DIY vs Professional Fencing: When to Call the Experts

When it comes to installing fencing on your land, the decision often comes down to one question: Should you tackle it yourself, or bring in a professional fencing team? While DIY fencing can seem tempting - especially for smaller or simpler projects - not every fence line is suitable for hands-on experimentation. In fact, getting it wrong can lead to safety risks, wasted money, and a fence that simply doesn’t last.

Here’s a practical breakdown to help landowners decide when DIY might be feasible, and when calling in an expert fencing contractor is unquestionably the right choice.

When DIY Fencing Can Make Sense

If you’re confident with tools, have the right equipment, and are working with straightforward land, some small-scale fencing projects can be suitable for DIY. These include:

Simple electric fencing for temporary use: Temporary electric tape or rope systems for rotational grazing or separating paddocks can be manageable for a competent DIYer. These systems are designed to be adjusted or removed and don't require heavy post driving.

Small garden or boundary repairs: Replacing a single damaged post or reattaching a loose rail is usually manageable if the surrounding fence is in good condition.

Non-load-bearing fencing: Light-duty fencing that doesn’t need to contain livestock or withstand pressure can sometimes be handled without calling in professionals like Best Equine & Agricultural Fencing.

But it is crucial to know your limits, because when DIY goes wrong, it can go very wrong.

The Risks of DIY Fencing Gone Wrong

Many property owners start with good intentions but soon discover that fencing is far more complex than digging a few holes and hammering in posts. Common DIY mistakes include:

Poor post depth or stability: If posts aren’t driven deep enough, or into the right type of footing, the entire fence will eventually lean, sag, or collapse.

Incorrect wire tensioning: Incorrectly tensioned wire can be dangerous for livestock and can allow for livestock escapes, or even snap under pressure.

Unsafe or ineffective electric fencing: Poor grounding, wrong energisers, or incorrect installation can make an electric fence useless - and possibly even hazardous!

Not accounting for land levels: Uneven ground, slopes, and dips require specific techniques and materials to ensure the fence remains straight, strong, and secure.

Choosing the wrong materials: Using untreated timber, weak posts, thin rails, or incorrect wire types often results in fences that fail long before they should.

By the time many DIYers realise the issues, it usually costs far more to fix the mistakes than it would have to hire a professional in the first place.

When You Should Call a Professional Fencing Contractor

Some fencing projects require more expertise, equipment, and knowledge than a typical landowner has access to. You should always bring in professionals for:

Equine fencing: Horses are powerful, fast-moving animals. Incorrect fencing can cause severe injuries, escapes, or legal liabilities. Equine-safe fencing needs precise installation, correct materials, and expert understanding of behaviour and we are one of the best equine fencing contractors in Essex so give us a shout!

Livestock containment (cattle, sheep, pigs): These animals are escape artists in their own ways. Safe, secure, long-lasting fencing for them requires specialist knowledge and as part of Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, we're the experts when it comes to keeping these kinds of animals contained!

Post and rail or estate fencing over large distances: Long fence lines need professional post drivers, levelling equipment, and a team experienced in building consistent, durable fencing over large areas. We have the right tools and the right know-how to provide the very best outcome.

Gate installation: Gates require exact measurements, proper hanging techniques, and correct hardware to prevent sagging and ensure long-term functionality. Getting it wrong will cause all kinds of ongoing issues, so let experts like us get it right first time around!

Electric fencing (permanent systems): Strong, reliable electric fencing that actually works year-round needs proper grounding, energiser selection, and correct tensioning. If you're looking for the best fencing contractor to install your electric fencing in Essex, you've found us!

Projects on sloped, uneven, or wet ground: Tricky terrain requires professional methods to compensate for ground movement, drainage, and stability. We LOVE a challenge and offer free quotes, so hit us with your wonky ground!

Why Hiring a Professional Really Matters

1. Safety for your animals

Professionally installed fencing minimises injury risk and prevents escapes, protecting both animals and landowners.

2. Longevity and durability

Experts use the right materials, proper tools, and tried-and-tested techniques, ensuring your fence lasts for years, not months.

3. Compliance with regulations and standards

Whether it’s livestock containment rules, boundary requirements, or electric fence safety regulations, professionals know what’s required.

4. Cost-effectiveness

A properly installed fence saves money on repairs, replacements, and emergency call-outs in the long run.

5. Expertise & efficiency

A job that could take you weeks may take a professional team just a day or two, and the results are always more reliable.

DIY or Professional? Final Thought

If your fencing project involves livestock, horses, long boundaries, uneven land, or permanent fencing, calling in a professional is the smartest and safest option.

At Best Equine & Agricultural Fencing, we bring over 20 years of experience, specialist tools, and a deep understanding of equine and agricultural needs, ensuring every fence we build is strong, safe, and built to last. Get in touch today to discuss your projects!