Fence Estimate

Key Questions To Ask For A Fence Estimate

Fences, over the years, have become a means for beautification.  Originally, however, they were used as a way to denote property lines.  They have always served the function of either keeping people or animals in or out.  The most primitive fences were erected of whatever materials were on hand, be it stones, rough hewn timbers or wire.  Today, new building materials have been employed to address the issue of weather-ability.  Metal will rust and wood will eventually rot.  Only aluminum and PVC will last indefinitely.  Here's what to consider if you are in the market for a new fence.

When requesting a fence estimate, be sure to contact at least two or three local fence contractors.  It doesn't hurt to visit your local home improvement store, just to establish a baseline, but keep in mind that home improvement stores do not stock professional grade vinyl fencing.  It is thinner, and the vinyl composition contains less titanium dioxide than professional grade vinyl does.  Also, home improvement stores will discontinue styles which means you may not be able to replace broken fence parts in the future.  This reason alone should persuade most consumers to choose a local fence contractor.  Ask the following questions when conducting a fence estimate comparison.

First, what is the warranty?  Reputable PVC manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties that can be transferred to a subsequent homeowner.  Second, what is the origin of the material?  In other words, is it made in the USA or in China?  Vinyl manufactured in the United States has a far superior composition than Chinese vinyl.  This means that it will last much longer, delivering greater value for your investment.  Third, what is the labor warranty?  All fences will experience some measure of settling.  At the very least, the contractor should be willing to return within 12 months to adjust sagging gates and sunken or heaved posts.  Next, ask what is the thickness of the posts and rails, and does the fence estimate include any metal gate post or lower rail stiffeners?  Lower rail stiffeners are optional in six foot sections but critical for eight foot sections.  Finally, how far below grade will the fence posts be buried and will they be cemented in place?  All fence posts should be 36" below grade to ensure that they are below the frost line and must be cemented in place.  If you follow these guidelines, you are going to get a lot more information from your fence estimate and will be able to make an educated decision about the contractor to use.