This is where we compile all the questions we have received over the years (well not all of them, but the most useful ones)
How Long will the fence project take:
Most jobs of residential size are done in 2 days with the exception being a very large yard which may take longer.
What are the payment terms?
Like most professional fence installers we require 50% deposit upon acceptance of our contract in order to secure your space on the install schedule and obtain materials. The remainder is due when the job is finished. We do take credit cards but there is a 3.5% processing fee and the entire contract amount is due prior to initiation if using a card because of delays in processing.
Is there a warranty?
Wood privacy fence has a 1-2 year installation warranty, not a materials warranty. This is often a point of confusion: the installation warranty covers HOW the fence is built; the "workmanship", including fasteners and adequate concrete, and covers you from the fence falling apart after we leave. Conversely, materials warranties cover the actual lumber, like cracks, warps, wanes, defects, etc. We do not provide a materials warranty because you never know what a particular board is going to do in the crazy Texas weather.
Metal fencing usually has a materials warranty from 10 years to lifetime in some instances, in addition to the installation warranty.
Other products we install may have different warranties of which we will inform the customers as applicable.
what about the dirt from the holes?
Dirt from the holes is spread along the new fence to soak into the ground. If this is not ideal because of landscaping or some other reason we can relocate the dirt to a low area on the property or, for an additional charge, haul away the dirt.
Do you pull out the old posts?
We pull out the corner, end and gate posts, but we do not generally pull out the line posts for a number of reasons. First of all we need to control our hole placement and size of hole. When pulling out old posts you never know the size of the hole that is going to be made, which then would need to be filled somehow. Also there is the additional cost of hauling off hundreds of pounds of old concrete.
Usually the old posts are so rotten they just break off below ground level, or we cut them off below ground level and cover them with dirt.
Why are the new fence pickets different colors?
Cedar pickets are wood cut from trees. Every tree is different, some produce light colored (almost yellow) pickets while other trees produce a more reddish color picket. Pickets come in stacks of 400+ and are not all from the same tree. There will be different color pickets mixed in throughout your fence, but don't worry, unless you stain them, they will all turn the same shade of grey in about a year.
Will my fence be level?
The fence will most likely not technically be level, but it will be straight. The reason for this is that most yards are not level, and the fence runs with the level of the ground. If the ground undulates, there could be small gaps under part of the fence and no gaps in other places because the top of the fence will run straight from one end to the other.
Do you match height of neighbor's fences?
Unless specifically requested, we do not match neighbor fencing. We don't know who built that fence or how long it will be there, and so your new fence will meet the specifications outlined in the contract. If the contract calls for a 6' tall fence, then the fence will be 6' tall (regardless of how tall the neighbor's fence is), likewise, if you want a 6'6" tall fence, you will get the full 6'6" tall fence and it may not meet up with neighbor fencing.
What about sprinklers?
Sprinklers and fence post digging are not friends. In our 20 years of business it never ceases to amaze how sprinkler companies install their lines up against old wood posts without a thought of the future. While that sprinkler system may never need to be replaced, a fence will, and we need room to do the work.
We have seen sprinkler lines that run next to the fence, directly under the fence, across the property line into a neighbor's yard, and worse. We have even seen the control valve mechanism installed directly beneath the fence on the property line.
When digging new post holes, it is necessary to have the line cleared of pipes, cables, lighting, hoses, etc. 4-6" on either side of the existing fence. If a sprinkler line (which we cannot see) lies closer than that to a fence line there is a chance it will be hit. We do carry pipe, joints and most parts necessary to repair small damages, and we will work to repair if we notice the damage, but we do not cover 3rd party repairs of broken sprinkler systems within the course of normal fence installation. If a professional sprinkler repair person is required we can direct you to a very affordable person who makes timely repairs.
Why do other companies not mention sprinklers?
It is our experience that those companies that do not have a policy about sprinklers are a "break and run" outfit. In other words, they will cut pipes and cover the up for you to find later and good luck chasing them down to come fix something. We are up front about our policy so there is no confusion and no surprises.
What about other underground lines?
As dictated by law we call 811 to come out and mark underground gas, power, phone and internet. That does not mean the locations indicated are accurate and that nothing will be hit, but if we call 811 you are covered against damage. If anything gets hit, you never get charged for repairs. Not calling 811 can impose hefty fines.
811 does not mark private gate lines (to bbq pits or pools), nor do they mark sewer lines or water lines.