A fence does a lot of great things for your property. It can augment your home’s privacy. It can keep your kids and pets safe. It can enhance the curb appeal of your home by either blocking a less-than-ideal view or adding another element to your home’s beauty.
While there are differing opinions, there are many reasons that adding a fence to your home will make it much more attractive to potential buyers.
A fence adds a touch of Americana to a home that many buyers are looking for. Fences are a quintessentially American feature that can turn an ordinary house into a picturesque home.
Fences can also help conceal a less-than-desirable view. If your home backs up to railroad tracks, and industrial development, or any number of other features that you want to hide. A backyard fence can also create the feeling that the home has its own private oasis.
Buyers with pets or children may view a fence as a prerequisite when they are home shopping. Usually, home buyers are looking for homes that check off items on their must-have lists and try to avoid homes that are missing too many of those items.
With an attractive fence already installed, you are saving those buyers the time and expense of purchasing one themselves, adding to the appeal of your home.
As the saying goes, good fences make good neighbors. A well-placed fence can end many disputes over whose property is whose before they even start. It can also give potential homebuyers an easy way to see where their property would end while they tour the home. No trips to the courthouse for property documents needed.
" A charming fence around your home also wins instant curb appeal bonus points. "
All of the many reasons that fences add value only apply to fences that are attractive and well-maintained.
Installing a fence is a project that many homeowners think they can DIY but installing a fence properly is a job for the experts. A fencing expert can help you choose quality materials that will enhance the look of your home (more on that later) while ensuring that the installation process goes smoothly. There are few things as unattractive as an uneven fence surrounding an otherwise beautiful home.
A fence that has been improperly placed will cause many headaches for a new homeowner. If the fence has been placed on a neighbor’s property, the new homeowner will be responsible for the cost of moving the fence. If the fence has been placed too far away from the property line on the homeowner’s side of the property, then they may not know they need to provide care and maintenance for the land not encompassed by the fence.
" A fence provides a peace of mind that can sometimes be more valuable than money. "
As we mentioned above, some fencing materials are more likely to add value to your home than others. Proper maintenance is required to ensure any fence continues to add value to your home. If you are a busy homeowner or don’t want to add another thing to your list of to-do items around the house, there are material options that can add value while requiring little to no maintenance.
Wooden fences are the most popular type of fencing material. Whether it’s a low picket fence or a tall privacy fence, homeowners everywhere think of wooden fences when they picture adding a fence to their home. Contrary to popular belief, wooden fences are actually one of the more affordable types of fencing material you can choose. However, these fences do require a fair bit of maintenance to keep them looking their best, including staining or sealing every 3-5 years.
Vinyl fences have come a long way over the past few years. Today’s vinyl fences can give you the look and privacy of a traditional wooden fence without the maintenance needs that come with wood. Vinyl fences don’t need to be painted and their surface is easy to clean. All you need to do is spray it down with a hose. Vinyl fences are more expensive than wooden fences but make up for the cost with their ease of maintenance.
Wrought iron fences are popular choices for homeowners looking for a more decorative, ornate option. However, these fences require a lot of maintenance the keep their surface rust-free and looking its best. They are also among the most expensive fencing material options.
No matter what fencing material you choose, a professionally-installed, well-maintained fence is a great investment in updating the look, feel, and security of your home. It’s also an investment that will bring a return when it’s time to sell.
