Summer provides the ideal opportunity to complete DIY projects that can add value to your home.
And if you’re thinking of selling in the short to medium term, then a strategic approach to spending your time and money could be fruitful.
If you’ve got a fall sale in mind, now is a perfect time to focus on your garden and few ideas offer more benefit than enhancing your property’s privacy.
Enhancing the fencing is one great way to add privacy. You could create a wonderful retreat if you also plant a couple of shade trees on the boundary.
Just as there’s an almost endless list of trees you might select, so are there fencing styles.
Head for heights
Think about how tall you want your fence. It impacts the cost, and you might need to check with the local authority about any restrictions. In my experience, 6ft will protect your privacy at ground level.
Wood is good
You can select several materials for a fence. Wood is the safest choice if you’re preparing to sell. It’s often the most economical, too. Select a hardwood or a wood that’s been treated for weather resilience. If budget is a concern, bamboo is a good approach. Alternatively, pallet wood gets the job done, but make sure it suits the style of your property.
Vertical or horizontal
Most garden fences have vertical palings, but no law says you can’t install them long ways. Consider the size and shape of your garden before making your choice.
Chevron cool
A chevron pattern has a dramatic visual impact. You’ll need to know your angles and may use a little more wood than if you installed vertical palings. But a chevron pattern looks great stained or painted.
Creative painting
Painting or staining a fence will help protect it from the elements. Black is a popular color because the fence tends to “disappear”. Other folks stick with the natural wood look or match it to the color scheme of their home.
A mural, maybe?
If you’re creative, you may want to brighten your yard with a mural. That may polarise buyers, of course. But if you want to make an impact, that’s one way to go!
Subtle strategy
Occasionally, fencing that leaves paling-width gaps in a distinctive pattern, or has palings cut at different lengths, can be effective when combined with judicious planting. It’s not a privacy-proof approach on a common border, but it’s a fashionable statement many buyers love.
In the meantime, if I can help you sell your home or find your next dream property, please do not hesitate to call me. The local market is moving again, and it’s a great time to capitalize on the 30% plus value growth owners have enjoyed over the past two years.