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6 Things to Think About When Hiring a Fence Company

patrick • Aug 20, 2022

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6 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE HIRING A FENCE COMPANY


Six Things to Consider Before Hiring a Fence Company


Because the property you own is a major investment, you want to do everything possible to protect it in the long run.



Choosing to add a fence to your perimeter is an important part of securing a large piece of property, so you must find the right specialist to help you. Choosing the right fencing contractor will save you time, money, and the bother of dealing with multiple mistakes in the future.



But how does one go about making such a decision? So, let us teach you how to locate a fence contractor who can satisfy all of your needs. Simply follow the six simple steps below:



Investigate the fence contractors in your area.


  • Ask for recommendations and referrals for local fence contractors.


  • Determine Your Experience And Qualifications


  • Determine the Timetable and Expectations of Your Local Fence Contractor


  • Confirm that your fence contractor is licensed and insured.


  • Research the fence companies in your area.




1. THINK ABOUT RESEARCHING LOCAL FENCE COMPANIES.


The process of choosing a fence contractor begins with extensive study. Look up fence contractors in your area on the internet and make a list of which ones stick out to you.


Nowadays, many contractors will have websites that provide a lot of insight into who they are and what they do, so take your time browsing through to find out what you like and possibly don't like. Examine some of the photographs they've uploaded from past works and let them help you decide if they'd be a good fit for your project.


Another great resource is Google Reviews. Many of these businesses have gotten Google reviews, which are useful for determining how professional they are, how well they communicate, and how well they engage with other customers. With these tools, you should be able to learn everything you need to know.



2. QUESTION LOCAL FENCE COMPANIES FOR REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS.


Inquiring for references can also help you avoid ambiguity because you can rely on someone you know and their firsthand experience. Because your friends, neighbors, or family members have most likely spoken with a fencing contractor at some point, they can be a helpful resource that you can easily reach.


Inquire about their personal experience working with the contractor they selected, as well as what they liked about them. It is also a good idea to inspect the fence that they installed so that you can get a firsthand look at the level of services that a certain fencing business delivers on a regular basis.




3. LEARN ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF YOUR LOCAL FENCE CONTRACTOR.


After you've selected on a contractor, research their track record and how long they've been in business. While installing a fence may not appear to be difficult, there are far more intricacies than most people realize.


With so many small details to consider, hiring a local fencing contractor with as many years of experience as possible is your best bet.


Choosing a contractor with this degree of experience assures that your project will be free of unnecessary headaches and rookie blunders. In the long term, this will save you both time and money.


A fencing contractor with decades of experience will have worked on a variety of installations in a variety of settings and scenarios, so nothing will surprise them.



4. DISCUSS THE SERVICES OFFERED BY YOUR LOCAL FENCE COMPANY.


Look for a local fence contractor who can provide high-quality services and deliver the greatest product possible.


This is accomplished through the contractor's extensive knowledge of the various fence materials on the market, how those materials will translate to your project, and which skilled installation methods will best serve the situation at hand.


Fencing contractors should be prepared to offer goods such as privacy fencing, round rail fencing, ornamental fencing, and bespoke fencing without reluctance.


Avoid local contractors who do not provide a comprehensive list of services or who do not have more information on fencing materials or installation techniques, as you will end up with a subpar fence that will not survive.



5. SPECIFY THE TIMELINE AND EXPECTATIONS OF YOUR LOCAL FENCE COMPANY.


Once you've agreed on a contractor, discuss the project's timeline so that everyone is on the same page. While you don't want to rush professional-quality work, you also don't want to be left waiting for weeks on end.


Be open and honest with your fencing contractor about how long the project will take and what supplies, labor costs, and material costs you may expect. The last thing you want is to have a fence installed just to be astonished by the cost.


Clarity in communication helps guarantee that your fence is installed on your terms, on time, and at a price you can afford.



