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One of the most important parts of your home is not on the inside — it’s your fence. A good fence gives your family a layer of privacy and protection and enhances your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
The process of fencing your property might seem a bit daunting at first, but if you give it the time and attention it deserves, you’ll get a functional and attractive result, one that will enhance your home for years.
WHY WE NEED FENCES
A well-built fence keeps your home safe and secure in many ways. It helps prevent children and pets from wandering off of the property, which is especially important if you live on a busy street, on hilly terrain, or near bodies of water.
Also, a fence is a homeowner’s first line of defense against unwanted visitors, be it deer nibbling on landscaping, pedestrians taking shortcuts, or intruders with not-so-innocent intentions.
It can also prevent many species of weeds from moving onto your property from next door.
If you’re planning a pool, a fence around it is a must, and in Texas, it’s the law.
Cody LaComb, residential project manager at Hill Country Fence Inc. in Spicewood, said the most common mistake homeowners make in fencing a yard is not including enough access.
“The more gates the better,” he said. “You should have at least three, including one wide enough for service vehicles.”
Aesthetically, a fence allows you to create a special space for your family, a zone of privacy and tranquility. It can block your view of eyesores such as overgrown lawns, junk cars, or your neighbor's beat-up patio furniture.
If nearby nuisances offend the ear more than the eye, a noise-buffering fence can muffle party-prone neighbors, traffic noise, barking dogs, and neighborhood restaurants and bars.
However, noise buffering comes with a price.
“It’s really not affordable for the first-time homebuyer,” said LaComb, adding that a wooden privacy fence can only deaden sounds to a certain extent.
CHOOSING YOUR FENCE
Opting to build a fence is a yes/no pick, but just about everything else is multiple choice. Choosing and installing a fence is a matter of setting priorities, determining which features matter most to you and your family, and what hits that sweet spot in your budget.
When choosing a contractor, ask friends or acquaintances whose opinions you trust, check online reviews (albeit with a grain of salt), and look at a few of the contractor’s completed projects. In a nutshell, apply the same due diligence that you would with hiring any professional.
With fence materials, you usually have a wealth of options, depending on where you live. Your city or homeowners' association could have restrictions, so avoid a fine or do-over by checking first.
Some materials, such as vinyl, composite, aluminum, and ornamental iron, are low on maintenance and long on endurance. Vinyl or composite fencing can last as long as 30 years; aluminum as long as 50.
Cedar, with its classic looks, has long been a popular choice with homeowners but requires more attention, is more susceptible to the elements, and begins to show its age after about 15 years.
Ornamental iron offers a timeless and classic look as well as durability.
“We have a lifetime warranty (on ornamental iron),” LaComb said. “And for many cities, it’s the only thing they allow.”
All in all, fencing choices and installation can be a drawn-out process, but if you do your homework, you’ll get a fence that meets your needs and complements your home.
chuck@thepicayune.com
