Frequently Asked Questions
Tap or click on a question to view the response. It is one of our priorities to help people make informed decisions based on extensive experience in the fence industry.
Yes, estimates are free of charge. New installations, larger modifications and repairs will be quoted based on in-person consultations, including reviewing and measuring on site. Each quote is prepared for the specific circumstances of a particular project. Upon request, estimates can include options for additional services or we can present pricing for different material options.
Best Gate & Fence provides a one year warranty on labor. This applies to the footings, fence assembly and gate operation. Other circumstances may qualify. For additional warranty information, please speak with a company representative.
Most towns expect or require a zoning permit for the installation of a fence. A building permit may be applicable as well, particularly when a pool is being enclosed. Permitting is beneficial to both the property owner and contractor in that it establishes clarity regarding the application of local ordinances to a particular project. The placement, height, design, and color of a fence will be recorded and approved before the purchase of material and its installation on site.
Yes! Best Gate & Fence will facilitate the application process on a client’s behalf. We have extensive experience working with local municipalities and understand how to annotate a survey according to the expectations of a zoning/building department. While we do not charge a processing fee for office work that the permit process requires, most towns require application fees for a zoning permit, usually in the range of $50-100.
Building permit fees are unlikely to be a flat rate. Instead, they are assessed as a percentage of the project cost.
Yes. A survey that represents the existing conditions of a property is a required component of a permit application. Many towns request that the survey is presented in the form of an original copy, or it is printed to scale. This last part implies that accurate measurement of the property can be established using a scaled ruler. An original copy of a survey will have a raised seal. When a raised seal copy is requested, it will be returned at the conclusion of the project.
Pools are required to be enclosed by code compliant fencing according to the law. Local townships expect similar principles to be applied to a pool compliant fence enclosure, however there can be additional expectations from particular building departments. Many pool enclosures include the physical home as part of the entry barrier, while other pools are fully encircled by a fence that is separate from the house itself. Best Gate & Fence has many years of experience planning and installing safe, practical and attractive pool enclosures. Our staff will work to ensure that your new or existing pool is secure.
No, there is usually no formal requirement for a property owner to communicate their intentions to the immediate neighbors. A fence is installed within the boundaries of a given property and its height, design and placement is governed by the local zoning/building office. That being said, a fence does impact the properties around it. Neighbors may have already established their own fence or a perimeter fence has yet to be installed between two properties. The onset of fence construction without warning can raise questions, or even hostilities. We advise our clients to at least consider communicating their intentions with neighbors to aid in creating a cooperative environment that benefits the community.
There is not a one-size-fits-all answer for approximating the cost of a fence installation. The size of the project and the material(s) being applied are the primary contributors to price. Additional factors include the presence of technical challenges, customization, geography and overall market conditions. Our online estimator tool (link below) is a good resource for generating a realistic price range for your property. The service operates a geotool to determine installation quantity and there are product options that are representative of the major material categories. Generally speaking, fence and gate installation is not an inexpensive proposition; making it especially important to work with a company that you believe will provide the best overall outcome.
Financing is available and there is a link below and on our homepage where an application can be completed to determine what kind of borrowing options you qualify for.
The most consequential component of a fence installation is the work that takes place below the ground. Properly excavated footings are essential to long-term success and viability of a fence. Digging is a challenge in northern New Jersey due to the rocky terrain, and the amount of time needed to do this work correctly can vary.
Generally speaking, backyard fence installs take between 1-3 days. Gate and commercial work timing varies considerably based on the parameters of the project. A company representative can help provide a realistic timeline for your installation.
Our teams are usually responsible for the removal and disposal of your old fence. The cost for this service is always identified on estimates separately from installation costs. Not all fence material can be removed and discarded at the same cost. For instance, wood fences, due to their volume and weight, are more expensive to dispose of than chain link.
There are numerous ways for a fence to work around an obstruction, such as a tree or boulder. The trajectory of the fence line can be modified, the obstruction can be “boxed,” or the fence could need to dead end on both sides. Determining the best approach may have a lot to do with personal preference. Our representatives are experienced in various techniques and are prepared to advise you on what your options are and why certain approaches may be better than others.
The lifespan of a fence depends on the material being used, the effectiveness of the initial installation, and its intended function. Decorative fence installations, for instance, are likely to be given a shorter time frame considering that changes in style and consumer preference can prompt their replacement prior to the end of their functional life. Chain link fence, on the other hand, can be counted on as a barrier for decades. Synthetic fence material, such as vinyl and composite, will last considerably longer than wood. Choosing quality materials, complimented by preferable manufacturing and installation techniques will usually produce fence systems that outperform their alternatives.
Appropriately gauging a fence’s intended function is also an important component in assessing lifespan. Aluminum fences, for example, do not rust and their powder coat finish is long lasting, making it an ideal product for many applications. However, the application of aluminum to lighter grade fence systems may not be appropriate for high activity areas where the fence or gate could come in contact with heavy machinery (construction, landscaping equipment, etc). Steel, which is susceptible to rust over time, can outlive and outperform aluminum in certain settings for this particular reason.
We at Best Gate & Fence help our clients establish a reasonable expectation for the lifespan of the fence of their choice. As importantly, we help provide insight into the factors that contribute to a fence’s long term effectiveness and how this information can be used to make educated decisions on what product is best for them.