Whether you are looking to establish a boundary in your backyard, create more privacy for your outdoor lounging time, or are planning to bring a new furry friend into your life, the need for a new fence usually starts with a search for a “fence company near me in Westchester County NY.” And then you’ll have to make a decision over which company can best fulfill your expectations. Here is how to find the right fence company for your project in Westchester County, NY.
Look Over Your Property
Along with the reasons you are looking into a new fence, you will also want to bring up any challenges that may be involved in its construction, such as rock outcroppings, trees, a significant slope, or evidence of existing erosion. Any reputable fence and railing company will ask you about this since these details could be helpful early on during the search, overall pricing determination, and decision-making process.
Expand Your Search
Online review sites are good places to start, but nothing beats seeing actual projects. Some fence companies advertise their work with a sign on completed fences, so that’s one way to find a reputable fencing company. You can also ask nearby homeowners if they remember who installed their fence, and you may want to reach out to other community members in Westchester County to see who they would recommend.
The photographs on a fence company’s website can also give you a strong indication of its quality of work. Are they affiliated with quality fencing products, such as those manufactured by ActiveYards? How long has the company been in business? Look for experience and access to quality materials.
Ask the Right Questions
Knowing what questions to ask will ensure that there are no miscommunications and that the bid for your new fence will be accurate. Questions can include:
Are permits needed, and if so, who will be in charge of obtaining them, and who will be on-site for the inspection?
Who will call the utility locator to determine the location of any underground utilities, if necessary?
Are there any zoning, setback, or easement issues?
How will a sloped fence be installed? Will it be stepped (a potential problem if the fence is intended to contain pets) or contoured?
If the property is sloped, will the fence height be consistent or varied?
Are gates and gate hardware part of the estimate? If not, what is the additional cost?
What is the timeline? Spring and summer are busy seasons for fence companies, so expect a potential wait period, and ask whether the project will be done at once or over the course of several days or weeks.
Proceed Carefully
You may want to get more than one estimate to get a good understanding of the range of costs and quality available. Pricing, however, should not rule your final decision—the company’s experience and customer service should also matter, and you should trust instincts, too. Efficiently run companies can keep their costs down, and it’s tough to beat a trustworthy referral from a neighbor. These are all important considerations. Remember to acquire any estimates in writing so that you can compare them at your leisure.