RFH Construction Consultants, Inc.
Restoring Florida Homes
813-260-0046
CGC-1510334
Quality Fences Tampa
Tampa has trusted us to install fencing for
their properties for the past 25 years!
Call us Today! 813-260-0046
Purchasing a fence in Tampa can be confusing, face it, you don't buy a fence very often, but when you do, you want your fence to last a long time and look great for years to come. Most people are unaware of the many variables that go into the building and installation of a fence. The less you know usually means you will pay more for an inferior fence that may not even last five years! Protect yourself up front by understanding what is important, what to demand, and what to avoid at all costs, when it comes to buying a fence for your home.
This list of frequently asked questions was put together to help you in the discovery phase of your fencing needs. We have assembled a wide variety of styles, materials and colors located in the sidebars to help with your vision
Q: What do I need to know to make a smart fence buying decision?
A: Although there is a lot to know about what contributes to making a smart decision in purchasing a fence, it really comes down to quality and variety of materials; construction & installation techniques; competitive pricing; and the experience of the contractor to ensure that you get the fencing in Tampa that is right for you at the right price.
Q: How do you know if a fencing contractor has the proper experience?
A: A good contractor will spend enough time with you before you make your decision answering any questions you have, making you aware of the many options that exist, and also helping you determine exactly what you want in a fence, so that you wind up with the product that is best for you. The contractor should also have a good working knowledge of the neighborhood or subdivision where you live and that he is aware of all building codes. Even be familiar with the soil density and rock content of the Tampa area to help anticipate any possible needs his crews will have when installing your fence.
Q: How do I know what fencing product is best for my home or business?
A: A fence will play many roles, and there are different styles that meet different needs. Some styles of fencing provide greater levels of security than others. Other fence styles provide more privacy. Still other fencing will fit better with some types of houses than others. A good fence builder will be able to offer any style of fencing you might desire, be able to completely and concisely answer any questions you have and be able to install the fence with his own trained and experienced crews.
Q: How long should it take to install a fence for my home or business?
A: It depends on the size of the fence job, but most fencing projects can be installed in one to three days. There is no reason to have to wait days or weeks between when the posts are installed, and when the rails, gates and the rest of the project is completed. This is the sign of an over-extended contractor. Avoid at all cost Tampa contractors that drag out the installation process for more than three days. A fence installation should always be completed without gaps.
Q: What do I need to know to look for in a quality fence?
A: A quality fence is made up of the finest materials, combined with a installation process that leaves you with fencing that is straight, level, sturdy, and one that will stand up to the test of time and give you at least 15 to 20 years of service and peace of mind. The better the fencing materials and installation techniques used, the longer it will last.
Q: How can I tell if the fence contractor is using the proper materials?
A: It can be hard to tell sometimes, because you ask for specifics from your fence Tampa contractor, you will most likely be given a bunch of general statements and platitudes that really don't tell you anything. A competent contractor should want to share specifics about the materials he is using, and why they are the best available. For example, if you were considering a wood fence, you would want to know that your fencing would be constructed of a premium grade Red Cedar. Premium Grade Red Cedar is the best wood material to use for a fence because it grows slower making it stronger, has fewer knots, the fence pickets will actually be knot free (clear pickets), which will give your fence a greater look and it will last longer.
Q: What do I need to know about the installation process?
A: The installation process can impact your satisfaction with your new fencing long after the install is forgotten. How deep are the fence posts sunk in the ground? If they are not at least three feet below the surface, your fencing is much more likely to wobble and go out of line before it should. How does the fence Tampa builder ensure that every run is level and true? We use a system called the Bi-lateral Alignment process that runs a double line high and low on opposite sides of the fence posts that makes it impossible to be set improperly, ensuring that the fence run is straight and level every time!
Q: What is the biggest problem I need to watch out for with wood fencing?
A: The gates on most wood fences sag and stick within 90 days of the installation.That's why most contractors will only warranty their gates for 90 days from the installation of the fence. We warranty ours for 7 years! We can do this because we build our gates different. We build the gate with a mitered picture frame construction with two diagonal supports, hand nailed to prevent splitting and cracking. Did we mention we warranty them for 7 years?
Q: What do I need to know if I'm getting vinyl fencing for my home?
A: If you decide on a vinyl fence for your home, you want to make sure that the fencing Tampa company only uses virgin vinyl under the outer shell, not recycled. That the manufacturer uses a mono extrusion process.That the contractor uses six-foot sections instead of eight-foot sections, which will sag over time. The fence company should only use top quality vinyl, so that the exterior profile looks like wood, not plastic. There is a lot more to know about buying a vinyl fence, but these are some basic points that any fence contractor should cover up front, if he doesn't, or has different answers, find a different fence builder.
