MIDWEST FENCE & MANUFACTURING COMPANY

The sales representative was excellent and followed-up frequently. The schedulers and the installers were not as professional or responsive. The quality of the fence itself is excellent however, they was a lack of communication between the installers, us and the work team. It would have been nice for someone to let us know that all the plants, rocks and earth surrounding the fence install area would be completely demolished. I get it now that that probably needs to happen but no one communicated it with us.

It was fine, It happened very quickly and very efficiently.

This is the second time I used Midwest fence. The first was a major project, and this time was a small one. They are pretty good at sending an estimator out within a week of the first call, and whenever I have an issue with my fence they always send a crew out to fix the problem. My only beef is that they don't install right after the estimate -- but I do understand that they are busy in the summers. The projects they have done for me cost more than other estimates I received, but their quality of materials and service are worth it.

It went really well! Midwest Fence worked with Bluhm Brothers and our air conditioning contractors to coordinate fence installation. The fence is gorgeous and exactly what we wanted.

Went very well, fast and efficient. Love the look of the new fence.

We played phone tag with Midwest Fence for over 3 weeks trying to get an estimate set up and told them on numerous occasions that Monday's would work. Finally Monday 3/31 at 12PM was scheduled. We received a voicemail at 10AM cancelling our appointment because of inclement weather and thunderstorms it was not good conditions to provide an estimate. We could call them back if we wanted to reschedule. It was in fact sprinkiling at 10AM and by the actual appointment time of 12PM had stopped raining and was sunny out. This tells me that they would in fact cancel the actual fence install if it's raining as well then. I will not be contacting this provider for a reschedule after already playing phone tag and having to take a day off of work for them to cancel. Good luck to anyone who uses them.

They spent 2 partial days with the actual installation, and although their technique of lining up the posts seemed strange, the end results were fantastic. You can sight down the 210 feet on each side of the back yard, and everything is perfectly aligned. They custom-welded the main gate to fit the contour of the land, and everything worked out perfectly. I asked the helper if he was proud of the work that he had done for us, and he shared with me a story that he worked and did his best, so that his grandmother would be proud of him. I agree, that his grandmother would be proud of the results of our installation.

Midwest Fence was excellent. I was able to schedule a free estimate within a week of calling, the person who did the estimate was knowledgeable and gave me two different options (cedar fence or composite fence), and scheduling the actual work was very easy. We ultimately went with the composite fence for easy maintenance, and are very happy with how it turned out. The crew that installed the fence posts spent time with me figuring out were they should go and working around a retaining wall. About a week later, they came and installed the fence while we were at work. It was a very positive experience and the fence looks fantastic! A very professional and responsive company.

They did a good job on the workmanship, but the process getting there was a bit of a pain. They agreed to install faux (decorative and non-functioning) ironwork hinges on the front of the gate that faces the street to make it look more appropriate to my old (1889) home. They did not do this during the initial installation and it took numerous phone calls and emails to get it done. They continued to send me billing notices despite my contact with them explaining that the job was not done to my satisfaction and according to the contract. It took several weeks before it was done. I was happy with the result which was high quality and professional, but not happy with the process getting there.

Lots of good options and advice to consider, were always timely and responsive. More importantly, the finished product is as good, or better than I would have hoped.

A portion of the fence needed a city permit due to height. The salesman said that that was the homeowners responsibility. The City advised me to have the company sign the permit (homeowner pays for it). If the company doesn't sign, there is no legal recourse if it doesn't pass inspection. The fence looked nice and the workers respectful. Unfortunately the were not aware of the permit , because it did not pass. Thank goodness they had signed it! They had to tear down the tall section and re-build it. They left big piles of dirt from digging the footing on the re-do. They did not leave any dirt behind on the original installation. When I called the company , I was told that that was not part of the contact. Removal was at my expense. Advise: contactors always sign permit and do not make final payment until permit passes inspection.

