How to Get Bids From Fencing Contractors

When you arrange to have a new fence built, you should first solicit bids from reputable contractors.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Telephones
• Fence Posts
• Internet Access
• Carpenter
• Fencing Contractor
• Landscape Architect

1. Locate fencing contractors through references from trusted sources. Call the local carpenter's union to locate able carpenters with experience in decorative wooden fences.

2. Solicit multiple bids. There are legitimate reasons for big variations in price, but you'll want to choose the contractor who can do the work for the best price.

3. Check references. Make sure the contractors who are giving you bids are not scam artists. Even honest contractors can provide substandard service.

4. Provide the contractor with enough information for an accurate bid. For manufactured fencing systems, you'll simply need to locate the fence. For a custom-built fence, the contractor will require a design drawing that spells out the materials and construction techniques to be used. This drawing allows the contractor to determine how much material will be required and how much time it will take to build the fence - the basis of the estimate.

5. Give a talented carpenter some leeway in creating a special fence design. Provide a design sketch or give the location of a fence you want duplicated. A trustworthy and talented carpenter can undertake the work for a reasonable price and can handle the technical details of construction.

6. Prepare yourself for changes in price if your design intentions are not clear, and the fence then requires modifications after the work has begun.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider hiring a landscape architect to prepare accurate design drawings and deal with the bid solicitation process.