A fence is a great addition to your garden or outdoor space and they provide many benefits, including increased security, added privacy and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re thinking about installing a fence for the first time, or if you have an old fence that’s seen better days, you’ll need to think about how the job can be done.
Even keen DIY enthusiasts might find the prospect of installing a fence a little daunting, especially if you have to remove the old fence first. Installing a fence is no small job and the process can be disruptive, messy and time consuming, so why not hire a professional fencing contractor?
Professional fence builders have all the skills and expertise required to install a fence with minimal disruption to your property. Many also offer services beyond the simple installation of the fence, so if you want to know what to expect when hiring fence contractors, see below for our handy guide.
How to choose a fencing contractor
It’s important to choose a high quality fencing contractor, especially if you’re looking to increase the security of your home or business. There are many things to think about when choosing a fencing contractor, so read on for some of the things to consider.
Do your research
Start by doing some basic research into local fencing contractors in your area. Have a read on their background, the services they offer and the fencing materials they use (especially if you’re looking for a particular material or style).
Consider the age of the company too; are they relatively new or have they been in the business for decades? A new company doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality work, but some customers might feel more comfortable choosing a contractor with years of experience.
Get several quotes
It’s a good idea to compare at least three quotes from different contractors before you make a decision. It might be tempting to go with the cheapest quote, but be wary of any quote that’s significantly lower than all the rest. This might mean that the materials aren’t as high quality, or the contractors have much less experience.
Read reviews
Reviews can give you a great insight into the quality of the work and the company’s overall methods. For example, were they reliable and on time? Did they clean up after themselves or was the work a bit messy and disorganised? It’s difficult to find a company with 100% five star reviews, but trust your instincts and look for a company with a large number of satisfied customers.
Accreditations and licences
The commercial fencing industry is regulated by the local authority and any reputable company should have the relevant licences needed to carry out fencing work. Domestic fence installations usually don’t require a licence, but if you’re organising a larger commercial project (e.g security fencing or gate installation) then specific licences may be necessary.
Don’t be afraid to ask to see licences and accreditations upfront to make sure your chosen company is qualified to do the work.
Ask for recommendations
Recommendations from friends and family can help you narrow your search and you may even be able to see examples of their fencing work first. Don’t be afraid to ask the neighbours too; if they’ve recently installed a great looking fence, pop over and ask who carried out the work.
Consider the services on offer
This might sound obvious, but it’s important to make sure that your chosen fencing contractor has the services you’re looking for. For example, some might only offer domestic fencing installations, or you might want iron fencing but they only supply timber.
Some fencing contractors offer installation only but many will provide the materials as part of the price. Some fencing contractors can even dismantle and remove an existing fence on your behalf for added convenience.
What services can a local fencing contractor provide?
Installing a fence is one of the most effective ways to improve the privacy, security and aesthetics of your property, but what other services are available? A fencing company can provide many services beyond simple fence installation, so see below to find out more.
Domestic fence installation
If you’re lucky enough to have your own outdoor space, you’ll want to enjoy it in comfort and privacy. Domestic fence installation ensures that you have the privacy you need and it also increases safety if you have children or pets. There are many different options to choose from and many companies offer standard or bespoke domestic fence installations.
You might want traditional solid timber panels, or a decorative trellis for climbing plants. Discuss your requirements with your local fencing contractor to make sure you’re completely satisfied before work begins.
Fencing removal
Some fencing companies offer fencing removal, as well as installation, for your convenience. Dismantling a fence can be messy and time consuming and you’ll need to factor in disposal of the old fence. A company like GroundForce can dismantle and remove any old fencing on your behalf, before getting straight to work on installing the new fence. This comprehensive service minimises disruption so you can enjoy your new fencing as soon as possible.
Commercial fencing
Many different organisations and industries rely on commercial fencing, from schools and offices, to outdoor attractions, parks and farms. Commercial fencing installations are often bespoke (depending on requirements) and they use materials including high quality timber, iron and chain link fencing. Commercial fencing contractors may also carry out remedial work on a subcontract basis.
Gate installation
Fencing contractors may also offer access solutions, such as garden gate or entrance gate installation. If you’re looking for a neat, cohesive look, it makes sense to choose the same contractor to install both your fencing and gates. It’s likely that they’ll use the same materials and the job can be conveniently completed in one go.
Gate installations can vary, from a simple wooden garden gate to high tech electronic gates. Again, make sure the fencing company can fulfil your requirements before you get started, or you may need a separate contractor to install your gates.
Landscaping services
Fencing contractors often offer additional landscaping services to transform your outdoor space. These might include groundworks, such as digger work, ground clearance, ground preparation and drainage. These services can ensure that your ground is as prepared as possible for the fencing installation and overall.
If you’re looking for landscaping services, plenty of fencing contractors are trained in these too. This includes hard landscaping (e.g decking, patios, concrete and retaining walls) and soft landscaping (e.g turfing, topsoil, planting and general garden maintenance). Always speak to your fencing contractor about your requirements so you can get an accurate quote – you never know, they might be able to take on more than you think!
Commercial and residential fencing installation from GroundForce
If you live in Devon and are looking for ‘fence installation near me’, get in touch with the experts at GroundForce. We’re proud to offer residential fencing installation using high quality, hard wearing treated timber. We can even include dismantling and removing an existing fence from your property in the price to make your life easier!
If you’re in need of commercial fencing and gates, we can provide that too. We’ve worked on a variety of new build sites in Devon and the Southwest, offering professional and economical timber fencing. We also specialise in fitting access solutions (such as garden and entrance gates) and storage solutions like garden sheds. Whatever your fencing needs, we’re a reliable fence contractor you can trust, so give us a call today or contact us online for a quote.