Alright, you've decided it's time for a new fence or you need some repairs done. That's great! But before you just call the first number you see on a truck, let's talk about how to pick the right contractor. I've been in this business a long time, and I've seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. You don't want to end up with the ugly, trust me.
What to Ask Potential Contractors
When you're talking to someone, don't be shy. This is your property and your money. You're hiring them to do a job, so you need to feel confident they can do it right. Here are some questions I'd hit them with:
- How long have you been in business? This isn't just about age, it's about experience. Someone who's been around for a while probably knows the local soil conditions – like that hardpan clay we get around here in some of the older neighborhoods – and how to deal with them.
- Can you provide references? And don't just take their word for it. Call those references. Ask about the quality of work, if they stuck to the timeline, and if there were any unexpected costs.
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your work and materials? A good contractor stands behind their product and installation. If they don't offer much of a warranty, that's a red flag right there.
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? This is non-negotiable. If they say no to any of these, show them the door. I'll get into why this is so important in a bit.
- Who will be doing the actual work? Your crew or subcontractors? Sometimes a company will sub out the work. That's not always a deal-breaker, but you need to know who's going to be on your property.
- How do you handle unforeseen issues? Things happen. You hit a sprinkler line, find an old stump, whatever. A good contractor has a plan for how they'll communicate and resolve these things without nickel-and-diming you.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
You'll get a few quotes, and they might look totally different. Don't just compare the bottom line. You need to understand what you're actually paying for. Here's what a good quote should include:
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly state what they're building, what materials they're using (e.g., specific type of wood, gauge of chain link, post size), and what's included (like old fence removal, gate hardware, post-hole digging).
- Material Costs vs. Labor Costs: Some quotes break this down, some don't. If it's all lumped together, ask for clarification. You want to see if the material choices make sense for the price.
- Payment Schedule: How much upfront? When are the progress payments due? What's the final payment? A reputable contractor won't ask for 100% upfront.
- Start and Completion Dates: These should be clearly stated, even if they're estimates.
- Permit Responsibility: Who is responsible for pulling any necessary permits from the city or county? In Moses Lake, for most residential fences, you might not need a permit unless it's over a certain height or in a specific zone, but it's good to know who handles it if one is required.
- Cleanup Plan: How will they leave your yard when they're done? You don't want to be picking up scraps of wood and concrete.
At Moses Lake Fencing, we make sure our quotes are as clear as possible so there are no surprises.
Watch Out for These Red Flags
Some things should make you hit the brakes immediately:
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: "This price is only good today!" or "We're doing a special in your neighborhood, sign now!" Run. A good contractor will give you time to think.
- Cash-Only Deals: This is a huge red flag. It often means they're trying to avoid taxes, and if they're cutting corners there, where else are they cutting corners?
- No Written Contract: Never, ever agree to work without a detailed, written contract. Your quote should lead to a contract.
- Requests for Full Payment Upfront: A reasonable down payment (25-50% for materials) is normal, but paying everything before any work starts is a massive risk.
- Unprofessional Behavior: If they're late for the estimate, don't return calls, or seem disorganized, that's probably how they'll operate on your job too.
Verifying Legitimacy: Do Your Homework
You've got a few names, you've asked your questions. Now, how do you make sure they're actually legit? This is crucial for your protection.
- Check Their License: In Washington State, contractors need to be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Go to their website (LNI.wa.gov) and use their "Verify a Contractor" tool. You can look up their registration number, check their bond, and see if they have any violations or claims against them. If they're not listed, they're not legal. Period.
- Confirm Insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance directly from their insurance company, not just a copy from the contractor. This proves they have liability insurance (in case they damage your property) and workers' compensation (so you're not liable if one of their crew gets hurt on your job).
- Read Reviews: Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or even local community groups on social media. Look for patterns, not just one-off complaints.
- Look for a Physical Address: A legitimate business usually has a physical address, not just a P.O. Box.
Taking these steps might seem like a lot of work, but it's your best defense against a bad experience. You want a quality fence that lasts, and that starts with hiring the right people for the job.