Fence repair

magpies79

So my fence which is my responsibility has pretty much been on its way out for a while really needs sorting the neighbour has been sound he’s wants it sorting as 3 posts are completely rotten and any kinda of wind they won’t be up long.

So here’s my problem my wife is a childminder and the worst 2 months are gonna be here soon where her earnings aren’t the best as it’s school holidays and so she doesn’t earn as much the neighbour has kindly said he would be willing to put towards the cost to have a whole new fence had 3 quotes and one has come back at £1,690 that’s for 7 panels and concrete gravel boards and concrete posts he’s willing to put £1,000 towards it as he really wants it sorting.

 my problem is I don’t have £700 spare at the moment I could put it on a credit card and maybe pay off £200 a month until it’s cleared I do feel he’s being more then reasonable as it’s not his fence to sort and potentially say we’ll sort the fence some other time at full cost for me so I do want to take him up on the offer is it irresponsible to put it on a credit card i just don’t know what to do could save the money in 3-4 months but by then he might not be willing to put towards it and he wants it done by the end of this month.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

that's a very generous offer from you neighbour, usually posters are falling out about who has to pay and boundary disputes,

Be a pity to miss out, have you thought about a zero interest credit card (£1000) over 18/24 months to make payments easier, you could of course pay it off quicker.

You could then offer to go halves, which seems fair.

Careful though, don't go crazy on the credit card and end up in a mess.

Good neighbours are good to have.

Simonon77

There is nothing wrong with putting it on a card. All you need to do is be disciplined in paying it off in say 4 equal payments. The interest you will pay on it won't be much if you cant get a 0% one, so it can be handy.

Eldi_Dos

It is refreshing to hear of your neighbours approach, and it sounds as if a new fence would benefit both properties.

Is there a credit union in your area you could join as I am led to believe their rates are more affordable.

twopenny

It shouldn't take more than a day. My guys did 3posts and 2panels one of which had to be altered, in 3hrs.
Putting it on a zero credit card is a good idea.

Think about how you are your neighbours and you are going to pay when it's in 2 parts. 
If this guy is trustworthy? My neighbour offered to pay half cause it was her fault the fence went down and once done dipped out. We didn't know each other well as I'd just moved in.

 it's a brilliant deal and a big expense done and then you can soon move on rather than Having it hanging over your head.

magpies79

Really appreciate all the replies yeah think I’m going to do it I’ve looked at 0% but unfortunately I have an old ccj that’s satisfied but only has 4 months left on file.
I think I’ll do it but make sure I stick to paying off at least £200 a month off maybe try and pick up an extra night shift at work.

and I’ve said this the wife we should count ourselves lucky he’s gone out of his way got 3 quotes sent them all over to us offered to pay more then us and said he will take the day off when they do it. 
thanks again 

CliveOfIndia

Just check whether the fencing contractor will accept payment by credit card.  It's a lot easier these days than it used to be for small businesses to accept credit cards.  But there are still plenty of small businesses who cannot/choose not to accept card payments.

magpies79

Yeah never thought of that I’ll double check thanks 

WhiskersTheWonderCat

Being somebody that has always put up my own fences so never even thought about the price to get it done, I am flabbergasted at the price for 7 panels! That is so shocking. That's £250 per panel! Why on earth would anybody pay that! 

Jonboy_1984

Is it just the posts that are rotten or is there further damage.

If the posts are simply rotten at ground level you can often fit repair spurs to support the fence. These can be done DIY for around £20-£25 per post, or contractors are typically £80-£100 per post.

FreeBear

WhiskersTheWonderCat said:

Being somebody that has always put up my own fences so never even thought about the price to get it done, I am flabbergasted at the price for 7 panels! That is so shocking. That's £250 per panel! Why on earth would anybody pay that! 

Depending on where the OP is in the country, £250 per panel fitted is quite reasonable. With concrete posts and gravel boards, it will probably outlast the OP and the neighbour.

@magpies79 You have a very generous offer from the neighbour, so in your shoes, I would stick the balance on credit card (IF it can be paid off quickly). I've just dropped considerably more on a new boiler & heating system and hammered the credit card in the process. Paying it off is going to hurt, and it will take a few months to get back down to a zero balance. But the interest rate is much better than a payday loan.