Before you install a fence, there’s essential considerations you need to make first. Planning a large scape fencing project goes well beyond the colour and material choice you desire – you’ll want to think like a professional contractor to understand exactly how they’re going to quote the job.

Budget is everything when it comes to any renovation project and large scale fencing projects are no different. Whilst the overall cost will ultimately be determined by factors like colour, materials and area size, you can meet even the strictest of budgets by obtaining the best possible fencing quote. But to do that you need to ask the right questions and provide the right information. Here’s how to put yourself in your fencing contractor’s shoes and get the ultimate quote for your project needs.

1. Provide Project Plans and Drawings

The more information you can provide your fencing contractor, the better your quote will be. Don’t assume they’ll read between the lines. Instead, offer any project drawings and plans you have and all the right measurements and layout of the area you want to fence. Most fencing companies will offer to come out and measure the space free of charge if they are quoting you for the job, but the more details you can provide them the better.

Not only will your fencing plans help to determine the most accurate quote for the construction project, but they will give the contractors a better fell for the project before asking you all the questions. This tends to make for a quicker turnaround time so is especially helpful if you’re on a short timeline.

2. Determine Whether You Want ‘Supply Only’ Fencing or Installation Included

Are you sitting on the fence about whether you want your fencing project to be DIY or not? Opting for ‘supply only’ fencing can cut back on costs significantly so for many handy people, this can be a wise option. Because fencing contractors buy their materials in bulk, they get them for a much lower process than you would be able to. These savings can be passed down to you as the customer for a DIY alternative.

Because the fencing company won’t have to compensate for travel and time on the job, this ‘supply only’ option can be super cost-effective. But erecting a fence isn’t as easy as you think – so before you finalise your decision it’s best to be sure it’s a DIY project you can tackle.

If you do decide you want installation included these costs will need to be worked into your fencing quote. Many fencing contractors charge by the hour with extremely varied prices, so it’s best to get them to come out and look at the job to measure everything up. This is normally done for free for them to quote the project accordingly. Make sure you compare at least 3 quotes from different fencing contractors to ensure you get the best possible price.

3. What’s Your Top Priority for the Fencing Project?

Everyone needs for erecting a fence are different. Maybe you want better privacy around your building or you want to keep intruders out. Perhaps you’re just boosting kerb appeal and security isn’t an issue or your new pool is needing some stylish attire. Whatever the reasons for the project, it’s imperative you determine your top priority.

Most people will say budget straight up whilst others will want a certain material choice or colour. When you give the fencing company your project plans, budget and desired timeline let them know your main priority. If they need to stick under an amount – they need to know, if a decorative fence is what you’re after – they’ll be able to make some design suggestions to complement your existing construction project and really give the project that ‘wow’ factor.

By understanding what a fencing company needs information wise, you’ll be on your way to getting the best possible quote for the project – faster, more cost-effectively and efficiently.

Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who writes for Fencemakers – Perth, Western Australia’s complete range of quality fencing and gates that can be installed by a professional fencing contractor or as a ‘supply only’. Catch Jayde on Google+.