Material only vs fix and supply: which is better value?
Buying Clearview material and installing it yourself, or having CSO supply and install it: how to decide.
When you ask CSO for a Clearview quotation, you can choose one of two options: material only, where you buy the Clearview and arrange the installation yourself, or fix and supply, where CSO supplies the materials and installs the fence. The quotation is free either way.
The cheaper option on paper is not always the better value. This guide explains what each option involves so you can choose the one that suits your project.
What each option means
| Material only | Fix and supply | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | The Clearview materials for your fence | The materials and the installation by the CSO team |
| Who installs | You, or a builder you appoint | CSO |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher, because installation is included |
| Who is responsible for the finished fence | You and your installer | One company: CSO |
Why the installation matters so much
Clearview is a welded steel mesh fence. Its strength does not come from the panels alone. It comes from how the fence is put up:
- Post spacing: posts set too far apart leave panels that can flex and be forced.
- Alignment: a fence that is not straight and level leaves gaps at the bottom and between panels.
- Fixing: loose or poorly secured fixings are a weak point an intruder can work on.
A well-installed fence of a lower security level can perform better than a badly installed fence of a higher one. That is why the installation deserves as much thought as the product.
When material only can make sense
Material only can be a sensible choice when:
- You already have an experienced builder or fencing team you trust
- The job is small and simple, such as a short garden fence on level ground
- You are managing a larger construction project and want your own team to fit the fence
If you choose material only, make sure your installer is confident with Clearview before the materials arrive. Mistakes in post spacing or alignment are hard to fix once posts are set.
When fix and supply is usually the better value
Fix and supply is usually the better choice when:
- Security is the main reason for the fence, for example a home, business, yard or exposed boundary
- The boundary is long, sloping or has existing walls and pillars to work around
- You need a gate fitted to match the fence
- You want one company responsible for both the materials and the workmanship
- You do not have time to find, brief and supervise an installer
When you compare prices, compare the full cost: materials, your installer's labour, any tools or equipment they need, and the cost of putting right any mistakes. A fix-and-supply quotation brings all of that into one price.
Gates, extras and transport
- Gates are priced separately from the fence, by the width of the opening and the type: sliding, swing or pedestrian. See our gates page.
- Extras such as razor wire or security spikes can be added on top of the fence.
- Transport: CSO works nationwide. For sites outside Harare, transport is included in the quotation and charged by distance.
Which security level?
Whichever option you choose, you still need to pick the right Clearview: garden fence (low security), running fence (medium) or palisade (high). The difference is the size of the mesh gaps. Our guide running fence vs palisade vs garden fence explains how to choose, and what affects the price of a Clearview fence covers the other cost factors.
How to get a quote
Send us:
- Your location (suburb or town)
- Whether you want material only or fix and supply (or ask us to quote both)
- The type of Clearview, or ask us to advise
- The approximate length of each boundary in metres, and photos if you can
- Whether you need a gate, and how wide the opening is
Use the quote form or WhatsApp us on 077 509 9777. See our Clearview fencing page for the full range.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Clearview material only from CSO?
Yes. CSO offers Clearview as material only or as fix and supply. Tell us which option you want when you ask for a quote, and the quotation will show what is included.
Why is fix and supply often better value than material only?
Material only costs less upfront, but a Clearview fence is only as strong as its installation. Post spacing, alignment and fixing all decide how well it resists climbing and cutting. With fix and supply, the materials and the workmanship come from one company.
Do you install outside Harare?
Yes. CSO works nationwide. For sites outside Harare, transport is included in the quotation and is charged by distance.
Secure your property with CSO
Send us your location and what you need. We will arrange a free site visit and a written quotation.