What To Consider Before Hiring A Fencing Contractor In Northumberland
The moment has arrived to contemplate the replacement of your fence, a structure that has consumed the past few years in attempts to fortify it with supports, ties, and an abundance of additional nails and screws—all in a hopeful bid to stave off its inevitable end. Typically, the decisive blow is delivered by one of the many winter storms that frequent the North East Of England.
This article will provide a detailed guide on locating a reputable local fencing contractor in Northumberland, outlining the expectations from the initial quote to the completion of your new fence.
What To Expect From A Fencing Contractor In The North East Of England
Finding a reputable contractor can be very stressful with the hope that they are reliable and you are going to receive the final product you have paid for. Below are some things you should consider before hiring someone.
Public Liability Insurance
One crucial inquiry to make during your initial phone call with a fencing contractor is to confirm whether the fencing contractor you have contacted carry Public Liability Insurance. This aspect holds paramount importance, especially considering the nature of the work that involves digging two-foot-deep post holes around your property. There exists a substantial risk of potential damage to essential services such as water, electrical, and gas lines that supply your property.
While it's not a legal requirement for companies to possess public liability insurance, it is a prudent step to inquire about it. This consideration becomes particularly significant as the costs incurred by the contractor for the repair and excavation of utilities can amount to tens of thousands of pounds. Making this inquiry early on helps ensure that you are covered and protected from potential financial liabilities and disruptions caused by accidental damages during the fencing installation process.
Punctuality
Assessing the punctuality of a fencing company can often be determined by the promptness of their response to your inquiry. While companies may experience high demand and busy periods, a general expectation is to receive a reply within one or two days. Any delay beyond this timeframe may raise doubts about their responsiveness.
Ability To Explain In Detail About Your Fence Design & Options
A reputable fencing contractor will typically offer an initial consultation to discuss your needs, preferences, and the specific requirements of the project. This may include factors such as the type of fence, materials, design, and budget.
Questions You Should Ask The Fencing Contractor About Your Garden Fence
During the quotation process for your fencing project, it is crucial to inquire about the fence you'll be receiving. This serves as a valuable gauge of the fencing contractor's knowledge and experience. Prior to initiating the quotation process, conducting some research on fencing terminology and national standards of fencing. This will provide you with a head start and enhance your ability to assess the contractor. Here are some questions you may consider asking to gauge their expertise.
What Size Fence Posts Would You Recommend?
You have the freedom to determine the size of the fence post. If you're on a budget when your fence decides to retire from its duties, you might consider more economical and thinner options, such as a 3x4-inch wooden post. However, it's important to note that this smaller size post will likely have a lifespan that is one-third shorter, primarily due to the faster degradation of the post base, compared to a national standard 4x4-inch wooden post.
At Terra Firma Ground Care we recommend opting for a thicker fence post, despite the initial higher cost and will be a more cost-effective choice in the long run. Thicker posts generally provide better durability and longevity, which means they are less prone to damage or deterioration over time. This can result in lower maintenance and replacement costs in the future.
What Diameter Should My Fence Rails Be?
Just like with posts, the dimensions of your fence rails significantly impact the ultimate quality of your completed fence. The thinner rail typically measures around 32mm x 87mm, with slight variations depending on the source sawmill. While opting for this thinner rail may be the most cost-effective choice, it could potentially affect the overall quality of the finished fence.
Over time, the thinner rails may be susceptible to bowing under the pressure exerted by connected boards, leading to premature failure compared to choosing a sturdier rail. Additionally, with the rail thickness limited to 32mm, it restricts the use of our company's standard 50mm nails or screws for attaching boards. Instead, we are compelled to use 40mm nails or screws, impacting the overall strength of the fence.
Opting for a middle ground national standard 38mm x 87mm rail will address the concern of potential bowing in the fence and enable the use of longer nails and screws, thereby enhancing the overall strength and integrity of the fence.