6. CONFIRM THAT YOUR FENCING COMPANY IS LICENSED AND INSURED.


The last thing you want to be sure of when picking a fencing contractor is that they are licensed and insured. Any contractor with a good reputation and track record will be able to give you their license number as well as information on the type of insurance they have. This will demonstrate that you are employing a reputable company that is not looking to cut corners.



Before beginning any type of work, it's also a good idea to have a legal contract in place. This contract should include any work that will be performed, any additional costs, and any other important information that should not be neglected. Before anyone starts installing the fence, a reputable fencing company will be able to outline the project and ensure that everyone is on the same page.



If you wish to put up a fence on your property, we hope you found this information beneficial. Contact the fence experts at buyafence.com today!


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What Is the Purpose of a Privacy Fence? A privacy fence can go a long way toward keeping curious neighbors and onlookers out of your yard. But what distinguishes a privacy fence from any other fence on your property? Continue reading, and we'll explain the distinction as well as the rules and etiquette you'll need to follow if you decide to construct one. Do you have to notify your neighbors before beginning your home repair project? And how much would this style of fencing cost you? We chatted with experts to learn all you need to know about erecting a privacy fence around your yard. What is a Privacy Fence? A privacy fence is, technically, simply that: a fence! However, to qualify as a "privacy fence," the barrier must be at least 4 to 6 feet tall. It's also usually solid with no gaps in between the pickets. Typically, we consider a "privacy fence" to be any fence that has a solid design up to 8 feet tall. They'll have a strong infill so you can optimize your privacy, referring to the fact that they won't have wide gaps between the slats or the kinds of holes that are common in chain-link fencing. However, some privacy fences include latticework near the top, above the 4-foot level. The crisscrossing of cloth with gaps, akin to the lattice atop a cherry pie, provides vision at the top yet privacy at the bottom. Why bother with a privacy fence when a conventional fence will suffice? Of course, privacy fencing appeals to homeowners who want a little extra isolation in their backyard, often around swimming pools or across property boundaries, it's also an excellent approach to boost security. In addition to keeping children safe in the yard, privacy fencing may keep dogs restricted in one area. You may not only be keeping your pets in, but you may also be keeping other animals out. What materials are used to construct a privacy fence? Unlike chain-link fences, which are normally composed of metal, privacy fences can be made of a variety of materials, with vinyl or wood being the most popular. For wood, the 2 options are either pressure treated pine fencing or cedar fencing . Some homeowners like white vinyl , while others prefer cedar pickets with dog ears, the material used to construct the fence will determine any space that may occur between slats, hence deciding how "private" the fence is. Another option for privacy fence design is flat top, which is common for many of our installations on both residential and commercial applications. With vinyl fences , spacing isn't an issue since the vinyl doesn't expand and compress. The wood pickets should have an eighth-of-an-inch spacing between them. This permits the wood to expand and shrink as it becomes wet over time. It also allows the installer to work with boards that were not correctly cut at the lumber yard. Composite, or Trex Fencing, can be another option. Composite fencing happens to be the most expensive of all the fence materials. For this reason, not many people choose it. What is the cost of a privacy fence? According to BuyaFence.com, national estimates for erecting a wooden fence (including the cost of the fence itself) range from $5,698 to $13,986. Choosing a vinyl fence will place you on the higher end of the cost spectrum, as plastic costs around $45–$77 per linear foot, while wood fencing costs about $49–$62. What else should you think about? The cost of the fence is ultimately determined by access to the region and the levelness of the ground. It is more expensive to install a fence on a hill than it is to install a fence on a flat yard. What to do Before Putting Up a Privacy Fence (DIY) Whether you're doing the fence installation yourself or hiring a professional, there are a few phone calls you should make before digging the first hole. "You'll merely want to determine your property lines and talk to your neighbors about