Constuction Oversight

At United Warranty Company, we believe every fence tells a story. Some stand as a proud testament to careful craftsmanship, while others bear the scars of neglect—not from the owner but from unforeseen external factors. This is the story of how a careless construction crew turned a homeowner's newly installed aluminum fence into an expensive problem, one that no warranty could cover.

A Fence for the Ages

After months of renovations, a family finally completed their dream home improvements with the addition of a high-quality aluminum fence, installed by US Fence Pro. The sleek design, coated in weather-resistant black powder, offered both security and elegance.

To protect their investment, the family invested in an extended Premium Warranty Plan from United Warranty Company. With this coverage, they were assured their fence would be protected against manufacturer defects, corrosion, and even extreme weather events. What they didn’t expect was for human error to become the villain in their story.

Apex Builders Arrives

Not long after the fence installation, a new construction project began next door. Apex Builders, a local company known for its rapid turnaround times, was tasked with demolishing an old garage and building a new one. This meant weeks of heavy equipment, excavation, and constant movement of materials across the two properties.

The homeowners, initially unconcerned, were told by the Apex crew that the construction wouldn’t interfere with their new fence. However, no one had accounted for the tight spaces, bulky equipment, or the challenges of working so close to the property line.

The homeowners, initially unconcerned, were told by the Apex crew that the construction wouldn’t interfere with their new fence. However, no one had accounted for the tight spaces, bulky equipment, or the challenges of working so close to the property line.

The Day of the Incident

On a cool morning, Apex Builders began laying the foundation for the new garage. A cement truck arrived early, its driver tasked with backing into the narrow access space between the two properties. The truck’s bulky mixer and awkward maneuvering left little room for error.

As the driver reversed, his rear tire caught the edge of the freshly compacted gravel and began to slide. In a desperate attempt to avoid tipping, he overcorrected, sending the truck’s chute swinging into the neighboring aluminum fence. The impact left two panels crumpled and one post bent at its base, compromising the structural integrity of the section.

Discovery and Frustration

When the family returned home later that day, they found their pristine new fence marred with dents and bends. Unsure of what to do, they contacted United Warranty Company, hoping their Premium Warranty Plan would cover the damage.

We promptly reviewed their case, gathering photos and a detailed account of the incident. Unfortunately, the claim fell under one of our key exclusions: damage caused by third-party negligence or accidental actions by external entities.

While we empathized with their situation, the policy was clear. Warranty coverage extends to manufacturer defects, workmanship flaws, and certain environmental conditions—not damages caused by a neighbor’s contractors.

Taking the Next Steps

With no recourse through their warranty, the homeowners turned their attention to Apex Builders. They reached out to the construction company, providing a detailed account of the incident and photographic evidence of the damage. Initially, Apex Builders denied responsibility, claiming the property line was unclear and suggesting the damage might have predated the project.

Frustrated but determined, the homeowners sought advice from a legal professional. Armed with the property survey and eyewitness statements from neighbors, they were able to prove that the construction crew’s negligence directly caused the damage. After weeks of negotiation, Apex Builders finally agreed to pay for the repairs.

US Fence Pro stepped in to restore the fence, replacing the damaged panels and post with new materials that seamlessly matched the original installation.

Lessons for All Parties

This incident underscores several important lessons for homeowners, contractors, and neighbors:

Understand Property Boundaries

• Before starting any construction project near shared property lines, ensure all parties have a clear understanding of boundaries. This can prevent misunderstandings and potential damage to neighboring property.

Communicate Early and Often

• Homeowners should proactively discuss potential risks with nearby contractors and ensure precautions are in place to protect their investments.

Know Your Warranty

• While warranties like those offered by United Warranty Company provide robust protection, they have limits. Homeowners must understand these exclusions to avoid surprises.

Hold Third Parties Accountable

• In cases of external negligence, it’s essential to document everything thoroughly, including photos, timelines, and any communication. This helps establish liability and ensures proper compensation.

A Hard-Earned Resolution

In the end, the homeowners were able to restore their aluminum fence to its original condition, but not without time, effort, and stress. While the warranty couldn’t cover the damage, it served as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and communication when dealing with third parties.

At United Warranty Company, we strive to support our customers through every challenge, even when a claim doesn’t qualify for coverage. Your fence is an investment worth protecting, and by working together, we can ensure it stands strong for years to come—no matter what obstacles come its way.