If you’re planning on selling your home, you may want to add refurbishing your fence to your pre-sale checklist. The market value of a house depends on a variety of factors, and a fence is a marketable feature that can help sell your home quickly, and at or above the asking price.
Here are some of the ways a fence can increase the value of your home and what you should look at if you plan to refurbish your fence.
How a Fence Can Increase the Value of Your Home
Keeping an attractive and functional fence on your property can serve several purposes. It can give you privacy, stop wild animals from getting in your yard, or keep children and pets in. Here are some of the ways a fence can increase the marketability and value of your home:
Position of the Fence
One of the primary benefits of a well-constructed fence is to improve the curb appeal of your home. The first impression your home makes on potential buyers can make the difference between a fast sale and an extended listing. A properly positioned fence can also block any aesthetically undesirable views to the back or side of your property.
Monetary Value
For many home-buyers in the Colorado Springs market, a fence is on their list of “must-haves.” Rather than having to spend money on a fence after closing to create privacy or safe areas for children and pets, a buyer may be willing to pay more for a home with a fence already in place.
Fencing Material
The building materials your fence is made of will also play a role in whether or not it is a valuable asset at resale. For example, vinyl fencing, wooden fencing and other solid fences like those made from cast iron are considered high-value fences. But a chain-link fence isn’t quite as appealing to everyone and therefore is not likely to add as much value to your resale.
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Professional Installation
When you have your fence professionally installed, it can have a significant impact on the value of your home. Potential buyers will know that the setbacks and property lines were calculated correctly, any necessary permitting was completed, and that the fence was built to last. If you try to install a fence yourself, it could result in errors that will affect its durability and appearance.
Fence Maintenance
Regardless of the quality of the materials and installation, your fence still needs to be maintained over the years. Different types of fencing have different maintenance needs to prevent the fence from deteriorating. Keeping your fence in the best shape possible will boost the value of your home.
Refurbishing Your Fence Before You Sell
As stated above, the requirements to maintain and possibly refurbish your fence will differ depending on the type of fencing you have. Following is a shortlist of items you should put on your list for refurbishing your fence before you sell:
Refurbishing a Wood Fence
Because wood is a natural material, it can be prone to damage and deterioration. But a wood fence can last decades if you properly maintain it.
Before you repair a wood fence, carefully inspect it and the surrounding area to determine the cause of any damage. If there is pooling water or insect damage, address those issues first to ensure the repairs last as long as possible.
Splinters and holes can be repaired by patching your fence with wood putty or filler. If the fence is warped or has more severe damage, it’s best to replace the affected rails or boards. Over time, new boards will weather enough to blend in with the rest of the fence. Or you can paint after a repair to give your wood fence a fresh look.
Refurbishing a Vinyl Fence
If your home has a vinyl fence, you are in luck, since it is mostly maintenance-free. But, living in a climate with harsh winters can take its toll on vinyl, leading to cracking. Another common threat is damage from falling limbs or snow removal equipment.
To repair a vinyl fence, you’ll need to replace the damaged panels. This is a simple enough operation that an expert fencing repair company can complete quickly and affordably.
Refurbishing an Aluminum Fence
Despite being one of the more durable fencing options, aluminum fences can still suffer damage. Similar to a vinyl fence, nature, shifting landscape, or some other mishap can damage your aluminum fence, making it less functional and attractive.
If you have a loose post, it can be reset with new gravel or soil backfill. Again, just like a vinyl fence, you may need to replace an individual rail or section to complete a repair. In some cases, a new t-brace or some welding can make a section of your aluminum fence more functional.
Hire a Locally-Owned Fence Company
When you are considering selling your home, you should also consider refurbishing your fence. At Blicks Fencing, we have been providing professional fence installation and repair services to residential and commercial customers for over 35 years. We serve clients throughout the Colorado Springs and Denver areas. Contact us today for a free fence repair quote.