your plans along your suggested fence line," Michaels adds. Although it is not usually necessary, it is common courtesy to notify neighbors if the installation staff has to enter their property for any reason. To obtain a building permit, you must also contact your local building inspector. Check the guidelines of your homeowners association, or HOA, if you reside in a community with one. Fence style, size, and location regulations vary by municipality, and they may also be rigidly enforced by your HOA. Some localities even demand a building permit, so work cannot begin until the necessary permits are obtained. Make another call to your local utility company. Because fence post holes must be dug at least 2 feet into the ground, there's a chance you'll touch buried utility lines. If you want to avoid the hassle of pulling your own permit, dealing with inspectors, calling the utility company, etc. contact us and we will take care of ALL of that for you!
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Buy a Fence Contractors are your local fence company source! We specialize in serving all the local Chicagoland area communities. Some of the suburbs we service are: Addison Algonquin Arlington Heights Aurora Barrington Bartlett Batavia Bensenville Bloomingdale Bolingbrook Buffalo Grove Carol Stream Carpentersville Cary Crystal Lake Deerfield Des Plaines Downers Grove Elgin Elk Grove Village Elmhurst Fox River Grove Franklin Park Geneva Gilberts Glen Ellyn Glendale Heights Glenview Hampshire Hanover Park Hoffman Estates Huntley Inverness Itasca Lake Barrington Lake in the Hills Lake Zurich Lakewood Lisle Lockport Lombard Long Grove McHenry Melrose Park Morton Grove Mount Prospect Mundelein Naperville New Lenox Niles Northbrook Northlake Oak Forest Oswego Palatine Park Ridge Pingree Grove Plainfield Prospect Heights Rolling Meadows Romeoville Roselle Rosemont Round Lake Beach Schaumburg Schiller Park South Barrington South Elgin St. Charles Streamwood Vernon Hills Villa Park Warrenville Wauconda Wayne West Chicago West Dundee Westmont Wheaton Wheeling Wilmette Winfield Wood Dale Woodridge Woodstock For our full list of Illinois Fence Company locations, visit our Illinois Locations page . For our Tennessee Fence Company locations, visit our Tennessee Locations page . Customers around the Chicagoland area and suburbs often have varying tastes on the type of fence material they choose. We find that homeowners in Elgin and Bartlett prefer privacy cedar and pressure treated pine fencing . Many homeowners in Barrington and the outskirts of Hoffman Estates like our Black Aluminum fence options. Those in Schaumburg have strict requirements for the style of fence, so many choose cedar picket fencing or vinyl fence picket, usually in white. But no matter your fence style preference or Chicagoland suburb you live in, we are happy to help you in your fence installation! You will notice the customer service difference with BuyaFence.com versus our competition. We pride ourselves on a smooth installation process and top notch customer service. Please call us today for an onsite estimate: 855-469-7742 BuyaFence.com is brought to you by Contractor Management Services.
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When Can I Apply Stain or Sealant to My New Wood Fence? Good things are worth the wait. From a college diploma to a special birthday present to an engagement ring, there are some things in life that are more meaningful when you wait for the beautiful end result. The same is true for the new wood fence you just put up. Before you can cross your new wood fence off your to-do list, you must stain or seal it. Why Should You Seal or Stain Your New Wood Fence ? Wood fences are traditionally beautiful, and they can be a substantial financial investment in the value of your home and property. They do, however, need staining or sealing to enhance their beauty and ensure their longevity. Because wood swells when wet and contracts when dry, the constant swelling and contracting action can cause cracks and damage to your lovely new wood fence. If the wood is not properly treated, the sun's damaging UV rays can cause fading and warping. Furthermore, mold, rot, and decay can attack the wood. When Should You Seal or Stain Your New Wood Fence? The amount of time you should wait before staining or sealing your new wood fence depends on the type of wood, the time of year, and the climate in your area. If you installed a pressure-treated pine fence, wait until it is completely dry before staining or sealing it. If the wood is not completely dry before staining or sealing it, the treatment will not adhere properly to the wood. If you installed a cedar fence, you should be able to stain or seal it right away. In fact, if you wait too long, it may weather too quickly, requiring you to sand it or wash it with a special cleaner