For those wanting to get top dollar on the resale value of their home, installing a fence can be a great option. One report even claims that doing so can "net a profit of at least 50% of the material and installation costs on resale," making fence installation one of the best things you can do to add value to your home.
But putting up a fence that adds that much value involves more than just throwing some wooden pickets into the ground and calling it a day; you have to consider a few other factors when deciding what type of fence to build on your property, especially if resale value is the main reason for building it.
ALWAYS Go With Quality
Some homeowners are tempted to skimp out on the materials and installation when they're adding a fence before they move. After all, why should they care what it looks like or even what it does if they won't live there? Unfortunately, not only is this bad form on the homeowner's part, but a hastily assembled fence rarely goes unnoticed. Either the home inspector discovers issues right away, or the new homeowner usually will upon closer examination of their property. If that's the case, you may actually end up losing money on your sale, rather than gaining it.
ALWAYS Consider Your Surroundings
Homes do not exist in a vacuum; whatever your neighbors have done to their property will be expected (to a certain extent) from yours by prospective buyers. What that means for you is if everyone in your neighborhood has a rod iron fence, you most likely won't be able to get away with a wooden fence installation, no matter how nice. Also, you'll need to consider what the purpose of the fence is. Are you trying to define boundary markers? Hide unsightly growth behind your property line? Or are you trying to secure your area while maximizing the view from the back porch? All of this needs to be considered when deciding which type of fence to install.
NEVER Build to Your Own Personal Taste
When your home is your home, it's just that: yours. But when you're prepping it for resale, the worst thing you can do is only consider your own preferences when deciding on a fence installation. Consider what styles and trends are in. Consider the long-term purposes of the area. Consider warranties that you can buy and then build into the home contract. Ask your local pro to help you find the right balance between cost, efficiency, and style.
Hiring a fencing contractor can be a bit challenging. You have to decide what type of fencing you want, consider several estimates, and then get on a sometimes-busy schedule to have your fence installed. If you're stuck at any point of this process, perhaps you could use some advice. Find it here! We have compiled all sorts of articles about fencing contractors and fencing in general. We are not in the fencing industry ourselves, but we are really passionate about these barriers and have done our research. We're confident the information we offer will help you pick a contractor, choose the right fence, and more forward with the project.