Heras / tree protection fencing cost?

[thewharftrader]

At long last, we are finally progressing with our house build project.

Got a quote from our builder for Heras fencing to go around the plot.
So, for 120m of Heras fencing, the cost is going to be £2400+VAT.
A quick Google/ebay seems to suggest it can get 40 fence panels (3m each), plus a brackets and feet for about £1000 inc VAT?
Does it really cost £2k to install? Or am I missing something here?
Add in some hoarding along the front, 5m gates, and getting it painted is coming in at £7k...
Anyone recommend any decent supplier that could hopefully blow this quote out the water?! Based in Surrey so maybe Surrey prices or maybe I am just naive and these things just cost more than I think they should!

[Equus]

thewharftrader said:

... am I missing something here?

Probably that your builder doesn't have the time to go hawking round on Ebay to pick up cheap second-hand Heras panels, or sufficient space to store them, if he did - he'll be renting them from a commercial scaffolding or plant hire firm.

[Sixpackpert]

Equus said:

Probably that your builder doesn't have the time to go hawking round on Ebay to pick up cheap second-hand Heras panels, or sufficient space to store them, if he did - he'll be renting them from a commercial scaffolding or plant hire firm.

Exactly that. Storage.

[Zarco]

Heras is a piece of piss to put up provided the ground is relatively flat and clear. You could do it yourself in a day.

I'm assuming the builder isn't allowing for leveling or clearing to allow it to be erected.

[Muncher]

I think the answer is probably to do it yourself and sell them after.

[C Lee Farquar]

Perhaps not the stage of build to show this frame of mind to your builder?

[Equus]

C Lee Farquar said:

Perhaps not the stage of build to show this frame of mind to your builder?

I can't speak for builders, but as soon as we get a client who starts to cherry-pick individual items of work they think they can do cheaper themselves, and expect you to work around them, we know that the sensible thing to do is walk away from the project.

[fanders]

I DIY'd 130m of Heras fencing for a hangar project, bought it from a dealer for £1,000 including fittings and got most of that back at the end of the build by selling it on eBay as a job lot. Building supplier quote was circa £1,800+VAT from memory, so a useful saving. Installed the panels in about 6 hours, site was reasonably level.

I was the Principal Contractor under CDM regulations though, so not quite the same as using a general builder for an extension etc.

[thewharftrader]

Thanks for the replies.

The builder just got a quote from a local person supplying these things. He is fully aware that I will look for things cheaper elsewhere if I can find. It makes zero difference to him - he has a fixed management fee to build and project manage process. Indeed, he is thankfully not arrogant enough to think that just because he got a quote from 2 people, then it makes it the best value around. Their attitude is that if I find something cheaper / better value they will be delighted as they can use it on the next build. Hence the question I asked. If it turns out that the local fencing contractor charges £7k actually, in other parts of the eg. someone in the Midland typically charges half that and is willing to travel to the site, then happy days, no?

That is what happened to me for when buying racking in the warehouse. Local company was £20k fully installed. Manchester based company, with very similar spec, did it for £10k and were delighted to come down and get it done over a couple of days.

If people with more knowledge than me thing it is good value for what I am getting, then great, I will go ahead.

[Zarco]

Equus said:

C Lee Farquar said:

Perhaps not the stage of build to show this frame of mind to your builder?

I can't speak for builders, but as soon as we get a client who starts to cherry-pick individual items of work they think they can do cheaper themselves, and expect you to work around them, we know that the sensible thing to do is walk away from the project.

Fair comments.

[skilly1]

I rent Heras fencing for 70p per week direct from Heras, including Foot and coupler. Delivery and collection 45 each way.

[thewharftrader]

Hi Skilly,
It will be on site for about 20 months+ so sadly, unless my maths is wrong, it is less cost effective than buying but thanks for the offer anyway!

[J6542]

Do you need any insurance if you put this up around a site yourself? It’ can blow over in high winds and Maybe hit someone or damage something.

[skilly1]

thewharftrader said:

Hi Skilly,
It will be on site for about 20 months+ so sadly, unless my maths is wrong, it is less cost effective than buying but thanks for the offer anyway!

No problem - I did not mean I rent them to other people I was just letting you know the rates I get. Do you want me to ask for 20 months and see what they say!?

[Zarco]

J6542 said:

Do you need any insurance if you put this up around a site yourself? It’ can blow over in high winds and Maybe hit someone or damage something.

There are accessories available to prevent that. Weight it down or anchor it basically.

[PArbor1]

The fencing should to be installed in accordance with BS5837 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction, most arb consultants appendix the relevant page in the report/method statement. I can send you it if you need it.

Make sure the distance they you erect the fencing is correct, as if it’s smaller than stated, damage to the root system within 12x dia @ 1.5m for single stems could cause you problems.

[jimbouk]

One thing to consider is that many builds take considerably longer to finish than anticipated...

Rented my Heras site fencing initially, then after a couple of years realised I / builder had paid out far more than purchase cost. Ended up buying secondhand off eBay,, still using some of it on site, and the only real cost is transport and time as it seems to hold its secondhand value pretty well when passing onto subsequent buyers...

[jimbouk]

Equus said:

C Lee Farquar said:

Perhaps not the stage of build to show this frame of mind to your builder?

I can't speak for builders, but as soon as we get a client who starts to cherry-pick individual items of work they think they can do cheaper themselves, and expect you to work around them, we know that the sensible thing to do is walk away from the project.

Equally though demonstrating that you are in touch with real world costs and margins is no bad thing. Absolutely no problem with contractors making a sensible profit, sometimes though boundaries get pushed and prices / profits escalate to what the client will take. Don’t cherry pick items, but don’t be afraid to question and understand, I’m assuming it’s your money that you are spending !

Very easy to spend money very quickly at the start of the project, many wish they had questioned early stage costs they incurred with a bit more vigor when they get further into their projects ....

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Facebook Marketplace. Always Heras fencing available for dirt cheap.

[blueg33]

The cost of hoarding has always bugged me. But it’s way better than heras fir site security. I have entered countless sites supposedly secured with heras. Usually takes 5 mins without tools, occasionally I need a spanner.