Toledo Fence Contractor
QUESTIONS ANSWERED...

What is the definition of a privacy fence and what do you need to know?

 

 

Answer...

A Quora writer puts:

The definition is in the name. A fence that provides privacy. You cannot see through it. There are many types. Wood, vinyl, aluminum and composite just to name some. Most of the time they are used to prevent people on the outside of the fence from seeing in. Such as when someone has a swimming pool they would like to use in private. However, sometimes they can be used for preventing what’s inside of the fence from seeing out. Most commonly keeping dogs or other pets from seeing out.

 

Sean Jackson reported on CNET:

A privacy fence can serve many purposes. It can tie the aesthetic of your yard together, bringing consistency and shape to an amorphous space. It can also prevent kids and pets from straying out of your yard while you're distracted. But a privacy fence primarily offers just that: privacy.

Since installing a fence can be a tremendous undertaking, doing some research is a good idea before diving in headfirst. Our guide will answer the most pressing questions and give you some insight from landscaping pros. 

The first two questions you need to ask yourself are what you want and why. Privacy fences are typically taller than 4 feet and solid. Chain-link fences, by contrast, don't offer much privacy after all. So if you want privacy first and foremost, height and material are central considerations.

Next, do some research on your limitations. If you live in an area with a homeowner's association, or HOA, they might have guidelines on the type of fencing you can install, the height, materials used and more. Some localities also require you to have zoning or building permits before starting construction, especially if you plan to build a fence higher than 6 feet. You can check with your local city hall for any permit requirements that apply to your residence.

Once you have a good idea of what you want in a privacy fence, and what your limitations will be, it's time to start figuring out how the fence will work on your particular property.

Knowing where your property ends and the neighbors' begins is crucial when planning to install fencing. If you plan to hire a professional for the job, they will take care of this for you. But if you plan to build the fence yourself, you will need to do the research yourself. Check with your local zoning office, where you can receive the exact dimensions of your land plot, provided your property is less than 100 years old. 

You could also bring in a professional surveyor. They're trained to find property lines and can outline where you can install your privacy fence. Depending on the size of your property, hiring one can cost between several hundred and several thousand dollars. 

When shopping for materials, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the many possibilities available. To help you, here are some of the most common building materials used for fencing, the benefits they offer, and the challenges they might present.

Cedar: Cedar looks warm and does not warp. However, if you set it in the ground, it can rot after a few years. If you want to use cedar fencing, you'll want to use a concrete base.

Metal: Metal fencing is versatile in that it can match a variety of styles, and it is durable. Most types of metal fencing do not offer much privacy, though. 

inyl: This material looks great and offers excellent durability. The key is to choose the thickest one you can. However, since installation must be precise, you should consult with a pro before installing it. 

Composite: A combination of wood and plastic materials. You gain the benefit of a great looking fence and don't have to worry about rot. Conversely, because it requires meticulous installation, it's another material where you're better off going with pro installers.

Treated wood: It adds some pop to any yard. For budget-conscious shoppers, it's often an appealing material because it can be inexpensive and easy to install. When sourcing your wood, you can also pick out the planks individually, paying close attention to their straightness and grain.

Masonry: Masonry can consist of concrete, brick, stone and other materials. They are perfect for elaborate and classic designs. However, because of their hefty weight, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper structural footing.

There are many factors influencing fencing costs, so it's hard to give a helpful range of potential costs for installing fencing in your yard. Everything from the size and topography of your yard, fencing materials, labor, where you live and more can affect the final price tag. 

For more information on prices and quotes call us today at (419) 963-4330

 

Do Fences add value to a home?

Answer...

Check your neighbor’s homes and fences

There isn’t always an easy answer to this question. A fence around your home can, in theory, add some value to your property as long as it is properly installed in the right area, well-maintained, and aesthetically pleasing. However, there is some debate as to whether buyers will pay more money for your property solely because of the fence.

Of course, many homebuyers are looking for homes with backyard fences. That fenced-off area creates an ideal private environment to relax, host get-togethers, and let your pet run free. Does that automatically mean that a fence increases the value of a property? Not necessarily. If your property is the only home in the neighborhood with a backyard fence, that feature may not add much value to your home. On the flip side, if every other home in the neighborhood has a backyard fence and yours does not, then your property’s value is likely less than the others surrounding your home. The value that fence poses to your home is partially dependent upon the trends of the neighborhood.

