by Don Disner

Hiring a Contractor?
Lynn Hayworth, president of the American Fence Association, offers the following tips to homeowners considering hiring a contractor:
- Ask for product samples
- Get a written contract
- Request the contractor’s certificate of insurance
- Ask for local references
- Contact the Better Business Bureau to ensure reputability

Professional Installation vs. Do-It-Yourself
Do you want to hire a company to do the work or do you prefer to install your fence on your own? 
Professional Installation — Though a fence usually runs in a straight line on each side, keeping it straight during installation isn’t easy so you may wish to leave the job to the pros.  Also, areas to be fenced are rarely perfectly level.  They must be measured for ground slope, and the fence posts must be adjusted accordingly to keep the fence perfectly straight.  This takes experience.
Self-install — Most home improvement stores sell materials needed to build a fence, including chain link, wood, vinyl and ornamental aluminum materials. Some stores offer classes and services to help customers with projects.