Whenever I meet with a potential client on a fence estimate, I encourage them to get three fence quotes on there new investment. Although we would very much like to earn their business, this gives the customer a chance to meet other contractors, check prices, and make a dicision they feel comfortable with. After all, the main objective is for the customer to get a fence that meets their needs and wants, and have them feel confident in their dicision. Many times I will get a return call from the customer trying to compare the quotes, and help them compare them equally.
When receiving quotes in fencing, make sure all the quotes are based on the same thing. First off, make sure the footage of the fence is the same. This is easy to do. Most companies will provide you with a sketch of the proposed fence line. On the sketch, they will usually label the distance of each fence run. Use this as a template for your fence. Each contractor that comes out after that point can give you an estimate based on the footage in the diagram. Don’t be suprised if they re-measure. Its always best to double check before construction begins!
Make sure the materials are the same. Is one contractor quoting 5/8″ pickets and the other 3/4″ pickets? Decide which picket you like and ask all contractors to give you an estimate using the same picket. If your not sure, ask for quotes for both pickets from every contractor. Ask about gate materials. Is everyone quoting a gate with 6×6 weight bearing posts, three hinges, and a lockable latch? If this is what you would like, ask for the quote to include this.
The most important thing is to make sure every contractor is quoting on the same information. For Aluminum, Vinyl, and Chain Link, it can get more difficult as different companies use different manufacturers.
On aluminum, ask for the manufacturer’s name and web address. This way you can see the specs on the fencing. If you find a brand you really like, ask for quotes in that brand. If only one company offers that brand, it may help in your desicion making. For example, we use OnGuard aluminum fencing. You can visit them at www.onguardfencesystems.net. We beleive it is superior to any other aluminum fencing on the market. But if you fall in love with Jerith, Delguard, or Sentinial, we can quote that as well.
Chain Link fencing is fairly easy to compare. Make sure everyone is quoting the same gauge (residential 11 1/2 gauge for example), a top rail, a bottom tension wire, the same size gates ect.
Vinyl may be the hardest to compare. Some companies use vinyl from Home Depot, some from Master Halco, others from Certainteed. The best thing to do is select a manufacturer and request quotes in that brand. If you don’t know which brand you like, discuss it with the different contractors. Some vinyl is higher than others since it is a better quality.
There are other points to consider in choosing a fence contractor, but one of the most important is comparing apples to apples.
Thanks for reading!
Scott
