Once you’ve decided to partner with Thrive Fencing, we’ll send you a written agreement (contract). This document outlines key terms and conditions, as well as the critical Scope of Work. While our attorney might recommend a lengthy 30+ page contract, we’ve streamlined it to under three pages, with a few important attachments. It’s always a good idea to fully understand what you’re signing.
What to Expect When Partnering with Thrive Fencing
1. Verify Your Information
The first step is to check that your name, address, and contact information are correct. This ensures we show up at the right location when it’s time to install your fence and can reach you with any updates or changes.
2. Scope of Work
The contract will detail the Scope of Work, which briefly outlines the project. This includes the fence style, material, height, and estimated linear footage. It will also specify the number of gates included in the price. Keep in mind, if the final fence length or gate quantity changes, the overall cost may be adjusted accordingly.
3. Pricing
Next is the pricing section. The base price covers everything listed in the Scope of Work. Additional unit-based costs may also be outlined here, such as fees for hand-digging near utility lines, dirt removal, fence demolition, or clearing obstructions.
4. Terms and Conditions
Many people overlook the Terms and Conditions, but they include essential information.
- Deposits: To secure your project on our schedule, we require a deposit. This is refundable minus any preparation costs if you choose to cancel the project.
- Utility Locates: Before starting any job, we contact 811 “One Call” to locate city and utility company-owned lines, including internet, gas, electric, water, and sewer lines. However, they won’t locate private lines like irrigation systems or electrical lines run by homeowners. If these lines are unmarked, there’s a risk they could be damaged during installation, so it’s best to have them identified by your irrigation company.
- Property Pins: It’s crucial to identify your property boundaries before we begin building the fence. If you’re unsure, we can help locate the pins with a metal detector or engage a surveyor. Installing a fence beyond your property line could lead to legal issues with neighbors or municipalities, and you don’t want to pay to have it relocated. Check out our YouTube video for more details on finding your fence location.
- Homeowners Association Approval: If you have a homeowners association (HOA), make sure to obtain any necessary approvals in writing.
5. Construction Details
- Hole Preparation: We tamp down the bottom of each hole to reduce the chances of footings shifting, which could cause your fence posts to misalign. In newer neighborhoods, soil settlement is common, especially on sloped properties, due to how the land was graded during development.
- Payment: Once your fence is completed, payment is due. While we’ve never had to reclaim our materials, we reserve the right to do so in the event of non-payment.
6. Avoiding Property Line Disputes
We’ve encountered situations where fences had to be moved because the homeowner wasn’t sure of their property lines. To avoid this, it’s best to hire a surveyor if you’re unable to find the property pins. Surveyors have the tools and expertise to accurately determine your property boundaries.
7. Non-Payment and Mechanic’s Liens
In the event of non-payment, we have the right to place a mechanic’s lien on your property. To do so, we must first file a Notice of Commencement, which triggers a postcard to be sent to your address. This doesn’t mean a lien has been filed but provides us the legal option if needed.
8. Fence Drawing
At the end of the contract, you’ll find a drawing of your fence. Review this carefully to ensure it aligns with what was discussed and agreed upon, as it will guide the construction and material orders.
9. Checklist
Finally, the attached checklist covers key decisions that need to be made before the project begins. Some of these items are included in the contract, while others are not. Completing the checklist helps avoid surprises when we start work on your fence.
By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth fencing project from start to finish with Thrive Fencing.
Enhance your property's security and aesthetic with Thrive Fencing!
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