My Project: 2 Gates, Side Fencing, Board on Board 6 Feet, Metal Posts Upgrade, Con Heart Picket…read moreUpgrade
I believe this company can build a great wood fence with wood posts. They work efficiently and their pricing is competitive. I didn't even mind that they ate a persimmon from my tree without asking!
However, I cannot recommend them for wood fences with metal posts.
1. Insufficient Attention to Metal Post Protection
Metal posts are an investment intended to provide long-term durability. The installation did not demonstrate the level of care I expected.
A. Inadequate corrosion prevention - The exposed metal edges required appropriate zinc-rich protection to help prevent corrosion since they cut the pre-galvanized, powder-coated posts in the field. This was discussed and agreed upon beforehand, but the crew did not arrive with zinc spray.
I supplied my own can, but the crew did not follow the manufacturer's application instructions. They cut the tops, bottoms, and even both ends of the posts. I understand that fieldwork involves practical time constraints, but protecting exposed metal edges from moisture-related corrosion is particularly important.
B. Poorly cut post ends - Cuts were uneven, preventing the post caps from sitting flush against the metal posts and leaving visible gaps exposed to the elements.
C. Exposed screw hole - The crew made a screw entry hole but subsequently removed the screw, leaving the hole exposed. Ideally, they should have left the screw in place, or even better, use another post since this was their error.
D. Incomplete treatment and early signs of rust - 13/15 posts were untreated with zinc and show signs of rust three days after installation. Hopefully, bottom cuts were treated.
2. Communication and Project Coordination
Once the contract was signed, communication was slow for a fast-paced project. Responses often took more than two days.
Lack of confirmation: I agreed to an October 29 installation date but never received confirmation that the crew would be arriving. I reached out to verify the appointment. They never responded to my October 23 question about how to prepare the area, leaving me to guess what to do beforehand.
I ultimately decided against the staining upgrade because my questions about it went unanswered.
Last-minute timeline changes: The estimated duration changed from two to one day without prior notification. As a result, I had to communicate my technical concerns the morning of construction rather than discussing and addressing them beforehand. Contractor should consider communicating important project milestones, such as installation date and 811 utility marking, so customers know what to expect.
3. Workmanship and Contract Verification
A. Workmansip Example - The crew cut a hole in the pressure-treated lumber for my underground sump pump PVC pipe without first verifying the pipe's actual position.
The pipe had shifted, so they cut the hole in the wrong location. They cut a second hole and covered the original mistake with a board.
B. The contractor did not add the 3 inches of gravel specified in the contract. When asked, the contractor pointed to the gravel on the truck.
I later reviewed my pictures and videos to verify that gravel was never installed. If something is specified in the contract, it should either be completed or discussed with the customer before being omitted.
The Pros
1. Fast quoting: They sent an estimator quickly, and the quote was detailed and highly competitive compared with the 4-5 other estimates.
2. Quick scheduling: I was scheduled within two weeks of signing.
3. Efficient execution: The crew arrived promptly, completed the project in one day, and did an adequate job cleaning up.
4. Accommodating: They used wet-mixed concrete at my request, addressed my concerns about cantilevering with a three-post design, and constructed a kickboard style board on board gate. (They advised there would be no concerns with sag when asked.)
A few things prospective customers may want to consider:
1. Aesthetics: Don't expect flush screws or nails or flawless lumber. There will be minor scuffs, imperfections, and small missing chunks of wood. Be aware that nicks to powder-coated metal posts may require touch-up work.
2. Concrete and cleanup: Requesting wet-mixed concrete does not mean the crew won't pour additional dry concrete into the hole and mix it further. Post-hole dirt / debris are not included in their debris removal. If you care where they dump it, then let them know.
3. Utilities: The crew will use your outdoor water connection, so consider disconnecting it beforehand if you have concerns.
4. Point of contact: Direct your questions and concerns to the person who provided your estimate. I raised concerns with an employee in person, but my feedback did not appear to make its way back to my estimator.
I will update if they reach out or any changes occur.
