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I learned this one the hard way, so maybe you don't have to.
A storm blew through last autumn and took down three panels at the back of my garden. I was gutted, obviously, but figured I'd just get someone in to sort it. Quick job, in and out, done. Found a bloke online, he gave me a decent price, came round the next day.
What I didn't know was that he was rushing. Didn't set the posts deep enough. Used cheap timber that was already starting to warp. And when he left, he took my money and I never heard from him again.
Eight weeks later, another storm rolled in, and the whole lot came down again. I had to pay twice—once for his rubbish work, and again for someone else to come and do it properly.
That second bloke? He showed me what a proper fence repairs service actually looks like. Showed up when he said he would. Used proper materials. Set the posts in concrete deep enough to survive London weather. Explained what he was doing and why. And when he left, I knew it was sorted.
Here's the thing—finding a decent fence repairer isn't rocket science. But if you don't know what to look for, you can end up paying twice like I did. Or worse, have a fence that looks fine but falls apart six months later when the weather turns.
Let me walk you through what actually matters.
Do They Actually Listen to You?
This sounds obvious, but it's your first test.
When you call someone about fence repairs, do they ask questions? Do they want to know what happened, what kind of fence you've got, what the damage is? Or do they just fire off a price over the phone without really understanding what you need?
A proper repairer wants to understand the job before they tell you what it'll cost. They'll ask about the damage, about the type of fence, about how you get into your garden. They'll want to come and have a look if it's anything more than a simple panel swap.
Someone who gives you a price without asking any questions? They're either guessing, or they're planning to cut corners. Either way, you don't want them touching your fence.
Are They Upfront About Pricing?
This is where a lot of people get stung.
A good fence repairs service will give you a clear breakdown. Labour, materials, any extras. They'll tell you if there might be extra costs if they find something unexpected once they start digging.
A bad one? They'll give you a cheap price to get the job, then suddenly discover "problems" once they've started and add on extra charges. Or they'll give you a price that seems reasonable but use cheap rubbish materials to make their margin.
Ask for a written quote before they start. If they won't give you one, walk away.
What Materials Are They Using?
This is what caught me out with that first bloke.
He quoted me a decent price, but he used cheap timber that wasn't properly treated. Looked fine when he finished. Six months later it was already showing signs of rot. I'd paid for a repair, but I'd actually paid for a temporary fix.
A proper fence repairs service uses materials that will last. Pressure‑treated timber, not dip‑treated. Galvanised or stainless fixings, not cheap screws that'll rust. Proper concrete for posts, not just backfill with soil.
Ask them what they're planning to use. If they can't tell you, or if they get defensive, that's your cue to find someone else.
How Do They Set Posts?
This one detail makes a massive difference to how long your repair lasts.
If they're replacing a post, how are they setting it? Proper post setting means concrete, deep enough to resist wind and soil movement. In most gardens, that's at least 600mm deep. Often more.
A cowboy will chuck the post in a hole, pour a bit of postcrete round it, and call it done. It'll look fine for a while. First good wind or a bit of clay movement, and it'll start leaning.
A proper fence repairs service knows this. They'll dig proper holes, mix proper concrete, and set the posts deep enough to last. Costs a bit more, but you won't be paying them again in six months.
Do They Use Gravel Boards?
This is another detail that separates the pros from the cowboys.
If they're repairing a fence and they don't fit gravel boards between the panels and the ground, that's a problem. Wood against damp soil rots. It's not if, it's when. A gravel board takes the damp so your panels don't have to.
A proper fence repairs service will always recommend gravel boards, especially for repairs where the bottom of the panels have rotted. If they try to talk you out of them, they're either cutting corners or they don't know what they're doing.
How Do They Handle Access and Mess?
This matters more than you'd think.
A good repairer turns up when they say they will. They don't keep you waiting around for hours. They bring the right tools and materials. They clean up afterwards—no nails left lying around, no bits of old timber dumped in your garden, no mess for you to sort out.
