Before engaging the services of a fence contractor, there are 5 basic questions that every potential customer should ask. Knowing the answers will ensure that the fencing is being erected by professionals. Cost will be a factor, but expense doesn’t necessarily translate into a reputable job.

Years in Business

Individuals should choose a company that’s been in business for a significant amount of time and have been conducting business continuously under the same name. Be wary of companies that have made name changes. It also pays to examine the company’s online reputation and its rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Licensing

The installer should be licensed in the State of Florida. Individuals have little recourse if the final result of the fencing is faulty or not as agreed upon in a contract if the installer isn’t licensed. Always insist on a detailed contract and never work with an installer that wants all the money up front. Always make payments to the company, not an individual.

Insurance

It’s absolutely essential that the fencing contractor be insured and that their insurance is current. It provides protection for customers if the company or it’s employees damage anything on the property while performing the installation.

Permitting

Erecting a fence will require permits before any work can begin. An experienced and reputable fence installer will know what permits are required and will obtain them for the work to be done. Be suspicious of companies that expect customers to pull their own permits.

The same is true for contacting utility companies. Installing a fence will impact everything from phone and electric service to water and sewer lines. The contractor should contact all applicable utilities.

Warranty

The fencing should come with a warranty on materials and workmanship. Fencing represents a substantial amount of money and an investment in the home. Never sign a contract that doesn’t include a warranty.

Wind, fire, storms and vandals can damage fencing. Whether a homeowner’s policy will cover the cost to repair or replace fencing will depend on the policy and the cause of the damage. Homeowner’s insurance will typically pay for damages, provided it’s included in the policy’s list of covered causes.

Car Crashes and Vandalism

Vehicles running off the road and crashing into fences is far more common than people think. The driver of the vehicle that caused the damage is typically liable for the costs, but the homeowner’s policy will pay for the repairs or replacement. If the offending driver is known, insurance companies will often seek to recover their costs from the offending driver’s insurer. Insurers will also cover damage due to vandalism.

Fires and Storms

If the policy holder’s home, or the neighbor’s, catches on fire and damages the fence, the insurance company will cover the cost. The same is true if the damage is the result of high winds, a hurricane or a tornado. However, be aware that some policies do exclude damage from floods and winds in Florida.

Trees

There are multiple instances when trees can be the cause of damage to a fence. Homeowner’s insurance will pay for repairs or replacement if a limb comes down in a storm or the neighbor cuts a limb and it falls on the fence. However, the claim will be denied if the insurer believes the homeowner was negligent in some way or if the accident could have been prevented or avoided by the homeowner.

Exclusions

Insurance companies have an extensive list of exclusions that may be written into a homeowner’s policy. It’s critical for individuals to understand their coverage. The normal effects of aging or wear and tear on fences isn’t covered. Neither is damage due to termites and other insects, mold and fungi, dings and dents from lawnmowers, or children playing.

Damage sustained from vandalism or a vehicle accident should be reported to the police immediately and homeowners need to take photos of the damage. Both may be required by the insurance company to provide proof of the damage and its extent.

Like many things in life, erecting a fence requires obtaining a permit. Where to get it and the process involved can be confusing, particularly for those that are unfamiliar with it.

Many residential permits can be applied for online, depending on the municipality. Other entities may require a written application be submitted in person. The permit will be issued in the name of the homeowner or the contractor. The permit is typically good for 180 days.

Reputable and experienced fence contractors will normally apply for the permit on behalf of the customer. The expense can be anywhere from $150 to $400 and will be included in the cost of the fencing project.

However, there are a number of other issues that come into play when erecting a fence of which individuals may not be aware. There are limits on how tall the fence can be and in many locales the appearance and materials will also come under scrutiny. Contractors may be required to submit a plan of the project detailing where the fence will run.

Installing a fence impacts water and sewer lines, along with phone and electric service. It will be up to the fencing contractor to contact the relevant utilities to ensure the safety of the fencing crew and that the installation doesn’t interfere with the delivery of any of those services.

There will be rules as to how many feet the fence can come within a right of way, easement or corner. Individuals may not be able to have the fence installed directly on their property line. There may be a required set back, meaning the fence will have to be a specified distance from the property line. That will mean a loss of yard space for the fence owner.

Before any of those steps can be taken, home owners will need to know exactly where their property lines are. That can mean having the property surveyed if there hasn’t been a recent survey.

Privacy is valued today more than ever and adding a privacy fence to your property also increases the value of your home. A fence is equally valuable if you’re keeping your home or if you plan to put it on the market and a privacy fence provides multiple benefits.

Privacy

Privacy fences are available in an array of materials and designs that prevent people from seeing into your yard. You can even have a fence installed that’s manufactured of modern materials, but mimics the look and texture of real wood or stone. Depending on the material and personal preferences, fencing can be installed vertically or horizontally. Fences also help reduce noise pollution.

Security

In today’s world, security is as desirable as privacy. Fencing for privacy also provides a barrier against unwanted intrusions by people, dangerous domestic animals, and wildlife. It’s an effective way to protect children and pets from harm whether you fence the entire yard or just a specified area.

Homes with fences are more attractive to people with children or pets than non-fenced properties. A fence is a deterrent to people that would enter the property for criminal purposes and privacy fencing can be designed with other preventative measures.

Boundaries

Privacy fencing is an excellent way to mark where your property boundaries begin and end. This is especially important if you happen to have less than cordial neighbors.

Aesthetics

A fence provides curb appeal and aesthetic value when the right fence is matched with the home. Not every fence is appropriate for every type of property. That’s when the services of a professional fencing company are invaluable. They can help you decide what type of fence will complement your home before any work begins.

Windbreak & Shade

Privacy fencing has the added advantage or providing a windbreak. Strong winds can easily blow about lawn furnishings and children’s play equipment. A fence may even provide some shade for play areas, depending on the height.