There are plenty of things you should know before beginning the process of getting your property fenced in. From your contractor & HOA to how long the process may take, Hurricane Fence Company is here with some basic information for your upcoming fence installation. Read on to learn more!
If you are looking for a fence contractor in the Richmond or Norfolk, VA area, contact the experts here at Hurricane Fence Company.
A Free Quote
Starting from the very beginning of the process, the first thing you should expect is a free quote. Most fencing companies (including Hurricane Fence Company) offer free quotes, and for good reason! Getting a new fence is no small decision. Fences can be expensive. Do your research while looking into contractors, and get multiple quotes to find the best price.
The free quote process will also allow you to get a good idea of how well a company is run. If you are having difficulty connecting with someone, or if your estimator misses their appointment with you, it is safe to assume that your project will go in a similar fashion.
The Fencing Installation Timeline
A call we often receive is: “I’m looking to get a fence installed for my party this weekend” or something similar.
Although some contractors may be able to work you into their schedule, chances are they have their crews booked to other projects for a few weeks out.
Keep in mind that most established contractors have a backlog of projects that are already on the schedule. Do your best to allow some time for your contractor to get your installation on the books.
Materials & Lead Time
Gathering materials may also take some time. In some cases, contractors will have a yard of ready-to-go materials, but most are not comprehensive. For example, here at Hurricane, our yard consists of temporary fence materials and a few of our other offerings, such as certain varieties of vinyl, wood, aluminum, and chain link fencing. Still, there is no guarantee that the contractor you choose will have the material you are looking for on hand.
Different materials take different amounts of time to ship & receive, referred to as lead time. When you are in the beginning stages of the process, make sure to ask your salesman about your chosen materials' lead time.
Prior To Your Fence Installation
Whether your project is residential or commercial, chances are your property will need to be prepared by Miss Utility.
Miss Utility is different from state to state, but each of them provides the same service: scan for and mark public underground utilities.
Depending on the contractor, you may have to call Miss Utility yourself; however, Hurricane Fence Company takes care of that part of the process for you. With that being said, it does take Virginia Miss Utility about 3 days to mark your property, which may extend your fence installation further.
The Installation Process
The installation process varies widely depending on the size of your property and the scope of your project. For most residential projects, however, you should expect anywhere from 1 to 2 days for completion of installation.
When preparing for installation, speak with your neighbors who may be affected by the process. It may seem small, but simply informing them about when the installation will take place and if the crew may be on their property at any time can go a long way in harboring a healthy, neighborly relationship.
Some HOA Frustrations
HOAs have a reputation for causing problems with exterior home improvement work. Make sure you take the time to read through your HOA’s bylaws and restrictions regarding fencing before your installation. For more information regarding fencing & HOAs, check out our blog post on the subject.
Research
Do expect to do a little research on the best type of fence for your needs. Different types of fences provide different benefits, both functionally and stylistically. Some contractors have a showroom for you to browse their offerings, but that is not guaranteed. It is in your best interest to have done a little bit of research beforehand to figure out what exactly it is you are looking for.
Additionally, you should do research on some of the contractors in your area. Contractors vary widely in ability, expertise, and offered services. For more tips on researching fencing contractors, check out our blog post on how to choose the right fencing contractor for your needs.
Expect A Beautiful Fence For Your Property
We hope that some of these tips have helped you understand what you should be expecting before, and during your new fence installation. If you are ready to get your first quote, contact Hurricane Fence Company in Richmond and Norfolk, VA today!
