Fences do more than providing security and privacy to homes. They are also a great way to bring character and class to the house, add value, and contribute to outdoor space’s general aesthetics. The right choice of fencing a home can raise the curb appeal of a property and make it a stylish space for entertaining visitors, friends, and family. Choosing suitable fencing a home or for any property depends on the home’s aesthetic feel and the homeowner’s taste and style.
There are a few factors that the homeowner must take into consideration to come up with suitable material and style. This article touches on everything necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic feel and style for any home. Let’s explore.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT FENCE FOR ANY HOME
While it may be obvious to pick a fence that provides maximum security and privacy, a few factors need to be in place to attain the best results. Sometimes safety and privacy aren’t the dominant issues in the neighborhood, but still, there are necessary elements that need the constructor’s attention. Some of the issues to cover when making the decision include:
- The primary purpose of the fence
- Whether to go the do-it-yourself way or hire a professional
- Fencing materials
- Whether there’s an HOA in the neighborhood
- Local building codes
Here is an explanation of each factor.
Primary Purpose of the Fence
Every fence serves a purpose, and the best way to come up with the right choice is to understand the wall’s applications. It’s the first big decision to make before considering the fence’s size or material to use. Typically, identifying the use of the wall will make every other thing fall into place. This factor will also determine the suitable material to use.
If unsure, the homeowners can consider the opinions of experts from a trusted Frisco fence company. They can assess any property and determine the type and size of fence ideal for the home’s specific needs.
- For security
If security is the central issue in the neighborhood, it’s essential to choose a fence that will grant the home inhabitants peace of mind due to block intruders and burglars. While almost every wall is optimized for security, the ones made from wrought iron or aluminum materials are often stronger.
- Privacy
If a home is in a cramped neighborhood or one of the busy streets, privacy is primarily a paramount requirement. In this case, wood or PVC/Vinyl materials serve the best purpose in breaking up the line of sight from the street.
- Contain and control pests’ movements
It’s often for homeowners to control pet movements into and out of the compound. Similarly, it’s also necessary to keep the stray animals within the home’s perimeter for apparent reasons. If that’s the dominant need to add a fence to the house, it’s essential to consider height. The barrier should be tall enough to stop the animals from climbing or jumping over. As a result, PVC/ Vinyl and Aluminum barriers are the most common choices.
Hiring a Professional or Going the DIY way
Fencing a home qualifies as one of the duties a homeowner can install without a professional’s help. However, that depends on the complexity of the fence and the amount of installation time required. It will also depend on whether the homeowner is willing to give in to the job’s physical demands.
The only setback with installing a barrier without proper professional knowledge is the risk of making a mistake. Some of the errors associated with such tasks are so difficult to reverse and may cause the homeowner to incur costs that may be bigger than hiring a professional on the go.
On the other hand, it’s crucial to ascertain that the professional is skilled and trained in their service line. Sticking with a certified and licensed individual or Frisco fence company is the best decision if a homeowner decides to hire. That’s because, in most cases, they are accountable, are bonded, and also insured.
Which Material is Ideal for Your Fence?
There are several types of materials a homeowner may want to use on their fence. What breaks the deal on the best option may depend on the owner’s taste and style, purpose, home’s existing architectural design, and budget size.
Every material is elegant in its way but also projects various setbacks that a homeowner may want to consider before committing.
- Masonry wall fencing
It’s one of the strongest and durable fencing a home of all types and can serve up to 100 years without any issues. Its construction may include concrete, stone, brick, block, or even stucco. It’s ideal for security purposes and where privacy is a necessity.
- Wood
Wood is another excellent choice where privacy and security are the primary purposes. Similarly, they are very customizable and can be tailored to fit several goals and designs. However, value comes at a price, and this type of fence may cost higher than other materials. On average, a homeowner may have to spend $ 2750 to install the wall.
The cost also depends on the type of wood used in the construction. Pressure-treated pine often costs lower than other types, while tropical woods such as cedar or redwood will cost much higher.
The major disadvantage of wood is that it requires more frequent maintenance, which will mean extra costs for the property owner. Applying a seal once a year can help in lengthening the duration the fencing a home serves.
- PVC/ Vinyl
They are some of the best options for durability, weather-resistance, and style. They are popularly used as an alternative to the traditional metal rail and wood fences and can last up to 10 years with little or no ongoing maintenance. They’re also some of the best eco-friendly options.
However, initial installation costs are higher than most materials. Their construction cost $3599 on average.
- Chain Link
Considering its purposes, it’s one of the most affordable options. It offers an efficient way to contain animals and can last for years without the need to do frequent maintenance. However, this type of fence isn’t the ideal choice for aesthetically pleasing purposes. Averagely cost $ 2060.
- Wrought Iron
Not ideal for privacy, but it offers a visually pleasing way to improve the home’s security. It may be costly to install, but it adequately serves longer and requires minimal maintenance. The average cost of installation is $2690.
- Electric
They are increasing in popularity as an option for property owners looking to contain their pets and animals. They are less expensive and more discreet but are not 100% effective in performance. They don’t operate without a continuous power supply and may not stop other animals from accessing the property. Averagely cost $1200.
- Aluminum and Steel
Offer a more durable and long-lasting solution for security and privacy. Often cost property owners $3660 to install. Aluminum fences are ideal for humid and damp conditions, while steel counterparts function better for dry and inland conditions.
Consider HOA and Local Building Codes
Homeowners need to consider the local building codes before commencing construction. This will ensure that their fences meet the federal or state construction requirements’ standards and have the proper legal licenses.
Similarly, if there is a HomeOwners Association within the property’s neighborhood, the owner should ensure compliance with the HOA requirements. Failure to adhere to such rules may attract heavy fines to the property owner, or they may have to bring down the fence and start again.
PS: All the pricing information is from HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide.