Finding the right contractor isn’t always easy! Even if a company sounds great online or on paper, that doesn’t necessarily make them qualified to install your fence.
If you’ve ever eaten at a 4.5 star restaurant only to be sorely disappointed or ordered a flashy product off Amazon to realize it was all hot air and hype, then you know that not all companies live up to their online personas.
Anyone can write an online review, but not every company has the right certifications and experience to back it up! When selecting a contractor to work on your property, you shouldn’t settle for anything short of the best. That’s why it’s essential that you cross-check their credentials.
5 Credentials That Actually Matter
If you’re going to seriously consider letting someone work on your property, you need to ensure that they have all the necessary qualifications to get the job done right! Below, we’ve highlighted five key credentials to help you find the best contractor for your project.
Better Business Bureau
A great way to see whether or not a contractor is as good as their word is to check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is a non-profit that provides people with helpful information about a business, like their complaint history and an A-F rating based on their business practices. Scores are based on the number of unresolved complaints filed against a company, the transparency of their business practices, government actions taken against them, and any advertising issues (like spamming or false marketing).
Bespoke Fence is a BBB-accredited business that maintains an A+ rating, which is the highest achievable rating.
American Fence Association
The American Fence Association champions the fencing industry through the education and certification of its members. Established in 1962, the AFA promotes the highest level of professionalism through advocacy, monthly publications, and by operating six schools dedicated to educating member companies on the latest tools and technology in fencing. With over 1,400 members across the US and 18 other countries, it is unquestionably the single largest resource for contractors in the fencing industry, and Bespoke is honored to be a member!
Bespoke’s membership to the AFA is part of our continued commitment to excellence. The AFA keeps us at the top of our game with educational material on trends, tools, materials, and more—so we can better serve you!
Insurance
Don’t let uninsured contractors work on your property! Should something go wrong, or the company proves incapable of delivering quality workmanship, you’ll be left footing a hefty bill.
Any reputable company should be able to point to a good insurance policy to show that they’re the real deal and not just some second-rate handyman moonlighting as a fencing expert.
Bonds
A bonded contractor has a surety bond, which guarantees they will meet all of their contractual obligations. If they fail to complete the work required, the bond provides financial compensation to their client. (It’s essentially a fancy way of saying that a contractor is willing to put their money where their mouth is.)
Bespoke is both bonded and insured.
General Contractor License
Lastly, but certainly not least important, is a general contractor’s license. In Chicago, a general contractor license is required for almost all types of construction—including fence installation!
Bespoke’s team of licensed contractors has the permits and experience necessary to get your fence installed right the first time.
About Bespoke Fence
Bespoke is Chicago’s #1 most trusted fence company! We craft all our fences in-house and install them according to your specific needs.