To All Potential Customers:
In the construction trades (and the fence business) there have been many instances of consumers being taken advange of by unscrupulous individuals posing as contractors. I consider this a black eye to my chosen career and would like to suggest some common sense remedies so you don't become the victim of these characters.

SK's TOP TEN
Always:
1. Check for the length of time a contracotr has been in business.
2. Physically visit their business location. Telephone remote call forwarding is a way they can have a local phone number, but operate in a totally different area.
3. Ask friends and neighbors for "local referrals".
4. Be suspect of large down payments.
5. Ask for a copy of their insurance.
6. Ask for bank and business references.
7. Ask for material supplier and manufacturing references.
8. Beware of companies that have name changes. Name changes are often a ploy to eliminate warranties and debt liabilities.
9. Check for memberships in local organizations such as the chamber of commerce, home builders association ect. These groups help each other strive for excellence in their businesses and have installed checks and balances to keep members on the right course.
10. Buy local! How can you expect service after the sale (warranty) if the contractor has to travel long distances to your home to work for free? Think about it!

Hopefully these ideas help.

Sincerely,
Steve Koester - President - SK Service Corporation - SK Fence Division