Privacy became a front and center thought in homeowner’s minds during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. With millions of people isolated, many were forced to really use their backyards as the main source of entertainment. Since that time, privacy has continued to be important to many homeowners. This interest has carried through to homebuyers who would like a home with a backyard oasis. But building a fence is not a small feat. It requires time and money, which means if you are going to add a fence to your yard you need to make sure it is something you truly need or want and that it will add to your home’s value when you decide to sell. While fences do not have a high return on investment on their own, they do add to your home’s curb appeal which can increase your home’s overall value. Only a certified home appraiser will be able to determine how much your fence adds to your home’s value. To determine if adding a fence is worth your time and money, consider the prices below.
If you are considering adding a fence to your backyard you should first contact an individual or company that specializes in installing fences. There is more to installing a fence than just digging a hole, shoving in a few posts, and adding fence sections. So to avoid any complications with the fence or your property you should find a reputable and insured fence installer. In general, having your fence installed by a professional will cost between $30 to $80 per hour for labor. Most professionals can complete an average backyard fence within 20 to 35 hours.
In addition to finding a highly rated fence installation individual or company, you need to decide the fence types you want. Many people with children and pets opt for a semi-private or privacy fence. Both of these styles of fence prove plenty of privacy from neighbors while keeping loved ones safe inside the fence. The most common materials used for privacy fences are wood and vinyl. The initial cost for vinyl is slightly more expensive than wood, with a national average of $3,707 however vinyl requires little upkeep and can withstand most weather. Wood, which holds a national average cost of $2,810 can vary based on length, height, and wood type. Cedar wood is more expensive than composite and holds up for a much longer time. However, wood fences will require some upkeep with occasional repainting or restaining to prevent splintering or wood rot.
If privacy is not a necessity and you are interested in a simple safety fence or designation of yard perimeter you might be more interested in a metal fence. Aluminum and steel fences are fairly expensive with a national average of $3,751. That cost of course varies based on height, stle, strength, and the difficulty of installation. Aluminum fences are slightly more inexpensive than cast iron fences and still closely mimic their more expensive counterpart. Steel fences come in a variety of styles from very basic to ornate so you will have no trouble finding a style that matches your home. If you have an inground swimming pool that you are fencing off, a metal fence is the style most often used by homeowners. The most expensive type of metal fence is a wrought iron fence. This is the type of fence you see surrounding historic New Orleans homes and are well known for their long life with some from the 1700’s still standing. Wrought iron fences are not commonly used around modern homes, but are very beautiful around historic or Southern style homes.
Finally, if you are on a very tight budget and you are not concerned about a full privacy fence you can install a chain link fence. The national average for a chain-link fence is $2,100. These types of fences are common around school yards and company buildings but work well if you are interested in keeping pets and children in the yard. A chain link fence is maintenance-free and can be ordered based on mesh size, wire gauge, and even color.
Determine what the purpose of a fence on your property will be and go from there. Get several quotes from highly recommended fence installation companies, stick to your budget, and remember that a fence is just one addition to your home that will make it more marketable and appealing to future buyers.
