The new year is coming, and replacing that old fence will be on the forefront of a homeowners to do list…   In most cases, homeowners will use their tax refunds to accomplish that goal.

We at Custom Fence Oviedo are encouraging you to do your homework.    Understand, with the recent hurricanes,  thousands of new fence companies have popped up across the Central Florida Area, most small.    What you may not know is the hurricane work is quickly dwindling, and hundreds of those fences companies are going out of business, so protect yourself.    How do we know? Well according to the Owner of Paramount Fencing, “We are dealing with multiple homeowners who had a previous fence company disappear with their deposits. ”   He further added, “We are assisting several customers who job sites where abandoned by a so-called fence company.”

Our best advice is to do your research and make sure you follow Custom Fence Oviedo’s seven-step approach, especially if you desire a wood, vinyl, or aluminum fence in Oviedo, Winter Springs, or Geneva Florida.

Seven Step Approach to Selecting A Fence Company.

1. Select a company that will actually show up to look at the scope of the project.
   1. Here is why:    If a company is not willing to show up and meet with you, you are just a number that justifies a means.  That’s right.  The fence company cares more about the exchange than the fact that you will stare at their lack of interest for 8 – 10 – 12 years.
2. Understand exactly what the company does.
   • Here is why:   With the hurricane, we have seen a lot of non-traditional fence companies trying to install fences.   From landscapers to bug control guys, and from handy-man services to two guys in a truck.  Understand, fence companies do not generally dabble in other industries.   The fencing world is very technical.  If you don’t understand the product or what is being installed,  disaster lurks.  Just ask the homeowner in Seminole Woods who paid their landscaping company to put in their fence, only to find out six months later they just poured 12K down the drain.
3. Understand the materials and building method being used.
   • Here is why:    The fencing world and manufactured products are very technical.   Don’t use the right parts, and disaster is lurking.  Just ask the Alafaya Woods homeowner whose T&G pickets won’t stay inside the pocket rail because the fence company did not follow manufacturer specifications, and used shorter pickets meant for another fencing system.  Now they are out 6k.
4. Make sure the fence company is an actual business.
   • Here is why: Too many times we see consumers skipping this step.   Then, when problems occur they have no recourse.   The best way to verify a company really exists is to visit Sunbiz.org.   Understand, all fence companies where forced to incorporate in 2004.  Use the link to search fence is active or inactive corporation:  Sunbiz.org.   You can look them up by company name or by owner’s name. Bottom line, if you do business with an inactive corporation, you have no recourse.
5. Make sure the company is going to follow all rules, laws and manufacturer specifications.
   • Here is why:  We are receiving a growing number of phone calls about fence companies not pulling, or pulling and not closing out permits.   Understand, any fence with the exception of field fence or chain link fence on agricultural properties must be permitted in Seminole County.  All residential zoned property need permits.
6. Listen to what the reviews state.
   • Here is why:  Reviews will generally provide you a snapshot of a companies character, but use trusted sources like the BBB, Angieslist, or Google.   Understand, not all review sites possess safeguards to prevent self-reporting.
7. Ask yourself a very important question.  Did the salesperson or company sell you, or educate you?
   • Here is Why:  It so easy for a consumer to be sold by a likable salesperson or someone that tells you what you want to hear.  That is why it is important to step back and ask yourself the following three questions:
     1. Was the product being used presented as a highlight reel, or full of helpful information?
     2. What information did they provide about the installation process and craftsmanship?
     3. Did they answer or provide information about the aesthetics, structures, and liabilities associated with the project?

Understand the seven steps are essential, a must follow.   It will assist you in avoiding common mistakes that result in the waste of those tax dollars.

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