Yes, the wall has to be opened up and the pipes moved up to the exact distance needed by the particular brand of faucet that you choose. Then you have to close up the walls, do drywall repair, and attach the finish trim pieces. If you ever have a leak or problem, the wall needs to be opened up to access things as well. Wall mount faucets are best located where an access panel from the other side of the wall can be concealed.

The labor will be more than triple what installing a deck mount faucet would be, simply because of the work behind the walls being needed. A deck mount faucet is an easy DIY install, taking 30 minutes at most. You really don't need a plumber for that if your shut off valves are newish.

Also, if you are utilizing an existing vanity, it may be too tall for a vessel sink. Vanities that will be short enough for a vessel sink would be in the 30"-32" height, not the 36" height that vanities have become over the last 20 years.

thanks for all your info! very helpful! i will have to find a vessel deck mount that i like ;)

the height of vanity is ok for vessel, so that's good