March 9th, 2020Is your fence affecting your property value?

It’s never a good idea to let your fence fall into disrepair. Not only does that mean it is no longer functioning properly for you, but it reduces the resale value of your property when you go to sell in the future. So, how do you retain the value of your fence?

The quick answer is maintenance. Overall, you will spend less money to maintain your fence instead of replacing or repairing it, but if you plan on selling your property in the future, a well-kept fence keeps your resale value high. 

Keep your fence maintained

While having a fence on your land does increase your property’s value, the most significant impact comes from how well kept it is. A fence that is properly maintained makes the feature feel less like a chore or burden and more like a bonus to the buyer. 

It could be a wood, vinyl, chainlink, or iron fence that’s protecting your property, but if a buyer sees that it is no longer functioning as it should and requires repairs or a replacement, that will lower the value of your property. It could be a deal-breaker for potential buyers due to the impending cost of repairs.

Different fences attract different buyers

Something else to consider is the lifestyle of potential buyers. Are they similar to your own or are they quite different? Perhaps a tall, privacy wood fence in the backyard is their ideal fence — or maybe vinyl, iron, or chain link. 

They could want a pet-friendly fence for their furry friends or maybe the classic white picket fence is their dream. Maybe aesthetics are the most important factor to them, such as a deeply-rich, stained wooden fence, whereas others may only be concerned with functionality and opt for chain link. 

The priorities of buyers will influence who you will end up selling your property to. But keep in mind that you can’t make every prospective buyer happy with your fencing choice.

Choose a fence that you can comfortably maintain and one that best suits your lifestyle. All you can do is keep your fence in tip-top shape and make repairs when necessary until you are ready to sell your property. Buyers will rejoice when they see a fence in perfect condition — even if they would have chosen a different type.

Retain the resale value of your property

Your fence is not unlike your home. Keep it tidy, properly maintained, and in perfect condition to retain the value of when you installed it. Replace broken parts as soon as possible and watch for any problem areas such as water damage or effects from animal contact.

Depending on the type of fence you have, you will have to upkeep your fence in different ways, and some are much easier to maintain than others.

While wood looks beautiful and is quite durable, it requires the most maintenance. Iron and chain link fences need to be maintained to avoid rust by repainting scratched and worn down areas. Finally, vinyl fencing is the easiest to maintain, only requiring a rinse every once in a while.

Pick the one that suits your needs best and be sure to routinely check your fence for damage — especially at the end of every season. Look for weak spots where you will have to keep an eye on, and most of all, stay on top of it. When you go to sell your property in the future, you will be glad that you maintained your fence over the years.

For more information or any inquiries on fencing in the Fraser Valley, our team of highly trained fencing experts can provide maintenance and installation services as well as answer any questions you may have. Contact us today for your next fencing project.