The Fencing Industry – Material and Labor Shortages

The Fencing Industry – Material and Labor Shortages

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Material and Labor Shortages in the Fencing Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to put stress on the construction industry, and the fencing industry is no exception. Soaring lumber, vinyl, and aluminum prices have held many off on projects for the past year, but homeowners are finding themselves now needing these projects completed.

Waiting periods for completion are growing longer and longer due to both material and labor shortages. Vinyl and aluminum manufacturers are finding the demand hard to keep up with many plants still closed, short-staffed, or working on limited capacity.

At Paramount, it’s important to us that our customers, and any other Central Florida consumer, are educated and understand the current situation facing the construction industry.

With many homeowner’s trying to complete jobs quickly, there has become an influx of new fence companies advertising high prices with quicker installs. Remember, a higher cost does not equal higher quality. Many of these installers are using materials purchased from common home improvement stores. Pre-fabricated panels are being marketed and sold at a high mark-up and advertised to customers as higher-quality than they really are. Not everything is as it looks.

Paramount Fencing uses high-quality fencing materials, coming from Homeland Vinyl and AlumiGuard. Both of these US manufactured companies are experiencing 12+ week lead times, but are worth the cost advertised. Be sure to do your research on the materials being installed in your yard before committing to a fence company. Ask, and if you don’t get a straight answer, ask again. It is a red flag if your new material does not come with a manufacturer name or a manufacturer’s warranty.

Understand the labor shortages right now are also a big strain on the industry. Fencing projects are taking longer to complete- it is hard to find skilled laborers. Don’t pay the price of a custom contractor when who has been hired is a handyman.

Paramount Fencing uses skilled contractors who have been trained to build your fence systems piece-by-piece, not just putting panels in the ground. Do your research when it comes to labor costs before committing to a fence company.

We understand that these are unprecedented times and that the material cost increases may keep going. We are unsure of what the future holds, but we at Paramount stand behind what we do. Our number one goal is to educate the consumer and keep them in the know about what’s going on in our industry. We strive to bring excellence in all areas of our work, from the administrative back-end processes to installation.

Paramount Fencing is here as a resource for all Central Florida fence customers. Give us a call and see what all the talk is about.

For a free estimate, call 407-341-2720

Unique Fences

Unique Fences

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The façade of social media can be seen in all aspects of our lives. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter only show the good parts of life, but never the issues.

Think of the family vacation photos your friends share online- Mom, Dad, and the kids smiling at the beach. Like.

“What a nice vacation…” you think. But what are you not seeing behind the scenes? Kids fighting in the car, asking when they will arrive at the beach, and the all-too-familiar “don’t make me turn this car around” from Dad.

Instagram is full of pictures that will make you say “Wow, I wish I looked like that…”

But you aren’t seeing the hours of work that celebrities and influencers spend on posing for and editing their photos to make them look that perfect. The use of lighting, angles, filters, and FaceTune can make any person, landscape, setting, even house look too good to be true.

Pinterest

This is where Pinterest comes in. Pinterest is an online website as well as a mobile phone app that allows users to find and share ideas like recipes, crafts, home décor, and even home improvement ideas.

While Pinterest is a fun way for many people to ideas, it can be dangerous for homeowners to follow some of the home improvement ideas shown on the side.

During the COVID-19 quarantine, many potential customers reached out looking for quotes for fences they had seen on Pinterest. It quickly became clear that many of the fences shared on Pinterest are just like any of the other photos shared across social media platforms- too good to be true.

There are many reasons why these alternative fence styles won’t work in practical application, but the main points we focus on will be the regions the fences are being built in, the ability to permit the fence styles, and the craftsmanship of these fences.

First, the region in which a fence is installed will directly impact the success of the fence. Many wood fences on Pinterest show the use of red cedar, which is a bit of an unrealistic building material in Florida. Pressure-treated pine lumber is suggested in place of any other woods in Florida as is has been treated to withstand ground contact in a very wet state. What does this mean for the fence? Not much besides a different colored wood. To achieve the desired red color, it is advised to stain the fence once the wood has dried with an oil-based stain. Another popular fence floating around on Pinterest is the corrugated metal fence built on metal frames.

That corrugated metal fence brings up 3 large issues. First, the cost to customize such a fence is much higher than choosing another fence type. Remember what we said about the importance of your region? Metals that haven’t been powder-coated will rust fairly quickly in the Florida rains. That new custom fence you just had installed will look old and raggedy within a year. Lastly, pressure-treated wood often reacts negatively with other metals, resulting in more rust and the nails or screws backing out from the posts, requiring a lot more upkeep and costs than originally anticipated.

A corrugated metal fence built on wood frames.
The same corrugated fence, now rusted out.

