There are many benefits to having a fence installed on your property. From giving you and your family privacy in your own backyard to keeping out unwanted pests and intruders, a fence provides a sense of security and comfort for your home. With the sudden surge in the housing market, many homeowners are looking for ways to increase their home’s overall value. One way people are thinking about doing that is by installing a brand new fance. The question remains though, does installing a fence actually raise the value of your home? And if so, by how much? Our fencing specialists at A&O Texas Solutions looked into this and here is what we found:
Understanding What Goes Into a Home’s Value
When it comes to real estate, there are a few things that help determine the home’s overall value, these are:
- External Characteristics: This refers to the curb appeal of a home. Things that help improve the home’s curb appeal are outdoor lighting, fencing, size of the property, the landscaping, the home’s architectural style, ect.
- Internal Characteristics: Size and number of rooms, construction quality of the house, the condition of the conveying appliances, HVAC type, how well the home was cared for, ect.
- Supply and Demand: This refers to the number of homes available compared to the number of buyers.
- Location: The desirability of the location of your house. This is often affected by the schools, the neighborhood, ect.
Fencing Has the Potential to Raise the Home’s Value
While fences are listed as something that evaluators look for, there are a few things to keep in mind about the fencing and your home’s value. Fences have to have several factors going for them to make sure they are increasing your home’s value and not decreasing it. Buyers are looking for homes that are well taken care of, and that includes the fence. If your fence is rotting or is leaning due to damage, then this could impact your home value negatively. This is because the curb appeal is detracted from. The most important part about owning a fence is to ensure that it is maintained properly so that it can continue to boost your home’s curb appeal and add value to your home. Here are more considerations about fencing and your home’s value:
1. Consider the Positioning of The Fence
Fencing can be used as a decorative element for your home as much as it can be used as a practical one. Though, placement is an important thing to consider. Some home’s live in beautiful areas where other ones have had rapid construction build up around it. If you find that the view behind your home’s property line isn’t the prettiest, adding in a privacy fence can remedy the problem. With the gorgeous fence to look at, you can create a comfortable outdoor living space that allows you to make the most of your backyard while keeping your home’s visual appeal strong.
However, installing a fence on the front of your property can create a closed off look that can negatively affect the value. If you are looking to install a front fence, picking a simpler but more artistic style can give your home an additional flare that can counteract this problem. A picket fence can help improve your home’s aesthetic while providing the protection your yard needs.
2. Make Sure Your Fence Has a Purpose
If you are looking to get a fence installed on your property for solely monetary gain, you may want to consider spending that fund somewhere else. While fences can help raise a home’s value, they need to have a clear purpose, such as giving privacy to the backyard or creating a safe place for pets and children to play.
3. Make Sure You Pick a Strong Material For Your Fence
One of the most important aspects about choosing a fence for your home is deciding on what material to use. Wooden fences that make use of hardy material, such as red cedar, can help increase your home’s value as much as 50% of the cost of materials and installation.
It is important to note that not every fence material will increase your home’s value. Chain-link fences, while effective, are not known for their visual appeal and can actually detract from the value of your home.
4. Make Sure to Get Your Fence Professionally Installed
Many homeowners may be tempted to try and DIY their fence. However, we highly discourage this. DIY fencing or getting your fence installed by someone who thinks they know what their but has no real training can lead to disaster. Improperly installed fences are more prone to leaning, water damage, and posts being pushed out of the ground. A professional fencing specialist can properly install your fence and ensure that it is integrally sound and the materials are of the highest quality.
5. Invest In Routine Fence Maintenance
Maintenance is a critical part of caring for your fence and keeping the value up. A busted or broken fence can detract from your home’s curb appeal and turn potential buyers away. Make sure you are investing in fencing maintenance, such as painting or staining your fence every two years. This helps prevent common fencing problems of rotting and insect damage. Additionally, make sure that you replace any cracked or broken boards or posts. Always contact your trusted fencing specialists if you happen to notice warping or leaning of your fence.
Do You Need a Fencing Specialist to Help You Increase Your Home’s Value?
Your best call for all of your fencing needs in the DFW area is to A&O Texas Solutions. We are located in Arlington, Texas and are specialists in residential and commercial fencing. All of our fences are custom built to meet the home/business owner’s needs. We stand behind our quality guarantee to provide proven results for all of your fencing solutions. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call.