Common Fence Installation Mistakes to Avoid in Illinois

Top 7 Common Fence Installation Mistakes to Avoid in Illinois

When planning a fence installation for your Illinois property, choosing the right contractor can make the difference between a seamless experience and a nightmare. Unfortunately, some contractors cut corners, use subpar materials, or even leave customers high and dry. At 76 Fence, we’re committed to transparency, quality, and excellent customer service—values that set us apart from the competition. Here’s a guide to help you spot red flags and understand why 76 Fence is the trusted choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

1. Cutting Corners on Installation

One common issue with unreliable contractors is cutting corners during installation. For instance:

• Shallow Post Holes: Some companies dig post holes too shallow, compromising the stability of the fence. Illinois weather demands deep post holes to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and heavy winds. At 76 Fence, we ensure post holes are deep enough to anchor your fence securely.

• Skipping Gravel Bases: Gravel bases provide drainage and prevent posts from rotting. Contractors who skip this step may save money but leave you with a fence that won’t last.

• Skipping Concrete: Concrete provides a sturdy foundation to every fence post, ensuring your fence will last for decades. Fence contractors will often skip this step for time and cost savings.

2. Not Pulling Permits

In Illinois, many municipalities require permits for fence installations. Unscrupulous contractors may skip this step to cut costs, leaving homeowners liable for fines or removal. At 76 Fence, we handle all permitting to ensure your project complies with local regulations.

3. Using Cheap Labor and Materials

Low bids often come at the expense of quality. Common issues include:

• Inexperienced Labor: Hiring unskilled workers leads to poor craftsmanship and installation errors. Many fence contractors will pay their crews next to nothing and in turn you get an entire host of issues that they bring along with that. Some issues will include contractors urinating on your property, arriving late, leaving early, drinking alcohol during installation, and cutting corners on installation methods to get the job done quicker.

• Foreign Materials: Some contractors use low-quality materials sourced from overseas. These may fail to meet safety standards and deteriorate quickly. Often times you can get a low price from the fence contractors that use mass produced fence material from China and other 3rd world countries. This is inferior product and often fails within the first few years. It will crack, fade, and get damaged quicker than American-made materials.

• Wrong Materials & Equipment: Some fence contractors will use the wrong materials and/or equipment when installing your new fence. That includes the incorrect nails to hold boards together, cheap concrete, and using inferior grade installation equipment.

76 Fence uses only premium materials that are Made in America from trusted suppliers and employs skilled professionals to deliver superior results.

4. Lack of Communication

Clear and constant communication is essential for a successful project. Complaints about unresponsive contractors or unclear timelines are common. At 76 Fence, we prioritize keeping you informed every step of the way.

Oftentimes fence contractors won't even pick up the phone, let alone call you back. We often hear that if they do make it out to do a site visit, they will arrive late and then never provide a quote.

At 76 FENCE, we take your project seriously. From the very first phone call to the final installation, we ensure your satisfaction while communicating with you throughout the entire process.

5. Stealing Deposits

Scams involving contractors taking deposits and disappearing are unfortunately widespread. To protect yourself:

• Check for a legitimate business address, business license, and current insurance.
• Read reviews and ask for references.
• Work with a reputable company like 76 Fence, which has a proven track record.

This is a common scam. Many fence contractors don't even use contracts, so you are out of luck if you pay them a deposit and they run away with your money. They often pretend to be other companies, so its important to verify their credentials.

6. Low Initial Bids with Price Hikes

Some companies lure customers with low quotes, only to add hidden fees later. This unethical practice can significantly increase costs. Many fence contractors will win your trust with a super low price, but then just increase the price after they start the job. This causes you to pay significantly more than you expected and quite often double to triple of what you could have paid using a reputable fence company.

What you find much of the time is inexperienced business people, that know how to install fence. Many fence contractors will underbid a project unknowingly, and when they realize it they leave town or try to charge you more. Paying for their mistakes is unethical.

At 76 Fence, we provide upfront, transparent pricing with no surprises.

7. No Warranty or Guarantee

Reputable fence contractors stand behind their work. If a company doesn’t offer a warranty, it’s a red flag. 76 Fence provides warranties on materials and workmanship, giving you peace of mind.

Choosing a Trusted Partner: Why 76 Fence?

Here’s what makes 76 Fence the leader in Illinois fence installation:

• Experienced Team: Our skilled contractors have years of experience and undergo rigorous training.
• High-Quality Materials: We source durable, weather-resistant materials that meet & exceed industry standards.
• Transparent Process: From permits to pricing, we ensure every detail is clear.
• Customer-Centric Approach: We pride ourselves on communication, reliability, and exceeding expectations.

Avoid Common Pitfalls by using 76 Fence

When you choose 76 Fence, you’re choosing peace of mind. We don’t cut corners, use cheap materials, or leave our customers in the dark. Instead, we provide:

• Properly installed, durable fences built to withstand Illinois weather
• Clear communication and transparent pricing
• A trusted partner dedicated to your satisfaction
• A worry-free guarantee

Ready to Work with the Best? Schedule Your Free Estimate Today!

Don’t risk your investment with untrustworthy contractors. Choose 76 Fence, Illinois’s trusted provider of quality fencing solutions. Whether you’re installing a residential privacy fence or securing a commercial property, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and experience the difference of working with the best. Request an estimate now!