When you decide to sell your home, you may start considering how to increase your home’s market value. One question home sellers ask is: Do fences increase property value? Our experience has shown that while an appraiser may not increase home value with a new fence, a well-maintained fence can add curb appeal to the home, which can help you sell your home faster. Families with small children or pets may be specifically looking for a home with a fence. Fencing promotes privacy and security which is also desirable.
However, if you do not already have a fence, we do not recommend you build one just to make your home more marketable. The average cost for a fence can range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on length and materials. There is no guarantee you will receive a favorable return after the home is appraised. If you do have a fence, we recommend you follow these easy home maintenance tips to increase your chances of selling your home fast.
In accordance with Montana Fence, here we highlight the best maintenance tips for the most common materials:
Wood Fence Maintenance Tips
Inspect wood fences regularly for damage and mold. Individual boards or posts may need to be replaced if damaged. Pests and mold need to be killed to prevent massive damage. When dealing with mold the best solution is to use a cup of white vinegar mixed with one gallon of water. When removing dirt and grime from the wood you can use soap and water. For tough stains, you can use a pressure washer at its lowest setting to not damage the wood.
Once the wood is clean and dry, you need to make sure it is protected from the elements. The best form of defense is staining your fence, which can last up to five years. Paint can provide protection from the elements up to three years.
Metal Fence Maintenance Tips
The wonderful thing with metal fences is you don’t have to worry about pests, mold, or sun damage. Rust needs to be prevented to keep the fence well maintained. Make sure you inspect the metal for any damage that exposes the bare metal to water. If you notice rust, you can use a wire brush to remove it. Apply a rust preventative to the metal before applying two coats of primer and then waterproof paint.
You can remove dirt with just a garden hose. Any large spots can be removed with a rag and simple soap and water solution. You can use a pressure washer to remove tough stains, just make sure it is on the lowest settings to not remove the protective paint coating.
Vinyl Fence Maintenance Tips
Maintenance is low for these fence types. Vinyl is more resilient to pests and weather than wood and metal. If the fence has small cracks or holes, you can use a vinyl repair kit. For repairing larger damage, you can replace the damaged panels instead of the entire fence.
Algae can grow on vinyl and should be removed for cosmetic reasons. You can use a cup of white vinegar mixed with a gallon of water. For tough stains, you can use a garden hose or power washer.
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