Can aluminum fencing increase a home’s property value? The short answer is yes. In most cases, an aluminum fence enhances curb appeal and property value. The long answer is it depends: like most aspects of real estate, it depends on your neighborhood, your region, and your potential buyers.
The benefits: privacy, security, and peace of mind.
When you bought your home, you fell in love with the spacious backyard. However, your golden retriever zoomed through property lines and into other yards. Then, when you had kids, you needed a safer backyard.
So you installed a 5-foot-tall, puppy-style aluminum fence. The Carolina design complimented your home’s aesthetic, allowing you to enjoy the view while keeping your children safe.
But will potential buyers like your aluminum fence?
Potential buyers are probably interested in your home for the same reasons you were. Great outdoor space, lovely neighborhood, an all around amazing place to raise a family.
If potential buyers have pets or children, they will go out of their way to find a home with a fence. In fact, they may be willing to pay a premium for a house that already has a fence installed. An aluminum fence lasts longer than a wooden fence, is more appealing than an iron fence, and requires less maintenance.
How much does an aluminum fence add to your property value?
The benefits of aluminum fencing are often qualitative. The feeling of security helps you sleep easy. You trust your kids and pets to play safely. Your chosen style enhances your home’s aesthetic. You enjoy a greater peace of mind.
Potential buyers may share your feelings, but it is harder to quantify your fence’s added value. We would love to say, “An aluminum fence increases the average single-family home’s property value by X percent.” However, it varies across regions.
One aluminum fence contractor in Maryland found that a fence can offer a 65% return on investment when selling a home. If a homeowner paid $10,000 for their fence, they would likely see an additional $6,500 (10,000 x 0.65) added to their property value. However, that is just one estimate; your mileage may vary.
Why might potential buyers not like your aluminum fence?
Aluminum fencing can greatly enhance curb appeal by complementing the home’s architecture and the owner’s style. However, that could also be reversed. A secluded, rustic cabin with a modern-style golden fence might feel awkward. Thankfully, these design clashes are the exception, not the rule. Aluminum fencing is versatile, and you can design it to blend with almost any home.
Your neighborhood also influences curb appeal. If your neighborhood is largely unfenced, then a fence might be a coin flip. Potential buyers might want to follow suit or like the added security.
Tips for maximizing curb appeal.
You can maximize the curb appeal your aluminum fencing adds by taking good care of it. Aluminum fences are low-maintenance— another pro for potential buyers— but nothing is completely maintenance-free.
We have an entire blog on how to maintain your aluminum fence. Here are the key takeaways
- Over time, some imported powdered coated aluminum fences oxidize, leading to a chalk-like residue. This residue is easily washed off with soapy water and a good rinse. However, most American extrusions that are powder coated locally have a higher quality powder coating that has minimal residue build-up.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and hard bristle brushes as they can damage the powdered coating.
- If you live in an area with harsh winters, the thawing and freezing of the ground might loosen the posts. Double-check your posts and reinforce them if necessary and ensure they’re dug to the frost line in your area.
- If you are preparing to show your home to potential buyers, trim back the vegetation growing around your fence line.
Conclusion
Installing an aluminum fence can significantly enhance a property’s curb appeal, especially for buyers with pets or children. Its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic versatility make aluminum fencing a worthwhile investment!
