Why Is It So Expensive...

[cassa333]

To have a fence replaced?

I have a five panel fence that is in need of a total replacement and I have been quoted up to £750.

The raw materials cost no more than £100 at a generous measure so £650 for labour is eye watering.

I am definately in the wrong job.

[CrapAtCryptics]

Was the guy wearing a stetson - thats way to much. Ask friends / neighbours for a good reliable reasonably priced worker.

[cassa333]

I thought it was too much as well. Just because it is a rented property they think there is money to be had.

[CrapAtCryptics]

If its rented isnt it the landlords responsibility - have a look at your lease.

[Buenchico]

Buy the panels yourself, from Wickes, for that £100 (plus £30 delivery if you're within 10 miles of a store, £35 up to 20 miles, £45 up to 45 miles):
http://www.wickes.co.uk/

Then seek out a general handyman/builder/gardener (rather than a fencing company) to install them. Even with a two-man team demanding £150 each for the day's work involved, you still be saving at least £300.

[Robinia]

Fencing can be an expensive job. Are you having concrete posts and gravel boards? The old fence taken away? It all adds up. Get as many quotes as you can, ask around to see if anyone can recommend someone trustworthy.

[Retrochic]

No way would this cost that much. We were once quoted for a fence across our field,post and wire at £13 a meter - the next two guys that came to give a quote said between £1.50 and £1.75 -I even rang the first quote to see if it was a typo but no -some people just see a posh house, or some other indicator you can pay and try their luck.

Base tradesmen quotes on around £25 labour (outside London) and that job sounds like a short days job for two men. 10 hours at very most = £250

[cassa333]

I am the LL so I have to pay for it.

I had a look on the Wickes web site for the actual costs and even added 10% for good measure to get to £100 for raw materials.

Any ABers willing to do it for £350

[vulcan42]

Definitely get other quotes. Some contractors, if they don't want to do a particular job often quote a ridiculous price just to ensure they don't get it. Seems a strange way to do business but there's nowt as queer as folk.

[KJN]

Five fence panels, six posts, plus concrete mix (maybe kick boards) for £100.00
I take it we are not talking six foot wooden fence panels here? was the quote over the phone or an on site estimate?

[Peter Pedant]

sounz OK Cassa
yes I know you are a LL
Have you got the tenants from hell out yet ?

I imagine it is not matter of replacing and slotting in panels but doing the whole shebang again which means that £750 aint bad

( and an allowable expense on your tax return )

[alavahalf]

You say £100 for materials .. are you looking at a 1994 catalogue ... that sounds realy cheap to me. If the fence is in need of 'Total Replacement' as stated. Where do you manage to get 5 panels, 6 posts, and 6 bags of postcrete and 30 panel fixings for £100. If the old post bases need to be cut out with a kango then the hire fee will be on top of the price. Not to mention removing the waste and disposing of it.

All of a sudden there seems to be a great big hole in that £650 profit you imagine.