Is it more affordable to hire a fence company or a general contractor for fence installation in BC?

For fence installation in BC, hiring a fence company is almost always more affordable than a general contractor — typically by 20-40% — and you'll usually get better quality work as well.

Fence companies are specialists. Their crews install fences every day, which means faster labour, fewer mistakes, and better material purchasing power. A general contractor (GC) managing a fence project is typically coordinating subcontractors or using general labourers who don't specialize in fencing. That coordination layer adds overhead, markup, and often slower scheduling.

Why Fence Companies Cost Less

A dedicated fence contractor carries the specific tools for the job — post hole augers, concrete mixers, laser levels, and panel jigs — and their crews work efficiently because fencing is all they do. A GC either rents this equipment (passing the cost to you) or uses less efficient methods. Material costs are also lower with fence specialists because they buy cedar, vinyl, chain-link, and hardware in volume from local suppliers, often at trade pricing that a GC doesn't access.

In Metro Vancouver's market, a 100 linear foot cedar privacy fence installed by a fence company typically runs $4,000-$8,000. The same project quoted through a general contractor often comes in at $5,500-$11,000 or more, because the GC adds a project management margin (typically 15-25%) on top of whatever their subcontractor or labour crew charges.

When a General Contractor Makes Sense

There are situations where a GC is the right call for fencing work. If your fence project is part of a larger renovation — say, a backyard overhaul that includes a deck, retaining wall, landscaping, and fencing all happening at once — a GC coordinating the entire scope can actually save money and scheduling headaches compared to hiring four separate trades. Retaining wall and fence combinations are a good example: the structural engineering, drainage, and sequencing of that work benefits from a single point of coordination.

For standalone fence installation, though, a GC adds a layer of cost and communication without adding value. You're better served going directly to a fence specialist.

What to Watch for in Either Case

Regardless of who you hire, the fundamentals of a quality fence installation don't change. In Metro Vancouver's wet climate, posts must be set a minimum of 2 feet deep for a 6 ft fence (deeper in soft or sloped soil), anchored in concrete with a gravel drainage bed at the base to prevent water pooling around the wood. Galvanized or stainless steel fasteners are non-negotiable in our rainfall environment — standard steel screws rust and stain within a season. And before anyone digs, BC One Call (1-800-474-6886) must be contacted for a free utility locate.

Always ask for references from recent local projects, proof of WorkSafeBC coverage, and liability insurance — whether you're hiring a fence company or a GC. Neither Vancouver Fence Builders nor any matching service vets or verifies contractors, so that due diligence is on you as the homeowner.

Need help finding a local fence specialist? Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with experienced fence contractors in Metro Vancouver for free — or browse the directory at vancouverconstructionnetwork.com/directory?trade=fencing.