A residential fence installer's margins typically range between 10 and 15%. This covers operations, warranties, regulatory compliance, and follow-up. When a quote falls 20% below the others, something is inevitably being omitted.
1. No registered business -- An installer without a stable establishment has no fixed costs: no office, no declared employees, no structure. This transfers all the risk to the homeowner.
2. Lower-quality materials -- Inexpensive imported composite that fades within two years instead of lasting 25. Wire mesh of insufficient gauge that bends after the first winter.
3. No real warranty -- A warranty is only as good as the company behind it. An unregistered worker who ceases operations after six months offers no recourse.
4. Regulatory non-compliance -- Municipal permits and bylaw compliance take time and cost money. Some skip that step, and the homeowner gets the fine.
5. Poor installation -- Posts poorly anchored, improperly mixed concrete, inadequate fasteners. An ornamental fence that leans after one Quebec winter is a common consequence of rushed workmanship.
An apparent $2,000 saving can result in $5,000 or more in additional costs:
- Premature repairs after 1-2 years
- Full replacement of a failed installation
- Municipal fines for non-compliance
- Property devaluation
- Disputes with no recourse
A professional quote should include:
- Tax numbers (GST/QST)
- A detailed description of materials
- Payment terms (avoid requests for full payment upfront)
Before signing:
- How long has the company been operating?
- Who does the work -- employees or subcontractors?
- Any recent, verifiable references?
Price alone is not a sufficient basis for comparison. A significant gap almost always conceals a compromise on quality, compliance, or durability.
A well-prepared quote reflects the true cost of materials, labour, and follow-up. This is not about paying a premium for prestige -- it is about paying what is required for a properly executed installation, with materials from Quebec suppliers and workmanship built to last.
To compare quotes on a level playing field, check out our fence models and request a detailed quote.
