The “Contractor's Code of Ethics”, as published by NAFCA

All contractor members agree to the following:

1. I agree to install the job at the date promised with weather permitting.
2. I agree to install the material that is specified.
3. I agree to follow standard procedures for installation that is set for in the industry or better.
4. I agree to finish the job.
5. I agree to carry the designation of “Fence Contractor” with pride and to take pride in all installations.
6. I agree to promote the North American Fence Contractors Association.
7. I agree to be fair in all negotiations.
8. I agree to be honorable in commitments to supplying vendors.

“Bringing together Fence Contractors and Vendors for Their Mutual Benefit and the Integrity of the Industry.” That is the mission statement of NAFCA. As the previous posts have shown, the members of NAFCA take this seriously. We've discussed Vendors Responsibilities and Consumers Rights, but what about Contractors? This three-legged stool works only if each leg holds the others up. The connection between Vendors and Consumers is through the Contractor. NAFCA is dedicated to helping to build strong Contractors by upholding sound business practices and honest, ethical behavior. By joining NAFCA, a Contractor subscribes to the same level of moral conduct.

The first four articles in the Contractors Code of Ethics are directly related to the fence and its installation.

1. Contractors agree to abide by their word regarding scheduling of work. While weather may hold up a job for a while, a reputable contractor will always strive to be “on time”, and communicate directly with the customer about weather delays and expected dates to resume work.

2. Contractors also agree to deliver what is promised, not a substitute. If materials specified are no longer available, contractors agree to re-enter the negotiation phase so that customers are fully aware of what they are paying for and that they are getting exactly what they are paying for.

3. Contractors agree to abide by industry standards in installation and to complete work “in a workman-like manner”.

4. Contractors agree to finish the job. Real world circumstances occur that make finishing jobs difficult. NAFCA member contractors do not walk away from a job until they, and the customer, are satisfied that it is complete.

5. NAFCA contractors are professionals and it shows in their work.

6. NAFCA's strength is the involvement of its members. It is a privilege to belong to NAFCA, and members look continually to add value to membership by promoting the values and goals of the organization, while inviting others of similar values to join.

7. Part of being an ethical businessman is to negotiate fairly, to not take unfair advantage of another. NAFCA members are committed to maintaining their integrity.

8. Just as NAFCA Contractors honor their commitments to customers through these articles, they agree to honor their commitments to Vendors. Failure to do so not only destroys integrity, it exposes the customer to financial liabilities that ethically must fall on the Contractor.

The goal of NAFCA is to build strong ties among the fence industry and its customers to the benefit of all. The Codes of Ethics that Vendors and Contractors sign, and the Consumer Bill of Rights that they support are all designed to protect all parties and encourage integrity. Why would anyone want to do business with someone who doesn't demonstrate a commitment to these values?