1. Always check to make sure they are licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, bonded and insured.
2. IMPORTANT: Always get a proposal in writing that includes a description of work to be performed. A good proposal should provide you with the linear footage of fencing that is to be installed, a drawing showing the gate locations and each line of fencing to be installed, and a description of materials to be used. It also won’t hurt to ask to see a copy of their contract prior to doing business with them so you clearly understand the terms and conditions of the contract you are about to enter.
3. Any reputable company should be able to provide you with references of completed projects upon your request.
4. Make sure they have a place of business and go by that location to inspect the materials to be used prior to installation. NEVER do business with a contractor that is using a P.O. Box as its primary business address.
5. Any good estimator should be willing to provide you with a cell phone number and e-mail address in the event you need to contact him or her after business hours. There is nothing more frustrating than calling a company and gettting an answering machine during normal business hours, waiting two to three days for a response, if you receive one at all.
6. Most reputable companies belong to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Their BBB account should say they are an accredited member.  The BBB also has non accredited member companies it reports on, but there’s less information available on how these companies do business.  Accredited members like Mid-Atlantic Deck and  Fence pay significant annual dues and work hard to maintain their A+ ratings to help consumers make better about who they deal with.
7. Never put down more than a third of the cost of the home improvement contract you sign as a deposit. This is state law. Make sure you clearly understand the payment agreements of the contract. Always inspect the work prior to making final payment to a contractor to ensure they have completed their contractual obligations.

These are just a few tips to help you when considering a contractor you wish to do business with. Mid-Atlantic Deck and Fence believes in setting our standards higher, by providing you with good honest estimates, excellent service and quality materials.  These things can change the way that most customers feel about contractors. Remember, it’s not always about the money.  It’s about the end result and the way you were treated as a customer from your initial contact all the way to the end of your completed project and your service needs thereafter.