Fencing Summerville SC can drastically enhance the look of your property. However, it’s important to understand your town’s zoning regulations and consult with your homeowner’s association before you start any work.
A fence defines your residential space, provides privacy, and keeps children and pets safely within your yard. It also prevents unsupervised dips into the swimming pool and helps establish property lines.
Whether you want to keep critters out of your garden or quell the curiosity of nosy neighbors, privacy is one of the most important factors when choosing home fencing. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for enclosing your backyard, from quaint picket fences to wrought iron and vinyl styles that offer security and style. Many of these fence ideas are easy to install and can be customized for a unique look with your favorite flowers or vegetables growing up the sides.
Wood is a popular option for fencing, and there are endless design possibilities for this classic material. You can go with a timeless white picket fence or a more modern look that matches your house siding for a cohesive look. You can also mix things up with a wood privacy fence that has panels on both the bottom and top for increased privacy. To make your fence more visually appealing, try staining the boards varying shades to give them depth and dimension.
Another way to improve your privacy with a wooden fence is to use lattice work to add interest and to soften the wall. This option is a great way to combine the functionality of a trellis with the traditional privacy fence for a beautiful yard that looks unique and natural. This is also a great way to let climbing plants thrive and create a living wall on your property.
Other fencing materials, such as steel and chain link, also provide privacy by obscuring your outdoor space, and can be painted to match the color of your house for a seamless appearance. These types of fences are often less expensive than wood or wrought iron, and they are ideal for keeping animals and wildlife away from gardens and other sensitive areas.
While some homeowners may be concerned that adding a fence will decrease the value of their home, the opposite is actually true. According to one industry leader, a well-installed fence can actually increase your property value by up to 50 percent. To maximize your investment, be sure to check with local and state regulations for guidelines regarding property lines and visibility. In addition, be sure to dig post holes at least 96 inches apart to ensure your fence will stand up to the elements and not fall over.
When you have a fence around your home, it can help to provide a sense of security. This is because the fence acts as a physical barrier that can keep intruders from entering your property, and it also helps to define your home’s boundaries. This can make you feel more secure inside your home, which can lead to a happier and more relaxed lifestyle overall.
Having a fence can also add to the safety of your children and pets. If you have a small backyard, a fence can help to prevent them from playing too close to the street or other dangerous areas. This can help to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries, which can be a big benefit for parents.
Another important aspect of fencing is its ability to deter crime. Fences can act as a natural deterrent to criminal activity, adding to the other security measures you may have in place for your home. Whether you’re a business owner guarding valuable assets or a homeowner looking to safeguard your family, there are a variety of fencing options to choose from to meet your needs.
The key to choosing a security fence is to critically evaluate your situation and what you’re trying to protect. For example, a fortress-like steel structure may be perfect for a business environment, but it wouldn’t work well at a suburban home. Aside from focusing on your specific security needs, you should also consider the type of fencing material, building construction, and lighting.
Finally, don’t forget to check with local regulations and homeowner’s association guidelines if applicable before you invest in a high-security fence. This can help you avoid expensive repairs and potential complications down the road.
Ensure that your fence is difficult to climb by limiting horizontal rails and avoiding spikes or points that can help intruders to gain footholds. Look for fencing materials that can fully enclose your yard or property and are hard to cut through with standard tools, such as wrought iron, chain link, or commercial-grade aluminum. Choosing a fence with open spacing can also help, as this can reduce hiding spots for intruders.
Unlike a utilitarian chain link fence that detracts from the look of your yard, many styles of home fencing provide a pleasing aesthetic. Picket fences, latticework, and ornamental designs add beauty while maintaining privacy. A decorative wood fence also adds a natural element to your landscape and looks good with the color and design of your home.
A beautiful, functional fence can increase your property value and help protect the health of your lawn and landscape. The type of fence you choose depends on your needs and preferences, as well as local ordinances. Check with your town or city’s building and land use departments for guidelines on how close to the property line you can build a fence (setback requirements), maximum fence height, and material restrictions. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, the rules of that organization may also apply.
If you live in an urban area, it’s important to consider how your home fencing will fit into the surrounding community’s architectural style. The colors, textures, and design of your fence should coordinate with the other homes on the block. Fences that blend with the scenery are more attractive and elicit a positive reaction from neighbors.
A fence can enhance the visual appeal of your home and landscaping, but you should weigh all of the benefits before installing one. Be sure to consult with your family and any other people who will be using the fence to make a decision that will meet everyone’s needs. You should also consult with a real estate professional to learn what type of fence will increase your property value if you plan to sell your home.
Whether you plan on selling your home in the future or just enjoy the added curb appeal, proper maintenance of your fence can save money and extend its lifespan. Checking for signs of wear and tear that can lead to bigger problems like rot, insect infestation, and structural damage will help you get ahead of these issues before they become major repairs.
A good cleaning is also important to maintain your fence’s appearance and prevent sun and weather-related discoloration and fading. In addition to regular cleaning, sanding your wood fence is important before staining, painting or sealing it. This removes bumps and unevenness that can make the finish look sloppy and reduce its longevity.
Wood fences can be vulnerable to pests that can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. Insecticide treatments and oil-based stains can help prevent infestations and protect against wood rot and moisture damage.
In addition to ensuring that the fence is secure and anchored in the ground, it’s important to trim trees and shrubs regularly near the fence line. They can become a tripping hazard if they grow too close and may cause damage to the fence if their branches hang over or touch it.
Many cities and towns have zoning ordinances that govern the construction and height of homes fences. It’s a good idea to investigate these ordinances and find out what the requirements are before beginning any work. If you want to build a fence that is taller than what the ordinance allows, it’s usually possible to obtain a variance if you can show that the fence will benefit your property and the community.
It’s always a good idea to hire a professional to complete any major home improvement project like fence installation. A qualified contractor will be able to give you product samples, a written contract, references and proof of insurance before starting any work. They can also advise you of any zoning code restrictions or permits that need to be filed before beginning the project. In addition, a licensed surveyor can verify that your fence is accurately built on your property boundaries and doesn’t infringe on any rights of way or privacy concerns of your neighbors.