300.00 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 $300.00 (does that sound like a good warranty?) Better contractors who build durable projects, will warranty their labor for 5 or more years because they know that it will last.
Most consumer advocacy groups (BBB, Angie's List) advise paying no more than 30% 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. Some contractors will keep all or a portion of a customer's down payment if a customer cancels or changes the scope of a project. It is critical to understand the company's policy before agreeing to a contract.
A detailed, written proposal is critical to helping you make an informed decision. The details should include the following:
- Total Linear Footage
- A schematic of the fence lines
- Height of Fence
- Style of Fence
- Specific Brand, or Grade of Materials
- Installation Methods and Process
- Removal of Existing Fence and Haul or Recycle
- Warranty Information on Labor and Materials
- Installation Crews (subs or in-house)
- Project Costs, permits, and surveys
- Terms of Payment, financing
- Lead times in writing
Occasionally contractors use the language "50 years combined experience" or "building fence since 2002". These vague assertions do not reflect a commitment to industry standards or a customer base. What homeowners should look for is a company that has a long history of service and stability in the fence industry.
You can always hire a nice guy with a "nice price", but do your homework first. Information gives you power to identify potential problems and will help you make a more informed decision. If you follow these steps, you may find that choosing your next contractor is easier and a good way to get the best value.
Thanks for reading!
FenceManDan@gmail.com
www.midwestfence.com
