Should You Repair Your Sagging Fence Yourself Or Hire A Professional?

Fence repairs can often be done DIY if you have some handyman skills, but hiring a professional is often a good choice to consider as well — if you can stomach the cost. One problem that a fence may face as time goes on is sagging or leaning. The most common culprit of a leaning fence is rotting posts, but it may also occur due to soil erosion and other issues. If you have a sagging fence, you should think carefully about whether you'll attempt a DIY fix or splurge and hire a professional to fix the fence on your behalf. The answer isn't clear-cut, and there are pros and cons to both options. 

The cost of a professional wood fence repair varies. For a sagging or leaning fence, the cost will often range between $150 and $600, but this can vary a lot based on the extent of the damage as well as local labor and material costs. The costs of a DIY project are usually much lower than this, since you'll be doing the work yourself. You'll only pay for the cost of the materials that you'll be using. However, if you need to buy any additional tools to complete the job, you'll want to factor this in as well. This will give you a clearer picture of the overall financial burden of doing the project yourself compared to hiring a professional fence repair company.

The benefits of repairing a sagging fence yourself are pretty clear. In addition to the costs likely being much lower, you may also get extra satisfaction when handling the task yourself. If you tend to enjoy tackling DIY projects and learning new skills, fixing a sagging fence on your own might be worth the effort. Additionally, you can also repair the fence at your own pace or can take your time with it, working around your schedule rather than a contractor's schedule.

On the other hand, it's not often wise to DIY a fence repair if structural issues are too severe. Significant problems can be difficult to address on your own, and you may make mistakes or experience major setbacks. DIY projects, especially the more complicated ones, don't always go according to plan and can take a lot of time and effort. In general, going DIY is often a good option for wooden fence maintenance or if your fence only has minor problems. Repairing small bits of rot or replacing a couple of fence panels is well-suited for the DIY approach. Repairing a sagging or leaning fence DIY, however, may not be ideal unless you're sure you know what you're doing and have all of the necessary tools and equipment for the job.

Although there are clear benefits to attempting a sagging fence problem on your own, hiring a professional is an alternative worth considering. When you hire a professional, you'll be getting access to their proven knowledge and expertise and will have much less weight on your shoulders. A sagging fence is a significant issue and may require extensive repair work. If you're unsure about your DIY skills, hiring a professional can help reduce your worry and ensure the job is done right. Even if you're capable of handling the DIY repair on your own, it will likely take you more time to complete it than a fencing professional. A professional will be able to complete the job efficiently, especially if they're working with a great team. There are also safety issues associated with handling a big DIY fence repair, so you'll reduce your physical risk when hiring professionals.

Despite the advantages, remember that hiring a professional fence repair company can be costly. It can also be difficult to schedule the repair at a time that works for you. You'll want to consider the pros and cons of both repair options carefully and consider what your priorities are. If you prioritize a low cost, you may want to attempt a DIY job, but for more efficiency and quality, you may prefer to hire a professional.