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Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About Fences

Fences are essential for providing privacy and security and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your property. With so many options available, choosing the right fence and contractor can be daunting. At one of the top Sacramento fence companies, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide that will help you understand the various aspects of fence installation and make an informed decision.

Planning Stage

Absolutely! A state contractor’s license is crucial to ensure the quality of work and professionalism in fence installation. In California, a C-13 license is required for fence contractors. Using the Fence License Lookup, you can verify their license, bond, and insurance. Fantastic Fence is a fully licensed and insured fencing contractor with a C-13 license number 979657.

Hiring a licensed contractor helps you avoid financial risks and other problems associated with unlicensed operators. Unlicensed individuals may not have proper insurance or bonds, posing risks to your property and financial security. Always verify the contractor’s license before hiring them for your fence installation.

While some homeowners may attempt DIY fence installation, it’s often best to leave this job to the professionals. Hiring a reputable fence company or fence contractor ensures that your fence is installed correctly and efficiently, saving you time and hassle. Our team of experienced fencing contractors at Fantastic Fence has the knowledge and expertise to handle all aspects of the installation process, from planning and permits to construction and cleanup. With our professional installation services, you can trust that your fence will be built to last and meet all safety and quality standards.

Yes, Fantastic Fence is insured and bonded, meeting or exceeding all California state regulations for insurance. Our employees, vehicles, and work are all covered by our insurance policies.

Yes, Fantastic Fence offers free estimates for all projects. Give us a call at 916-790-7100 or fill out our online contact form. We need to assess each project individually to provide an accurate proposal, considering factors such as material, style, digging conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Fantastic Fence has been installing fences since 2012 in the Sacramento and Roseville areas. Our commitment to 5-star customer service has allowed us to grow into a team of over 40 professionals serving communities from Elk Grove to Auburn and El Dorado Hills to Davis. In 2020, we opened a second location in Sacramento, CA, to better serve fence repairs and replacements in Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, Folsom, and West Sacramento.

Fantastic Fence only employs W-2 employees, ensuring that our team consists of trained experts who successfully complete projects like yours daily. Companies with W-2 employees invest in continual training, providing a higher standard of work compared to subcontractors.

Yes, at Fantastic Fence, we specialize in providing custom fences tailored to our clients’ specific needs and preferences. Our skilled fence installers can work with you to design and build a custom fence that complements your property’s style and enhances its functionality. Whether you’re looking for a unique design, specialized materials, or custom features, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your custom fencing needs and let us create the perfect fence for your home or business.

Yes, our team of experienced fencing contractors is equipped to repair fences installed by other fencing contractors. Whether your fence needs minor repairs or a complete overhaul, we have the knowledge and skills to get the job done right. From fixing damaged panels and posts to addressing issues with gates and hardware, we’ll restore your fence to its original condition and ensure that it remains strong, secure, and beautiful for years to come. Contact Fantastic Fence for professional fence repair services you can trust.

In many cases, it’s not necessary to replace your entire fence if only certain sections are damaged or deteriorated. Our team at Fantastic Fence can assess the condition of your fence and recommend the most cost-effective solution, whether it’s repairing the existing fence or replacing specific sections. With our expertise and attention to detail, you can trust that your fence will be restored to its former glory and continue to provide security and beauty for your property. Contact us today for professional fence replacement services tailored to your needs.

Your fence installation will be scheduled based on a first-come-first-serve basis. Our design consultants will work with you to accommodate your needs as much as possible, considering project scope, materials availability, permits, current workload, and weather conditions.

Fantastic Fence marks the utility lines and calls in before arriving at your property. It is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of underground utilities such as electric power, gas, water, telecommunications, cable television, and internet. While we mark public utilities, the customer must inform us of any private utilities, such as wells, irrigation systems, drainage, pool electrical/gas lines, etc.

Yes! We provide financing options to help our customers budget for their new fences. This allows you to spread the cost of the fence project over months or years, making it easier to fit into your monthly budget.

Learn More About Our Fence Installation Financing »

A written contract is crucial for establishing a professional working relationship that protects you and the fencing company. It outlines the style, footage, and cost of each quoted section of the fence. Fantastic Fence always provides a written contract detailing materials, styles, footage, and costs.

Yes, if the fence is on a shared property line, both neighbors must sign off on the agreement, regardless of who pays. Communication with your neighbors is essential for a smooth project and allows us to address both parties’ questions or concerns.

