Common Questions About Our Fencing Solutions
Have Questions? We Have Answers.
Curious about our fencing services? Explore our FAQs to get all the info you need to make a wise choice.
Timber, Concrete or Steel
- Timber is the least expensive however will eventually rot and fail
- Concrete will last longer than timber however looks a little more industrial
- Durapost® Steel is the lightest, strongest solution with comparable cost to concrete. Final Fencing Ltd are fully qualified to install this system of fencing.
- Steel fencing posts can be completely hidden. So the fence has all the beauty of timber with the strength of steel where it matters – the posts
- Final Fencing Ltd recommend fitting steel posts.
Repair or replace?
This really is a decision only you can make. Repairing the odd couple of timber posts though will often prove to be the best approach since broken/rotten posts often can take down an entire fence run. Lots of customers opt for an inexpensive repair and then replace the entire fence run another time.
How long is the fence installation process?
Installation times vary based on project size and material choice. Typically, our skilled team completes most installations within a few days.
Planning permission?
- Most fences don’t require planning permission however:
- You will need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect or indeed add to a fence, gate or wall and:-
- If it is over 1metre in height and next to a highway used by vehicles or the footpath of such a highway; or over 2 metres elsewhere.
- Or an article 4 direction or a planning condition applies to your property*; or
- Your house is a listed building or in the curtilage of a listed building;
- The fence, wall or gate or any other building forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building or its curtilage.
How high?
Generally front elevations have permission from the council for up to 1.0 metre in height, sides and back elevations of up to 2.0 metres in height.
These are the average boundary regulations found at your local council offices. You should always check your local council regulations as they vary from borough to borough.
Good Side?
Whilst there is no law governing which side the “good” side should face it is etiquette to face it outwards. We can explain other reasons when we visit.
For site built closeboard fencing obstacles often govern which side should be boarded.
Treatment?
Most of our timber products are pressure treated against rot and decay.
It is recommended, however, that you apply an appropriate treatment or preservative at regular intervals to maintain the condition of your fence.
The best time to apply treatment is when the timber is dry and a dry period of weather is expected.
Annually, if possible on both sides.
We offer a fence treatment service. Please call for details.
Fence Life?
The all important question -“how long will my fence last?”
Oak and chestnut are incredible durable and can last up to 20 years with ground contact. Most untreated fencing has a life of 5 years with ground contact. Soil conditions and drainage will affect this though. All our fencing however is pressure treated extending this life to 5-10 years on average at ground contact. Above ground though softwood fencing will last a lot longer. One of the main failures of fencing is post base rot. This is why we often recommend a repair rather than a replacement.
So it’s a combination of installation, quality of materials, weather, ground type. Of course some fences get vandalized especially when facing public areas. For this type of fencing we recommend extra strong closeboard on strong cant rails.
Steel posts last longer than concrete and timber and are recommended.
Weather?
The all important question -“how long will my fence last?”
Will my fence stand any weather?
NO is the short honest answer. Whilst Final Fencing Ltd installs to fencing standard BS 1722 Part7 or equivalent (where applicable) we never guarantee the length of time a fence will stand. Some fencing contractors will offer verbal guarantees, most don’t. This is because as we have witnessed before the weather is an unpredictable force.
For a current weather forecast please click here.
Generally though if installed correctly the fence will stand for many worry free years.
We can offer additional options if your fence is on exposed ground. Please call for details. In Wales for example the fence posts used are often 5″x4″(125mmx100mm) rather the traditional 4″x4″(100mm) we use in the south of England. Try to avoid 3″(75mm) posts if possible.
Fit steel posts where possible as Durapost® have tested the posts to over 100mph wind speed.
Dog proof?
This is really for the discretion of the owner.
Some dogs dig, other jump and dogs come in different sizes!
Past customers have opted for chestnut paling, palisade fencing, stock fencing and traditional close-board fencing.
When a fence if being erected for safe keeping of dogs always bear in mind digging, jumping and theft.
Also if the fence is obscure (rather than wire or netting) then this often serves to stop the dog being seen or the dog seeing outside the property.
Dog theft is increasing in this area.
An exceptional service
Many companies advertise a friendly service. At Final Fencing Ltd we have a policy whereby once a quotation is issued we NEVER chase sales – EVER.
The decision is yours and we believe that privacy starts not just with the fence but with your telephone. In the unlikely scenario where we are too busy to quote we only pass your details to fence installers who are part of the FCA. We only do this providing you authorize it.
At Final Fencing Ltd we understand there is nothing more annoying that receiving a quotation and then having the company chase the sale. We would remind you though if you have any further questions relating to the quotation then please call us back and we will be happy to help.
There is absolutely no pressure once the quotation has been issued. In fact if you don’t call after the quotation then you will never hear from us again!
Even if you decide to use another fence installer we still offer free advise. We do this because a over 15% of our work is correcting mistakes made by other companies (always remain unnamed). Follow Twitter for some examples.
