When Is It Time for a Fence Replacement? A Peterborough Homeowner’s Journey

A few months ago, Peterborough Fence was approached by a homeowner in the Northcrest area, where homes built in the 1970s—about 35% of Northcrest residences—are beginning to show signs of ageing infrastructure. Their pressure-treated wood fence, installed nearly 15 years ago, had several loose boards, multiple leaning posts, and evidence of rot at the base. The homeowner faced a classic dilemma: should they invest in minor repairs or opt for a full fence replacement?

We started with a professional evaluation. Repairs—such as reinforcing posts, replacing decayed boards, and adding protective flooring—were estimated at $130–$300, per local contractor benchmarks. But our analysis revealed that these fixes would only extend usable life by 2–3 years. Conversely, full fence replacement with new pressure-treated lumber would run $55–$125 per linear foot, a typical Ontario standard. Given the homeowner’s fence spans approximately 120 linear feet, this meant $6,600 to $15,000 for a full installation using top-grade materials and hardware—with a lifespan of 15–20 years.


Short-Term Fixes vs Long-Term Strategy

Next, we examined return on investment. In Peterborough’s active real estate market, where average home prices hover around $624,225 (May 2025) and inventory is rising faster than a seller’s market can absorb, curb appeal matters. Studies suggest well-installed fences can increase a property’s perceived value by 5–7%. On a $624K home, that's an increase of $31,000–$44,000—making a quality fence a potentially lucrative investment.

On the flip side, multiple repairs—as the homeowner had done in past years—started to add up. An early estimate of $200/year for maintenance over 10 years is $2,000 in total. But that figure underestimates the indirect costs: frequent disruptions, diminishing aesthetics, and lower resale impressions.

We ran the numbers:

• Repair Path: $200/year maintenance * 5 years = $1,000; lifespan extension ~5 years
• Replace Path: $10,000 full install, lifespan 15–20 years, curb appeal boost worth ~$35K–$44K

The homeowner ultimately chose full replacement. Why? It offered a stronger financial upside, reduced hassle, and a visually pleasing design that boosted the home’s market position.


A Wise Investment in Property and Peace of Mind

We began the project with full site preparation—removing the old fence, resetting string lines, and leveling ground. Posts were installed using concrete footings and stainless steel hardware to resist rot and soil moisture. Premium pressure-treated pine was used throughout, with rails and pickets spaced for structural resilience and privacy. Complete installation required 120 ft of fence, 12 posts, two gates, and custom end caps.

Upon completion, the homeowner immediately felt the upgrade in both appearance and function. They commented, “We love the look—and the fact that we won’t be worrying about boards falling down next year.” But the benefits went beyond visuals: with solid construction, they secured immediate street presence and peace of mind knowing there’d be no further work or annual repairs for many years.
​

Final Thoughts: When Replacing Makes Sense

---

Factor	Repair	Full Replacement
Initial Cost	$130–$300 per repair	$55–$125 per linear foot ($6,600–$15,000)
Extended Lifetime	~2–3 years	15–20 years
Maintenance Over Next 10 yrs	~$2,000+	Minimal after first year
Curb Appeal Boost	Little to none	5–7% potential home value increase
Resale Advantage	Minimal	Significant

Let Us Help You Decide

​If your fence has seen better days, Peterborough Fence can help you evaluate whether fence repairs will cut it, or if a full replacement is the smarter solution. We provide honest guidance, transparent estimates, and high-quality installations.

​Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how a strong, beautiful fence can protect your yard, save you money, and enhance your home’s value for years to come.

Peterborough Fence—your partner in smart, long-lasting fencing solutions.