We have a contract where neighbors can agree to be responsible for a specified amount of the fence project cost. During the project approval stage, both parties can designate their share and sign off to be invoiced separately.

While every fence project is unique, most backyard fence installations in the Sacramento and Placer areas average 1 to 3 days. We will provide you with a more precise timeline estimate before starting the project, taking into account footage, styles, and known soil conditions.

Fantastic Fence installs various fencing materials to cater to varying customer needs and budgets. We offer redwood, chain link, black ornamental iron, vinyl, and agricultural fencing.

When comparing fencing materials in terms of longevity, several factors come into play, including the material’s durability, resistance to environmental factors, and maintenance requirements. Here’s a breakdown of how different fencing materials stack up in terms of longevity:

  • Vinyl Fencing: Vinyl fencing is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to rot, decay, and pests. It’s highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions without deteriorating. Additionally, vinyl fencing requires minimal maintenance, making it a long-lasting option for homeowners.
  • Wrought Iron Fencing: Wrought iron fencing is renowned for its timeless beauty and longevity. It’s incredibly sturdy and can last for decades with proper maintenance. However, wrought iron fencing may require occasional repainting or rust treatment to maintain its appearance and prevent corrosion.
  • Wood Fencing: Wood fencing can be long-lasting if properly maintained. Redwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it an ideal choice for longevity. However, wood fencing may require regular staining or sealing to protect against moisture and UV damage. Without proper maintenance, wood fencing can be susceptible to rot and decay over time.
  • Aluminum Fencing: Aluminum fencing is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. It’s an excellent choice for longevity, as it requires minimal maintenance and can withstand harsh weather conditions. With its powder-coated finish, aluminum fencing maintains its appearance for years without fading or peeling.
  • Chain-Link Fencing: While chain-link fencing may not offer the same aesthetic appeal as other materials, it’s incredibly durable and long-lasting. Galvanized or vinyl-coated chain-link fencing is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for long-term use. With proper installation and maintenance, chain-link fencing can last for many years.

Fence regulations vary from place to place. While we are familiar with general fence regulations in Sacramento and Placer, California, your specific neighborhood and property may have additional restrictions. Zoning ordinances often regulate fence placement, size, and height. Although we will do our best to advise you based on our knowledge, the homeowner must ultimately confirm with their local planning jurisdiction and HOA.

The maximum fence height you may have may be subject to local regulations. Here are some quick links to planning departments and ordinances you can reference based on your city. For residential fences, no standard is set. However, there are common measurements fence companies go by. For instance, front yard fences are usually just around three feet tall. Meanwhile, backyard fences can be six to seven feet tall if local zoning regulations allow. The height of your fence would depend on what you would need it for. For privacy purposes, a height of six feet may be ideal to completely conceal your property.

Fantastic Fence does not charge for the removal and disposal of old fences. Therefore, there is no discount if you want to tear it out and dispose of it yourself. We are able to do this because, fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to cut down an old fence and put it on a flatbed truck. Through a partnership with wood and metal recyclers, we can unload your old materials and put them to new good use.

The simple answer is yes. Across the country, there is an excellent debate on whether it is better to set posts in dirt or packed gravel or to cement them in. Installing thousands of fences each year, Fantastic Fence has found that fences installed with a proper concrete footing stand the test of time. The concrete acts as a counterbalance to the swaying weight of the fence and protects the posts from decay and rot. We recommend installing fence posts using quality high-strength concrete with a compression strength of 4000 psi or greater, not standard fence post mix.

With wood, iron, or vinyl fences, posts are typically just under 8′ apart. These products come in dimensions of 8′ long. Some sections can be a little smaller or up to 10′. If there is an obstruction in the ground, we have to cross over, but nothing longer than 10′ is acceptable. The typical distance between posts is 10 feet for a chain-link fence or agricultural wire fence.

Conditional clauses are never good! Many fence contractors have clauses in their contract about additional fees that will be added onto the agreed-upon price if soil conditions at your home are more difficult than expected. This can be caused by things such as rock or clay, etc. At Fantastic Fence, our agreed price is the set price. There are no add-on costs if the ground is more challenging than expected. Since we have years of experience digging at thousands of homes per year, we have a professional expectation of what is to be expected in the ground. In areas where it is notoriously hard to dig, we consider this in our initial proposal, allowing us to lock the price and not have any “conditions.”

