The definitive guide to local shopping; methodically researched, updated daily.

Bay Area Edition

Prime Buyers Guide Gate Companies

How to Find the Best Gate Contractor in Alameda County, CA

If you're in need of some professional help to by & install a new gate or repair an existing gate, choose one of the top-rated gate contractors right in Alameda County. All certified gate builders in Alameda County are licensed to perform welding, gate installation, gate security system installation, and any gate maintenance necessary. From wrought iron gates to automatic gates, Alameda County gate builders are able to complete any gate work you need. The following articles can teach you how to research the best gate companies in Alameda County. more »

Updated February 5, 2008

Top 5 Gate Companies in Alameda County

R & S Overhead Garage Door Inc
(510) 483-9700
1140 Montague St
San Leandro, CA 94577

Areas Served: Oakland CA, Hayward, Dublin CA, Fremont, San Leandro, Berkeley, Livermore

Automatic Gate Services

39675 Whitecap Way
Fremont, CA 94538

Areas Served: Berkeley, Oakland CA, Dublin CA, Hayward, Fremont, Newark CA, Pleasanton CA, Emeryville

A & D Automatic Gate & Access
(925) 846-4283
5729 Sonoma Dr
Pleasanton, CA 94566

Areas Served: Hayward, Oakland CA, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Emeryville, Dublin CA, Union City CA

R & S Erection Inc
(510) 489-6881
31298 San Antonio St
Hayward, CA 94544

Areas Served: Oakland CA, Berkeley, Fremont, Newark CA, Livermore, Dublin CA, Hayward, San Lorenzo

Servin Co Fence, Gate & Steel Fabricators
(510) 887-9838
3479 Baumberg Ave
Hayward, CA 94545

Areas Served: Berkeley, Hayward, Oakland CA, Dublin CA, Fremont, Emeryville, Newark CA, Piedmont
Services: Fence Railings, Fencing and Gate Materials, Ornamental Iron Work, Stair, Welding

How to Find the Best Gate Contractor in Alameda County, CA 

A new gate can be a serious addition to your property as well as a considerable boost to the appraised value. The choice you make about such an investment should not be taken lightly. So leave your well-meaning husband to his handmade spice rack and call a certified gate contractor. A professional gate contractor must acquire a Class C13 contractor's license to perform any work. Doing so requires a great deal of aptitude and experience. So you can trust that the licensed Alameda County gate installer that you employ will carry that credentialing with him through the job. Read on to find a skilled gate contractor to complete your gate construction.

Alameda County Gate Contractors Perform Numerous Services
If you've scrapped the old gate and opted for something with more security, you may be disappointed to learn that gate companies cannot install drawbridges. Or moats. But they can heighten the security of your home or commercial property with a number of other enhancements. Some local gate contractors can custom build automatic vehicle or pedestrian gates that are protected by video surveillance, video card access, telephone entry, keypads and card readers, intercoms, automatic locks, and personalized access controls. If you're still worried about potential intruders, gate contractors can even install security window guards. But animal activist groups have rallied successfully to pass federal regulations that prohibit further use of alligators and dragons. Often, you can trust that your new gate will not pass through the hands of any secondary individuals until completion. Some gate contractors in Alameda County design the gate, do their own welding and metal fabrication, personally install the electrical, lighting, and video systems, and design and install computer controls. In addition to the basic structure, your contractor might be able to add other features, such as masonry pilasters, solar power sources, and proximity detectors. Some gate contractors are capable of other metal fabrication too, including the design and construction of railings and cattle guards. When you hire a gate contractor for such a large job, you can usually rely on his regular maintenance. Some gate contractors carry portable welding and fabrication devices for field repairs and upgrades or readily supply replacement parts.

Alameda County Gate Contractors Use Choice Materials to Construct Your Gate
Alameda County gate contractors can devise a building plan to your specifications. From functional to fancy, your custom-designed gate can consist of a number of modifications and specialty building materials. Local gate contractors can construct chain link gates, vinyl gates, composite, a variety of wood gates, aluminum gates, polyurethane gates, polystyrene gates, pipe gates, or mesh gates. Higher end designs can include hand forged iron gates, ornamental iron gates, stainless steel gates, bronze gates, steel gates, or wrought iron gates. Certain metal fabricators can stylize gate components with ribbing, raised panes, or leave materials flush. Depending on the gate contractor you choose, these choices may extend to many more materials, so consult different gate professionals to find out what they can do for you.