The person who will have a say over the value of your fence will be the home appraiser. They will evaluate your property during the sale to determine an accurate price point for your property. During their inspection, the appraiser will examine your fence and determine whether it adds value to or subtracts value from your property, based on its condition and what other buyers in the area are looking for.

Essentially, this means that your fence needs to consist of quality materials, be well-installed, and in great condition. If you already have a fence installed on your property, take the time now to evaluate its condition on your own and make a conscious choice to either replace your fence or restore it with some new paint and some elbow grease. If you don’t have a fence installed, you may want to consider gathering some estimates from various contractors about fence installations.

At the end of the day, there are many other home features and home improvements that will add more value to your home in the long-run. It is most likely wiser to invest your time, energy, and money into other more tangible home improvements, such as your home’s interior, your appliances, or other areas that need some TLC. Sometimes it’s better to focus on key renovations and home improvements, and just let the homebuyer install the fence that appeals the most to them. From Grant Muller Denver based real estate agency owner.

 

If it offers high usability

While a fenced yard could result in lower homeowners’ insurance rates, it’s not seen in the industry as a primary way to add value to a home. Preference on adding value is more towards focusing on improving the actual living space of the home, such as renovating the kitchen or bedrooms or making structural or systems repairs.

Fencing comes into play if your neighborhood features a lot of fencing, as the market value of a home is determined by comparing the features of surrounding homes to the features of your home. And using fencing as a safety measure could add value, such as adding fencing around a pool area.

And if you have an existing fence that needs improvement, you need to take care of it before you list to maintain curb appeal.

Otherwise, adding fencing could prove to be an additional headache while you’re trying to prepare to sell. If you make a mistake regarding your property lines, it can cause issues when it comes time to sell. And depending on your neighbors, they could escalate issues regarding property lines and maintenance costs, which could turn into a legal situation.

Also, if you don’t have the budget for high-quality materials such as wood or vinyl fencing and choose chain-link fencing, you may actually reduce curb appeal.

So fencing can add value, but only if it’s in the appropriate context, offers high usability, and has an attractive appearance.

From Karne Condor real estate expert.

 

Matt Rostosky a real estate investor says:

If it defines your space

Yes, fences do add value to a property BUT only to a certain extent. That is, if there’s a need to add a fence, it will contribute to the home’s value. Fencing is not necessary for every home, especially those that block the view of a beautiful property. How does it add value then? *

1. If it adds to your home’s curb appeal. Live fences (those not made of wood but of trees and plants) are on-trend now, creating a well-manicured lawn impact. Vinyl fencing, on the other hand, is recommended for high-end homes.
2. If it contains your pets and children. This also prevents outsiders from accessing your lawn, especially if you’re living in rural areas.
3. If it defines your space but does not obstruct the facade of your property.

Take note that the type of material for your fence, the length, and the type of fence can all affect the value it contributes to your home too.

 

Jonathan Sanchez a real estate investor puts it this way:

A return on your investment

Having a fence can add value to a home. Appraisal valuations just care if the property has a fence or not, regardless of the material. Having a fence adds about $2,000 to the value of the house. This information is based on one of my recent appraisal reports. Therefore, if a homeowner can install a fence for an amount less than the valuation, then they would get a return on their investment.

 

Can add curb appeal

The answer is not as much as they may cost to put in. People with dogs and small kids find them to be a bonus, and they can add curb appeal. Yet, if you’re looking at investing your money into something to help sell the house then spend it on the inside, fixing, or updating items in the house. Fences are like clothes, everyone has their own style they like anyway, so let them buy that themselves afterward. By Mandy Wilson at Glasshouse Realty Group.

 

Dylan Lennon a realtor and PhD talks about dog owners:

Huge value-adds for dog owners

The answer is definitely location-specific. I live and work in “Dog City, USA,” otherwise known as Asheville, North Carolina. Fences are huge value-adds for dog owners here in Asheville. I’ve had clients with dogs relocate here because it’s such a dog-friendly city. And when these dogs owners are house shopping, their dogs are definitely on their mind. Second to proximity to parks and trails is “does the house have a fenced yard?