Are you ready to get into the thick of things when it comes to installing your own fence? Perhaps you’re not confident in your abilities and you’re considering hiring a professional fencing contractor.
Besides the instant gratification of having a brand-new fence among your friends and neighbours, fencing keeps your property’s perimeter secure. However, the actual installation isn’t for everyone, with many DIYers being left with a crooked and inadequate fence after many days of hard work.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of hiring a professional fencing contractor to install your fence.
Professional Fencing Installation Pros: High-quality Work
A professional fence installation service is just that: professional. And as such, you can expect a high-quality job at the end of it all. A contractor will precisely measure and cut each piece, as well as ensure that all joints are secure. They also ensure your fence is capable of withstanding general wear and tear in the years to come.
Besides the installation itself, a professional fencing installer can guide you on material and fencing choice. For example, if privacy is your concern, they may recommend a wooden fence. Or, if you’re on a limited budget, you may be recommended a chain link fence.
All fence types serve different functions and need to be designed differently. If you’re unsure how to go about these, a contractor will know exactly what is needed.
Cons: Cost
The biggest downside to hiring a professional is the cost of it all.
The average hourly cost to pay a fencing installer can range from $35 to $70, or $7 to $12 per linear foot. Now the average time to install a fence on a 100 to 200-foot yard takes two-four days. So depending on your yard’s size and the job’s complexity, you could be looking at a few thousand dollars.
Although a fencing installation may appear like a big up-front cost, it’s worthwhile for a properly installed fence. Contrast this to DIY and the risks of a fence becoming loose and needing repairs down the line. A poorly constructed fence can also decrease property value as it helps set the tone for the neighbourhood.
Pro: A well-constructed Fence Can Improve Your Exterior’s Aesthetic
Fences come in all sizes, shapes and colours, from retaining walls with jagged edges to picket fences and more. Depending on your landscaping needs, a professional fencing installation can help you pick a fencing design and material to enhance functionality and appearance. For example, if you live in a rural area, you may want to consider a wire mesh fence to keep animals on the property.
However, it doesn’t matter on the fencing design if it’s not properly installed. Professionals are trained to install fences with a level of care that DIYers may not be able to match. It’s all too common for homeowners to make mistakes when building a fence on their own, and a contractor will minimise these errors.
Con: You Work Around their Schedule and Space
If you’ve ever had professional contractors in your home, you know you work around their schedule. Professional fencing contractors are no different, and they must work around the homeowner’s timeframe.
In addition to this, you’ll also need to let them do their job. This means staying out of their way and providing the necessary space for them to work.
DIY, in contrast, lets you work at your own pace and in your own space. There’s no need to work around anyone else, and you can tinker until the desired outcome is achieved. This freedom is something that DIYers cherish.
Pros: You Get a Work Warranty
When you go the DIY route or even hire someone who isn’t licensed, you’ll have no recourse if the job isn’t up to snuff. But professional fencing installers often provide a work warranty or satisfaction guarantee, ensuring you’re left with a beautifully constructed fence.
If your fence is full of defects, i.e., the boards are improperly secured, then you can ask for a warranty to cover the cost of repair or replacement. This means your contractor will return to your property to fix any issues and make sure the job is done properly.
In contrast, a DIY neighbour you paid, will be under no obligation to come back and repair your fence. They haven’t licensed professionals, and any money you paid them is likely gone.
Cons: It’s Less Gratifying to Watch Someone Else Work
One of the greatest joys of DYing is watching a project evolve from start to finish and seeing your own work pay off. It’s gratifying and puts a feather in the cap of any homeowner.
But when you hire a professional, that gratification isn’t there. You watch someone show up at your door, work their magic, and leave. The satisfaction of completing the job yourself is missing, leaving you with a fence that’s built by someone else.
If you find immense joy in tackling home improvement projects and viewing the final results for yourself, then a professional fencing installation probably isn’t for you. It might be best to really get into the nitty gritty and do it yourself. Of course, you’ll need to consider the necessary tools, supplies and expertise before you move ahead.
Summing Things Up
When it comes to a professional fencing installation, there are pros and cons. The pros the following:
- A picture-perfect installation that will last for the test of time.
- A professional finish results in a beautiful fence that boosts property value.
- You’re provided a work warranty if there are any mistakes or defects.
The cons include:
- It’s less satisfying to watch someone else work on your project.
- You have to give way to a professional while they perform the job.
- The cost of hiring a professional can be more expensive than DYing.
Overall, it’s generally favourable to go with a professional fencing installation. It’s always better to fork out a few thousand dollars then botch a DIY job and spend even more money to fix it. Moreover, professionals are trained and licensed to do the job right the first time. No matter which route you take, be sure to do your research and read contractor reviews thoroughly before plunging into the project.