There are Many Gate Companies to Choose From in Alameda County
If you're starting a search from scratch on local gate contractors, you have no quality assertions to go by. That's why we've listed the best gate contractors in Alameda County for you. The top ten gate contractors in Alameda County are R & S Overhead Garage Door Inc, Automatic Gate Services, A & D Automatic Gate & Access, R & S Erection Inc, Servin Co Fence, Gate & Steel Fabricators. Other gate contractors who might serve your community include .

Look for Gate Contractors in Alameda County That Do More Than the Bare Minimum
Alameda County gate contractors are required licensing through the Contractors State License Board, but non-requisite accreditations and affiliations are a sign of greater dedication to their work and their industry. Find out if your potential contractors have any additional credentials at appropriate Websites. The official commentary you find is important, but you can also learn a lot about the customer side of the business climate from magazines and internet forums. The Prime Buyer's Report has abbreviated your search by compiling a comprehensive listing of reputable publications, associations, and internet resources. To view these links, see the article, "Key Resources for Gates in Alameda County".

Updated February 5, 2008
Top of page

 

 

How to Recognize the Best Gate Contractor in Alameda County 

Step 1: Describe Work
In general, most people who wish to install gates are motivated by one of two reasons: security or aesthetic value. If you need added protection, you'll need a contractor to help you with the design. If you want to add a touch of opulence of your home, you need a contractor who will follow your design. It's important that you can explain the amount of direction you need so a contractor can weigh in on his ability to complete it and his estimated fee.

Step 2: First Impression
Chat with potential contractors about your rough ideas. Involved contractors will contribute in earnest from the start. If a gate builder hastily skims over your requests, his dedication probably lies somewhere else. Continue an interview with only those contractors who would actively participate in the design process. If you've gotten a good initial impression, ask some questions about the contractor's abilities, experience, and credentialing. Use the list of questions below to help develop your own.

How long have you been in the gate industry?
How many gates have you completed in Alameda County?
May I see some local examples of similar work?
Do you specialize in the type of work I've described?
What is your availability?
How long do you expect the fabrication and installation to take?
Do you carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Will you provide a written estimate?
How do you determine pricing?
Can you fabricate your own custom gates?
Do you provide a warranty for your work?
Will permits be needed? If so, who will be responsible for getting them?
Do perform all phases of work or do you hire journeymen and/or subcontractors?

Step 3: Making a Preliminary Decision
You've slowly been weeding out the under-qualified gate contractors throughout the process, but now it's time to make the final cut. Consider first impressions, technical abilities, experience levels, and compatible styles. Somewhere in this combination of facets will be your new hire.

Step 4: Final Research
When you've selected the most suitable gate contractor, make sure he is properly certified to perform your work. Before you sign a contract, verify the gate contractor's licensing, insurance and endorsements, such as Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership.

Step 5: Making the Final Decision
If a contractor has passed your strict testing process, reward him by accepting his services. Simply insist that there be a written contract that details pricing, timing, and warranty information.

Updated December 5, 2007
Top of page

 

 

Key Resources for Gate Installation and Repair in Alameda County 

Associations & Licensing
AFA American Fence Association (www.americanfenceassociation.com)
AIM Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (www.aimglobal.org)
ASIS American Society for Industrial Security (www.asisonline.org)
AWS American Welding Society (www.aws.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CLFMI Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (www.chainlinkinfo.org)
CSLB Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov)
DASMA Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (www.dasma.com)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
FMA Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (www.fmanet.org)
NCBE North Coast Builders Exchange (www.ncbeonline.com)

Media & Web Publications
Access Control & Integration Magazine
Better Homes and Gardens
Gardengate Magazine
Fencepost Magazine
Security Electronics Magazine
Security Magazine
Smart Home Magazine
World Fence News

www.askthebuilder.com
www.bobvila.com
www.doityourself.com
www.hometime.com
www.houseblogs.net
www.houserepairtalk.com

If you're looking for a fence company or help with gate installation, The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 gate contractors in Alameda County within the following zip codes.

