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FAQ
A fence is a fence, right?
Not really.
There are as many ways to build a fence as there are people building them. Many things can vary, such as the type of material used, the dimensions of the
material, and how it's constructed. Also, how it's installed can play a big part in long term satisfaction. When shopping for a fence it's always a
good idea to actually see some examples of what you might be buying. That way you can make a better comparison.
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Will the fence I'm considering keep my pet in?
Whether a particular fence will keep your pet in or not is dependent on a number of variables. Only you know your pet. We've seen cases where pets have torn apart
everything from chain link fence wire to six foot solid PVC fence. Sometimes extra measures can be taken, such as tension wire or a bottom rail on a chain link fence,
but even this is no guarantee. You'll need to assess both the fence you're thinking about and your pet to come to a conclusion. We can't tell you with any certainty.
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What are the regulations regarding fences in my township?
The quickest way to find this information is to call your local township offices. They will have the most up-to-date copies of this information. Many townships also have their
regulations on-line here.
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Do you only quote for installation, or do you also sell materials?
We'll be happy to sell materials to other contractors or people wanting to put the fence in themselves.
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How do I get a quote from Haddon Fence?
We always recommend people stop in our showroom at 1460 Route 38 in Hainesport so they can see some examples of the fences we sell. If you have a copy of
your property survey we can measure right off of that, as long as it's still to scale. If it's been resized (usually from photocopying) it will throw off the measurements. We
can also work from your measurements. If you can't get to the showroom we can give you an estimate over the phone as well. We'll just need to know what type of
fence you're looking for and the layout and measurements.
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Can I get a cost per foot or per section?
We can certainly give you a price for just a section, but we do give discounts for certain quantities, so knowing how much fence you need will help us give you a better idea of
the actual cost. Also, the layout and things like the number and type of gates will also affect the cost.
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How do I compare the quotes I get?
You can find a short guide here.
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Are there taxes on a fence installation?
When you have a fence installed it is considered a capital improvement in the state of New Jersey, so there would be no taxes when you contract with Haddon Fence.
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I want you to install my fence. What now?
If you decide to have Haddon Fence do your installation, we would want to have someone come out and see the property and confirm the measurements.
At that time we would sign the contract paperwork and ST-8 form (a Certificate of Capital Improvement making the transaction tax free) and obtain a deposit.
A copy of our Certificate of Insurance will be mailed to you by our insurer.
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Who will be installing my fence?
We use our own installers on all of our fence installations.
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Who do I talk to if I have a question/concern?
If the installers are still at the location, you can talk directly with them. It's much easier to change something right away than after we've installed more of the fence line.
If not, you can call the office at either (609) 261-1286 or (856) 667-0149. There is an answering machine on the 261-1286 number where you can leave a message if need
be during the hours that we are closed.
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Will I need a permit?
This will depend on your local township. The quickest way to find out is to call your local township zoning and/or building inspector. Generally, if there is no existing fence,
then you will need a permit. Some townships also require one if you're replacing an existing fence.
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What about the utilities?
As required by law in New Jersey, we will call the New Jersey One Call service to have your utility lines marked out before we
begin an installation. They will only mark out the utilities from the main service to your home.
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Do they mark everything?
No. They will only mark the main service lines into your home. Anything that was installed privately, such as an electric line to a shed or a gas line to a yard grill,
will NOT be marked. There are rare instances as well where they will only mark the main connection point in the street. Water lines in Haddonfield are currently one
such example. In such an instance, the homeowner would be responsible for having the line from the main connection to the house marked.
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What about sprinkler systems?
We do our best to avoid hitting sprinkler systems, but sometimes it can't be avoided, especially if the sprinklers were installed before there was a fence. They tend to be placed right
inside property lines for maximum coverage. This is also where the majority of fences are placed. Having the heads marked out by your sprinkler contractor is a minor help, but what
is more likely to get broken is the pipe feeding those heads. If we do break a pipe, we'll mark the post where it was broken and notify you so your sprinkler contractor can repair them.
We do not assume responsibility for the repair of any damaged lines.
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What should be done before the installers arrive?
The area where the fence is being installed should be cleared of things such as wood piles, outdoor furniture, etc. If there is a fence that is being removed anything that has been hung
on the fence, such as ladders, pool equipment, or signs that you wish to keep should be removed. If the fence is being installed along a property line, the markers, if still present,
should be found. The installers can attempt to find them measuring from a property survey, but if they cannot be found the customer will have to decide where the line is placed. An outside
electrical and water outlet may be needed. If they are not available, let us know. Water and a generator can be brought if we know ahead of time. If you
have a dog, a quick yard clean up is appreciated. If a permit was required for the job it should be placed in a front window for the inspector.
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What if I have a tree in the fence line?
There are a few ways to handle a tree, or anything else, in the fence line. One is to angle the fence around the tree. If it also happens to be on the property line, we would have to angle it inside.
Another way is to stop the fence as close as possible to the tree, given any roots. If pets or young children are a concern, some vinyl coated wire mesh can be used to wrap around
the tree and attached to the end posts to close the gaps. One method we try to avoid is to attach the fence directly to the tree. It can be done, but it never looks very attractive, and if the
tree is still growing, the fence may become loose over time.
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How long will my fence last?
This depends on many things. The first is the material used. We use three types of woods in our wood fence. A spruce fence should last about 8 - 10 years, a western
red cedar should give you about 15 - 20 years, and a pressure treated should give about 25 years. These are national averages, however, so climate will play a part. How they're
cared for will also affect them. It the fence gets watered along with the lawn, this can also affect it's lifespan. Chain link, vinyl and ornamental aluminum fences aren't as prone
to environmental wear and tear. They are just as prone as any other fence, however, to being damaged by storms, children, and landscapers.
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Does Haddon Fence paint/stain/waterproof wood fences?
No, we do not.
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Should I paint/stain/waterproof my wood fence?
This is entirely up to you. We generally recommend against painting, because it tends to crack, usually in the seam where the picket and the two by four cross. This is where rain water will lay,
soaking into the wood through the crack. Once the rain stops, however, the paint holds the moisture in, causing it to rot around the very nails holding it together.
If you want your fence to be a particular color, you can get custom tinted solid coat stains that don't show the grain and allow the wood to dry once any rain has stopped. Another
benefit to staining is that when it's time for a new coat you don't have the scraping and sanding that goes with paint. As far as waterproofing, it's really a cost/benefit judgement call.
It can slow the greying process, and may extend the fence's life by a few years, but it is a continuous maintenance cost, having to be done twice in the first year and periodically thereafter.
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What about landscaping?
When we install our fences, we try to leave a little space under the fence. This allows for water flow, and makes it easier when doing lawn maintenance. In the case of wood fence, it also
keeps the fence from absorbing any ground water, whether from rain or sprinklers, that will cause the pickets to rot. When doing landscaping around a fence, it's best to try not to use the
fence as part of a "backstop" for things like mulch or stones. If the fence should lean some, say on a rainy and windy day, a little of the mulch or stone may settle into the
gap. This will prevent the fence from returning to plumb. Over time, this can become rather noticeable, and fixing it involves digging the material away from the whole fence before it can be straightened. As far as plants and bushes, it becomes a matter of preference. Keep in mind how large a particular plant you use will grow, and whether the plant, or
it's roots, will affect the fence over time. Plants or bushes leaning against a wood fence will keep the fence damp which can, over time, promote rotting.
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