Alright, so you need a new fence for your property in Vallejo. Maybe your old fence is falling apart because of our Vallejo clay soil that loves to shift and heave. You are ready to hire someone for your fence project, but you do not want to get ripped off. You also do not want to end up with a shoddy job. We understand this completely. As Alpha Fencing Vallejo, we have seen our share of good work as well as bad work around here. Here is how you can protect yourself and make sure you are hiring a legitimate, skilled fence contractor for your Vallejo fencing needs.
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
Before anyone even gives you a number for your fence project, you need to ask some basic questions. This is not about grilling them. This is about making sure they are professionals for your fence installation in Vallejo.
- "Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?" This is not negotiable. In California, any fence job over $500, which includes materials and labor combined, requires a C-13 Fencing Contractor license. If they say no, or if they hesitate, you should not hire them. You want to see proof of their license as well as their general liability insurance. You also want to see proof of workers' compensation if they have employees.
- "How long have you been in business in Vallejo or the surrounding area?" Experience matters a lot. This is especially true with our local conditions here in Vallejo. Someone who knows how to deal with the expansive clay soil will do a better job. Someone who knows about the winds coming off the Carquinez Strait will also do a better job than someone who just rolled into town.
- "Can you provide references from recent jobs?" A good fence contractor will be happy to connect you with past clients. You should call those references. Ask if the job was completed on time as well as on budget. Ask them if they would hire the contractor again for their fence project.
- "Who will be doing the actual work? Your crew or subcontractors?" It is good to know who is going to be on your property. If they use subcontractors, ask about their vetting process.
- "Do you handle permits?" Most fence projects in Vallejo require a permit. This is especially true for fences over 6 feet tall. A reputable fence contractor will know this information. They will also handle the permit process for you. You do not want to be responsible for fines. You also do not want to have to tear down a new fence because it was not permitted.
What to Look for in a Quote
Once you have a few fence contractors who seem legitimate, you will get quotes. Do not just look at the bottom line. You need to compare apples to apples for your Vallejo fence installation.
- Detailed Breakdown: The quote should clearly list the materials. This includes the type of wood as well as the gauge of chain link. It also includes the specific vinyl product. The quote should also list labor costs as well as permit fees. In addition, it should list any other charges like old fence removal and disposal. "Miscellaneous" or "Other" charges should be minimal and explained.
- Scope of Work: The quote needs to describe exactly what they are doing. "Install 100 feet of redwood fence" is not enough information. It should specify post depth. We often go 24-36 inches deep here in Vallejo for stability in our clay soil. It should also specify concrete usage as well as gate hardware and the finish.
- Payment Schedule: A reasonable payment schedule usually involves an upfront deposit. This deposit is often for materials. It also includes progress payments as well as a final payment upon completion and your satisfaction. You should be wary of anyone asking for all the money upfront.
- Warranty: What kind of warranty do they offer on their work? What kind of warranty do they offer on the materials? Make sure it is in writing for your fence project in Vallejo.
- Start and End Dates: A good quote will include an estimated start date. It will also include a realistic completion timeframe.
Red Flags You Cannot Ignore
Some things should make you walk away from a contractor. There should be no questions asked about these red flags.
- Unsolicited Offers: Someone knocking on your door is a big red flag. This is especially true if they say they just finished a job down the street and have leftover materials.
- Cash-Only Deals: If they only want cash, that is a sign they are trying to avoid taxes. This is especially true for a large project. It also means they are trying to operate off the books. This also means there is no paper trail for you if something goes wrong.
- High-Pressure Sales: "Sign today or the price goes up!" is a high-pressure sales tactic. Good fence contractors do not need to strong-arm you. Take your time and get multiple bids for your fence installation in Vallejo.
- No Contract: Never agree to work without a written contract. This contract should detail everything we just talked about in the "quote" section.
- Extremely Low Bid: If one bid is drastically lower than the others, you should be suspicious. They might be cutting corners. They might also be using inferior materials. They could also plan to hit you with change orders later on.
How to Verify Legitimacy
You do not have to take their word for it. You can check these things yourself for your Vallejo fence project.
- Check their CSLB License: Go to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. You can search by license number as well as business name. You can also search by the contractor's name. This will tell you if their license is active. It will also tell you if they have any disciplinary actions. In addition, it will show if their bond and insurance are current. A C-13 license is what you are looking for.
- Verify Insurance: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance. Then, call the insurance company directly. This will confirm the policy is active. It will also confirm it covers general liability. It will also confirm it covers workers' compensation if that is applicable.
- Look for a Physical Address: A legitimate business will have a real, verifiable business address. They will not just have a P.O. box or a cell phone number.
- Online Reviews: Check Google as well as Yelp. Check other local review sites too. Look for a pattern of positive feedback. Also look for negative feedback. Do not just trust a few glowing reviews. Look at the overall picture of their fence work in Vallejo.
Doing your homework upfront might seem like a hassle. However, it will save you a lot of headaches as well as money down the road. A good fence is an investment for your Vallejo property. You want to make sure it is built right by the right people. That is how we operate at Alpha Fencing Vallejo. It is also what you should expect from anyone you hire for your fence installation.