• Can they do the job? If you are not sure, ask to see jobs they have previously done that are similar to yours. It is important to ask for similar jobs because quite often the larger companies will have their most experienced crews working on commercial or industrial projects and reserve the least experienced crews for residential jobs.

• Will they look after my interests? This question is harder to answer if you have not worked with the contractor previously. The best sources for this information are previous customers. You can find previous customers by asking the fence contractor for referrals. Or you can look for the contractor's signs on fences. Most of the larger companies will place their logo or a sign on a fence they build. When you find a sign, knock on the property owner's door and ask them about their experience with the fence contractor.

Once you have identified a couple of trustworthy contractors, then you should shop for price. However, do not base your decision solely on price because the general rule is that you get what you pay for. We recommend that you try to figure competence and integrity into the equation when selecting a fence contractor. This strategy may ultimately save you money in the long run and help delay your hair from turning prematurely gray. Return to the Fence Buyer's University.