Don’t Get Fenced In by Fraud: 5 Critical Red Flags When Hiring a Fence Contractor in Florida
Installing a new fence is a significant investment that can enhance your property’s security, privacy, and curb appeal. However, choosing the wrong contractor can turn this exciting home improvement project into a costly nightmare. Florida’s booming construction market attracts both reputable professionals and unscrupulous operators looking to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. By recognizing these five critical red flags, you can protect yourself from contractor scams and ensure your fencing project is completed to the highest standards.
1. Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance
One of the most serious red flags is contractors who are not properly licensed and insured, as you may incur extensive losses if you hire an unqualified person, and if they’re not insured, you will bear the cost of any damages. General contractors must meet very specific requirements to become properly licensed in Florida, and unlike HVAC and plumbing, fencing professionals do not need specialty licensing to become eligible to perform work in the state.
However, this doesn’t mean you should hire just anyone. Always verify that the contractor has a license from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation for the type of work you wish to have performed, and if the county has its own licensure requirements, verify any county license with the applicable construction licensing board. Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current, and you should also check to see if the contractor is bonded and verify with the bonding agency.
2. Demanding Full Payment Upfront
If a contractor demands payment upfront, that can be a potential red flag, as elderly homeowners, in particular, are often targeted by scam companies who ask for payment upfront and then never actually return to complete the job – this is the scam reported to local offices more than any other. Never pay the full amount of a repair up front and hesitate before providing large deposits, as Florida law requires a contractor to apply for a permit within 30 days and start work within 90 days if he collects more than 10 percent of the contract up front.
Most residential fence contractors do not require any type of deposit before the project and certainly will never ask for cash payments – if a contractor is requiring cash payments it is definitely a red flag. Reputable companies like Fence Contractor in Lake County, FL understand the importance of transparent payment processes and will never pressure you into upfront payments.
3. High-Pressure Sales Tactics and Door-to-Door Solicitation
Be wary of anyone who approaches you unsolicited or says they can perform home repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job, and consider it a warning sign if a contractor uses high pressure sales tactics, as a reputable contractor will recognize that you will need time to consider your options and needs.
A major red flag is any company who vehemently pressures you to move forward, sign on the dotted line, or make any kind of commitment you may not be ready to make, and a contractor should always be willing to answer any questions you have regarding the project with total honesty – if a contractor goes silent when you ask too many questions, it is a red flag.
4. Suspiciously Low Bids or “Too Good to Be True” Pricing
Be careful with a contractor that gives a significantly lower-than-average quote, as in most cases, these companies either have hidden costs or will likely produce substandard work – low costs can be enticing, but beware of contractors doing this to secure your contract, and if a quote feels too good to be true, it may be a red flag.
Quality materials and skilled craftsmanship come at a fair price. Whatever you do, do not select a fence company based on price alone, as there are many unlicensed and uninsured fence installers offering low ball prices and low quality materials and workmanship that will cost you a lot more in the short and long run. Companies like Mossy Oak Fence, which has been serving Central Florida since 1992, understand that transparent pricing with no hidden costs builds trust with customers.
5. Poor Communication and Unprofessional Behavior
If the contractor doesn’t provide references in a timely manner or photos of past work, this could be a sign the contractor is not being truthful with you, and if the contractor seems extremely distracted while discussing your project, such as taking multiple other phone calls or missing scheduled meetings, they may be too busy to actually do the job.
Customer service is the reason why a company gets more return clients and referrals, and a good professional fence installer should pick up calls, arrange meetings, arrive early or on time, complete projects on time, and respond to concerns after the installation. Communication is customer service, and an awesome customer experience requires amazing responsiveness and thoughtfulness on behalf of the fence company.
Choosing the Right Fence Contractor
When selecting a fence contractor in Florida, take time to research your options thoroughly. Research any business and its owners carefully before paying any money, ask friends, family members, and neighbors with fences you admire to recommend a fencing contractor, and get at least three estimates to compare fencing contractors.
Look for contractors with established reputations, proper licensing and insurance, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Companies that hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and are perennial recipients of awards like Angie’s List Super Service Award demonstrate their commitment to excellence. Mossy Oak Fence, for example, proudly serves the communities of Lake, Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, Osceola, Polk, Sumter, and Marion counties with top-quality fencing solutions and has built their reputation on making customer satisfaction their #1 priority, ensuring your fence purchase is an experience that you will enjoy long after their work is completed.
Remember, your home is a critical investment, and it’s important to be selective about who you choose to work on it. By avoiding these red flags and choosing a reputable, experienced contractor, you can ensure your fencing project enhances your property’s value and provides years of reliable service.