MJD

[MJD]

We run two teams of tree surgeons in North London. We are thinking of expanding into fencing as there is big demand. Anyone have any ideas of any short fencing courses or ideas about getting into the industry.

[Mick Dempsey]

Just now, MJD said:

We run two teams of tree surgeons in North London. We are thinking of expanding into fencing as there is big demand. Anyone have any ideas of any short fencing courses or ideas about getting into the industry.

Back in the 90s in southern England most tree guys did fencing as a sideline, often through felling and splitting sweet chestnut as a filler, I did a bit with some guys, it’s not something you can pick up to professional level in a few days (certainly I couldn’t)

I would just sub it in for a while and see if any of your guys enjoy straight lines and digging holes.

 

[MJD]

Thanks Mick. Would I look for a self employed fencer to sub it to? Any ideas where to find them?

Tricky question I know! 

[Mick Dempsey]

If you were from West Sussex I could give you a few names.

You’ll have to do some networking..

[doobin]

14 hours ago, MJD said:

We run two teams of tree surgeons in North London. We are thinking of expanding into fencing as there is big demand. Anyone have any ideas of any short fencing courses or ideas about getting into the industry.

It’s really pretty easy. If you want to come down to Sussex I can take you through the basics plus a few tips and tricks. 
 

but it will take a fair bit of practise to get good and speedy. 
 

I’d just price a couple and see how you get on. Wants to be around £170 plus vat per 1.8m panel/post bay, probably more in London with all the bollocks of getting rid of waste etc. 

Edited January 7 by doobin

[MJD]

Thanks for the reply. I’m on 07901552223. Would be good to chat sometime. 

[JLA1990]

20 hours ago, MJD said:

We run two teams of tree surgeons in North London. We are thinking of expanding into fencing as there is big demand. Anyone have any ideas of any short fencing courses or ideas about getting into the industry.

Did an awful lot of fencing in London, as has been advised not a great deal to it and the main hassle will be dealing with opposing property’s plants/trees/garden ornaments. I’m presuming you mean domestic fencing opposed to commercial?
As Mick has said make sure your guys don’t mind digging holes and lugging postcrete and using a handheld breaker (a lot) as if they’re in the tree game can’t imagine that would be attractive. I travelled all over and my prices varied depending on finish but was really good money in it especially if you get in with property management companies.  
 

Waste isn’t a problem just subby a tipper lorry and a man don’t mess around with that, and get materials delivered to the property. 

[lux]

Invest in a decent Auger. Way quicker than digging and the post holes don't 'grow' in size so you will be more economical with postcrete (which has gone up in price again). Buy the post Crete by the pallet if you can, you'll get a better price per bag. 

The cheap concrete breakers are actually very good. they are all the same just different badge on them. 

Post puller will be a sound investment if you are taking out lots of old fences. 

Cordless nail gun will speed you up no end. 

Try to use the same supplier and work up a discount rate on materials to improve your margin. 

 

Its just simple things that save you time and money, for instance if you are replacing a line of fence that has a shortened bay in it look to relocate the short bay so you leap frog the existing post Crete and do not have to remove it hopefully just putting in new holes with an auger. 

 

You really don't need a course to put up domestic fencing. 

 

Stock / Ag / Deer fencing etc requires more specialist kit and more fencing knowledge to do properly. Avoid it to start with or just sub it to a specialist and put a bit on it .

[doobin]

37 minutes ago, lux said:

Invest in a decent Auger. Way quicker than digging and the post holes don't 'grow' in size so you will be more economical with postcrete (which has gone up in price again). Buy the post Crete by the pallet if you can, you'll get a better price per bag. 

The cheap concrete breakers are actually very good. they are all the same just different badge on them. 

Post puller will be a sound investment if you are taking out lots of old fences. 

Cordless nail gun will speed you up no end. 

Try to use the same supplier and work up a discount rate on materials to improve your margin. 

 

Its just simple things that save you time and money, for instance if you are replacing a line of fence that has a shortened bay in it look to relocate the short bay so you leap frog the existing post Crete and do not have to remove it hopefully just putting in new holes with an auger. 

 

You really don't need a course to put up domestic fencing. 

 

Stock / Ag / Deer fencing etc requires more specialist kit and more fencing knowledge to do properly. Avoid it to start with or just sub it to a specialist and put a bit on it .

Not to piss on everything you said…. But… He’s in North London so I don’t think stock fencing will be very much in demand!

And an auger is a major no-no in urban areas, especially London. Way too much risk of damaging services and half the time he will be wanting to put a hole in against a kerb or something anyway. 
 

Cheap concrete breakers- Titan Will give you RSI very quickly. Spend more and get the Erbauer. You also can’t use them very far down a hole, so then you’re into the realm of sds-max breakers and extended bits. 
 

I don’t rate nail guns. Impact drivers and screws are just as quick and easily removed if need be- and let’s be honest, he will be wanting to make adjustments as he learns!

 

[JLA1990]

12 minutes ago, doobin said:

Not to piss on everything you said…. But… He’s in North London so I don’t think stock fencing will be very much in demand!

And an auger is a major no-no in urban areas, especially London. Way too much risk of damaging services and half the time he will be wanting to put a hole in against a kerb or something anyway. 
 

Cheap concrete breakers- Titan Will give you RSI very quickly. Spend more and get the Erbauer. You also can’t use them very far down a hole, so then you’re into the realm of sds-max breakers and extended bits. 
 

I don’t rate nail guns. Impact drivers and screws are just as quick and easily removed if need be- and let’s be honest, he will be wanting to make adjustments as he learns!

 

Most of Londons back gardens were walled gardens and you won’t get far with an auger due to remanent foundations. Personally nails for me as they will

move with the timber/fencing but certainly screws at first for easy adjustment. Take lots of pictures before and afters as it’s amazing how quickly comments/disputes arise. Customers always right but really push for good quality panels etc as wickes,Selco etc sizes are all over the place and gravel boards, post, panels being 1,2 inches different gets annoying quick. 
 

oh and dewalt 240v breaker (sds) great breaker and can get long bits to save the back and use like a traditional jackhammer. 
 

 

Edited January 7 by JLA1990