FAQs
What is the maximum height of a fence for my yard?
My neighbour does not want to pay for half of the fence?
Do I have to the right to put a fence on the property line?
Do I need a permit?
Does my property need to be surveyed?
Can you build a fence in the winter?
Who is responsible for the “Call Before You Dig”?
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Fencing Contractor in Burlington
The right fencing contractor in Burlington or Oakville can’t be found through quote comparisons alone. As it turns out, the cheapest bid often leads to the most expensive problems down the road. Specific questions are typically used by homeowners to evaluate professional contractors, revealing their experience, licensing, and approach to quality work. These questions will be welcomed by the best contractors as opportunities to demonstrate their expertise. What surprises many homeowners is how much these conversations can reveal about a contractor’s true capabilities.
Licensing, insurance, warranties, and previous work examples should be discussed when choosing a fencing contractor. Detailed written estimates are usually provided by reliable contractors, proper permits are maintained, and references from recent projects are offered; material options and installation timelines will also be explained clearly.
Fast Facts: • Minimum $2 million liability insurance must be carried by licensed contractors in Ontario • 2-5 days are typically needed for quality fence installations depending on property size • Both materials and workmanship should be covered by written warranties for at least 2 years • Fences over 6 feet need permits, though requirements vary by municipality • Detailed quotes are provided by reputable contractors within 7-10 business days
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Professionals are separated from weekend warriors by this question. Proper credentials and insurance coverage are carried by licensed contractors in Burlington and Oakville. Their business has been invested in, and industry standards are followed.
You’re protected by insurance if something goes wrong. Your property is put at risk by a contractor without coverage. Current certificates should be requested, not just verbal assurances. These documents are kept readily available by most legitimate contractors.
From what we’ve seen, lower prices are often quoted initially by unlicensed contractors. But permits can’t be pulled legally by them, and industry protections don’t cover their work. Problems are created later when warranty service is needed or your home needs to be sold.
Can You Provide Recent References?
Relationships with satisfied customers are maintained by quality contractors. Their work makes them proud, and references from recent projects in your area are shared happily.
At least three references should be contacted directly. Work quality, timeline adherence, and cleanup practices should be asked about. Testimonials from five years ago matter less than recent references.
References from the same neighborhood were provided by a contractor to a Burlington homeowner recently. The completed fences could actually be seen by her, and neighbors could be talked to about their experience. Confidence in the contractor’s abilities is built by that level of transparency.
What's Included in Your Written Estimate?
Misunderstandings and surprise costs are prevented by detailed estimates. Materials, labor, permits, and cleanup are broken down in writing by professional contractors. Change orders and budget overruns often result from vague estimates.
Line items between contractors should be compared, not just total prices. Post-installation cleanup might be included by one while extra charges are applied by another. Informed decisions are helped by understanding what’s covered.
Fence materials, post spacing, gate hardware, and installation methods should be specified by the estimate. Long-term durability and appearance depend on these details. Plus, both parties are protected by written estimates if questions arise during the project.
How Do You Handle Permits and Property Lines?
Local permit requirements and property line surveys are understood by experienced contractors. When permits are needed is known by them, and guidance through the application process can be provided.
Expensive headaches are created by property line disputes. Surveys for boundary fences are often recommended by professional contractors, especially in older neighborhoods where lines might be unclear.
Contractors who automatically include permit costs in their estimates have been seen by us in Oakville. Separately charged but all paperwork handled by others. Either approach works; however, what’s included and what’s your responsibility should be known upfront.
What Warranty Do You Offer?
Confidence in workmanship and materials is demonstrated by warranties. 2-5 year warranties covering both installation and material defects are typically offered by quality contractors.
Warranty terms should be read carefully. Only materials are covered by some, while labor for repairs is included by others. The true value of different contractors’ offers can be evaluated by understanding coverage.
Material warranties often come from manufacturers, but contractors provide installation warranties. Long-term satisfaction depends on both. Great materials might be used for a fence; poor installation techniques can cause failure though.
What Materials Do You Recommend for My Situation?
Your specific needs are assessed by knowledgeable contractors before materials are recommended. Soil conditions, climate exposure, maintenance preferences, and budget constraints are considered by them.
Different applications are suited by different fence materials. Privacy is provided well by vinyl, but high winds might not be handled. Security is provided by chain link, but privacy is limited. Versatility is offered by wood, but regular maintenance is required.
Pros and cons of each option are explained honestly by the best contractors. Expensive materials aren’t pushed unnecessarily by them, but quality isn’t compromised to win bids either. In a way, the best long-term value for property owners is often provided by custom-designed solutions.
How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Underground utilities, rocky soil, or property line complications can arise during installation. Protocols for handling these situations are maintained by professional contractors, and changes are communicated promptly.
Their process for change orders should be asked about. How quickly are you notified? How are additional costs calculated? Disputes are prevented and projects are kept on track by clear communication.
Bedrock was hit during post installation by a Hamilton contractor recently, as told to us. Instead of just switching to shorter posts, the homeowner was called immediately and options were explained. Trust is built and quality results are ensured by that kind of communication.
What's Your Cleanup Policy?
Thorough cleanup is included in professional installation. Old fencing materials, excess dirt, and construction debris should be removed by contractors. Your property should look better than when they started.
Cleanup is included in the base price by some contractors, while separate charges are applied by others. Either way, what to expect and when cleanup will be completed should be known.
Existing landscaping is also protected during installation by good contractors. Drop cloths are used, sprinkler lines are marked, and careful work around plants is done. Overall project satisfaction depends on these details.
When Can You Start and Finish?
Planning around the installation is helped by realistic timelines. Busy contractors might require longer lead times, but more reliable service is often provided than by those available immediately.
Outdoor projects are affected by weather, so contingency plans should be asked about. How are rain delays handled? What happens if materials arrive late? Flexibility is built into their schedules by professional contractors.
For homeowners and businesses in Burlington or Oakville, asking these questions upfront means choosing the right contractor. Detailed answers are provided by King Fence because informed customers make the best decisions, as believed by us. A consultation about your fencing project can be arranged by contacting us.
How long should a fence installation take?
Most residential fence projects are completed within 2-5 days. Weather conditions and soil type can affect timing. Larger commercial properties might take longer. That still surprises people.
What permits do I need for my fence?
Your municipality and fence height determine permit requirements. Different rules are followed by Burlington and Oakville for residential properties. Local building departments should be checked first.
Should the contractor handle permit applications?
Look, permits are often handled by experienced contractors as part of their service. Local requirements are known by them, and the process can be navigated faster than most homeowners manage.
How much should I expect to pay upfront?
Fair point about deposits. 10-25% down is typically requested by reputable contractors to secure materials. The full amount should never be paid before work begins.