A fence is a permanent addition to your property, and it can affect your property’s curb appeal, boundary lines, the safety of loved ones and pets, and in many cases, your property’s resale value. While finding someone to install a fence may seem simple, it’s important to hire someone with a proven track record and a professional approach.
Asking the right questions up front will help you feel confident that you’re choosing a contractor who is as committed to the final product as you are. Here are the questions every homeowner in Orange County, NY should ask, and what you should look for in an answer.
1. Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
Why it matters: If a worker is injured on your property or if something goes wrong during installation, it’s good to know that you’re protected. A contractor without proper insurance can leave the homeowner holding unexpected legal or financial liability.
What to look for: Look for a contractor who carries both liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and is able to provide documentation if required. Make sure that all employees are covered under their workers’ compensation policy so that anyone working on your property is covered in the case of an accident.
Kuperus Custom Fence carries both liability insurance and workers’ compensation. All employees are covered under our workers’ compensation policy. If you need proof of insurance to acquire a building permit, we can provide it.
2. Do you use subcontractors for installation?
Why it matters: Many contractors hand the job off to a subcontracted crew you’ve never met. That can mean inconsistent quality, lack of accountability when something goes wrong, and an installation crew with no connection to the company’s reputation or standards.
What to look for: Ask specifically whether the people doing the installation work directly for the company, and if they’re covered under the company’s insurance.
Kuperus Custom Fence does not use subcontractors. Every installation is handled by our own team because we’re fully committed to doing a great job every step of the way.
3. Will I be working with the same person throughout the process?
Why it matters: It can be frustrating to get an estimate from one person, place a deposit with someone in an office, and then have a crew show up that you’ve never spoken to. Inconsistent communication can lead to miscommunication, and mistakes on a fence installation can be expensive to fix.
What to look for: A primary point of contact who knows what’s going on with your project and who you are confident is communicating with the crew on your behalf. This person should also be reachable if something comes up after the job is done.
At Kuperus Custom Fence we take a personal approach to serving our customers. Nick handles estimates and stays involved throughout the entire process. Homeowners in Orange, Ulster, and Sussex Counties who’ve worked with us know they can reach out directly before, during, and after installation to speak to Nick about their project.
4. Do you offer a warranty on installation, and are there product warranties?
Why it matters: Fencing materials and installation methods vary significantly in quality. A contractor who stands behind their work will back it with a warranty. If they don’t offer a warranty, it’s fair to wonder why.
What to look for: Ask separately about installation warranties and product warranties. Materials are often backed by the manufacturer, while installation is the contractor’s responsibility.
Kuperus Custom Fence offers a warranty on our work, and product warranties are available for several of our vinyl fence and aluminum fence products. We suggest chatting about this during your estimate so you understand exactly what’s covered for your specific project.
5. What is your estimated lead time?
Why it matters: In the northeast, specifically in the counties we serve including Orange County, NY, Ulster County, NY, and Sussex County, NJ, spring and summer are peak seasons for fence installation. If you’re planning a project for May or June, don’t wait until April to call. Lead times can extend significantly during busy seasons, and you’ll want to find a contractor who is transparent with you about their timeline so you know what to expect.
What to look for: A transparent and honest answer about lead time. If someone is promising a quick turnaround, you might want to consider why that is.
Kuperus Custom Fence prioritizes giving lead times that are as accurate and transparent as possible. Spring and summer scheduling tends to have a longer wait time, but the sooner you call the sooner we can get your work scheduled.
6. What are your payment terms?
Why it matters: You need to know what you’re responsible for before you get started. Payment terms vary by contractor, but you might be wary of large up front deposits or unclear payment terms.
What to look for: A reasonable deposit followed by final payment upon completion is standard for reputable contractors.
Kuperus Custom Fence requires one-third of the total project cost as a down payment, with the remaining balance due upon completion.
7. Do you require a signed contract?
Why it matters: A signed contract protects both parties. It defines the scope of work, the materials being used, the timeline, and the payment terms. If your contractor isn’t putting things in writing, they might not be the most professional or trusted option.
What to look for: A clear contract that spells out exactly what’s being installed and for how much. Ask questions if anything is unclear before you sign.
Kuperus Custom Fence requires a signed agreement from both parties before work begins.
8. Do you hold a home improvement contractor’s license?
Why it matters: Licensing requirements vary by state and county. In New Jersey, a home improvement contractor license is required by law. In New York, requirements are set at the county level and differ across the state.
What to look for: A contractor who knows what licenses they are required to have, and who meets the standards in your town or state.
Kuperus Custom Fence serves homeowners in Orange and Ulster Counties in NY and Sussex County, NJ for wood fences, chain link fences, vinyl fences, aluminum fences and gate installations. We are appropriately licensed for all areas we serve, including a New Jersey home improvement contractor license.
Getting Started
A quality fence installation starts with a quality contractor. The questions above are meant to help a homeowner feel confident in the partner they’re choosing.
If you’re a homeowner in Warwick, Goshen, Middletown, Florida, Pine Bush, Montgomery, Wantage, Vernon, or the surrounding areas and you’re thinking about a fence project, we’d love to help. Take a look at our work and give us a call when you’re ready.
Kuperus Custom Fence serves Orange County, NY; Ulster County, NY; and Sussex County, NJ. Established 2003.
