Does a Privacy Fence Increase the Value of Your Home?
Experts generally agree that a quality privacy fence that improves the appearance of your yard is likely to increase the value of your home. As HomeLight notes, privacy fences offer a way to way to score twice with potential buyers. First, enhancing a home’s curb appeal is a great way to boost the price that people are willing to pay. In fact, HomeLight’s research shows that buyers are willing to seven percent more for a house with vibrant curb appeal than one with a neglected exterior. Second, homebuyers are increasingly interested in upgrades that improve outdoor living spaces.
Does a privacy fence increase the value of your home? It’s pretty clear that a quality fence can. However, that’s not the only benefit that a privacy fence offers.
Increasing Privacy
It may be obvious, but installing a privacy fence gives you more privacy in your yard by creating a buffer between you and your neighbors. It sets the space apart, forming a retreat that belongs to just your household.
Improving Safety
When you have children or pets that live with you or visit, their safety is a major concern. A privacy fence is a great way to keep threats to their safety out of your backyard. While it’s no substitute for supervision, it’s also a useful tool to help keep these fast-moving and creative souls within the confines of your familiar space.
Blocking Unsightly Views
When the view beyond your property line isn’t attractive, you don’t want to see it. A privacy fence eliminates the problem by hiding it from your sightline. As a bonus, it does so without making it obvious that there’s anything that needs to be hidden.
Muffling Sound
Are there unpleasant noises in the neighborhood like busy streets or rumbling train tracks? Does the neighbor at the end of the block love to use his leaf blower at odd hours? Placing a privacy fence around your property won’t completely mute the sound, but it can muffle it substantially. This can make it much more pleasant to spend time in your own backyard.
Shielding You from the Elements
Does the wind whip through your yard? Installing a privacy fence can offer relief. A privacy fence will not only shield your space from uncomfortably cutting wind gusts, but it also helps to keep out debris that the wind sometimes drags in. As a result, you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your outdoor spaces for a couple of reasons. First, you’ll be more comfortable with your fence serving as a wind block. Second, with less cleanup needed after a storm, you’ll have more time to relax.
Marking Boundaries
Where exactly is the property line? If it’s not clearly marked, it’s not uncommon for a neighbor to gently encroach. It may even begin innocently. Unfortunately, that can lead to problems when assumptions are made later about where the property line is. Installing a privacy fence along your property line is an effective way of marking your boundary and preventing confusion that could lead to problems and hard feelings in the future.
Deterring Crime
Experts always suggest keeping your nice things tucked out of sight to help reduce the chance of theft. A privacy fence makes your outdoor living space less visible. As a result, anyone simply passing by will have a much harder time seeing what items are back there or what you’re doing while you’re using the space.