The second issue that arises is the ability to permit some of these more unique fences. Every municipality has its own guidelines for what is allowed in regard to fencing. These building guidelines can be especially strict in Florida, where it is common for homes to have pools or be located on a body of water. Some cities may have a historic district, which will dictate what fence styles are and are not allowed. Some municipalities may require the runners of the fence to face a certain direction, which may not work with the fence design selected. Remember, your fence is a protective barrier for your property, so you do not want to pick a style with a high price tag for it to not do its job. Additionally, an unpermitted fence may be subject to high fines or your permitting municipality requiring it to be taken down.

Lastly, craftsmanship is often an issue with the Pinterest inspired fences. During the massive layoff wave that COVID created, many people began searching for any means of work, and many new fence companies and handymen entered the fencing scene. While they may be able to install pre-fabricated panels from the Home Depot, they are not fencing professionals and should not be trusted with installing a complex, and expensive, custom fence. Remember to be careful when choosing a fencing contractor. Any trustworthy fence professional should be able to speak with you about the concerns around these custom fence designs and should be able to suggest an equivalent alternative.

The posts on these panels are far too small to withstand an afternoon storm.

While social media sites like Pinterest are fun to use to gather ideas for food, fashion, and home projects, it's important to remember one thing- if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. When it comes to using sites like Pinterest to collect ideas, remember to use it only as a guide, not the gospel.

Homeowner’s Insurance and Fencing

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Homeowner’s insurance (depending on your policy limits) will cover damage to a fence caused by a hurricane/earthquake/storms/etc. Many times, this is only applicable if the fence is an attached structure, meaning that the fence is attached to the home itself. Fencing falls under “other structures” covered on a policy.

Situations

Your neighbor’s tree falls on your fence: This will depend on state-specific laws, your insurer may go to your neighbor for payment if the tree was deemed to have fallen due to lack of maintenance/negligence on the neighbor’s part. However, if the tree is located on a boundary line and is in both lots, insurance may hold both you and your neighbor responsible for half of the deductible each.

Your tree falls on your fence: If a healthy tree falls on a fence, the homeowner’s insurance will cover it (depending on your specific policy) However, if the tree was sick and deemed to be weakened through lack of maintenance/negligence, it will not be covered. Remember, insurance covers accidents only.

The fence is damaged from mold/fungus/termites: The fence would not be covered. Homeowner’s insurance covers accidents only. If you are worried about termite damage to a wood fence, consider getting a termite bond with a reputable fence company, but be sure that your wood fence is included in the initial inspection and is not excluded from the coverage of the bond. Wood fences require maintenance to prevent wood rot and fungus, see our tips on how to extend your fences life.

A storm blows down your fence: Homeowner’s insurance would cover the damage up to the coverage limits.

A car crashes through your fence: Homeowner’s insurance would cover the damage up to the coverage limits, however, you could likely file a claim against the driver’s car insurance if they have property damage liability coverage.

Before submitting a claim for your fence damage, take pictures of the damage and try not to move any damaged sections unless necessary. Call around and have some contractors give quotes for the repair. Decide if the cost of the repair is too high, or if it’s worth paying for the repair out of pocket to avoid filing a claim (a deductible is out of pocket anyway) An insurance company may pay to replace your fence, but they will only cover the “actual cash value”, so if you’ve let your wood fence rot and deteriorate, you probably won’t be getting much for a replacement.

Paramount Fencing Update – COVID-19 Response

Paramount Fencing Update – COVID-19 Response

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 Open For Business:

We acknowledge that the people of Florida are concerned about the spread of COVID-19, and so are we.  Like you, Paramount Fencing and its employees would love to stay home and shelter in place, but we can't.   Here is why:

Currently, Florida possesses 1.4 million swimming pools, thousands of miles of shoreline, and three million acres of lakes and ponds.   Couple the aforementioned numbers with school closures and there is potential for disaster.   Understand, over 3400 kids drown in pools and bodies of water each year.   Let's not forget our 2 million furry friends that need a safe place in that backyard.   So Paramount Fencing will remain open to ensure we do not trade one statistic for another...

HOWEVER: We will do so smartly.  We will do so in compliance with all CDC and Local guidelines.  Also, Paramount Fencing has implemented a three-stage virus threat level system.   We are currently in Level RED.   See below:

Current Conditions Level: RED

RED –A  full implementation of our Paramount Fencing Coronavirus policies.  No exceptions.

Paramount Fencing’s Threat Level Red Coronavirus Policies Are Listed Below

Estimate Policies:  Estimates can be scheduled via phone and will consist of a 3-step process for those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. The Process is listed below.

Step One  - This step consists of a phone call between an estimator and the customer. After the phone call, the estimator will visit the property and obtain the necessary information.   From there, a job detail will be emailed to the customer before Step Two.

Step Two - This step consists of a scheduled 45-minute phone call between the estimator and homeowner. During this time, we will discuss the parameters of the requested project and will also make the necessary changes to the job detail in preparation for step three.

Step Three -  Customers will receive a returned digitized estimate and a follow-up phone call.

Customer Can Be Present at the Estimate, but social distancing rules must be followed.

Installer and Employees Policy:

  • During Threat Level Red, no Paramount Fencing employee is authorized to enter the residence of a customer’s home until further notice.
  • During Threat Level Red, no Paramount Fencing employee is authorized to accept food, drinks, or tips from a homeowner.
  • During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees must practice a minimum social distancing of 8 Feet or have a mask on.
  • During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing’s employees are provided 10 days paid sick days which may result in delay installations.
  • During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees checking in to the office will go through screening for symptoms of COVID-19 or Flu.
  • During Threat Level Red, Paramount Fencing will disinfect all horizontal surfaces, tools, and vehicles twice daily.
  • During Threat Level Red, Paramount Fencing will disinfect all horizontal surface and door handles should they enter the back patio of and customer’s property.
  • During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees that possess a potential medical complication must work from home or will be paid to not work.

We want to thank you in advance for your cooperation.   We ask that our existing customers and future customers look over our COVID-19 policies before contacting Paramount Fencing.   We are hopeful, with the above estimating, install, and employee policies in play, Paramount Fencing will minimize the spread and footprint of COVID-19 as we continue to survey and protect our customers within the Central Florida Community.

Rest assured, we will use every necessary precaution to continue giving our customers quality service as we protect their liabilities.

 

Thanks,

Kip Hudakoz
Paramount Fencing, Inc.

Covid -19 and Paramount Fencing, Inc.

Covid -19 and Paramount Fencing, Inc.

by Paraf1 Comment Closed

"Paramount Fencing lives on.  We are open.  We are here to the serve the citizens of Central Florida!"

We acknowledge that the people of Florida are concerned about the spread of Covid-19, and so are we.  Like you, Paramount Fencing and its employees would love to stay home and shelter in place, but we can't.   Here is why:

Currently, Florida possesses 1.4 million swimming pools, thousands of miles of shoreline, and three million acres of lakes and ponds.   Couple the aforementioned numbers with school closures and there is potential for disaster.   Understand, over 3400 kids drown in pools and bodies of water each year.   Let's not forget our 2 million furry friends that need a safe place in that backyard.   So Paramount Fencing will remain open to ensure we do not trade one statistic for another...

HOWEVER: We will do so smartly.  We will do so in compliance with all CDC and Local guidelines.  Also, Paramount Fencing has implemented a three-stage virus threat level system.   We are currently in Level RED.   See below:

GREEN – If there are less than 100 reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Florida,  it will be business as usual; however, those employees or customers that would be severely affected by a Coronavirus outbreak can opt for all estimating, installation, and employee policies annotated in threat level RED.

YELLOW - Any reported cases of COVID-19 in Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Polk counties will result in a preventive policy.  We will promote social distancing and disinfecting of the company property: however, those employees or customers that would be severely affected by a Coronavirus outbreak can opt for all estimating, installation, and employee policies annotated in threat level RED.

RED -  If there are over a hundred reported combined cases of COVID-19 in Orange, Seminole, Lake, Polk, etc.), there will be a full implementation of our Paramount Fencing Coronavirus policies. No exceptions.

Paramount Fencing’s Threat Level Red Coronavirus Policies

Estimate Policies:  Estimates can be scheduled via phone and will consist of a 3-step process. The Process is listed below.

Step One  - This step consists of a phone call between an estimator and the customer. After the phone call, the estimator will visit the property and obtain the necessary information.   From there, a job detail will be emailed to the customer before Step Two.

Step Two - This step consists of a scheduled 45-minute phone call between the estimator and homeowner. During this time, we will discuss the parameters of the requested project and will also make the necessary changes to the job detail in preparation for step three.

Step Three -  Customers will receive a returned digitized estimate and a follow-up phone call.

Installer and Employees Policy:

  1. During Threat Level Red, no Paramount Fencing employee is authorized to enter the residence of a customer’s home until further notice.
  2. During Threat Level Red, no Paramount Fencing employee is authorized to accept food, drinks, or tips from a homeowner.
  3. During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees must practice a minimum social distancing of 8 Feet.
  4. During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employee is provided 10 days paid sick days.
  5. During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees checking in to the office will go through screening for symptoms of COVID-19 or Flu
  6. During Threat Level Red, Paramount Fencing will disinfect all horizontal surfaces, tools, and vehicles twice daily.
  7. During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees that possess a potential medical complication must work from home.

We want to thank you in advance for your cooperation.   We ask that our existing customers and future customers look over our COVID-19 policies before contacting Paramount Fencing.   We are hopeful, with the above estimating, install, and employee policies in play, Paramount Fencing will minimize the spread and footprint of COVID-19 as we continue to survey and protect our customers within the Central Florida Community.

Rest assured, we will use every necessary precaution to continue giving our customers quality service as we protect their liabilities.

Thanks, Paramount Fencing.