We had great service and prompt attention from the salesman. Fence went in earlier than expected which was great for us. All service up to and through the installation of the fence was great. However, all communication after the installation was terrible. We had a few concerns with the quality of workmanship on our gates. Nothing really major, just some uneven surfaces and rust but nonetheless wanted it to be taken care of since it was a brand new fence. We financed so didn't have to pay immediately. When I emailed and called for some help on our follow-up concerns, I sent pictures and clearly stated we wanted these taken care of before we paid our bill. Our fence was installed in mid-June and though they said they were stopping by to fix it, nobody called to tell us they were finished and the fence did not look like it had been fixed. We emailed again but got no response. Eventually, their Accounts dept. called about my outstanding payment. I explained my situation and again stated that we did not plan to pay until somebody followed on our concerns with the workmanship. She stated that it would get taken care of and she would notify the individuals needed. I never heard back from anyone for a couple weeks, we called and emailed again and eventually somebody returned our call and our items were fixed in September -almost 2 1/2 months later. Overall, I think the communication with us was just bad. They always said they were taking care of it and I understand summers are busy but it was frustrating when they could call and ask for my payment but they didn't have time to call and confirm when the adjustments were getting done. I gave them a C rating because ultimately they did get the work done and the fence looks nice. It was just frustrating.

They were lower than the other contractor in price. The work was done quickly and professionally and it looks great. What wasn't so great was the office communications. The letter they sent out after I signed the contract was dictatorial and abrupt in tone. The communication about who I was supposed to pay (the installers of the posts and then of the fence) were not informed that they were to take my checks and the fence installer refused. I ended up mailing the final payment to the company. That, in itself, was not a problem but to be told, in writing, that I had to give the check to the installer before they would do the work and then having them puzzled by being asked to take the check was disconcerting and seemed slipshod to me.

Midwest Fence was great. They were very flexible and worked around the landscapers, who were doing work at the same time. The new fence looks amazing.

Their quality was good. Their price was same for any pickets I choose, but with the other companies, it varies from the more decorative ones I choose. It was very nicely done. It was not expensive. They did all the hard work to takeoff the old fence. I had to call them back for the estimate; but then, he got back to me. I was not in a hurry because I was going on a vacation. The price was fair.

Met at our home with the sales rep. He measured our yard and gave us a lengthy presentation about the company and the quality of their products and work. He had no laptop with him and could not provide us any cost information at that time, but said he would get back to us with price estimates on a couple options we were considering. However, we never heard back from him.

Estimator was prompt, courteous and very professional. No pressure to close the deal. We called him back within 48 hours to sign the contract. Installation foreman called ahead and was not just prompt, he showed up a little bit early. Crew worked through miserably hot weather to build Trex fence in one day. Unfortunately, I came home to find out that the fence had been installed in a "stepped" configuration on the slope, rather than "racked." This was the result of a communication error between the estimator and the crew. The very pleasant ending to this story is that we telephoned the estimator who immediately acknowledged that this was Midwest Fence's error and that it would be corrected. Within 24 hours (again, in the midst of a sweltering hot spell), the entire fence was taken down and rebuilt as originally ordered. The workmanship is beautiful. If they'd done the job right the first time, I don't know that I'd have felt so compelled to sing their praises. Taking responsibility when the job isn't done right and fixing it promptly, no-questions-asked, is the mark of a great contractor. That description fits Midwest Fence, in my opinion.

