The primary reasons homeowners install a fence are privacy, security, and aesthetics. Linked to these factors is how a fence increases the value of a home.
You can get a significant boost of your home’s price tag with a beautifully designed and functional fence.
However, a fence is not always right for every home because certain kinds and types of fencing may not increase a property’s home value.
In fact, top real estate pros will tell you that a fence comes with no guarantee of any reliable return of investment.
But that doesn’t mean that a tastefully-designed white-picket-fence of your homeownership dreams is total trash.
Let’s look at how the design, functionality, and practicality of installing a fence can increase the value of your home.
The Cost of Building a Privacy Fence
According to Home Advisor, it’s not a small talk when you want to install a new fence in your property. We’re talking $1,700 to $4,000 to install a new fence so it’s no small expense.
The cost of a fence material ranges between $1 – $45 per linear foot while the average backyard perimeter is 150-170 linear feet.
The factors that have an impact on the cost of installing a fence are:
- The type of fence
- The material used to build a fence
- The length of your fence perimeter (measured in linear feet)
- The height of your fence
The Different Types of Fences that Add to Property Value
If you really want your fence to boost your home’s aesthetic appeal, thereby, increasing its value, you wouldn’t want to go too far on the cheap side.
For example, the cheapest types of fence materials like the barbed wire and the metal chain-link fences may not add a decorative aesthetic factor to your landscaping.
What can be your best bet for the type of privacy fencing that will increase the value of your home? Consider the most popular fencing materials:
Wood
Wood is one of the most common materials chosen for a privacy fence because it is cheaper than other fencing materials but wooden fences can definitely increase the property value of your home because of how they increase your property’s aesthetic appeal.
Installing a wooden fence would cost $1,700 to $4,000.
Related: The Best Stains for Wood Fences: Oil Based, White, and More
Vinyl
Vinyl is an affordable, lightweight, durable, and DIY fencing material that is manufactured to mimic the look of wood.
Vinyl fencing installation costs between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on the job size, conditions, and finish options you choose.
Aluminum
Aluminum fencing costs between $2,000 and $5,000 offering an attractive, lightweight alternative to other kinds of metal fencing materials like wrought iron.
It is one of the most affordable metal options that is durable with less maintenance required.
Wrought Iron
This is undoubtedly one of the most secure fencing materials and is also one of the most traditionally beautiful.
This heavy-duty fencing material will boost the property value of your home because of its customized design. The cost of installing a wrought iron fence is from $1,300 to $4,100.
Ways that a Fence Increases the Salability of Your Home
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Attractive for Dog Owners
Traditionally, fences were built to contain dogs inside a property.
A large majority of homebuyers either have dogs or plan to have one in the future so if your home has an installed fence, your property is more attractive for them.
The feature of a fence that would impact their decision to buy your property is the height of your fence.
A homeowner will enjoy the benefit of not having to take their dog for an early morning walk because they can let their dogs run free in their yard with a properly-installed fence.
For this reason, a homebuyer will most likely pay more for a house with a fence than deal with the trouble of having to build a new one.
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The Need to Contain Children
Homebuyers with children or will be having grandchildren want to make sure that they are secure and safe as possible.
For this homebuyer, a fence provides the peace of mind that is more valuable than money.
A home that is fenced-in relieves the homebuyer of worrying about the safety of the children when they are out in the yard to play.
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Privacy
A fence is an instant form of isolating your yard from the environment around your property, whether it’s the stares from your neighbors or passersby or simply to block out traffic.
Privacy is especially appealing if your property has an outdoor living space, a pool, or a hot tub, that requires privacy by all means.
In addition, a fence may also be a requirement in your locality if plans for building a pool is in place.
A homebuyer can avoid the extra expense if he or she plans to build a pool on your property and you already have an installed fence.
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Defines a Space
The space in your yard can be defined with shape and purpose with an installed fence.
It can give a homebuyer a vision of how the yard can be utilized like being able to entertain guests in an outdoor living space, play with children, have the children run around with the dog, and other activities in a confined and protected space with privacy.
Increase the Value of Your Home with a Properly Installed Fence
Wooden fences and other solid fences like wrought iron coils potentially net at least 50 percent of the cost of materials and installation on the resale value of your property.
With that said, a fence can absolutely increase the property value of your home with its tremendous benefits for dog owners, homebuyers who have children, and homebuyers who look forward to enjoying a private outdoor living space.
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