What No One Ever Tells You

About The Materials Fencing Contractors Use

To Cut Corners And Quote You A Low Price!

 

What Most Fencing Contractors Don’t Want You To Know – Or Ask!

 

The Fencing Industry has a horrible reputation as one of the worst service sectors in America today.  You've seen the reports on Dateline and 60 Minutes that document the shady dealings and out and out fraud perpetuated against an unsuspecting and trusting public.

 

At ABC Fencing, we recognize these unfortunate facts and valid perceptions and have committed ourselves to putting an end to them - once and for all.  The purpose of this website is to provide you with the proper decision-making information so that, regardless who you buy your fence from, you can make an informed decision and know EXACTLY how to insure you get the best deal.

 

When it comes to installing a fence, you immediately run into several major concerns.  First and foremost is quality.  I know you’ve seen fences that were only 3 or 4 years old and already sagging and leaning – detracting from the looks of the property and lowering the resale value of the home.

 

A second concern is price.  This is what the 60 Minutes and Dateline segments feature.  They profile the unscrupulous contractors that require a 50% monetary deposit to start the job – then show up; tear down the fence; destroy the yard; and then leave – never to be heard from again. 

 

Another segment will feature a contractor that does complete the job and receives full payment.  The homeowner then discovers that the contractor refused to pay his subcontractors, and the subcontractors have attached a “lien” to the homeowners property.  It is now the responsibility of the homeowner to take legal action against the contractor.  This of course can take years and several thousand dollars to fight and win.  And even if they win, the contractor merely goes out of business, and opens back up the next year under a different name.  No – it’s not fair, it’s the law.

 

A third concern are the workers.  These people are in your yard and, in some cases, your home.  Who are they; where do they come from; has the company checked them out carefully to protect you and your family from possible theft or inappropriate behavior?

 

 

No One Should Allow A Fence Company Into Their Yard

Without Asking These 3 Basic Questions.

 

 

  1. Do You Use Pressure Treated Posts And Rails?

This question reveals the contractors committment regarding quality.  Pressure treatment makes the wood more resistant to weather, which makes the fence last longer.  The problem is that there are different levels of treatment – ranging from 0.2 retention to 0.6 retention.  If you don’t know to ask for it, chances are great that you’ll be sold a fence with the 0.2 retention.  If so, you’ll be lucky if your fence lasts 18 months, whereas a 0.6 retention fence that costs 5% more will last 15 – 20 years.  Which do you prefer? 

 

Ask your fencing contractor to state specifically the pressure treatment retention value of the wood he plans to use on your project.  Ask for verification of this figure – preferably on the bill of sale from the lumberyard where he purchases your material.  The longevity of your fence is at stake.  If your contractor agrees to use a higher retention value wood, ask if they will provide a minimum 5 year written guarantee for both the material and labor?

 

At ABC Fence, every fence we build is made from pressure treated lumber with a 0.6 retention value.  We also provide our customers with the actual purchase receipts that state the retention value of our lumber for verification purposes. 

 

 

  1. What Size Rails Do You Install?

Once you determine that your posts and rails have the proper pressure treatment, you’d better check the thickness of the rails.  Most contractors use 2 x 4’s as standard operating procedure instead of superior 4 x 4’s.  The difference in appearance and longevity is night and day.  2 x 4’s simply won’t withstand the high winds and frequent storms that pass through our area.  I’m sure you’ve seen fences that have warped or that lean to one side.  The structural integrity of that fence has been compromised.  4 X 4’s can help prevent this from happening to you.  The additional thickness will greatly reduce the threat of damage.

 

Always demand 4 x 4’s for your rails.  The increase in price is negligible, but the difference in strength and durability is unmatched, especially if you want your fence to last more than 5 years.

 

At ABC Fencing, the rails we install to support your new fence are ALL 4 x 4’s for extra strength and durability.  In our area, the high winds and frequent ice storms can literally tear a fence apart.  With 4 x 4 rails, your chances for damage is greatly minimized and the longevity of your fence will be triple or higher.

 

 

  1. Do You Have A Code Of Ethics Standard That Your Workers Have Signed?

A majority of contractors hire outside subcontractors to dig the holes and install the posts.  Many of these people come from labor pools or they are "Joe's 3rd cousin."  Who are these workers - and where do they come from?  Not even the contractors know!  Do you think they should?  These

These people have access to your yard, your home, and in many cases, your family.  With the horror stories you hear daily on the news – do you really want to take a chance on these people?

 

Ask your contractor for proof of references and background checks on their workers.  Make sure they have been checked out thoroughly.  Find out if they abide by, and have signed, a legally enforceable Code Of Conduct & Ethics Agreement .  This Agreement should state that the worker has agreed to follow certain, specific standards – and can be held LEGALLY accountable to them.  While this doesn’t guarantee compliance, it goes a long way toward minimizing these types of problems.  If the contractor doesn’t agree to provide you with this information – find another contractor.

 

At ABC Fencing, we require EVERY employee to undergo rigid background and drug screenings, to always be in uniform, call you on their cell phone upon arrival in your driveway, and present their certification card upon entering your home.  We also require them to sign and abide by a specific Code Of Conduct And Ethics Agreement that you can view on this website.  Your safety, and that of your family, is our Top Priority!

 

All of these areas can be viewed in more detail on this website.  Just click on Quality Control under the Need To Know section.

 

And if you decide NOT to use us:

At Least Let Us Help You Find An Honest,

Trustworthy & Competent Fencing Contractor!

 

Make Sure You Ask The 17 Questions That Will Protect

You And Your Possessions From An Unpleasant 

Experience When Installing A Fence!

 

Feel free to download the 17 Questions as well

as a copy of our FREE REPORT :

    "The Dirty Little Secrets Fencing Companies

Don't Want You To Know!"

 

If you would like additional information -

or to receive a FREE ESTIMATE:

call 555-555-5555