Fencing Repair / Replacement in West Lothian (4)

Finding reliable fence repair/replacement in West Lothian is essential and easier than you might think.

Here are our top tips for finding the best fencing repair/replacement for your garden in West Lothian.

1. Use Checkatrade

Searching directories like Checkatrade makes it quick and easy to find the right fence services.

See thousands of fencers and fencing installers checked by us and reviewed by homeowners.

Don’t forget to check our member's portfolios so you know if their work is for you.

2. Ask for recommendations

One of the best ways to find a great tradesperson is to ask friends, family, and colleagues.

Someone you know will likely have used a good fencer. Ask around for recommendations so you can learn about a fencer’s quality of work, professionalism and timeliness.

3. Check online reviews

Looking for online reviews is another great way to find tradespeople.

See what others say about a local fencer's professionalism, quality of work and timeliness.

Remember to cross-check your reviews on Checkatrade.

First, assess the damage to check if the fence is fixable. Minor fencing repairs, such as loose slats or small cracks, can be reattached or repaired with wood filler.

Use galvanised nails or screws when securing loose slats/panels so your repair lasts.

A fencer can remove and replace the section for rotting fence panels, even if it's an entire panel. After they've repaired the panel or loose slats, they'll seal them with wood preservatives to lessen the chances of further decay.

Can your fence be repaired? Chat with a fencer for more advice.

If your fence is relatively new, repairing rather than replacing it might be more cost-effective. If your fence has a long list of repairs, on the other hand, replace it.

Some homeowners can fix smaller issues, like a loose panel or filling minor cracks. But if you’re uncomfortable making more extensive repairs, arrange for hired fence repair.

Hiring a fencer also means you won’t need to purchase or hire additional tools. Your fencer will have all the tools they need to repair or replace your fence.

If structural components like concrete posts are damaged, it's better to seek professional help. DIY repairs can save money only when you have the right tools, time, and experience.

Chat with fencing repair/replacement services working in West Lothian for more advice.

If you need a new fence, get help planning it.

Some people will only hire help to repair their fence when;

• Your fence blows over
• Damage lets your pets escape
• A loose panel gets blown away in a storm

Don’t wait until your fence has become a problem. If you notice extensive damage, like multiple broken panels, rotten posts, or leaning sections, seek help.

Hiring a fencer is also helpful for wrought iron or vinyl fences that need specific tools and knowledge.

Here’s the average price for fence repair in West Lothian and across the UK:

• Average homeowner fence repair spend - £950
• Fence repair costs are anywhere from £40 to £1,839
• A wooden fence repair is between £77 and £770
• A chainlink fence repair is between £77 and £1,500
• Labour rates for fence repair are generally around £30 per hour or £240 per day

The cost of repairing a fence in the UK largely depends on its size, materials, and the extent of the damage.

The best thing to do is arrange two to three quotes from a fencing repair/replacement service working in your area of West Lothian. Always ask for a detailed quote, including materials and VAT.

Read our fence repair cost guide for more info.

No, you won't need planning permission for a new fence in the UK, as long as the height is under 2 metres or 1 metre if it borders a motorway.

You usually need planning permission if your fence is over 2 meters high or made from brick, stone, or concrete.

If your property is also listed in a conservation area or the courtyard of a listed building, you may need planning permission.

Check with your local council, as rules may vary per authority.

If you're unsure, get professional advice. Your local council can issue an enforcement notice to tear down your fence if planning permission should have been obtained.

The good news is you won't need planning permission to;

• Take down a fence
• Alter, maintain, or improve an existing fence
• Plant a hedge

Replacing a fence post is as simple as removing the damaged one and installing a new one. But, you might also need to dig out the old post, including its concrete base.

Make sure the hole is deep enough to support the new post, then insert the post and secure it with concrete. Use a spirit level to check it’s fully upright. Then, allow the concrete to set for 24–48 hours before reattaching the fence panels.

Find out how to repair a wobbly post here.