Nowadays, it seems like every jackleg with a truck and a hammer claims to be a professional fence contractor. So how can you safeguard your home or business and hire a reputable, qualified fence contractor who will do the job right?
Keep reading to learn five red flags to watch out for when hiring a Baton Rouge fence contractor.
1. Lack of License or Insurance
To operate legally, all businesses must obtain the proper licenses and insurance. A reputable fence contractor will have no problem providing proof of both. If they can’t or won’t produce these documents, that’s a huge red flag.
Although licensing requirements here in Louisiana are not as stringent as in some other states, hiring a contractor who has met the minimum requirements to do business is still important.
In addition, make sure they have adequate insurance to cover any damage they may cause to your property or injuries that may occur while they’re working on your fence, so you don’t end up getting stuck like this homeowner:
Convicted San Antonio Contractor, Carlos Elizondo, Owner Of Alamo Fence Company Accused Of Writing Bad Checks To Outraged Customers Again https://t.co/BTsZz73VIL
— Bob Garcia🔄 (@1reddragon696) November 18, 2020
Being licensed shows you’re a legitimate business.
Would you hire a doctor with no medical license? Probably not. The same logic applies to hiring a fence contractor. A licensed contractor has met the minimum qualifications set by the state to do business.
In Louisiana, contractors must pass an exam administered by the State Licensing Board for Contractors to obtain a license.
Additionally, licensed contractors must maintain their licenses by completing continuing education courses. This ensures they’re up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices.
Having insurance means that you’re protected in case of any accidents.
Accidents happen, even to the best contractors. That’s why it’s important to ensure your fence contractor has adequate coverage, including general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Woman impaled on gate reaches settlement: By Ryan Sabalow A Mountain Gate grandmother who sued a fence company a… http://bit.ly/iNfTsh
— Demetrius Alexander (@Meatt009) May 5, 2011
If they don’t have insurance and something goes wrong, you could be on the hook for any damages or injuries that occur. So, always ask to see proof of insurance before hiring a fence contractor.
2. No Online Presence
In today’s digital age, every business should have an online presence, even if it’s just a basic website and social media pages. If the fence contractor you’re considering hiring doesn’t have any online presence, that’s a cause for concern.
And we’re not talking about a Facebook page they created five years ago and haven’t touched since. We’re talking about an active website and social media presence with recent, relevant content.
This shows they’re keeping up with the times and investing in their business.
Why you shouldn’t trust a contractor with no online presence.
When a fence company has an active online presence, it shows that they’re serious about its business and willing to invest in marketing and branding. It also makes it easier for potential customers to find them and do their research before hiring.
Think about it. If a company doesn’t have an online presence that’s regularly updated with projects, photos, and testimonials, how do you know they’re reputable?
You don’t. So, it’s best to steer clear of these contractors.
3. Unprofessional
When trusting a fence contractor with the security of your home or business, you want to ensure they’re professional in their appearance and demeanor.
If they show up to your initial consultation dressed inappropriately or acting unprofessional, that’s a red flag. Or in an old beat-up truck that’s on its last leg.
It could be a sign that they don’t take their business seriously or don’t have the proper respect for their customers.
Either way, it’s not a good sign. And it’s definitely not someone you want working on your home.
4. Vague or No Contracts
A reputable fence contractor will always provide you with a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, materials to be used, timeline, and cost. If the contractor you’re considering hiring is vague about the details or doesn’t use contracts, that’s a major red flag.
If they show up looking all cracked out or don’t have a business card or any other sign that they’re legitimate, then you know they’re not someone you want to do business with!
By taking the time to do your research and vetting potential contractors, you can avoid these red flags and find a reputable professional to work on your fence.
5. They are fence builders, mechanics, furniture builders, and gardeners – all in one!
A contractor that is a “jack of all trades” is usually a master of none. When it comes to your fence, you want someone who specializes in fences and nothing else.
Fence building is a specialized trade with its own set of skills, tools, and techniques. So, you want to hire a contractor with experience in fence building.
Otherwise, you could end up with a subpar fence that didn’t meet your expectations.
Hiring a reputable, professional fence contractor is the best way to ensure you get the high-quality fence you want and deserve. Avoiding these red flags can increase your chances of finding a great contractor to work with.
Now that you know what not to look for, what should you look for when hiring a fence contractor? Here are some tips:
- Get referrals from friends, family, or neighbors who have had fences installed recently.
- Read online reviews and check out the contractor’s social media presence.
- Make sure they’re licensed and insured.
- Ask to see photos of previous work (for paying customers, not their at-home projects).
- Get a detailed contract outlining the work scope, materials to be used, timeline, and cost.
By following these tips, you can find a reputable fence contractor who will build you the fence of your dreams!
Are you looking for a quality fence contractor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana? Look no further than Primescape Fence and Stain.
We’re a family-owned and operated business with years of experience in the industry. We specialize in fences of all types and are committed to providing our clients with the highest-quality workmanship and customer service.
We’re also licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your project is in good hands. We offer a wide range of services, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, affordable fence contractor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, give us a call today or visit our services page to learn more about what we can do for you!
Or, if you need a quote for your fence project, use our instant online quote tool!
We’ll give you a free, no-obligation estimate for your fence project in minutes.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
(note, this is just an estimate. Unlike other fly-by-night companies, we will actually show up and give you a detailed proposal once we see the job site)
Get started today!
