Elite Communication review, 2 stars, build, 4 stars…read more
I'd like to start off by saying if you'd like a good looking fence built fast at a reasonable price, I wouldn't write off Elite. My fence looks great and the builders did a good job. Communication from the company 2 stars. The automated responses were the easiest parts. Before working with this company I would recommend knowing exactly what you want and having your property lines marked and flagged (not just a paper survey), and brush and fence removal done separately through a different company despite them saying they provide the service through a 3rd party. Details of that experience below:
I first met with Leon he was kind, knowledgeable and quick. We instantly chose elite after meeting with him because of his personality. We had already met with a few other companies but loved how professional and friendly Leon was. I could tell why Elite had such good reviews!
When he came by I explained we would like part our current fence removed and he strongly advised against it because of the additional cost of fence and brush removal (he wasn't joking), but that is what we wanted, so I asked if he could send us a quote with and without that fence removal to compare pricing. Upon receiving the bid, he did not include the fence/brush removal and the specs I had requested on height were incorrect. We went back and forth on bids probably 3 times before I emailed customer service to ask to work with someone else, as I felt like the attention was not there and I was not getting the bid I was needing. I of course was kind about Leon, expecting he was having a difficult week. Leon ended up calling me and we worked it out and I got the bid I needed and signed the deal. I ended up making a change between then and the build which I'm sure made me even more annoying :)
By the week the fence was supposed to go in I was told I would meet with the project manager, nick, to discuss specifics of the build. This is when I was told we could discuss property lines, etc. To this day I have never met or spoke to Nick. The people I did meet with for the fence build were wonderful, although I only spoke to one person briefly and never got a "all done, hope you like it!" Or goodbye.
The fence and brush removal company that works with elite were not told all details of where brush removal needed to be done, so I specified and so they charged additional for that so I was told. But also, they didn't clean up enough of the brush, as the builders seemed irritated with me that they had to do additional brush clean up, which I was told I would be charged for. I don't know that they knew I did the brush and fence removal through elites third party. Mind you I had already done brush removal myself, then paid way too much for terrible brush removal before I even met with elite, no fault of there's, but I am over it at this point. In the end, I was charged $2,300 for 46 feet of fence and brush removal from Elite total, and they left a giant pile inside the yard which I had to turn around and pay another company to remove. They also trimmed the fence over a pile of brush which I removed and now there is a gap :)
The first day of the build when they were lining posts they had a question about the property lines, which I'm not exactly sure of, which is why I sent the company the land survey beforehand and asked to talk to someone (nick) ahead of time. He was so confused but they got it done. I guess hopefully on my property??? I still don't even know.
My garden entrance gate was supposed to be cut to have a droop at the top, which Leon put in the bid, but was also not done.
Anyways. The fence is great and looks great, I don't regret getting it. but I recommend knowing exactly what you want beforehand and don't make the quote guy mad because I feel slightly retaliated against. It seemed way messier than it needed to be. I knew nothing about fences beforehand so some help and recommendations would've been really nice but I ended up having to learn about everything so I could get this bid right. 3 stars for communication/customer service regarding the bid and build day. 5 stars for the build and customer service of the builder. Brianna on the phone was also wonderful and as helpful as possible. But this was my first big home purchase and when you're spending this kind of money I totally expect a little better service, especially why I am super clear and thorough as you can tell.