Salesman was very nice and knew his materials and kept us informed on everything

It is Monday August 19, 2013. This is a MUST READ if you are thinking about using Midwest Fence. I do not typically write reviews but this situation was so unique I felt I owed it to anyone looking for a fence contractor. On Monday June 24, 2013 Ryan, a sales consultant for Midwest, came to my house to give me a bid on a black chain link fence. I informed him there were a couple more bids I was waiting for but I would make a decision by the end of the week. He had informed me that there was a 2 to 3 week lead time for installation so I wanted to make a decision quick because I was hearing similar schedules from the other companies. On Friday June 28, 2013 I called Ryan and let him know I made a decision to go with Midwest Fence for my project. All 3 of the bids were within $100 but Midwest was able to accommodate a custom gate for my dog. On Saturday June 29, 2013 I put my paperwork and down payment in the mail. I sent a credit card number for the down payment. On Wednesday July 10, 2013 I called Midwest Fence because the down payment had still not been processed. I asked if the 3 weeks started from the date I informed them of my intent or if the 3 weeks started from the time the down payment was processed. I was informed the lead time started from when the payment was processed. I was told that my payment arrived the week of the July Fourth holiday. I asked if they were closed all week. I was told they were not so I questioned why they had the information all week but failed to process the payment. I also reminded them that it was Wednesday of the next week so another 3 business days past the holiday and it was still not processed. Ryan called me back and apologized for the delay and informed me his required to process all of his own paperwork and because of the holiday most of the staff took the week off and he was left alone to handle the sales portion of the company. He went on to tell me that he understood how timing was important and he would do everything he could to get my project scheduled. He was optimistic that he could have me on the schedule and potentially speed up the 3 week lead time. The down payment was finally processed and posted to my account on Saturday July 13, 2013. Another 3 day delay. On Monday July 29, 2013 John called and left me a message to call him that they were planning to be out to install the fence on Wednesday July 31, 2013. On Wednesday July 31, 2013 approximately 8:00 AM the install team showed up at my home. I was on my way to work and I asked if we had the color and height all clear since all I saw on the truck was galvanized pipe. The installer informed me that he did not have any black pipe on his truck and all they sent was galvanized pipe. He informed me that these errors happen all the time. He said it was unfortunate because they had just cleaned the entire overstock product off their truck and had it been the day before they would have had enough black pipe to have handled the job. The team dug the holes. He said they would potentially be back that day, Thursday or Friday, but worse case they would be out Saturday. I spoke with John and told him I had ordered black but upon reviewing my paperwork the error was partially mine as I had signed off on a galvanized fence. I apologized for my error and thanked him for coordinating the installation of the correct color. On Saturday August 3, 2013 I received a call from the install team informing me that they were not able to come out to install the posts. They said they would for sure be out Monday or Tuesday of the next week. I received a call from John on Monday August 5. 2013. They had me scheduled for Wednesday August 7, 2013. On Wednesday August 7, 2013 approximately 8:00 AM the install team showed up at my home. The informed me they did not have any black posts on their truck but that they would for sure be back that day to install the correct posts. I returned home from work about 4:30 PM that day. There were still no posts installed. I was a bit frustrated at this point so I called in to the office to talk to John. John was not available so explained my situation and was transferred to the manager Mark. Mark was very pleasant and was empathetic to my situation and the various delays. I also explained I understood the first delay since I did sign off on the wrong color. He said that was not an excuse for the additional delays. He returned my call a few minutes later and informed me the installers were in fact on their way to my home. The install team showed up and put the posts in the ground. Again, the installers were very pleasant. They were here for about an hour installing the posts. The installer said the fabric and gate should be ready to install by Monday or Tuesday the next week. On Friday August 9, 2013 I received a call from Ryan. Ryan immediately stated he understood there was an error with order. I was under the impression he was following up to make sure the job was on track. However, he immediately started blaming me for the delays and that he did not remember talking about black. I asked if he remembered talking to me about my original desire of black steel. I said I wanted black because I thought that looked better than galvanized and was more economical. He just said all my neighbors had galvanized and that he would have remembered. I informed Ryan that I did not want any further communication with him and that he needed to have Mark call me immediately. I explained that it was my error on signing off on the wrong color but the additional delays did not add up based on the process he explained when he sold me the fence. On Tuesday August 13, 2013 on had still not heard from anyone so at the end of the day (around 4:30) I called looking for John. He was not available. I asked for Mark and got on the phone with Mark and explained again that I did not understand why I had not heard back from anyone about the final installation date. Mark immediately was concerned and said he would track someone down and get the fence completed. On Wednesday August 14, 2013 I received a call from Steve. I called Steve back at about 10:30 Wednesday morning. Steve said he was the sales manager and understood there was an issue and wanted to understand what happened. I explained all the details provided above. Steve informed me that the delays were caused because I had signed off on the wrong color. I explained that I understood the first delay was caused by my error but what was causing the additional delays. He did not have an answer other than I signed off on the wrong color. Steve then informed me that there was an additional charge for the black fence. I explained that I was not going to pay the price difference. I had spoke with several people about the situation each time explaining that I signed off on the wrong color. At no time did anyone mention an additional charge. I explained to Steve if they had straightened it out on the first call and had there not been additional delays and the fact that I had to keep calling them I did not think it was fair or reasonable that I pay the difference. After several minutes of discussing he finally agreed to absorb the costs. He said he would partner with the install manager and get me on the schedule. At that time I told him I wanted a completion date. I wanted a date that he would commit to having the project completed. He said he would talk to the installation manager and call me back. At approximately 4:30 I had still not heard back from Steve so I called back to the office looking for the owner. I was told there were 2 owners and they were both a company outing and would be off the remainder of the week. I was informed they would be back in the office Monday August 19, 2013. I was told my order along with contact details was placed in both of their offices and that I should hear from one or both on Monday. She then said she would try to get in touch with Steve and have him call me. She called me back a few minutes later and explained that she left a message for Steve informing him that I was calling and that it was imperative he called me. While I was on the phone with her Steve called back. Steve let me know that the install team would be out on Friday August 16, 2013. On Thursday August 15, 2013 I received a call from the install manager informing that the team would be out between 8:00 – 8:30 AM Friday August 16, 2013. The team showed up. Another install team that was very professional and pleasant. The fence was finally installed. On Monday August 19, 2013 I received a call to pay the remainder of the bill. It is now 7:30 PM and I have yet to hear from either of the owners. I understood I was a small job but this type of service obviously did not concern the owners enough to place a call. The installers were great it is unfortunate the office staff, including the owners, do not have any focus on customer service. I live on busy street and everyone who asked about the fence I told my story. I will not recommend Midwest Fence and in-fact I will make sure I tell my story to as many people as I can to hopefully help them avoid the most unpleasant experience I have ever had working with a contractor.