How Many Bags Of Postfix/Postcrete Do I Need Per Fence Post?
Over the years as technology has advanced leading to many fencing contractors using postfix or postcrete which is a fast setting concrete in 20 kilogram bags designed specifically for setting fence posts.
Through experience, Terra firma Ground Care would always recommend using two 20kg bags of postcrete per fence post on a 5-6 foot high fence especially due to our location in the North of England where we are prone to high winds. At the end of the day your fence is only as strong as it’s foundation so this is probably the most important question to ask.
By inquiring about the quantity of Postcrete/concrete used in the quoting process, you can gauge whether the fencing contractor prioritises the quality and strength of the fence you'll receive.
Conclusion
Even if you've already determined the style and design you desire for your new garden fence, it's advisable to pose questions similar to the examples mentioned. This ensures that the fencing contractor possesses the necessary expertise, providing you with peace of mind when the work begins.
Not asking questions and letting the fencing contractor make all the decisions can be risky because their standards might not match what you want. It's important to ask questions to make sure the final result meets your expectations. Being clear in communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures the fencing project turns out the way you want it.
How A Quote Should Be Presented For Your New Garden Fence
Once you've identified a fencing contractor who meets all the criteria, including having insurance, being punctual, and possessing a strong understanding of the fencing industry, it's time to request a quote.
One of my pet hates especially in the building industry is to receive a quote through text or email which basically just quotes a price to do the job. I personally find it frustrating when receiving quotes that only provide a price without detailed information about the scope of the work. It's essential to have a clear understanding of what you're paying for, just like when purchasing a product such as a TV or Car.
A proper written quote should always be itemised so you know exactly what you are receiving like post, rails, boards, bags of postcrete and a description of the work that will be carried out and what timescale it will take. This also shows that the fencing contractor has taken time to do your quote in detail instead of just throwing a number at you.
A comprehensive quote demonstrates professionalism but also ensures clarity and transparency between you and the contractor.
Fencing Checklist For Your New Installed Fence
Once your new garden fence is completed it is always good practice to check that it is up to standard.
Only once you are satisfied with the results of the inspection and any necessary adjustments have been made should you proceed to pay the final invoice. This ensures that you receive the quality of work you expected for your new fence.
Below are some recommended checks you should carry out on your fence.
Post Installation:
After 3 days giving the concrete post foundation to set confirm that the posts are properly anchored with concrete or another suitable foundation material.
Ensure that the tops of the posts have not been cut to size, as this exposes them to the elements and accelerates the risk of rot. Pressure treatment typically only penetrates about an inch into the wood, so any cuts at the top compromise the treated area.
Alignment and Leveling:
Ensure that the fence is level and straight. Use a spirit level to check both horizontally and vertically.
Check that the posts are set securely in the ground and are not leaning.
Fastenings:
Inspect all screws, nails, or other fastenings to make sure they are tight and secure.
Check to see that no nails or screws are sticking out on the opposite side of your fence. This should of been a priority of the fencing contractor but for peace of mind its always worth a check especially if you have neighbors with small children.
Gate Functionality:
If your fence includes a gate, test its functionality. Ensure it opens and closes smoothly without any dragging or sticking.
Check the latch and locking mechanism to ensure they are secure.
Clean Up and Disposal
A new fence is normally accompanied by flower beds or borders and will naturally be stood on during the installation process. At Terra Firma Ground Care we always landscape any borders that have been damaged as part of any fencing service and this should always be done out of respect and courtesy.
Any hard lumps of clay, rocks left in your border should be removed and disposed of.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in a new garden fence is a significant financial commitment that greatly influences the overall aesthetics of your property. The purchase of a substandard product can not only be costly but also negatively impact the visual appeal of your outdoor space.
Hopefully this article has provided valuable insights to alleviate any concerns, ensuring that your investment results in a high-quality fence. With careful consideration and informed decisions on choosing a fencing contractor, you can enjoy and take pride in your outdoor area for years to come.