Fencing Styles and Materials to Increase Property Value  If you want to increase and maintain the value of your home while creating curb appeal, fencing may become your new best friend.
A fence, like a border or frame on a photograph, can make your yard seem "finished." In addition to being functional, a fence can be considered an important part of your landscaping. Your fence should match the ambiance of your property so it seems a part of the grander plan and not an after thought. Before you hit the hardware store, ask yourself these questions: - Why do I want a fence?
- Where do I want a fence?
- What kind of fence do I want?
- What kind of material should I use?
1. There are many reasons for wanting a fence. Define your purpose. Are you looking for privacy? Are you trying to keep animals in (or out)? Do you want to create and emphasize interesting lines on your property? Is the fence for decorative purposes only? Perhaps you're out to protect children or a garden. Your reasons for wanting a fence may be many fold. For example, you might need a beautiful fence to keep the animals out of your garden and emphasize the beautiful lines of your property while providing you with some element of privacy. 2. Where do I want a fence? Draw a diagram of your yard. It's a good idea to measure your yard and plot it out on a piece of graph paper. Each square could represent one foot, for example. You may want to use different types of fencing for different areas. For example, you might want a 6-foot flat privacy fence to separate your back yard from the neighbors, but a shorter, more inviting type of fencing in the front yard so your home won't seem quite so much like a compound. 3. Following are basic fence types as defined by www.doityourself.com: - Privacy fencing - designed to keep your space private. Most people use an average 6-foot fence for privacy. A flat style is great with boards as wide as 4 to 6 inches. The space between the boards should be less than an eight of an inch (if you really want privacy).
- Farm or ranch fencing - Depending on the type of animals you are trying to contain, ranch fencing comes in many different forms from three-board fence lines to wire net fencing to strands of barbed wire on wooden poles. Farm fencing doesn't have to be strictly functional. Take it one step further, create an attractive division of your property by keeping fences well maintained and aesthetically pleasing.
- Cottage fencing - Picture a white picket fence. This type of fencing can beautifully border a property and create an instant "homey" and "welcoming" feeling. Don't mistake this sweet fencing for strictly décorative, it can also protect your property, your animals and keep young children from wandering into the yard.
- Decorative fencing - is often used to finish a property's appeal with glamour and class. The simplest of yards can become neighborhood favorites when bordered by a decorative fence.
- Chain-link Fencing - While not particularly attractive, a chain-link fence is very functional and does add value to your property. Add fencing slats and the average chain-link fence becomes a privacy shield. It offers your home and property an element of security from burglars, animals and vandalism.
4. Some of the most popular fencing materials used today are: - Metal
- Wood
- Bamboo
- Stone
- Composites
- Vinyl
Each material is best suited to a specific type of fencing. When you are deciding what kind of material used, consider what features are most important to you including: - Installation
- Maintenance
- Expense
- Durability
- Functionality
It pays to maintain and protect your property! If you are looking for a home, or need advice on how to sell your home for the best possible current market price, contact us today. We're here to help. |