94501, 94502, 94536, 94537, 94538, 94539, 94540, 94541, 94542, 94543, 94544, 94545, 94546, 94550, 94551, 94552, 94555, 94557, 94560, 94566, 94568, 94577, 94578, 94579, 94580, 94586, 94587, 94588, 94601, 94602, 94603, 94604, 94605, 94606, 94607, 94608, 94609, 94610, 94611, 94612, 94613, 94614, 94615, 94617, 94618, 94619, 94620, 94621, 94623, 94624, 94661, 94662, 94701, 94702, 94703, 94704, 94705, 94706, 94707, 94708, 94709, 94710 and 94712

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 gate contractors in Alameda County within the following cities.

Berkeley, Castro Valley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Kensington, Livermore, Mount Eden, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Sunol and Union City
Updated December 5, 2007
Top of page

 

 

10 Tips for Your Gate Installation 

Take Time Choosing Your Gate Contractor.
Whether you want to reinforce your safety, add value to your property, or transform the entrance of your home into a dramatically opulent first sight for your guests, you need to make sure the gate contractor you hire can sufficiently fulfill your requirements. Don't move too quickly on a decision. If you shop around in the local gate contracting industry, you have better odds of finding the perfect fit for your project.


Write it Down.

Think about what you have in mind. Obviously, you have to convey this as clearly as possible, so write it down. Since you would otherwise have to repeatedly explain it to each contractor, a written version can just be handed over, guaranteeing consistency and clarity. Not only will each contractor appreciate this, but they will also be able to create an estimate that can be fairly compared to the others.

Get Several Separate Estimates.
Since you will be interviewing several contractors anyway, you should get estimates from them as well. Quality is paramount, but it can't be denied that price is always a consideration as well, and a handful of estimates will help you determine a reasonable price range.

Documentation, Documentation, Documentation.
Nothing is official until it is written and signed. So insist that your contractor provides you with a detailed document that describes the work, pricing, any guarantee information, and the timeframe for completion.

Do Your Homework Before You Sign An Agreement.
When you do finally recruit a gate contractor to perform installation or repairs, make sure his licensing, workers' compensation and liability insurance are current and valid. Verify this information before you sign the contract.

Choose Certified Companies.
As with most industries, there is an upper echelon of highly regarded gate builders that insist on delivering the best customer service possible. In Alameda County, Diamond Certification is a measure of extraordinary customer attention. Seek out the local gate builders that have earned this designation and you are much more likely to receive this same impeccable treatment.

Don't Shut Out Your Gate Contractor.
Don't simply sign a contract and walk away. Regularly check in with the contractor to monitor progress and ask any questions. Allow him the same availability to you and there should be no unexpected circumstances.

Agree Go Over the Work Upon Completion.
When the contractor is finished, take your contract with you to review his work. Visually compare the work to the agreement and mention anything that doesn't measure up. Make sure your contractor goes over all applicable functions and special features as well. If necessary, ask for instructions in writing.


Know Your Rights.

If you have the misfortune of arriving at a legal impasse with your gate contractor, you are protected by certain rights. These consumer advocacy laws vary by location, and since you are working with your gate builder in Alameda County, you can reference the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site.

Don't Hang on To an Inferior Gate Contractor.
Ultimately, your choice of a contractor is up to your discretion. If your gate contractor turns out to be inadequate in any way, remember that you have signed a contract that guarantees certain deeds. If any contractual obligation is breeched, you are within your rights to dismiss him. You want the best, you're paying for the best, and without question, you deserve the best.
Updated November 21, 2007
Top of page

 

 

Gate Contractors in Alameda County Work With the Best Gate Brands 

Amighini Architectual, Bamboo Fencer, New England Modern, Architectual Iron Designs, Dahlhaus Lighting, and Wrought Iron Art Ltd.

Updated December 5, 2007
Top of page

 

 

Diamond Certified