Q: How about an aluminum fence for my home or business?
A: All aluminum is the same, but what happens to it when it is manufactured into a fencing product makes all the difference in the world. We use an advanced powder coating system that allows us to produce a high quality, long lasting finish. All components are extruded from 6005-T5 alloys, with a minimum ultimate strength of 35,000 psi. What this means is your fence will stand up to anything mother nature or the neighborhood kids throw at it, supported by our lifetime warranty covering defects in workmanship & materials as well as chipping of the finish, for life!
Q: How do I know what a fence should cost?
A: It will vary by the type of fencing you order, but the cost of a fence will usually be dependent on a combination of time and materials and this can vary significantly from one company to another. An experienced fence Tampa contractor should be able to explain exactly what goes into a fence, if you have questions why one wood fence cost more than another. The least expensive fencing is usually cheap for a reason.
Q: Does ownership structure of the fencing company effect the cost of a fence?
A: It can, the ownership structure of any company can effect the cost of the product or service it sells based on the overhead and profit requirements in place. If there are shareholders or multiple partners of the fencing company in place, they likely need to see a greater return on each fence job than a sole proprietor or family owned fence Tampa company does.
Q: How do I know the fence crew will be there when they say they will?
A: This is where references of the fencing contractor can be a big help. Your fence builder should be able to provide references that can attest to the professionalism of the fencing crew that did the work and also give you firsthand information regarding the details. If the fence installation requires more than one day, the fencing crew should be there at the same time each day, no exceptions. If the crew cannot make it due to extreme weather or any other circumstances, you should be contacted at the time they would normally get started to be advised of this.
Q: How long is a typical fencing crew workday?
A: It varies by fence crew and fence Tampa company. The best crews like what they do and get a sense of accomplishment by completing the fence jobs by working a little longer if necessary to complete the fencing.The best companies encourage them to do just that, rather than leaving the yard until the following day for a couple hours to finish everything up.
Q: When the crew leaves, will the job be 100% complete?
A: Any professional fence contractor will have a procedure in place, that the fencing crew goes through before leaving the job.This should include the job foreman and at least one fence crew member walking the entire job site inspecting the workmanship and the post job clean up, ensuring everything has been completed according to the initial plan and intent.The final action should be a meeting with the homeowner to answer any questions, provide maintenance suggestions and demonstrate any components like gates or removable panels.The final invoice should only be presented when the homeowner is totally satisfied with their job .
Q: What if I don't know exactly where to put the fencing for my home?
A: If you do not have clearly defined lot lines for your home, a good fence Tampa contractor will arrange to have a survey done for you to determine exactly where your lot ends and your neighbor's begins. If you have questions about where the fencing should be placed in the context of your home and yard, an experienced fence builder will be able to give you guidance, backed by several examples of similar projects you can drive by to see for yourself how it would look in your yard.
Q: I've seen the same types of fencing products at Home Depot for a lot less. How can they sell fence material so cheap?
A: The products sold at the big box building supply stores are not nearly the same quality you are getting from a reputable fence contractor. In addition, all installations of those products, if you do not do it yourself, are subbed out to contractors who may or may not even be in the fence business. For anyone who wants a quality fence Tampa job that will last more than five years, this is probably not a good option.
Q: Will my yard be all torn up after the fence installation is complete?
A: When the job is complete, your yard should look the same as it did before the job started, except you now have a nice new fence around it. The only evidence that there was a fence construction project at all will be the dirt that was displaced when the post holes were dug. The dirt should be raked up neatly into piles along the perimeter of the property, unless there is a specific location that was designated for it at the start of the job. There should be no ruts in the yard or any other sign that a fencing installation crew was there. When installed properly, the new fence should appear to have magically grown out of the landscape.
Q: What else do I need to be aware of before starting my fencing project for my home?
A: Don't forget about your neighbors, even if one of the main reasons to have your fence installed is to keep them out. Installing a new fence is a disruption, and communicating in advance what to expect is a basic courtesy. Look for a fencing Tampa contractor that understands this and is willing to help you prepare them for what to expect. If your neighbors are informed up front of what to expect, when the fence installation will take place and when it will be completed, they are much less likely to have a problem with your fencing project.
Restoring Florida Homes
Fence Installation Review
I would like to thank Robert Hoskinson and his crew for the excellent job putting my privacy fence up in my backyard.
Written by: Peter J.
Fence Installation
Date published: 11/06/2012
5 / 5 stars
Please include address in comment box:
Please include address in comment box:
