Erecting a fence is a major project that can be extremely expensive. Individuals need to balance the vision they have of the “perfect” fence with budgetary concerns. Other people simply make their fencing selection based on price alone. Multiple elements affect the cost of a fence encompassing the material and height, along with the slope of the land, the type of soil, installation and permits, and gates. That doesn’t include installation costs.

Chain Link

Chain link fencing is by far the least expensive at $5 to $20 per foot, depending on the height.  It’s commonly used for security and safety purposes, keeping children and pets contained, and preventing the entry of human and wildlife intruders. It’s easy and quick to install.

PVC

A PVC fence will run between $15.50 to $18.50 per linear foot. It’s available in a myriad of colors and more than 30 decorative styles. It’s able to withstand high winds and has earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification. PVC is highly durable and won’t split, crack, peel, splinter, warp or rot. It’s a good option for privacy, keeping children and pets within bounds, and preventing entry by intruders and wildlife. It can emulate the appearance of stone or wood.

Aluminum

The cost of aluminum fencing is approximately $22 per linear foot. It’s highly decorative, available in multiple styles and colors, and can be topped with spikes for an additional level of security. It’s low maintenance and has a stately, elegant appearance.

Wood

A wood fence is on the high end of the price scale and will cost between $17 to $45 per linear foot, depending on the type of wood that’s used. It can be installed horizontally or vertically and is a popular choice for privacy.

SimTek®

The material can run anywhere between $70 and $90 per linear foot. It has a 25 year/lifetime warranty. The fencing is highly durable and is available in styles that emulates the look and texture of real wood and stone. SimTek® is offered in multiple colors and it’s fade resistant. The high-impact material absorbs sound, is graffiti resistant and eco-friendly. It’s popular for privacy and security purposes, buffers sound, and can withstand hurricane force winds and ocean spray.

You may want to replace your fence for any number of reasons. You may simply want to update the appearance or it may not be functional for your current needs. However, there are signs that indicate your fence actually needs to be replaced and the signs are easy to spot, depending upon the material with which its constructed.

Cost

It can be more cost effective to replace an entire fence that’s been installed for several years rather than trying to hold it together any longer. You don’t want to invest any substantial amount of money into a fence that will only last a couple of more years before it must be replaced anyway.

Damage

Chipping, cracking and splitting – or missing boards of wooden fencing – is a sure sign the fence needs to be replaced. It’s an easy matter to replace a single board, but when entire sections are missing boards, it’s unsightly. Non-wooden fencing can experience damage in the form of chipping, cracking and splitting that’s unpleasant to view and comprises the integrity of the structure.

Leaning

A leaning fence is a sign that its lost structural strength. If a single section is leaning, it can often be repaired or replaced. If there’s a generalized leaning along the entire fence, it’s time to be replaced.

Loose & Missing Hardware

Fences use metal fasteners that can encompass nails to screws to hold all the pieces together. Over time, the hardware can rust or loosen due to wind, rain and salt spray. You have a choice of replacing the entire fence or making repairs, depending on the age of the fence. The fence may sustain further damage by trying to repair it.

Rotting

Rot is a common problem in areas of high humidity and rainfall. Florida residents have the additional concerns of hurricanes that result in storm surges and high winds that can exacerbate any existing problems. Signs of rot will appear on fencing where it’s closest to the ground and while preservatives can help, eventually a full-blown case of rot will set in.

You might decide to plant a hedge next to your fence to present a more aesthetically pleasing view from your perspective inside the fence. There are some important considerations for success that apply when planting a hedge against a fence.

Make a Plan

Before purchasing plants for your hedge, you’ll need to do some research on the different types of shrubs available. You can choose from evergreens, those that add interest when they drop their leaves, and flowering varieties. The shrub may litter the ground with spent blossoms or seeds, or require frequent trimming and shaping. Some shrubs that are commonly planted as hedges have thorns or poisonous fruits and shouldn’t be planted around children or pets.

Hedge Size

You’ll need to determine the size of the hedge you want, which will also help eliminate some types of shrubs from your list. There are dwarf varieties that achieve a height of 2 feet, while larger species can attain heights of 6 to 8 feet.

Distance From Fence

A planting distance of 18 to 24 inches away from the fence is typically sufficient for traditional, classic types of shrubs, but it will depend on the type of hedge. Yew is a good choice since it tolerates shade, while you may prefer the formality of boxwood or the blossoms of flowering quince. Tall hedge plants will typically need additional room for the plant to grow appropriately. Planting too close will result in a hedge that’s full on one side and “flat” on the side next to the fence.

Time Investment

Some hedges require a significant amount of time and effort to keep them looking good and within their allotted boundaries. You may not have the time required to perform those tasks yourself. However, you always have the option of hiring a landscape professional who has the knowledge and expertise to keep your hedge looking great.

There are dozens of ways that you can increase your home’s value and one of the most effective is with a fence. The installation benefits you and is an attractive feature for potential buyers should you decide to put your home on the market.

It Shows You Care

A well-maintained fence projects the perception of a home and grounds that have been cared for in the best way possible.

Positioning

Where the fence is positioned affects the look and feel of the property. A fence has the ability to make property look larger or smaller. A backyard fence that blocks an undesirable view can make the property infinitely more attractive, while a fence in the front yard can detract from the home and reduce curb appeal.

Purpose

Fences serve a variety of functions from privacy and safety to security. They prevent intruders from entering the property, keep nosy neighbors and passersby from knowing your business, and keep children, the elderly and pets safe. Privacy, safety and security are all major concerns for homeowners and potential buyers. Fencing that serves those purposes can add immensely to home values and make your property more attractive to potential buyers.

A fence doesn’t have to be one that encompasses the entire property. A small or minimal fence is effective for hiding unsightly items that includes generators and A/C units, power boxes, and trash receptacles. Keeping those items out of sight increases the curb appeal of the entire property.

Material

The type of material chosen for your fence will seriously impact your property value. While a chain link fence is an expedient and relatively inexpensive solution, it’s not as visually appealing as wood, PVC or SimTek®. PVC and SimTek® also have the advantages of being able to withstand hurricane force winds.

Installation

Fencing that has been professionally installed wins hands down over a barrier that was a DIY project. Having your fence installed by professionals ensures that it endures and demonstrates that you care about the property, thereby maximizing its value.