Prior to Installation Day

At Fantastic Fence, we will install your new fence where the old fence was originally located unless instructed by you to install the fence in a different location. We do not accept liability for survey disputes between property owners. If you have concerns about the location of your property line or fence, we recommend contacting a local survey company to locate, clearly mark, and establish the property lines.

During your initial site visit, discuss this with the estimator. They will also pay attention to any potential obstacles. We require 18-24 inches of clearance on both sides of the fence line prior to beginning the project. Direct access to the fence line is necessary for tear-out and installation. Removing anything attached to the fence and trimming bushes that limit access would be appreciated. Sometimes, we clear the fence line at an additional cost. The design consultant will inform you of any necessary actions during the estimate.

We kindly ask you to handle tree limbs and bush trimming before the fence installation. Though Fantastic Fence crews are experts in fence installation, they have limited knowledge of proper trimming and pruning practices. Excessive trimming required by Fantastic Fence may be subject to additional charges. Our teams appreciate you trimming back vegetation close to the fence, allowing them to work efficiently on building your beautiful new fence.

Please remove your valuables from the fence construction site before the project begins. During fence removal, we may unknowingly damage or dispose of these items. Fantastic Fence is not responsible for damage to items attached to the fence and will not reinstall items after the new fence is installed.

Typically, all corner, gate, and terminal posts will be dug up and reset in the exact same spot. It is standard practice and within the American Fence Association (AFA) industry guidelines to cut line posts below the grade and re-space the new posts. The design consultant usually determines the need for this process, which will be discussed with you since each job is unique.

After Installation

Fantastic Fence takes pride in its workmanship and offers a 1-year warranty on all materials and installation. Our skilled installers perform all projects, ensuring your fence repair or replacement is done correctly. Additionally, some products come with extended manufacturer warranties on materials, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.

Wood Fence Maintenance Tips

Wood fences require regular maintenance to extend their longevity and keep them looking their best. Here are some essential maintenance tips for your wood fence:

Check for loose nails and secure them back into place. If you find severely warped pickets, either re-secure them or replace the damaged ones individually. While an average amount of weathering is expected, watch for unusual issues.

Visually inspect the bottom of the posts for signs of rot. If you find extensive decay, you may need to replace the affected post to prevent further damage. Also, check for damage caused by weed eaters and minimize such damage in the future.

Ornamental Iron Fence Maintenance Tips

Ornamental iron fencing typically requires minimal maintenance. However, it’s essential to routinely inspect the fence for preventive maintenance. Here are some tips to help you maintain your ornamental iron fence:

Clean these with soap and water if you notice dirt buildup, pool/lawn chemical residue, mold, mildew, or debris from trees. Regular cleaning will help maintain the fence’s appearance and prevent damage.

If you find any chips or scratches, fix them to prevent rust. Sand or wire brush the area before applying a rust-inhibiting primer/paint exterior high gloss enamel.

Chain-link Fence Maintenance Tips

While chain-link fences are known for their durability and low maintenance, they may still require occasional upkeep to ensure optimal performance and appearance.

Routine maintenance tasks for chain-link fences may include inspecting for damage, cleaning with soap and water, and applying rust-resistant coatings as needed.

Vinyl Fence Cleaning Tips

Vinyl fences are low-maintenance but require occasional cleaning to keep them looking new. Here’s how to clean your vinyl fence:

Most dirt can be removed by washing the fence with a mild soap and water solution. Additionally, you may want to spray your fence with a garden hose to remove grass clippings, dirt, and fertilizer chemicals.

For minor stains, use a non-abrasive liquid cleaner. For heavier stains, use a non-toxic household cleaner. To remove significant stains, follow the manufacturer’s directions for one of these cleaning agents:

  • Simple Green® All Purpose Cleaner
  • Clean® Magic Eraser
  • Mineral Spirits
  • Trichloroethylene CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust) Cleaner
  • Vinegar
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Our combination of economical fencing with quality workmanship and excellent customer service cannot be matched. We have customers who previously chose less expensive contractors, only to ask us to fix the problems created by their inferior craftsmanship or service.

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Our combination of economical fencing with quality workmanship and excellent customer service cannot be matched. We have customers who previously chose less expensive contractors, only to ask us to fix the problems created by their inferior craftsmanship or service.

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