Does a fence add value to a home? (Bloomington: sales, house)

[MSMCGirl]

Thinking about installing a fence to fully enclose my backyard (2 sides are fenced from neighbors, one side is fenced on my property...I would be finishing off the front of the yard and having 2 gates installed). This is mostly so my dog can run around safely, but it's going to cost almost $4000 (white 6' PVC fence - really nice quality). I'm thinking it will pay for itself when I sell down the road...but maybe I'm wrong? I live in Bloomington and some neighbors have fenced yards, some don't.

Any thoughts/opinions on this please?

[BryaninMSP]

I don't think you can really affix a value to a fence. It's a must for some buyers, others couldn't care less. Do it if it makes sense for you and for your dog's safety, but if it does add any value, realize it won't be dollar-for-dollar.

If you have a small breed and are open to it, consider looking into an invisible fence. A lot of people in the developments near where I live have done it (though it wouldn't slow down my 80-pound Boxer).

[kbutler1]

Like most additions to a home, will you recover 100% of the costs, probably not.

BUT as someone who also has dogs when we were looking at homes a fence was for sure an added bonus. We recently had to put one in and it was about $4000 as well. If anything if buyers need a fence and you don't have one my bet would be that they would write you an offer for $4000 (or more) less than listing price to cover the fence cost that they'd have to do.

[Ghengis]

the peace of mind alone will be worth it when you are able to let your pooch out and know it won't dash off across the street chasing a squirley...

we used Century Fence to replace a cedar picket fence when it got tore up during a severe storm when trees hit it and would recommend them. We went with a chain link because of the cost, but it's stayed straight and tight as the day they put it in 3 years ago, even after taking another direct hit in which I had to replace a section of the top rail.

I think we paid about $4K (??) for about 250' including 2 double gates and 2 single gates.

[nbtmn]

I would make the decision based on whether it would provide $4000 worth of value to you for the purpose of keeping your dog contained for the amount of time you plan to continue living in your house, not about how it would affect resale. When we built one in our backyard for our dog four years ago, I looked online for opinions about fences, and the ones I saw were mixed. Many people with kids/dogs like to have them, but there are also a lot of people who don't like them, and would consider it a negative as they may pay to have it removed. So it all depends on the person who ends up buying your home.

One thing that might affect resale is making sure the fence material matches your neighborhood. Most of the fences in our neighborhood are wood, with a few higher end ones that are cast metal. I think there is only one PVC fence, and I'm not sure if there are any chain link. Our fence is cedar. We spent a little more than you to fence all three sides of our back yard (did all the work ourselves), and found it well worth the cost for both added privacy and keeping our dog safely contained in the yard.

[MSMCGirl]

Originally Posted by Ghengis

I think we paid about $4K (??) for about 250' including 2 double gates and 2 single gates.

Wow, Ghenghis! That's inexpensive! And cedar is more expensive than white PVC fencing. Going to check them out! Thanks!

I do know that for my next house I will only want a place that has a fully fenced yard, so I imagine for some (like me), a fence is a selling point (I did not have a dog when I bought this house).

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by MSMCGirl

Wow, Ghenghis! That's inexpensive! And cedar is more expensive than white PVC fencing. Going to check them out! Thanks!

I do know that for my next house I will only want a place that has a fully fenced yard, so I imagine for some (like me), a fence is a selling point (I did not have a dog when I bought this house).

just to be clear, this was for a chain link. I was hesitant to go with chain link but am happy with the results and savings but then again, I don't have any neighbors to "offend"

not sure if your dog is a digger but, if I had one regret, it would have been to stick with my initial inclination to have them keep the bottom of the fence material an inch or two off the ground to save on the trimmer string. The sales guy said they would do it but the installers talked me out of it.

[Umbria]

I also have dogs and can't imagine not having a fence, especially now that coyotes are a more common problem. Many have lost their pets due to coyotes.

My feeling is that fences make good neighbors. Even without pets, you never know who your neighbors will be and I think most people like the added privacy.

[MSMCGirl]

I think I'm going to get one more bid (have two already) and just do it! I think it'll add a lot to the yard and the dog will be thrilled (not sure if she's a digger...she's a puppy and haven't had a chance to find out!!)

[BryaninMSP]

Originally Posted by MSMCGirl

I think I'm going to get one more bid (have two already) and just do it! I think it'll add a lot to the yard and the dog will be thrilled (not sure if she's a digger...she's a puppy and haven't had a chance to find out!!)

Just make sure you keep it clean. White PVC is beautiful when it's first installed, but I've had a lot of buyers turn their noses at that fencing when it's clear that the owners haven't power-washed it frequently to keep it from turning dingy. So while it won't necessarily add $4,000 of value to your home, if it's poorly maintained it MAY reduce your home's appeal down the line.

Just correct her the first time she starts to dig and keep her well exercised and stimulated and you won't have a problem. Some breeds just naturally dig, but for many it's a response to boredom.