Illinois Fence Installation - Things to Know
In Chicagoland Illinois we get turbulent weather year round, so the need for strong and secure fencing is a priority.
One of the things that people don't often think about is the need for the fence to be properly installed. Oftentimes when a homeowner is looking for a new fence, the only thing on their mind is PRICE.
Some questions that may run through your mind when searching for a local fence company will be:
- Who's got the lowest price?
- How quickly can they install?
- What company can install the best fence for the lowest possible price?
While these questions can be important, they shouldn't be at the top of your list.
The questions should be:
- What fence company will properly install my fence?
- How long will the fence last if this company installs it?
- Do they understand my needs?
Once these questions are answered you can be sure you are making the right decision to move forward with installation. Speed of install is one thing, but lowest price is another. According to Business.com, "The Iron Triangle is the general concept that you have three choices when making a product: Make it quickly, make it cheaply, or make it well." You can't pick all 3, but you can pick 2. Rarely can a company fulfill all 3 simultaneously because oftentimes corners are cut to achieve one or the other.
For instance, if you want it cheap, fence contractors will often cut corners on buying inferior fence materials from China at a fraction of the cost. Which will cost you in the long run with fading, cracking, and overall poor quality. They can build the fence well and fast, but if the materials are cheaply made, there's no overcoming that fact.
As an example, we focus on building our fences well and building them quickly, with the highest quality fence materials available on the market. To boot, we also focus on customer service as a support mechanism with constant communication and a white glove experience. So you will get 2 of the 3, minus the "make it cheaply" because we are never the cheapest. This rule applies to most everything you purchase in your life.
Fence Installation in Chicagoland
The need to have the fence properly installed goes beyond digging a hole and throwing the fence up. There are a ton of variables and questions to consider when looking for an Illinois Fence Contractor:
- Does the fence contractor go at least 3' deep down in the ground with each post?
- Will the fence contractor put concrete in each post hole?
- Will the fence contractor be respectful of my property while installing?
- Will the fence contractor go along the grade of the ground to which they are installing?
- Are they insured in case something happens?
- If I need adjustments made will they return my phone call and come out in a timely fashion?
While you might think this is overkill, its really not, especially when it comes to something you will be spending thousands of dollars on. If they don't go deep enough in the hole or use concrete, you may be paying for a new fence or constant repairs within a few years. If they don't install it to industry standards you may be very unhappy and want the fence replaced at your own expense.
As you know, the Chicagoland area gets a ton of inclement weather. We see it all from snow, frost, blizzards, ice storms, tornadoes, wind storms, derechos, high winds, torrential rain, and more! With those types of weather conditions, you need a stable and strong structure to withstand all of that.
If the fence is not built properly or cheap materials are used, the fence could blow down very easily. Also over a period of time with constant exposure to heavy moisture and overall weather conditions, improperly installed fences and/or inferior fence product will fail. This will cost you money in the long run, and it is best to be avoided altogether.
Short Cuts and Lowest Price
The old saying of "you get what you pay for" always holds true. Just because you got a low price, doesn't mean the quality comes along with that. Basically if you want the lowest price, you will NOT get the highest quality. This rule most often holds true. Rarely will you ever get a super low price and the highest of quality.
And when we refer to "quality" we just aren't referring to the actual fence installation. While the fence installation portion should be considered the most important, customer service and ability to work with the fence contractor can be equally important. if they don't return your phone calls, texts, or emails in a timely fashion (or at all), that can cause you unnecessary stress and anger. Is it worth it?
Crime Wave - Is Your Fence Secure?
Our crime has tripled in recent years, even in the suburbs. Northwest Suburban neighborhoods like that of Schaumburg, Roselle, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Hanover Park, Streamwood, and others are seeing car theft, break-ins, and other crimes occurring on a daily basis like never before. Do you have valuables that need to be protected by the new fence?
Not only valuables need to be protected, but the most valuable thing of all - your safety and that of your family. If you have a crappy fence installation, someone can easily push it over and come right in your yard. Or if you have the wrong locks or latches for your gates, burglars and thieves could get into your yard and potentially cause you and your family harm. Is it worth it?
Many fence contractors who come in at the lowest price cut corners such as:
- Not putting concrete in post holes
- Not digging holes deep enough
- Not putting ENOUGH concrete in post holes
- Using the wrong nails for the job
- Using cheap or inferior materials
Get a Fence to Last a Lifetime
A new fence installation should last upwards of 20 years, if not more. That comes down to the quality of materials, quality of installation, and if the fence contractor followed proper industry guidelines to build the fence. If not, these short cuts could cost you double, if not triple, the cost of ownership of your new fence not to mention repairs.
Pick a fence contractor that puts your family's safety first and handholds the entire fence installation process from beginning to end. We take our time on every project to ensure it will last for decades. Give us a call today at 630-349-4420 or contact us online today for a free estimate and in-person consultation to ensure your needs are met.
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