Fence Repair Estimating Guide for Handymen
Price fence repairs based on scope: replacing individual boards runs $10–$25 per board installed, post replacement costs $150–$300 per post, gate repairs run $100–$250, and full section replacement is $200–$400 per 8-foot section. Fence staining adds $1.50–$3.00 per square foot. Set a minimum service charge of $200–$300 for any fence repair visit.
Fence repair is a high-demand handyman service, especially in spring and after storm season. Unlike full fence installation — which is often better left to fencing contractors — repairs and maintenance are perfectly sized for handyman operations. The key to profitability is accurate scoping: what looks like a simple board replacement might reveal a rotted post, and a leaning section might need new concrete footings.
Board and Picket Replacement Pricing
Individual board replacement is the most common fence repair. A standard 6-foot cedar fence picket costs $3–$8 at Home Depot or Lowe's, and pressure-treated pine pickets run $2–$5. Charge $10–$25 per board installed, which includes removing the old board, cutting the new one to match, and securing it with exterior screws or ring-shank nails. For jobs with 10+ boards, offer a volume discount — $8–$15 per board since you are already set up and cutting is batch work. Dog-ear, flat-top, and French Gothic picket styles are all standard stock. If the client has a custom profile, add $5–$10 per board for sourcing or milling. Always use exterior-grade fasteners — stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized screws from GRK or SPAX prevent rust streaks within months.
Post Replacement and Resetting
Post replacement is the most labor-intensive fence repair and commands premium pricing. Removing a rotted 4x4 post set in concrete means digging out the old footing — typically an 18–24 inch diameter concrete blob weighing 50–100 pounds. Charge $150–$300 per post, which covers demo, digging, setting the new post in concrete (use Quikrete Fast-Setting for same-day completion), and reattaching the rails and boards. For posts that are leaning but not rotted, a post mender like the Simpson Strong-Tie E-Z Mender ($15–$25) can straighten and reinforce without digging — charge $75–$125 per post for this repair. Budget 1–2 hours per post replacement and 30–45 minutes per post mender installation. Always set posts 1/3 of their total length in the ground — a 6-foot fence needs 8-foot posts set 24 inches deep minimum.
Gate Repair and Adjustment
Gate problems are the number one fence complaint from homeowners. Sagging gates are usually caused by loose hinges, a racked frame, or a leaning gate post. A simple hinge replacement with heavy-duty strap hinges or self-closing hinges takes 20–30 minutes and should be priced at $75–$125 including hardware. For sagging gates, install an anti-sag gate kit (a diagonal cable with turnbuckle, $15–$30) — charge $100–$150 for the fix. If the gate post is leaning, treat it as a post replacement job at $150–$300. Building a new gate from scratch using matching fence boards runs $200–$400 including lumber, hardware, hinges, and a latch. Gate hardware upgrades — adding a self-closing spring, magnetic latch, or keyed lock — are excellent $50–$100 add-ons.
Full Section Replacement
When multiple boards, rails, and a post all need replacement, it is more efficient to quote a full section replacement. A standard 8-foot fence section includes two posts (shared with adjacent sections), two or three horizontal rails, and 12–16 pickets. Materials for a cedar section run $80–$150 and pressure-treated pine runs $50–$100. Charge $200–$400 per section for labor and materials combined. For larger jobs involving 3+ sections, your per-section cost drops because of shared posts and batch cutting — offer $175–$300 per section. Always check local building codes and HOA requirements before replacing sections, especially for height, setback, and material requirements. Some municipalities require a permit for fence replacement even if it is the same dimensions as the existing fence.
Fence Staining and Sealing
Fence staining is an excellent add-on or standalone service. Price staining at $1.50–$3.00 per square foot of fence face (both sides if accessible). A standard 6-foot privacy fence has 12 square feet per linear foot (both sides), so a 100-linear-foot fence is approximately 1,200 square feet — quote $1,800–$3,600. Quality exterior stains like Behr Premium, Cabot Australian Timber Oil, or TWP (Total Wood Preservative) cost $30–$50 per gallon and cover 150–300 square feet per gallon. Spray application (using an airless sprayer like a Graco Magnum) is 3–4 times faster than brush application and gives a more even finish. If you do not own a sprayer, renting one costs $75–$100 per day from Home Depot. For new wood fences, recommend waiting 3–6 months before staining to allow the wood to dry and accept stain properly.
Estimating Tips for Fence Work
Always do an on-site assessment for fence work — photos rarely show the full extent of damage, post condition below grade, or terrain challenges. Walk the entire fence line, push on each post to check for wobble, and look for rot at the base of posts and where rails meet posts. Bring a probe (a screwdriver works) to test for hidden rot. Common estimation mistakes include underestimating the number of rotted posts (if one is gone, adjacent posts are often compromised), forgetting to account for sloped terrain (which requires stepped sections at extra labor), and not checking for underground utilities before quoting post replacement. Call 811 for utility locating before any digging. Price your fence repairs with a clear scope — list every post, board count, and gate repair so there is no ambiguity about what is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
A leaning fence fix costs $75–$300 depending on the cause. If the post is solid but has shifted, a post mender or bracing costs $75–$125 per post. If the post is rotted and needs full replacement with a new concrete footing, charge $150–$300 per post. Multiple leaning posts often indicate a systemic issue — price each post individually and offer a package discount.
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