“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” Red Adair.
Terms and conditions
Full Terms and Conditions are available upon request. These can be added to any quotation.
How to find a fencing company?
There is quite a lot of information on this page but we suggest you read it since there are many considerations.
Finding a fencing company shouldn’t require a huge amount of research, but these days it’s not hard to be taken advantage of. That’s where it can come in handy to have a few specific things in mind when searching for the right company. Do you need a residential/domestic fence or commercial fence? What does the terrain on your property look like- hilly, flat, a mixture? Is there an old fence to remove? Are there any obstacles? There are more consideration to choosing a fence company than a lot of people realize. So, here are some primary things to keep in mind when searching for a the right fence company for your needs.
Avoiding the cowboys
There are many websites that claim to banish cowboys. How do they do this exactly? Most charges fees from their members.
Most are PROFIT making organisations.
- Checkatrade
- BuyWithConfidence
- Trading Standards Approved
- Checkaprofessional
- Guild of Master Crafstman
- RatedPeople
- Which Trusted Traders
- Mybuilder
- MyHammer
To name a few (and the list is growing). Plenty of people use these sites, plenty don’t.
Post your job up there and gamble away. Do you always instruct the cheapest provider? When you buy a car or a house do always choose the least expensive? A fence is supposed to last and is the first impression of your property.
Final Fencing Ltd is not listed with any organisation that charges it’s members, We are proud to post genuine watermarked images of works carried out along with relying on reviews left by customers (e.g. google, cyclex,yell etc).
Our local reputation matters and it really is up to the customer to choose wisely.
Beware of sites that claim to vet traders, especially if these sites charge the members to advertise. Local honest reputation is probably the best accolade.
Also if you do have a problem with the contractor how involved will the listing site/company be with supporting you? Take a look and you may be surprised.
How long has the fencing company been trading for?
No bluffing here. How long has the company been in business?
Final Fencing (sole and Ltd) has been helping people with all their fencing needs since 2006. All types of fencing installed all types of fences on all types of terrain, and yes, terrain counts for a lot. Amateur fencing companies quote a price and end up in trouble because of all the extra materials they needed to use to keep the fence even. Or worse, they pass the costs along to the customer who ends up “having” to pay way more than initially quoted. That’s not the way to do business. We offer fixed price quotations, including options.
Has the company got a legitimate address and land line telephone number? If not then keep walking.
Public Liability Insurance
The last thing you need in life is more liability. Ask any insurance company and they will concur that if a contractor comes to your house who is not properly insured and a member of their team gets hurt, the homeowner could be responsible for paying. It’s always a good practice to ask if the fence company is insured and not a bad idea to ask for proof.
Fence types
Not all fence companies are alike. Take a look at the gallery of works to ensure that you know a little about the type of fencing you are after.
Of course when on site for a quotation, the fencing company should make you away of the pros and cons of the fencing styles. The decision is ultimately the customer’s.
When you are talking with the contractor ask what materials are to be used and why. Ask what the procedures involved are.
Pricing
“But cheap and but twice”. It’s true. At Final Fencing Ltd we believe in a fair price for the service we provide. Right from the start we aim to produce a professional quotation, flexible arrangements, excellent communications (often after hours), quality materials and workmanship. At the end of the job an invoice will be sent and once payment is received a receipt issued.
Beware if the contractor needs an immediate decision or asks for cash. Check the written quotation and compare like for like.
Fencing Reviews
Always ensure that whatever company you choose you can see genuine examples of their works and genuine references.
Don’t rule out a company for the odd bad review since there is not a company on earth that would get 100% satisfaction 100% of the time. It’s the broad, general consensus that will win the race.
We are very proud of our reviews and can provide details of satisfied customers if required.
Complete Discretion
Final Fencing Ltd have installed and repaired fencing for many high profile/public eye figures. Politicians, film directors/actors, pop stars and best selling authors.
By instructing Final Fencing Ltd you have can be assured of complete anonymity with a low-key sensitive approach.
Neighbours
It’s only fair to let your neighbour know what type of fence you are installing.
It makes sense. Put yourself in their place and you would like to be kept informed.
Any neighbour disputes or boundary arguments must be pointed out to us when we come to provide a quotation. Most disputes are best sorted without engaging costly solicitors.
If a neighbour dispute leads to a job that cannot be completed then a charge will apply.
Covid-19 Update
June 2023 Update………..
Rest assured….
We will not need access indoors to your property at all for any reason.
Also whilst greatly appreciated, please do not feel the need to supply drinks (it is another risk that can be avoided). We carry our own refreshments.
This is in line with published government advice (see updates on site).
Please aware this stance may change and we are reviewing on a day-by-day basis.
Thanks for your patience during this ongoing situation.
Although the pandemic may be officially over it is still sensible to take care.
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