Fence quote: beware of prices that are too low

You've received several quotes for your fence project and one of them is surprisingly lower than the others? Before jumping on this apparent bargain, it's essential to understand why a significant price difference should raise a red flag.

Real margins in the fence industry

In the residential fence installation sector, profit margins for established contractors are relatively tight, typically between 10 and 15%. These margins cover operating costs, insurance, warranties, regulatory compliance, and after-sales service.

When a quote is 20% less expensive than another comparable one, it's an important indicator to consider. This difference cannot be explained solely by better efficiency or superior purchasing volume. Something important is missing from the equation.

What's behind abnormally low prices?

Unqualified or occasional contractors can offer very attractive prices by cutting corners on essential aspects:

1. Lack of insurance and licenses

A professional contractor must maintain several costly insurances: liability, construction insurance, workers' compensation. Uninsured workers transfer these risks directly to you. In case of an accident on your property, your liability could be engaged.

2. Inferior quality materials

To reduce their costs, some contractors use second-choice materials, cheap import versions, or components that don't meet Canadian standards. Your bargain composite fence could fade in two years instead of maintaining its appearance for 25 years.

3. No real warranty

A warranty is only valuable if the company still exists in five years. Occasional contractors often disappear after a few months, leaving you with no recourse in case of problems. Established companies like Clôtures LM, with over 17 years of experience, offer continuity and long-term accountability.

4. Regulatory non-compliance

Obtaining municipal permits and complying with regulations represent time and sometimes costs. Some contractors bypass these steps, exposing you to fines and the obligation to redo the work to standards.

5. Poor installation

Expertise matters. A poorly installed ornamental fence will lean after the first Quebec winter. Insufficiently deep posts, poorly mixed concrete, or inadequate fasteners compromise the durability of your investment.

The real costs of a cheap installation

What seems like a $2,000 savings today can quickly turn into a $5,000 or more loss:

• Premature repairs needed after one or two years
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• Complete replacement of a failing installation
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• Municipal fines for non-compliance
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• Devaluation of your property
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• Legal disputes with no recourse

How to evaluate a serious quote?

A professional quote should include:

• The contractor's RBQ license number (verifiable)
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• The company's tax numbers (GST/QST)
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• A detailed description of materials used
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• Payment terms (beware of requests for full payment upfront)

The right questions to ask

Before signing, make sure to get clear answers:

• How long has the company been in business?
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• Do you have liability and workers' compensation insurance?
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• Who will perform the work? (employees or subcontractors)
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• Can you provide verifiable recent references?

Conclusion

The lowest price is never a sufficient criterion for choosing a fence installer. In an industry where margins are tight, a significant price difference almost always hides compromises on quality, compliance, or sustainability.

Investing in a professional installation by an established company means protecting your investment, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guaranteeing long-term peace of mind. At Clôtures LM, our reputation of over 17 years on Montreal's South Shore is built on the quality of our installations and the lasting satisfaction of our clients.

A quality fence is a long-term investment. Don't let a low price compromise the value and safety of your property.

Request your detailed and transparent quote today and discover the difference of professional service.