Fence FAQs


Because fences tend to last a long time, many customers that we work with have not shopped for a fence in many years if its not their first fence project. We have tried to answer a lot of the commonly asked questions below. We hope that you can use this to better education yourself about fences and fence contractors. The fence buyer's guide below of the information will allow you to be a more informed buyer.

PLANNING STAGE

DO YOU OFFER FREE ESTIMATES?

Yes, Superior Fence Construction and Repair Inc gives estimates for all projects at no extra cost.  Give us a call at (832) 262-1913 or you can fill out our online estimate request.  Proper estimation will be beneficial for our potential customers and neighbors. We need to see every project to give a proper proposal as we take many factors into consideration. Some of those items include, type of material, style of fence, digging conditions, and any other unforeseen items we need to take into consideration so we can give you a proper proposal for your fence repair or replacement.

HOW LONG HAS LONE STAR PRIDE BEEN INSTALLING FENCES?

Lone Star Pride Fence Co began installing fences for the Baytown are in the Spring of 2017.   LSP’s journey to being the area’s best fence company may have begun in 2017 but some members of our team have been in the fencing business for nearly two decades. 

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULING PROCESS?

 

Generally, all installs are scheduled for execution in chronological order. During the planning phase of your project the salesman working with you should be able to provide you with an estimate on the lead time as of that moment. Once you have paid the deposit you spot in the schedule is secure.  Initially you will be given a range days and then a hard start will be communicated as your install date approaches.  It is important to note that while you are in the deciding phase the time line given to you could be influenced by peak seasons or wind events.  Please be aware that the start date could vary depending on the scope of the project, availability of materials, permits, current workload and weather.

WHO CALLS 811 FOR UNDERGROUND PUBLIC UTILITIES?

Lone Star Pride will manage the communication with 811 before we arrive.  It is actually a law that we do for good reason. There are dozens of fatalities each year in the United States due to hitting underground power cables during excavations. A reputable fencing company should always communicate with the local utility companies to safeguard underground utilities such as electric power, gas, water, telecommunications, cable television, and Internet. While they are able to mark for public utilities---It is the customers responsibility to inform us of any private utilities that might have been added. i.e. well, irrigation, drainage, pool electrical/gas lines, etc.

DO YOU OFFER FINANCING?

Yes! We have many customers use a financing option to help them budget for their new fence. This allows them to break down the cost of the fence project over months or years. By using the banks money, we have many customers easily work this project into your monthly budget.

ARE WRITTEN CONTRACTS IMPORTANT?

Yes—a written contract creates a working relationship that protects both you and the fencing company. It outlines the style, footage, and cost each quoted section of fence.

SHOULD I NOTIFY THE NEIGHBORS THAT THE FENCE IS BEING REPLACED?

Yes, it is very important to communicate with your neighbors throughout a replacement process.  As our customer you will be our point of contact but we are happy to answer any questions your neighbors may have or assist in delivering the message.   Its critical that they are aware of your intent to replace the fence so that they have the opportunity to make arrangements for pets and are clear on the scope of the project.

 

IF THE NEIGHBORS ARE SHARING THE COST OF THE FENCE, WHO COLLECTS FROM THEM?

The most efficient process for us is to have you as our customer be the point of contact an collect any split payment arrangements.  This helps streamline the process and allows for coordinating the minimum amount of individual schedules.  We do understand that in all instances this may not be possible and are happy to accommodate when needed.

WHAT TYPE OF FENCES DO YOU INSTALL?

We have many fencing materials available. Since our customers’ needs will differ, we offer a wide range of material options that offer a variety of price points and functionality. We install wood privacy, chain link, black ornamental iron, and agricultural fencing as well as gates and access control systems.

ARE THERE ANY RULES THAT REGULATE THE TYPE OF FENCE AND WHERE I CAN PLACE IT?

 

It is important to verify the type of fence you are wanting to install complies with any City building codes or HOA guidelines that your residence may be under the jurisdiction of.  As a staple for fencing in this area we are pretty well educated in the requirements for most residential areas but this is absolutely a shared responsibility between us and the customer.

HOW TALL CAN MY FENCE BE?

Again, this may be regulated by your City ordinance codes or HOA but there are several best practices that we can share upon request.   In a residential application most front yard fences are 4’ tall and a back yard fence can be as tall as 8’, if allowed.   Work with your salesman to find the option that’s best for your needs.

 

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PRIOR TO INSTALLATION DAY

DO YOU LOCATE PROPERTY LINES AND INSTALL THE FENCE ON THE PROPERTY LINE?

No. We install your new fence where the old fence was originally located unless instructed by you to install the fence in a different location. Lone Star Pride accepts no liability for survey disputes between property owners. If you have concerns about the location of the property line or your fence, we recommend that you contract a local survey company to locate and clearly mark and establish the property lines.  Again, this is why its is very important to communicate with your neighbor that you intend to build a dividing fence.

DO I NEED TO TRIM PLANTS, TREES, SHRUBS ALONG THE FENCE LINE?

During your initial site visit this is something to discuss with the estimator. They will be paying attention to it as well. It is best if we have direct access to the fence line. We require 18-24 inches of clearance on both sides of the fence line prior to beginning the project.

We need direct access to the fence for tear-out and install. If you could remove anything attached to the fence and trim bushes which limit access, we would appreciate your efforts. In some cases we clear the fence line but at additional cost. However, the design consultant will let you know what needs to be done at the time of estimate.

DOES THE CREW TRIM TREE LIMBS OR BUSHES IN THE WAY OF THE FENCE?

We ask you to handle this prior to the fence installation or ensure that we have made an arrangement.  Excessive trimming and clean up  required by Lone Star Pride will be subject to additional labor charges billed in ½ day increments.  Our install teams appreciate you trimming back vegetation close to the fence to give our crews access to work all day on building you a beautiful new fence!
 

WILL YOU REMOVE AND REINSTALL ITEMS ATTACHED TO MY FENCE?

No- Please remove your valuables from the fence construction site. We may unknowingly damage or dispose of these items during fence removal. Lone Star Pride is not responsible for damage to items attached to the fence and will not reinstall items after the new fence is installed.

DOES THE FENCE CREW DIG OUT ALL THE OLD POSTS AND FOOTINGS?

Typically all corner, gate, and terminal posts will be dug up and reset in the exact same spot. It is standard practice and within AFA industry guidelines to cut line posts below the grade and re-space the new posts. The need is typically determined by the design consultant and will be discussed with you, each job is unique.

AFTER INSTALLATION

WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY/GUARANTEE?

 We offer a 1 year materials warranty matching what is offered from materials manufactures and a lifetime workmanship guarantee.  We are proud to stand behind our finished products and any installation errors made by use will be addressed.

 

WOOD FENCE MAINTENANCE

To extend the longevity of your fence it is a good idea to inspect your wood fence for significant warping, insect damage, landscape damage or rot. Remember that it is normal for wood to have cracks (called checking), knots and minor warping which occur naturally and are part of the weathering process.

Pickets
Look for any loose nails and secure them back into place. If you find severely warped pickets you can either re-secure them or replace those individually damaged pickets. While a normal amount of weathering is expected, you should be watching for unusual issues.

 

Posts
Visually inspect the bottom of the posts to see if the wood is starting to rot. If you find extensive rot, you may need to have a post replaced so the problems don’t continue to get worse. At the same time, check for damage caused by weed eater. These are common to damage a fence and should try to minimized into the future.

Staining/ Sealing

Another way to maximize the lifespan of your fence is to stain or seal it.  This  process will need to be repeated every 3 to 5 years for best results. 

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