Is There a Fee If the Fence Repair Technician Can't Fix Your Post?
No. If a Lean On Me technician arrives and determines that a fence post is not repairable — due to severe rot, access limitations, or any other reason — there is no charge for the visit. The assessment is entirely at no cost to you.
Lean On Me
May 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Before calling a trade service, many homeowners worry about the same scenario: the technician arrives, takes one look at the job, says it cannot be done — and then sends a bill for the trip. This concern is enough to make some people avoid booking altogether.
With Lean On Me, this scenario does not come with a charge. If a technician arrives at your property and determines that a fence post cannot be repaired — for any reason — you pay nothing. There is no trip fee, no assessment fee, and no minimum charge.
H2: When a Technician Might Determine Repair Isn't Possible
The cases where a post cannot be repaired are genuinely uncommon, but they do happen:
**Severe rot above the attachment point:** If wood decay has progressed far enough up the post that the fixture bolts cannot achieve a solid hold, the technician will not perform a repair they cannot back with a 10-year warranty.
**Access impossibility:** If the base of the post is inaccessible due to permanent concrete, underground obstruction, or a physical structure that cannot be moved, and drilling cannot be done from any available angle, repair may not be feasible.
**Post condition beyond scope:** If the post is so deteriorated that it would not provide any structural benefit even with a new foundation anchor, the technician will advise replacement instead.
H2: Why the No-Charge Policy Exists
Lean On Me's no-charge policy for unworkable assessments reflects a straightforward position: the company only performs repairs it can stand behind with its warranty. Doing a repair on a post that does not meet the standard would mean issuing a warranty on work that is likely to fail — which is bad for the customer and bad for the business. Rather than push through a questionable repair and collect payment, the policy is to be honest, decline the work, and advise the homeowner on their alternatives — at no cost.
H2: What Happens Next If Repair Isn't Possible
If the technician determines a post cannot be repaired, they will explain exactly what they found and why repair is not feasible, advise on alternatives — typically full post replacement by a fencing contractor — and leave without charge. Lean On Me can still proceed with any other posts on the property that do qualify for repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is it for a technician to arrive and determine the post can't be repaired?
It is uncommon. The photo review process prior to scheduling catches most issues that would make a repair impossible — posts that are clearly not suitable are identified before an appointment is booked. Of the appointments that are scheduled, the vast majority proceed as planned.
Can I get a second opinion if I disagree with the technician's assessment?
Yes. If you feel the technician's assessment was incorrect, you can contact the Lean On Me team and request a review. In some cases, a second assessment from a different technician can be arranged, particularly if there is ambiguity about the post's condition.
If only one of my three posts can't be repaired, do I still pay for the other two?
Yes — the two repairable posts proceed at their quoted price, and the unworkable post has no charge. The scope simply adjusts to exclude the post that cannot be done, and the pricing for the remaining work is reviewed accordingly.
sources
- Lean On Me Sales Training Manual (internal, 2026)