Poured concrete for the end, corner and line posts in one day then came back the next week after the concrete cured to complete the installation. The result was a solidly built fence that allowed my dogs to enjoy the backyard leash/rope free.

I was very pleased with the work that was completed by both groups. I first had installed the posts by one crew (which was very friendly, professional, and hard working) and then had a second crew install the fence (which was also very friendly, professional, and hard working). There was a slight issue with an internet cable being cut underground, but was taken card of immediately and the company accepted fault and covered the cost so it was like it never happened. The fence is beautiful and I couldn't be happier with their work. I would recommend Midwest Fence to my neighbors. While I felt they were expensive, never having purchased a fence before, they were actually the best priced among the competition. Everyone I worked with, from the sales department (Ken) to the main office (Bob), everyone was great! :)

This review is a little out of the ordinary, because I'm writing it from the perspective of the next-door neighbor of the people whose fence was installed. I am dismayed at what the installation crew did to our garden in the process of installing our neighbor's fence. They entered our yard without asking first, and damaged flowers, ornamental grasses and edging while installing the fence. I wrote a letter to Midwest Fence about what happened, but they did not respond. It's a beautiful fence, but the manner in which the installation crew treated our property was unprofessional.

Midwest Fence & Manufacturing Company quoted us for $9700. They were on time and professional. They were great.

Very prompt and professional from the initial contact to set up an appointment through the entire installation. The sales person, Derek, explained the whole process thoroughly and answered all our questions. The old fence was removed and the posts were set. The crew removed the old dirt as promised. After the posts had set, another crew installed the remainder of the fence. Their clean up was immaculate. No remnants of the job remained at all. The new fence is gorgeous!

Weather caused some delay in starting. City inspector made changes that caused another delay. None were the cause of the company. Gate did not fit well, but immediately Midwest measured and remade the gate in two days and is now perfect. I would recommend Midwest Fencing highly.