California Fences, Inc. specializes in the installation and repair of redwood fences for residential homes throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. With the right expertise and tools, the company also creates custom outdoor features, including retaining walls and custom gates. Every fence installation is backed by its signature "Peace of Mind" guarantee, which includes full coverage for annual inspections and repairs for five years.
Owner Antonio Chau emphasizes that the company’s customer-first approach is at the heart of its success. “We really focus on providing our clients with the best possible service and experience. They know we’ll take the time to identify the right solutions for their situations, and if they ever have an issue with our work, we’ll be there to fix it.”
Communication is key at California Fences, and Mr. Chau believes it’s what sets the company apart. “We believe in following through on our promises, so it’s important that we set clear expectations with our clients and keep them informed every step of the way so there are no surprises,” he says. “By being proactive with communication, we can consistently achieve high-quality results.”
"We have a ‘Day One’ mentality. Every day, we look at our business with a fresh set of eyes. This allows us to find ways to improve our processes and services to deliver our clients a worry-free experience. We always try to exceed our clients' expectations by proactively anticipating their needs and wants."
Protect yourself by reading the fine print on your fence installation contract.
Any time you hire a contractor, they should give you a contract that specifies when the work will start, how long it will take to complete, the materials that will be used, how much you’ll pay and other details. Many people simply scan the document and sign it because they trust that everything is correct, but not reading your contract carefully can leave you vulnerable.
“It’s always important to read the terms and conditions of a job contract,” affirms Antonio Chau, owner of California Fences, Inc. in Livermore. “Every company has its own terms and conditions, and some hide a lot of details in the fine print.”
Mr. Chau explains that even if basic things like timing and price look right, those details can end up being big deals. “Take change orders, for example—if the company forgets to bid something, their contract may give them the right to return for more work and increase the price,” he cautions. “Also, if things get broken during the job, who is responsible? If you don’t think about these contingencies, the company can waive responsibility.”
How to read a construction contract
- Read the entire contract closely and carefully. If you have concerns or you don’t understand certain aspects, ask for clarification or modification. The contract should protect you and your contractor equally.
- Verify that any indemnity clauses, “hold harmless” agreements or flow-through clauses are fair and don’t put you at risk. These clauses transfer risk and responsibility in cases of loss or damage, but they can leave you without recourse if there’s a problem.
- Confirm how change orders will be handled and make sure you understand the corresponding contract language.
- Make sure the contract addresses how disputes will be handled and confirm that you agree with the course of action.
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for fence contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For California Fences, Inc., the best way to keep clients happy is to exceed their expectations throughout each phase of their projects. “I came from corporate America, so I know how to take care of customers and make sure they’re having great experiences,” says owner Antonio Chau. “From our office team to our installers, everyone who works here is focused on setting clear expectations, communicating effectively and following through on promises.”
California Fences has been installing and repairing redwood fences for residential clients in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties since 1992. The company also has the in-house capabilities to build outdoor features like retaining walls and custom gates, and its “Peace of Mind” guarantee covers all necessary fence repairs and inspections for the first five years after installation.
Unlike less experienced fence contractors that don’t offer any protections when it comes to the long-term value of their installations, California Fences backs every project with extensive written guarantees that illustrate the overall quality of its work. “Each job starts with a detailed digital estimate that answers the client’s questions about the scope of work that they’re getting,” explains Mr. Chau. “We follow that up by using industry-leading materials and construction methods, like building drainage systems at the bottom of posts and overlapping top rails for strength. We want our clients to have worry-free experiences, so we do everything we can to ensure they get high-quality products that stand the test of time."
Ultimately, Mr. Chau sees California Fence’s customer-oriented business practices as one of its most important attributes. “We come to work with a lot of pride because we know we’re making a difference in our clients’ lives, and they really appreciate that type of outlook,” he says. “We’ve already set high standards for ourselves when it comes to building relationships with our clients, but we also try to raise that bar on every job.”
