Replacing a fence - please help, I'm a ditherer!

peaceandfreedom

I have had a few quotes for replacing a fence along the side of our garden, slightly tricky spot. Quotes are for:

8 x 1.5m Featheredge panels
9 slot-in concrete posts
8 x 150mm concrete gravel boards

To fit the above with removal and disposal of existing fencing.
Posts sunk to a depth of either 450mm or 600mm depending on the quote.

The quotes I have received are:
£1350 (doesn't include disposal of fence, posts would be at 450mm depth)
£1730 (600mm depth for posts)
around £1950 (the guy does time and materials so not a firm quote, 450mm depth for posts)

All of the quotes are higher than I had originally expected but I understand that materials are more expensive these days.

I've been dithering over this for ages, seem unable to make a decision these days.

What do people think, I've no idea really how much a fence should cost.

Many thanks for any help

FreeBear

When I had a fence done <mumble><mumble> years ago, I paid about £100 per panel, gravel boards, and posts. Bearing in mind, the price of timber and related products have increased dramatically over the last few months, I'd be expecting something in the region of £180-200 per bay. So for 8 panels. £1500 or so would be a reasonable ballpark. A bit higher for London or the Home Counties.

donemedosh

In my area (shropshire) you would pay around £500 for those materials. So not a bad price but I the first quote  would not take waste away which means you need a skip so there another £150+ and you have to fill it. The quote based on time means if they hit a problem you are paying while they sort it out,a fixed price means they sort it out at thier cost. But to be honest I would leave the fencing till next year if at all possible because I think things will calm down & prices should drop & trades wouldn't charge as much. Hope this helps

peaceandfreedom

Thanks for your replies. I've priced the materials with a few local timber merchants and they come to the best part of £900. I don't know if the tradesmen get any kind of discount. This is in Somerset.

The fence has been broken for some months now and it's flapping about. I'd like it fixed before the winter winds come back to do their worst. It seems to take a battering hence the decision to put in concrete posts this time.

I've double-checked with the first guy, the £1350 quote does include removal and disposal.

But I generally preferred the guy who quoted £1730 even though it's a big difference for the same work. He is the only one that charges VAT which has pushed his price up.

The obvious thing seems to be to go for the cheapest quote but I can't decide.

ka7e

I'm in Somerset - last year had 8 x 2m feather-edge panels, with concrete posts (no idea of depth) and concrete gravel boards fitted for £1400. They disposed of some of the old fence, but most was recycled by myself.

donemedosh

Price is not the only thing to look at, if you like the guy who is a bit more expensive then go with it. Often when you talk to trades people you get a feel for how they work.