Shop Carefully for Quality Fencing
Well installed, quality fencing can provide your property with beauty, privacy and security.

Unfortunately, low quality materials or poorly installed fencing will detract substantially from your home or business appearance and could even pose a potential liability problem.

How did you make the right decision as a consumer?
In order to plan your fence wisely, decided exactly what functions your fence should perform.  What are your priorities? Fences can provide security, safely contain children or pets, enclose pools or tennis courts, enhance and accent the landscape of your property, screen a less desirable view, reduce traffic noise, and provide privacy.  Ask your contractor for ideas and listen to his or her opinion.  No two fence installations are the same in dimension or land contour.  An experienced salesperson will be able to give advice on certain aspects that many homeowners overlook.

Installation: Where should your fence be located?
Property Lines: Will you need a survey?
Height: Will your fence provide the privacy and security that you desire? Will it contain your children or pets?
Gates: How many will you need? What size? Where should they be located?

Price should be your least concern in purchasing a fence.  It is important to think in terms of value rather than price.  Good fencing, properly installed will last for many years.  Quality pays in the long run.  A reputable fencing contractor will give you a detailed estimate in writing, specifying the materials to be used.
The best materials are only as good as the contractor who installs them.  The best choice is a company with a good track record, and American Fence Association member, and a company which can not only provide references, but direct you to jobs completed so that you can see an example of their work.  A reputable fence dealer is putting his/her reputation on the line each time a job is completed.  Select carefully and your fence will be one of the best investments you make for your home.
Be a smart shopper and ask questions.  Educate yourself before selecting a fence contractor.  Here are a few things to consider.

Who will be installing the fence?
Are they the company’s own employees or are they subcontractors?
How much fencing experience do they have?

Insurance
Ask to see current certificates of insurance for workman’s comp and liability (These protect you, the homeowner, should an employee be injured on the job)

Sales Tax
Does the price on the estimate include sales tax? (When comparing estimates make sure both are including tax so you don’t get a surprise when the final bill comes.)
Materials being used
Estimates for wood fence should include:
    Type of wood being used
    Size of Posts, Rails and Boards

Estimates for Chain Link should include:

    Gauge of Wire
    Size of Posts
    (Line posts and terminal posts)
    Thickness of Posts
    Is it Galvanized of Vinyl Coated?

Footings

    Are the posts set in concrete?
    If yes, is it Mixed Concrete or just dry?
    RediMix poured around the post
    What size are the footings?
    Depth? Diameter?

Utilities
    Gas, Electric, Phone, Cable, Sewer.
    Where are they located and will proposed
    fence conflict with them?

All these things are very important when considering the purchase of your new fence.  The most important point to remember is that you are the one who must be satisfied with the end result, now and in the years to come.  There is no acceptable alternative to installing quality materials with knowledgeable and experienced installers when you hard earned dollars are at stake.

American Fence Association

AFA-member contractors are experienced and knowledgeable in all segments of the fence business.  We are committed to a code of ethics and a standard of excellence that ensure quality workmanship.