Once you’ve decided to install a new fence on your property, the next step is to get a quote. What information do you need in order to make the quote process simple?
You’ve decided to invest in some new fencing for your property, or perhaps you are looking to replace some old fencing. You need it installed soon, and you need it to fit your budget. What information do you need to get before you begin making calls and sending out requests for quotes from fencing companies?
Type of Fence
The first thing you need to know is what type of fence you want on your property. There are three main types of fence, based on manufacturing materials.
The first type of fence is wood. This is a traditional fence material. It is medium weight, reasonably durable, and can be cut simply or carved elegantly. Most outdoor fences crafted n simpler fashions. The difference between them is whether you are looking for a picket fence, with set posts and horizontal pieces attached to the posts, or if you want wooden panels running vertically to keep everything out. Fences can be made of Redwood, Ceder, or Cypress if you can afford these more expensive hardwoods or Spruce as a softwood. If you are searching for the least costly wood type, you can get pressure-treated wood.
The second type of fence is metal. The most common types of metal are wrought iron, steel, and aluminum. Wrought iron and steel are very durable and also quite heavy. Aluminum is less durable, but it is lighter and less expensive. It is also easier to craft into a variety of shapes and sizes. Metal fences are the best for securing areas, keeping insiders inside and all others out.
The last type of fence is polymer fences. These include PVC pipe fences and vinyl fences. These vary in price but are easy to craft in a wide variety of styles — often created to look like wood or metal fences themselves. These are less secure than hardwood or metal fences, but they can be made to look more secure, especially from a distance, than they actually are, so they still act as a deterrent.
Fence Height and Length
The second major factor in determining your fencing estimate is the fence height and length. Most fencing companies have standard heights (often 8 feet and 6 feet) as well as standard lengths for fence panels. The number they will be using to give you an estimate is the number of posts and panels. If you opt for heights outside of their standard options, you can expect to pay significantly more.
Length is easier to calculate. The easiest way to gather length information is to run a string around your perimeter, or above your current fence if you have one. The measurement of that string should be the exact length measurement you need.
Type and Number of Gates
The last piece of information you need to get an accurate quote is the type and number of gates you want in your fence. Gates can be open, latching, or locking. They also offer multiple kinds of locking from simple padlocks to magnetic locks that are operated with a special type of key. You are welcome to purchase and install your own locks as well, but many gates can be fitted with one when your fence is manufactured.
Function
Perhaps the most crucial piece of information you need when contacting your fencing company for a quote is the function or purpose you desire your fence to fulfill. Are you looking for a fence that will keep others from entering your property? Do you need a fence to keep pets on your property? Are you simply trying to raise the attractiveness and property value of your home or business? All of these are very legitimate reasons for purchasing a fence, and there are many more. Sharing this purpose with your fencing provider will help them make sure that you are asking about the type and dimensions of fence that will truly suit your needs.
One of the most significant benefits of having this information around before you contact your local fence supplier is that you may be able to figure out ballpark estimates just by looking at some prices on their websites. Provided you are going with standard height options, you can take their paneling price and divide your total fence length need by their panel length to get the number of panels you can expect to purchase. That will probably be your most significant cost. You can add in the cost of gates and any accessories you plan on purchasing. Add those up, and it should get you close to what the fence supplier will quote you.
Getting a new fence on a set budget is not an enormous chore, but it requires getting your information gathered together and organized ahead of time. If you can do your part in getting your info first, you will be wiser in making your fencing inquiries, and you may even find a way to get an additional discount in the process of negotiating prices.