before staining or sealing it. When deciding how long to wait before treating your new wood fence, there are some general guidelines to follow. Consider the type of wood you're using, and then wait the appropriate amount of time (usually between 1 and 6 months) before staining or sealing your fence. This will give it enough time to weather and dry or cure. You may not have to wait as long if you live in an area that receives less rain than most, or if your area is experiencing a dry spell. How Should You Care for Your New Wood Fence? Simply place a small amount of water on the surface boards of your new wood fence to test its dryness. If the water condenses, you'll have to wait and check it again later. If water seeps into the wood, it is sufficiently dry and ready to be stained or sealed. Another option is to use a moisture meter to check it. To properly prepare your fence for final treatment, you may want to power-wash or sand it first. Then, once it's clean and dry, apply a weatherproof stain or sealant with a manufacturer's warranty to ensure you're protected in the event of a problem. Which Fence Company Can Give You the Best Advice on Sealing and Staining ? Hire a trusted local professional installer from Buy a Fence to assist you with these nuances. We have dozens of 5-star reviews from customers and a 94 percent approval rating from sites such as Angie's List, Home Advisor, and the BBB (Better Business Bureau). With over 20 years of experience installing fences, we purchase over 10 million pounds of fence and install over 2 million feet of fence in 16 locations throughout the Chicagoland area each year. We offer “No Contact” quotes and installation during the Coronavirus pandemic because you have enough to worry about. Call Buy a Fence today and let us assist you with all aspects of your wood fence installation, from concept to completion. HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A CEDAR FENCE? A cedar fence is an eye-catching addition to any property. A cedar fence must be cared for and protected from the elements in order to retain its beauty. In many cases, all that is required is the application of a good wood stain. If you can paint, you are more than qualified to stain a cedar fence; however, it is best to first understand how to prep and stain for your wood staining project. If you choose to stain the fence yourself, where do you start? FIRST STEP 1. Select the Appropriate Stain You must select the appropriate wood stain color and finish for your project. Wood stain finishes range from transparent to solid opaque and come in a wide range of colors. Choose a wood stain that complements the appearance of your home or adds a splash of color to your property. Olympic offers a wide range of exterior wood stain colors in a variety of transparencies. SECOND STEP 2. Examine the Fence Look for protruding screws, staples, or nails, as well as broken fence pieces. If you run into any of these issues, you'll need to fix them. This creates a smooth surface for staining. The fence will need to be cleaned after any necessary repairs are completed. 3rd STEP 3. Maintain the Fence A clean wood surface is ideal for staining. If there is any existing paint or stain on the fence, it must be removed. An application of a wood brightener, such as Olympic Premium Deck Brightener & Wash, to both old and new cedar may be beneficial. This is a mild cleaner made specifically for exterior wood surfaces. It also gets rid of some mill marks and glaze on new wood. Allow the brightener to soak into the wood for a few minutes. It may be necessary to scrub stubborn stains gently. Rinse the cleaner away with water to easily remove dirt, mold, and mildew from older wood. Allow at least 24 hours for the wood to dry after cleaning the fence. 4th STEP 4. Make a fence stain Apply the wood stain evenly, following the directions on the can, using one or more of the following: a brush with a straight edge roller a stain sprayer that is pumped by hand Apply a thin, even coat of wood stain to the fence. Make sure to cover the entire surface. You may need to use an angled brush to stain any gaps between the planks. As with interior painting, if there are any blotchy areas or places where the stain puddles or bubbles, quickly smooth these areas out with a brush. Allow the stain to dry for 24-48 hours. The drying time is determined by the weather. Buy a Fence is your one-stop shop for all things exterior home improvement. Are you looking for a professional to finish your project? Contact us today ! Visit our fence staining services page to learn more.
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When Is It Safe to Stain Pressure Treated Wood ? Pressure treated pine is an alternative to cedar fence material, but is it a good choice for painting or staining? Water is used to force chemical preservatives deep into the wood during pressure treatment. Pressure treated lumber has a high moisture content and may take several weeks to dry. If the pressure-treated wood is still wet, staining it is ineffective. When purchased, “wet-treated wood” still contains significant moisture and may take longer to dry than other types of pressure treated wood. Kiln-dried wood is dry at the time of purchase and can be stained right away. This lumber will have a stamp or tag that says ADAT (air-dried after treatment) or KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment) (kiln-dried after treatment). A water-based stain will not absorb as well as an oil-based exterior stain if the pressure treated wood contains a water repellant. Try the "sprinkle" test to see if pressure-treated wood is dry enough to stain. Sprinkle water on the wood: if it absorbs it within 10 minutes, stain it right away. If water beads or pools on the surface of the wood, the wood needs more time to dry. Select the Stain Transparent stains contain little to no pigment, whereas semi-transparent stains contain more pigment to add color and tone. Consider using a lighter-colored stain on a newer wood structure, which will allow you to apply a darker color in the future. A darker stain may complement older pressure-treated wood by concealing flaws. Consider a light stain that reflects heat over a dark stain that absorbs more heat when staining a deck that receives a lot of sunlight. Clean the Wood Unless the wood is completely new, you'll need to clean the surface to remove any dirt or mildew before staining it to prevent the wood stain from trapping any imperfections. Allow it to dry completely before staining. Wash the pressure-treated wood with a deck cleaner, scrubbing the surface with a brush while it is still wet. If the wood has tough stains, use a pressure washer to remove them. Allow the wet cleaner to soak into the wood for 10 minutes, or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Thoroughly rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer. Allow the wood to dry for 24 hours before staining. Staining Preparation Because stain takes time to absorb into the wood but dries quickly, avoid applying it in direct sunlight. Use tarps or painter's tape to protect areas near the wood, such as plants or the house's siding, before applying the stain. Dry brush the wood once more to remove any leaves, dust, or other debris that accumulated while the cleaner was drying. Pour the stain into a paint tray after thoroughly stirring it. Test the stain on a small piece of wood to ensure that you like the color and appearance. Apply the Stain Use a paint pad applicator to stain the pressure-treated wood, which is easier than brushing a large deck or structure by hand and more accurate than a pressurized sprayer. Stain between cracks and problem areas with a paintbrush. Typically, only one coat is required. Expect more stain to be accepted by the butted ends of lumber. Start at the top and work your way down when staining pressure-treated fence posts, deck rails, or other vertical surfaces. Allow at least a day for the stain to dry. Tip: Before nailing in place, stain downward-facing pressure treated 2 x 4s and other boards (such as the underside of decking). Painting Pressure Treated Wood Exterior paint is less likely to adhere to pressure-treated wood and is more likely to peel as a result of the pressure-treating process. Some experts recommend staining or sealing over painting, but paint can be successfully applied if extra precautions are taken. Allow the wood to dry completely before proceeding with the staining process. Coat the surface with a primer designed for exterior use on pressure treated wood with a bristle brush to help the paint adhere. To achieve the best results, apply at least two coats of latex paint with a brush. Sealing Pressure Treated Wood Most exterior stains include a sealant to protect the wood from moisture. Consider using a clear sealant to protect the surface if you want to show off the natural wood grain and color while also ensuring a higher level of protection. A stain-and-sealer product provides both protection and pigmentation, but sealants should not be used on top of stained wood. Choose a UV-resistant sealant when sealing pressure-treated wood. Sealant should be applied in the same manner as stain. Many building codes require pressure treated wood in retaining walls , ground contact lumber, and other exterior wood projects. It is primarily made of southern yellow pine. Pressure treated wood staining can help decks, fences, and other structures look better and last longer. Buy a Fence is your one-stop shop for all things exterior home improvement. Are you looking for a professional to finish your project? Contact us today! Visit our fence staining services page to learn more.
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