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Repairing my neighbours picket fence - what do I do?

Josh LeeJosh Lee Posts: 1
in Problem solving

Hi,

I have absolutely no experience in gardening or DIY but unfortunately I hit my 80-year-old's neighbour's lovely picket waist-high fence with my car and snapped one of the posts making the fence bend inwards. It's entirely wooden, and I think it's seated with dirt (as opposed to concrete)

I dropped off my number before driving off and plan to visit her again to explain what I'm going to do about fixing it. I'll probably have to end up hiring a contractor to come and repair it as I have no experience myself nor does anyone I know.

Should I find a contractor? Where would be the best place to find one? What sort of costs am I looking at?

Thanks,

Josh

Posts

  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,846

    If you can't do it yourself then I would say ask around neighbours maybe they will know a local handy person who could do it for you. I wouldn't think that it could be a very hard job to do for someone with some basic tools and a bit of common sense.

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995

    Would it be too difficult to take it apart and replace just the busted post with a new one?  Just measure it up and purchase a new one (is it treated or painted?), dig out the broken bit and replace with the new one (gravel in the bottom), tamp it down nice and solid, then reattach the picket braces in the correct position.  

    Utah, USA.
  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    Go and see the neighbour. Apologise and offer to pay for whatever he suggests. If you think you can do it or know someone who can suggest that. You will just have to bite the bullet and pay up.
  • Tropical SamTropical Sam Posts: 1,488

    I agree, it should be an easy fix. The cost of a 4ft post is about £2 each and postcrete (to cement it in) about £4 for a bag. Hiring someone will cost over £30 plus the above, so I would cost it at £40-50. So it is well worth fixing yourself. You can paint the post the same colour. It really is straight forward and am sure there are lots of website/youtube videos giving good step by steps on how to do it.

  • john colquhounjohn colquhoun Posts: 33

    www.youtube.com is a wonderful thing.image

  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    It may be an easy fix, but if the neighbour wants to get a professional to do it that's his choice. And Josh will have to pay up!
  • Alan4711Alan4711 Posts: 1,657

    Josh , go down your local pub and ask who can fix it properly, its amazing what a couple of pints buys these days,somebody will put you right,works for me every time,

  • john colquhounjohn colquhoun Posts: 33

    If you cant find any help down the pub, you can always drown your sorrows lolimage

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