Your backyard is the perfect place to gather for birthday parties and family get-togethers, and a fence often adds an element of safety, curb appeal, and privacy. However, a lot of people wonder if a wooden fence will increase their home’s value in the long run. After speaking with several local realtors, and one property appraiser, they all had pretty much the same response.
A wooden privacy fence will most likely not add value to your home in the same way that adding a swimming pool will. However, it could mean the difference in someone choosing your home over the home that does not have a fence when it’s time to sell.
Let’s break down how a wooden fence increases your home value and things to consider before installing one.
Does a Wooden Fence Increase Home Value
The way that you increase home value is by updating or adding something new to your home that will allow you to increase the sell price substantially.
Most fences cost an average of $17 per linear foot. That’s roughly $3,400 for a yard that’s 200 linear feet.
This means that for you to increase the value of your home, you would have to increase the sell price by at least $3,400 just to cover the cost of the fence.
Even if you could raise the price of your home by $6,800, I still do not think it would be worth it in the long run.
NEVER build a fence because you think it will increase the value of your home!
Other Ways a Wooden Fence Can Add Value to a Home
The addition of a perfectly placed wooden fence around your home can add value to most homes in other ways.
It is very important to have a fence that looks good and also serves the function of privacy and safety. A poorly designed and engineered wooden fence can actually decrease your home’s value because it will become an eyesore to anyone that passes by.
While most fences add value to your home, there are a few other reasons a wooden fence is worth the investment.
Decorative Accent
When it comes to wooden fences, many people do not realize just how many styles of fences there are to decide between. You can choose from horizontal or vertical designed wooden fences or choose from a variety of styles to match your homes aesthetic.
The beauty of adding a wooden fence is that it can be a continuation of your home and will bring your entire home and backyard space together as one cohesive unit.
Besides styles of fencing, you can also choose the size of your fence. Many residential homes typically have 6 ft fences, but depending on where you live, you can choose different heights.
Choosing a shorter fence when you live out in the country will allow you to have a layer of safety while not blocking the scenery all around. Also, if you need more privacy or safety, you can even opt to get a wooden fence as tall as nine feet added to your yard.
Lastly, you can add value to your home with a decorative wooden fence by choosing a specific color that will match your home’s aesthetic. It is important to note that many homeowners associations in subdivisions have every struct rules for the type of wood to use. In many subdivisions, you have to use a similar type of fence throughout the neighborhood.
Privacy
No matter where you live, having an element of privacy around your home is a wonderful addition that many homeowners look for when buying a house. If you install a wooden fence around your backyard, you will be increasing your home value as well as adding privacy to your outdoor space.
That means you can enjoy a backyard BBQ or birthday party without having neighbors lurking over to see what is going on. A wooden fence in a subdivision with homes close together will separate your yard from the rest in the neighborhood and give you your own backyard space.
Safety
Another thing about wooden fences that add immense value and function to your outdoor area is that it also gives any home increased safety. Whether you have kids or pets, with a wooden fence surrounding the backyard, you can rest assured that they will be safe while they play outside.
Also, if you live out in the country, a perfectly placed wooden fence will keep your animals and family protected from any wild animals wandering around. You never know what wild animals you will find in the country, so giving your home an extra layer of safety is crucial.
A home with a wooden fence has increased home value for a variety of reasons, including safety, privacy, as well as increased curb appeal. Overall, a wooden fence is absolutely worth the investment and will add value to your home for years to come.
What to Consider Before Installing A Wooden Fence
Material
When it comes down to it, a fence can either add appeal to your home or detract from the look of your home. Oftentimes fences made out of chain link can deter buyers and will decrease the value of your home.
The material you choose for your fence is crucial for the look, style, and functionality of your home. Wooden fences are often made out of various materials such as cedar, spruce, and more.
Installation
While it may seem cost-effective to install a wooden fence yourself, it may not be the most effective decision when it comes to time. Many times installing a fence yourself without ever having done so before comes with a learning curve that will often take a lot more time.
Hiring a professional to install your fence will ensure you that the fence was installed correctly and will save you a lot of time in the long run. There are so many details to installing a fence, and if it is poorly designed and executed, it could hurt your home’s value.
Life Span
Different types of material will last various lengths of time, so choosing a good solid wood will ensure you don’t have to replace the fence in a few short years. Cedar will often last the longest, while spruce often has a shorter life span.
Also, understanding what you need to do to care for your fence will help prolong its lifespan and allow you to enjoy the privacy it adds over the years. Many people will seal their wooden fences and re-stain them every few years to keep it looking good and keep moisture and rot away. It is essential when you decide what fencing you want that you also know how to take care of it.
Conclusion
When adding anything to your home, it is important to note if it will increase or decrease the value of your home. No matter what you are adding to your home, it is often a costly investment, and that is why it’s important to know if it will add value to your home.
There are various things you can add to your home that will increase the value of your home and be enticing to a buyer if you were to decide to sell. Fencing is one decision you have to make and what you decide will greatly affect the value of your home.
Wooden fencing is insanely popular, and many wonder if the addition of one will increase their homes value. Adding a wooden fence to your yard that is installed correctly and is aesthetically appealing to your home will definitely increase your homes value. Besides increasing your home’s value, a wooden fence will also add privacy, safety, and visual appeal to your outdoor space.
