What's included in a typical fence installation quote from a Vancouver contractor?

A thorough fence installation quote from a Vancouver contractor should include a detailed line-item breakdown of materials, labour, removal of any existing fence, gates, permits if required, and applicable taxes — all with a clear total. If a contractor hands you a quote that is just a single lump-sum number with no breakdown, that is a red flag. You need to see what you are paying for so you can compare quotes accurately and avoid surprise charges.

Here is what a professional, detailed quote for a Metro Vancouver fence project should cover:

Materials should be itemized or at least clearly described. You should see the fence type and material (e.g., "6-foot Western Red Cedar privacy fence, vertical board-on-board"), post size and material (4x4 vs. 6x6, cedar vs. pressure-treated vs. steel), the number of posts and their spacing, concrete for post footings (typically 2 bags of premix per post), gravel for drainage beds under each post, fastener type (galvanized or stainless steel — never regular steel in Vancouver's climate), and the grade of lumber (select, #2, or #1 — this significantly affects appearance and cost). The quote should specify the total linear footage being fenced and exactly which sections of your property are included.

Labour is typically quoted as a per-linear-foot rate or a lump sum. In Metro Vancouver, labour for fence installation runs $20 to $40 per linear foot depending on the fence style, terrain, and access conditions. The labour line should cover post hole digging (including auger equipment), post setting in concrete, rail installation, board or panel attachment, and basic site cleanup. If your property has challenging conditions — slopes, rocky soil, limited access for equipment, or long carry distances for materials — the labour rate should reflect this upfront, not as an add-on after the work starts.

Old fence removal and disposal is often listed as a separate line item, typically $3 to $8 per linear foot. This includes tearing down the existing fence, extracting old posts and concrete footings, loading debris, and disposal at a Metro Vancouver transfer station (dump fees in the region run $100 to $200 per load depending on volume). Some contractors include this in their per-foot pricing; others list it separately. Either way, confirm it is accounted for if you have an existing fence.

Gates should be quoted individually with specifications. A pedestrian gate quote should list the gate width, material, hardware (hinges, latch, self-closer if applicable), and whether the gate frame is built on-site or pre-fabricated. Expect $200 to $600 per standard pedestrian gate and $800 to $3,000 for driveway gates. Gate posts should be heavier than line posts (6x6 minimum) with deeper concrete footings, and a good quote will note this.

Permits — if your project requires a building permit (fences over height limits, pool enclosures, retaining wall combinations), the quote should note whether the contractor handles the permit application and whether the permit fee is included. Permit fees in Metro Vancouver range from $100 to $500 depending on the municipality and project scope.

Taxes in BC include 5% GST on the full amount and 7% PST on materials (labour is PST-exempt for residential projects). The quote should show these clearly. The total should be an all-in, walk-away number with no hidden fees.

What is typically NOT included (and should be discussed separately): boundary surveys, stump or tree root removal if roots obstruct post holes, irrigation line relocation if sprinklers are in the fence path, grading or retaining wall construction, and fence staining or sealing (usually done 2 to 4 weeks after installation once the wood has dried).

Red flags in a fence quote include no physical site visit (a contractor who quotes by phone or email without seeing your property cannot account for terrain, access, soil conditions, or existing structures), no written contract or just a verbal agreement, no timeline or estimated completion date, no mention of WorkSafeBC coverage or liability insurance, a demand for full payment upfront (standard is 25 to 50% deposit with the balance on completion), and a price that is dramatically lower than other quotes (usually means shallow posts, inadequate concrete, inferior materials, or a contractor who will demand extras mid-project).

Best practice: Get at least three written quotes from different Metro Vancouver fence contractors, compare them line by line, and ask questions about anything that is missing or unclear. Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with multiple contractors for free quotes — just reach out and we will connect you with experienced professionals in your area.

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