On Tue 22 Jul 2008 09:25:40a, alta47 told us...
I agree that getting estimates from local contractors would be a good
idea. I have heard some good and some bad reports from people who used
HD or Lowes. Most of the bad news had to do with having HD or Lowes be
the middle person between you and whoever they get to show up at your
house to do the work.
The fence job sounds like a 1-day job. For that type of job, I never
pay any money up front. I work it out so I will be there on the day
they do the job and, as soon as the job is done, I pay them in full in
person for the job. When you give someone a deposit, he/she has no real
incentive to get to your job. Instead, you are on the hook waiting
while they are out doing the jobs where they will get a check for the
work at the end of the day. Once they have a deposit from you, they
essentially already have their profit in their hands.
You can get some very good contract forms from the American Institute of
Architects. Their contract forms include important items that are
designed to protect your interests. Here are a couple of links to their
website regarding contract documents:
http://www.aia.org/docs_purchase&defPr=1
http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/files...stributors.pdf
I think their contract number A105-2007 is probably what you would want.
They have an AIA office in Phoenix where you can buy the contract forms
in person.
When you do the gate(s), be sure to include a gate or other system
where, if needed, someone with a backhoe, truck, or other heavy
equipment can get into the fenced in area. You never know when you will
need to have a tree cut down or other work done that requires access to
the fenced in area. A wide gate would be good, but even a system where
a section of the fence can easily be removed and replaced will work.
This is all excellent information, and much appreciated!
As far as gates are concerned, we had planned on three 4' wide gates, one
at each side of the house and one in the middle of the back span.
--
Wayne Boatwright
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Tuesday, 07(VII)/22(XXII)/08(MMVIII)
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I'm a Parrothead and I'm OK....
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