Don’t Fence Me In

We recently had to replace a portion of the fence in our yard and what started out as a fairly easy process veered toward a repeat of the Fridge Fiasco on installation day. Having gone through several quote revisions due to changes in material and style, we understood the final quote to be what we intended – six foot gothic for the back yard and four foot scalloped gothic picket for the front yard piece. That scallop cut was something my wife was adamant about. You probably guessed where this is going already based on that last sentence.

On installation day, which was much sooner than we expected, the crew arrived on time with all the materials on their truck. The six foot sections were fine, but the 4 foot sections were straight – not what we expected to see. As it was not the installer’s fault, we did not jump on them about it. Instead we explained the situation and called the representative who had provided the quotes. We explained that our understanding based on the original quote of scalloped plastic fencing (not what we wanted) and our request for the same style in wood was that we would receive that configuration. Calmness prevailed all around and we were told that the crew would bring those sections back to be modified and that part of the fence would be installed the next day.

Installation of the 6 foot fence sections went smoothly and the crew did a great job. It could have been a whole different outcome had we reacted differently. My wife even got them coffee and donuts which they enjoyed under our pergola on a break while the posts set. They completed the work quickly- including demo and removal of the old fence sections - and left the area cleaner that it was when they arrived. Job well done – much appreciated by us.

Next morning a different crew arrived, right on time, with the now-scalloped fence sections. They made quick work of demolishing the old fence – which looked like fun as they kicked out the panels and knocked the posts with a sledgehammer. It was pretty rotted so not much effort on the demolition. It took them a little over an hour to complete the job. Again, very professional, respectful of our and our neighbor’s property, and thorough. The guys even took a moment to admire the work of the crew that installed the fence the day before.

That’s my little story leading to the moral: When dealing with contractors, business associates, customers, and pretty much everyone; be nice, be firm, and be specific. And when things don’t go as they should, remain calm and treat people with respect – focus on the solution, not the blame. When you do, good things will happen.

For those of you reading this before the polls close on November 2nd, PLEASE get out and vote so your voice can be heard!

For those of you reading this after election day, I hope you exercised your right and voted.