When does the ground get too hard to install a fence?

Submitted by DilliciousPickles t3_yin7w0 in vermont

Well, here I am - gave half my deposit to a fence company and the fence install date was early September.

They've been ghosting and delaying - now it's almost November. (They were a local biz with good google reviews so I was really surprised it's turned out like this.)

When is the ground probably too hard to for fence install? Chittenden County area. This would have been a game changer for my rescue pup, and now we'll likely have to wait until next year if this contractor is really serious about taking our money and running.

32

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Sisyphean_ambition t1_iujl82z wrote

Not an issue until January. 50% down is very standard for fence companies, so don’t feel like you did anything wrong. And delays happen… I be was about 6 weeks behind schedule earlier this season and if I didn’t stop selling work I would still be there. They should at least answer your calls even if the answer is “I don’t know.” Sorry you’re dealing with that. I hope they come through.

31

DilliciousPickles OP t1_iujlrct wrote

Ok - I feel pretty badly for being an jerk (well politely asking for my deposit back still feels jerkish) If they're running behind, I get it. This is good info to know, so thanks.

At one point, they said our fence was on backorder. I called a local fence supplier and they were confused and had plenty of the type of fence I needed. It's just weird - this fine line between "Hey I really don't wanna bug you, the trades are slammed" but also "I've been paying on a bank loan for a fence since September and have no fence."

13

Sisyphean_ambition t1_iujoe6s wrote

It can be hard to stay on top of communication, especially when you’re scrambling to catch up. But communication is very important so you’re not wrong for expecting it. I will say that the local fence supplier’s inventory is not necessarily relevant because your contractor may be ordering from a wholesaler or manufacturer, may use a different brand or grade of product, etc.

You definitely deserve an honest update regarding the timing of your project so you can plan your life and not be anxious, and your contractor should give you that. And if they won’t do that, I don’t blame you for being frustrated. Good luck!

11

DilliciousPickles OP t1_iujpjou wrote

Ok - I was also wondering that, maybe they ordered from somewhere else and I just panicked. I'll take all the good luck you can throw over - thanks!

5

FyuckerFjord t1_iujuz91 wrote

We've only had one ground freeze so far this year and it was minor so you should be good for a bit. But if you're curious, take a hammer and a steak outside. Grill up the steak and eat it. Then find something to drive into the ground, like a stake. You should be able to quickly tell whether the weather is fence weather or not by your effort.

28

Vermonter623 t1_iujobt2 wrote

I like that you are equally weighing both sides of this. I would ask for a hard install date otherwise try and find another company to do it. They are just keeping you on the hook for when they slow down.

9

Thick_Piece t1_iujit1p wrote

It can get installed up to mid December depending on weather.

8

edwardsamson t1_iujza9t wrote

Is this also the same deal for breaking ground on a new building?

1

ElDub73 t1_iujnm1y wrote

I’ve experienced similar. The fundamental problem is that people are doing project management and they absolutely suck at setting expectations and communicating.

So don’t feel bad.

All they have to do is explain what’s going on and if they can’t do that, then they don’t deserve your business.

7

HomeOnTheMountain_ t1_iujs5b5 wrote

Considering it was near 80 degrees a couple days these past weeks, you're fine... For a long time.

4

DilliciousPickles OP t1_iujtjuy wrote

Well, not exactly fine, since I am paying interest on a loan (and loan payments) for a fence that was due early September, haha. But if you can predict the weather with this accuracy, you should be in the fence biz.

2

Thick_Piece t1_iujiqmc wrote

Fencing has been a shit show for at least 1.5 years. Product has been difficult across the board.

I don’t install fence but have had too as the contractors I use have had zero predictability since Covid.

1

DilliciousPickles OP t1_iujl7md wrote

I wonder if we shot ourselves in the foot. Asked them for an install date or the deposit back. We've been paying on a fence loan but no fence since we had to give them the deposit in September. It's good to know about the trades including fencing being a shitshow.

I just wish they would have told us. I feel bad - I don't wanna stress them...but the fence, man.

4

Most_Expert_8080 t1_iujifdt wrote

It depends on when the temps get low enough

−2