wwyd? fence estimates question

Just wanted to get other perspectives on this- We are looking to get a PVC fence installed on our property. We went out for estimates, and here are the situations:

Choice 1 - Very well known fence company that manufactures its own PVC fences, lower $ than other big name companies, wanted 5100. They had a guarantee of 10 years installation warranty, lifetime for materials.

Choice 2- Another fence company that manufactures its own PVC fences, but not AS well known as Choice 1. Wanted 5350, but showed us his product and made us aware on how durable it was, and explained to us how they will put in 2 feet of cement which most companies don't do, to ensure the fence will not bend and stay. Also gave a warranty of 15 years installation, lifetime materials.

Choice 3- not a fence company but a guy that I guess works for himself. quoted us over the phone based on the amount of sections we need, wanted 4,000, did not mention any warranties.

We got other estimates too, some of which were in the $ ballpark of Choice 1 & 2 and some higher. So we narrowed it down to these 3.

I am torn obviously because the guy who works for himself wants more than 1k less than the others which makes it hard not to choose, but also the fact that the others are actual fence manufacturers makes me feel better if anything should happen to the fence.. WWYD?

Message edited 4/3/2011 8:22:34 AM.

Re: wwyd? fence estimates question

I would go with company #2. Definitely not #3 because he isn't guaranteeing anything. You definitely don't want this to end up a "you get what you paid for" kind of job.

Just FYI, lifetime of materials does not mean your lifetime, it's the materials lifetime. You can always ask what the anticipated lifetime of the fence materials are so you know.

Re: wwyd? fence estimates question

I would see if you can get references from previous customers that have used them and go from there, leaning on 1 and 2 but not necessarily, if 3 has a lot of good references. My MIL hires handyman for a lot of big and small jobs and in the end it works out usually. I generally prefer a "real" company.

Re: wwyd? fence estimates question

I would go with #2. Seems he is offering more in terms of service and warranties, and the price difference is minimal (if it's only a couple of hundred dollars difference and you are talking about a $5K job).

I would be wary of option #3 because, as you said, you don't get any warranties and you don't have as much recourse if his work is shoddy or you have complaints as you do with a big company. And again, not that $1K isn't a lot of money, but when you are talking about an expensive job in the range of $4-5K, I'd rather pay 20% more and have it done right than still pay thousands of dollars and have regrets and complaints.

Re: wwyd? fence estimates question

#2 - Stay away from Number 3