A bad one? They'll turn up late, make a mess, leave rubbish behind, and expect you to clean up after them.
Ask about this when you're booking. A proper professional won't mind you asking. They'll actually be proud of how they work.
What Do Their Reviews Actually Say?
Everyone's got reviews these days. But not all reviews are worth the same.
When you're looking for fence repairs, don't just glance at the star rating. Read what people actually say. Do they mention the work being done properly? Do they mention the person turning up on time? Do they mention clean‑up afterwards?
Also look at how long they've been around. A company with years of consistent good reviews is probably doing something right. A new one with a handful of five‑star reviews from accounts with no other reviews? Could be genuine. Could be mates and family. Hard to know.
Are They Properly Insured?
This is one people don't think about until something goes wrong.
If a repairer damages something while working on your fence—your patio, your plants, your neighbour's property—who pays? If they're insured, it's covered. If they're not, it's on you.
A proper fence repairs service will have public liability insurance. Ask them. If they don't, or if they get funny about the question, move on to the next one.
Do They Offer a Guarantee?
A good repairer stands behind their work.
They'll guarantee their repairs for a reasonable period—six months, a year, sometimes longer. If something they fixed fails within that time, they'll come back and sort it.
A cowboy? They're gone the minute they've got your money. You try to call them back, they don't answer.
Ask about guarantees before you agree to anything. If they won't guarantee their work, they're telling you they don't trust it themselves.
How Do They Handle the Quote?
This is a good test.
A proper fence repairs service will come and look at the job, talk you through what needs doing, answer your questions, and give you a written quote. They won't pressure you to decide on the spot. They'll let you think about it.
A bad one will give you a price over the phone without seeing the job, or they'll turn up, give you a rushed quote, and push you to agree immediately before they "lose the slot."
Take your time. A genuine professional doesn't need to rush you.
FAQs
Q: How much should fence repairs cost?
A: Depends on what needs doing. Replacing a single panel might be £100-200. Replacing a post with concrete could be £150-250. A full run of repairs could be more. The key is getting a clear written quote before they start.
Q: How do I find a reliable fence repairs service?
A: Ask neighbours or friends for recommendations. Check reviews properly—read what people actually say, don't just look at stars. Look for people who specialise in fencing rather than general handymen. And ask the questions above before you hire anyone.
Q: Can I do fence repairs myself?
A: If you're confident and handy, sure. But it's heavier work than it looks, and getting posts properly set is harder than you'd think. If you're not sure, pay a professional. It's cheaper than doing it twice.
Q: How long should fence repairs last?
A: Properly done repairs with quality materials should last as long as the rest of your fence. If you're replacing a panel or post, it should give you 10-15 years or more.
Q: What if my fence is shared with a neighbour?
A: That can get tricky. The law around boundaries isn't always crystal clear. Best thing is to talk to your neighbour first and agree on what needs doing and who pays. A good repairer will have experience with this and can advise.
Q: Should I treat my fence after repairs?
A: If they've used pressure‑treated timber, you don't need to immediately. But a coat of fence preservative every few years will extend the life of the whole fence.
The Bottom Line
Look, fence repairs aren't complicated. But they need to be done right.
Get them wrong, and you're paying twice—once for the rubbish repair, and again for someone to fix it properly. Get them right, and your fence will stand for years, looking good, keeping your garden private, and doing its job.
The difference is who you hire. Someone who listens. Who uses proper materials. Who sets posts properly. Who fits gravel boards. Who cleans up afterwards. Who's insured. Who guarantees their work.
That's what you should look for in a fence repairs service. Not the cheapest price. Not the fastest quote. Someone who actually knows what they're doing and takes pride in doing it well.
So take your time. Ask the questions. Check the reviews. And hire someone who'll do the job properly first time.
Your fence will thank you. Your wallet will thank you. And you won't be standing in your garden in six months watching it fall down again.
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