Pros And Cons Of Hiring A Professional Fencing Service
A beautiful fence can dramatically improve the look and security of your home. It can also be a daunting task to take on as a DIY project, requiring specialized tools, materials, and expertise – which many of us don’t have!
While hiring a professional fencing service like the Viking Fence may seem like the next logical step, there are scenarios where DIY would be better. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a professional fencing service so you can better decide on which course of action is right for you.
Let’s start!
Pro – They’ll Precisely Install Your Fence
Notice how I said the word ‘precisely’?
Whether it’d be cutting steel posts to spec or digging deep enough to insert your posts, fencing is a game of precision. DIY enthusiasts, while eager, usually lack this precision when installing their own fences. This results in a fence that may lean to one side and overall look subpar.
A professional fence installer, meanwhile, will install your fence precisely and correctly. Professional fencing services are knowledgeable about the latest in fencing technology and know how to assemble your fence according to industry standards. They also possess tools and supplies i.e saws and drills to do the job more efficiently, saving you time and money from having to buy additional materials.
Con – Be Prepared To High Upfront Cost
Unfortunately, the biggest and most obvious drawback of hiring any professional is the cost. Professional services aren’t cheap, setting you back thousands of dollars as they generally charge between $35 to $70 per hour. This can be especially true if you need a more complex or specialized type of fence for your property, which takes longer to install.
Also, some professional services may require additional fees for design or customization services, which can add to the total cost.
In addition to high upfront costs, there may be other hidden costs associated with hiring a professional fencing service. For example, they may need to rent equipment and materials from third-party companies which could increase their quote. As such, always ask your contractor about any potential extra charges that may arise during installation so you don’t get hit with unexpected fees later on in the process.
Pro – They Will Provide A Work Warranty
Any reputable fencing contract will provide a warranty on their work, ensuring you still get a perfectly built fence if defects are found. A work warranty basically states that the work must be done to certain industry standards, free of defects, and conforming with the initial design. If not, they will provide free labor to repair these issues.
A work warranty also provides peace of mind knowing that someone reputable stands behind their workmanship, protecting your investment and helping guarantee success. While it may cost more upfront, the long-term value of having a high-quality fence professionally installed often outweighs any initial expense.
Con – You’ll Never Learn If You Hire A Professional
One overlooked disadvantage is that you won’t get the same satisfaction from watching them do the work as you would if you DIY. DIY projects can be fun and rewarding, but with a professional service, you don’t have the same level of control or involvement. You’ll have no say in anything, letting the experts do their thing – a sad scenario for any DIY enthusiast.
Remember that completing a home improvement project goes beyond simply feeling good about yourself. It gives you the confidence to tackle new jobs, as you’re fully capable of acquiring the skills necessary to do them. When outsourcing the work, you won’t learn any new skills which could prove invaluable in your next DIY job.
Pro – They Can Provide Advice On Materials, Heights, And Styles
A professional provides advice on materials, heights, and styles that would best suit your needs. They are knowledgeable in the construction and installation process and can offer helpful tips on how to make your fence look great while still being secure and durable. In addition, they also have access to more specialized equipment which you may not have the ability or resources to acquire yourself.
Let’s say, for example, that you own a farm where your cattle love to try and escape. A flimsy picket fence, in this scenario, may not be a good enough deterrent to prevent cattle from breaking through and leaving. Professional installers will probably recommend a barbed wire fence or a woven-wire steel mesh fence instead as they’re better at holding cattle.
Con – You Have To Work Around Their Schedule
When a fencing installer arrives on site to perform their job, they’re all business. They go in, install your fence, and are gone before you know it. However, sometimes a job can last several days, and during that time you’ll have to work around them. This essentially means you’ll have to stay out of their way while the job is ongoing – no outdoor barbeques or drinking parties!
Furthermore, having someone unfamiliar roaming in their garden is very uncomfortable. While professionals try to minimize disruption in your home, you’re still going to have to get used to them being there. If you’re not used to contractors being in your home, this can be a fairly tedious or overwhelming process.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional fencing service before making a decision. On one hand, they can provide expertise and experience that you may not have, as well as take care of any maintenance or repairs. On the other hand, you may have to adjust your schedule to accommodate their availability, and it could end up costing more than doing the work yourself.
Before committing to a professional fencing service, always weigh up your options and most importantly, be honest with yourself. If you believe you’re capable of installing a fence single-handedly, by all means do so. However, if you can’t tell the difference between a hammer and a nail, you’re best off hiring a professional.
At the end of the day, whether or not you choose to hire a professional fencing service is completely up to you. Consider all aspects carefully and do what’s right for both your budget and timeline.
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