5 things to consider when hiring a fencing contractor

Whether you’re looking to replace an old fence at home, or install a new fence for your commercial project, hiring a fencing contractor ensures a secure, long-lasting fence for the future. Yes, hiring a professional comes at an extra cost, but when it comes to your property (probably your biggest and most important investment) it’s worth getting the job done right the first time. After all, a fence can last decades when you pair a strong fence post system with a skilled contractor.

In this article, we’ll provide you with five useful points to help you hire the perfect contractor for your next fencing project.

1. Reliable service/ company

You need to be confident in the fencing contractor’s reliability before considering them as an option. But how can you be sure you’ll receive a great service? The simple answer is: You can’t guarantee it. However, there are several things you can explore for a better understanding of what to expect.

• Reviews/feedback – There are many ways you can find reviews of a company/service in a matter of seconds. A simple Google search for the name of the fencing contractor and/or company they work for and you’ll more than likely come across several pieces of useful feedback. You can also search for their website or Facebook page, which will often display recent customer reviews and recommendations. Give a handful a read and you’ll soon figure if the contractor ‘s worth considering.
• Service offering – Take a look at how the contractor/company speaks about the service they offer. Again, looking on their website is a quick and easy way to do this. You’ll want to understand how the company works and their entire process from start to finish - from calling them up, to a quotation and through to project completion. This will help you understand exactly what to expect from each contractor.

At Birkdale, we supply the leading fencing contractors throughout the UK with innovative products like DuraPost, a fence post system that’s stylish, durable and comes with a guarantee of up to 25 years. If you’re looking for a long-lasting fencing solution, take a look at why DuraPost is the number 1 fence post system for Homeowners across the country.

2. Quality of workmanship

To get a better understanding of the quality of work you’ll receive, you should asses the material specification and ensure the installation will be completed in a professional and timely manner. The best way to find this information is to navigate to their website, download technical specifications and take a look at case studies to better understand their process. Also, if they’re showcasing a gallery, view some photos to examine their quality of work.

3. Fair pricing

Pricing. Perhaps the most important for some, especially if you’re trying to stick within a tight budget. To ensure you get a better understanding of the potential costs involved when hiring a fencing contractor, it’s a good idea to gather at least 3 quotes. This way, you can be sure you’re not overpaying for your brand new fence.

Important: Be sure you’re not comparing solely on the price itself and take time to understand EXACTLY what’s included with each quote. Don’t fall into the trap of being left with the responsibility of removing/ disposing all waste left after the job is complete!

4. Professional tradesman

For the best fencing results, you want to be sure the company you’re considering employs professionals who have appropriate training and qualifications. Opting for a fencing contractor with appropriate training will give you peace of mind when it comes to the installation of your new fence.

At Birkdale, we've recently trained fencing contractors on the installation of our DuraPost products. If you're looking to install DuraPost, enter your postcode in our map to locate your nearest trained DuraPost installer.

5. Compliance

To stay on the safe side of the fence, checking the company has adequate insurance as well as health and safety policies in place is crucial. Why? When hiring a fencing contractor with valid liability insurance, you’ll be compensated for any damages on the property caused by the use of poor-quality materials or low quality work. Also, be sure their operatives have been trained to use any necessary equipment and will work using the tools required. For health and safety reasons, fencing contractors are required to use insulated tools on all construction sites, so ensure they meet health and safety standards before making your final decision, or you could run into some problems.

Nail it

All in all, take time when making your decision, think carefully about what you’re looking for in a contractor, and certainly don’t jump the gun on the first quote you receive. Follow these simple points when hiring a fencing contractor and you’ll be amazed at the sight of your brand new fence.