What Documents Should I Expect to Get From My Fencing and Decking Contractor?

A client receives her project documents from her fencing and decking contractor. They are looking at the documents together, deep in thought.

The documents that you should expect to get from your fencing and decking contractor can actually be quite a few. But there are some that are definitely more important than others. Your contract will likely be the most important document you will receive, but there are some others you want to make sure you see.

Let’s break it down and answer your question, “What documents should I expect to get from my fencing and decking contractor?”

The Contract

Hands down, the most important document you’re going to receive from your fencing and decking contractor is your contractual agreement. It’s the ultimate document, and it should outline everything you need to know and expect from your fencing and decking contractor. 

The contract will include information about every aspect of your home improvement project. And it’s likely that most, if not all, of the other documents you will receive will in some way be attached to the actual contract. 

And remember, the contract is the legally binding agreement between you and your contractor. While it may seem obvious at points, it is absolutely necessary. It functions to protect you and your contractor in the event of a misunderstanding. So, make sure you read and understand everything before signing, but also understand that it’s a good and necessary thing for both parties. 

Licensing, Insurance, and Bond Documents 

The next most important document that we’d recommend making note of is actually a group of documents. You’ll want to make sure that you see your fencing and decking contractor’s license, insurance papers, and bonds. 

All of these documents are proof that your contractor knows what he’s doing and has the necessary safety nets in place in the rare event that something goes wrong. 

No one wants things to go wrong, but you also want a contractor who recognizes the possibility and prepares accordingly. Licensing proves that your contractor is compliant with local regulations. Insurance monetarily covers the people involved in the event of accidents. And bonds ensure that your contractor will complete his contract. 

Second to your contract are these important documents. They ensure the safety of everyone involved in the project. 

Scope of Work 

Moving on, the next document you’ll need to expect is the scope of work. Scope of work is exactly as it sounds. You’ll want to provide your fencing and decking contractor with a clear picture of what you want them to do. Oftentimes, scope of work documents contain a “must-have” list and a “nice-to-have” list. 

From there, your contractor can work out what will work with your budget and materials costs. You’ll also see more detailed information about how the contractor will complete your fence or deck and an outline of who is responsible for what tasks. The scope of work document is really useful, and you should expect to see it.

Cost Estimates and Construction Schedules

And finally, you’ll definitely want to look for cost estimates and construction schedules in your packet of paperwork from your fencing and decking contractor. Both of these documents’ names are pretty self explanatory, but they make the construction project a whole lot easier for everyone involved. 

Your cost estimates are a good breakdown of what everything will cost. There’s always the potential for some changes, but your contractor should keep you abreast of those. 

And your construction schedule keeps everyone on track. It also gives you a good idea of what to expect and when. Once again, there are always unforeseen circumstances, so hold these documents loosely and see them for what they are. But you do want to have them for your end of the deal. 

In the end, one of the most important things you can do is communicate openly and clearly with your fencing and decking contractor about your project no matter what paperwork you’ve gotten. 

Contractor Financing Through HFS Financial

While you’re looking for an excellent fencing and decking contractor who’s going to provide you with all of the necessary documents, make sure you find one who can provide the ultimate contractor financing with HFS Financial

Contractor financing is the perfect way to get your next home improvement project completed with all the funding options you need. You can go ahead and start the financing process with our 60-second loan application. With HFS Financial, “You Dream It, We Finance It.”

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What Documents Should I Expect to Get From My Fencing and Decking Contractor?

HFS Financial solely operates in the home improvement lending space which means we can confidently say that we are THE HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN EXPERTS. When you apply at HFS Financial you will get a customized loan experience tailored to ensuring you get the best personal loan to meet your home improvement loan needs.