Lone Star Fence & Construction

Will Adding a Fence Increase Home Value?

Our customers often want to know if adding a fence to the home will help increase the value of the home. In many cases, this will depend on a number of different factors.

Here are some considerations which can impact the amount of value your fence ultimately adds to your home.

Does the fence add curb appeal?

Curb appeal can account for up to 7% of a home’s value. That means a gorgeous fence that makes your home look even more beautiful for the first time can indeed add a great deal to the value of your home.

Of course, a fence won’t get the job done by itself if you haven’t taken other steps to improve curb appeal, such as cleaning up the home’s exterior or keeping the lawn in good shape. Nevertheless, it can help.

Does the fence improve security?

Houston has a high crime rate relative to the rest of Texas. Local home buyers are often willing to pay more when a home has good security features.

Many fences don’t offer good security on their own. Anyone can lift a latch. Nevertheless, when you combine the fence with an automated security gate and when you build the fence high enough, you do indeed harden the home as a target.

How much privacy does the fence offer?

Home privacy adds to curb appeal. Most people want the opportunity to live their lives without scrutiny or interruptions from the neighbors.

Some fences don’t add privacy but many do. If privacy is a concern, be sure to tell us when we design your custom fencing options.

What is the condition of the fence?

A fence only adds value to the home if it’s in great shape. If it’s begun sagging, has holes in it, or, if made of wood, has gone to an ugly shade of uncared for gray, then the fence can reduce property values instead of raising them.

If the fence is in pristine condition, then it’s more likely to help you fetch a great price for your home.

What is the fence made out of?

Metal and masonry fences add the most value to your home. These fences are made out of high quality, long-lasting materials. They help to communicate serenity and affluence.

By contrast, a chain link fence may be a practical addition to a yard, but might not do much to increase the selling price of your home. Like it or not, these fences aren’t considered to be particularly prestigious.

Wood and vinyl fences are somewhere in the middle, depending on how they are constructed.

What is the neighborhood like?

Do most of your neighbors have fences? Then you’re reducing the value of your home by not having one. You’ll also reduce the value of your home if you don’t invest in the same basic type of fence as your neighbors.

Most neighborhoods prefer to maintain a certain aesthetic. Don’t be the odd house out.

Design Your Fence Today

At Lone Star Fence & Construction, we are committed to helping you install the right fence for your home. If you’d like input or insight into which fences might be good additions in your specific case, contact us to schedule a quote today.

How to Keep Your Vinyl Ranch Fence in Great Shape

We’ve built plenty of vinyl farm and ranch fences for homeowners across Texas. Their classic white look and their sturdiness make them perfect for marking off pastures.

Another great reason for vinyl fencing is that it’s built to last. A properly built and maintained vinyl fence can last up to 30 years.

The trick, of course, is to give your vinyl fence the treatment it needs to go the distance. Here’s what you need to know.

Never Use Harsh Chemicals

A garden hose should be sufficient to clean your fence; you don’t need harsh chemicals.

If you feel you need soap, choose one of the following:

Biodegradable soap
Vinegar and water
Castille soap

Baking soda can remove almost any stain a vinyl fence might develop.

Avoid the Use of Force

Pressure washing a vinyl fence will damage it, as will clipping it with a lawnmower or a weedwhacker. If possible, keep your trees trimmed back from your vinyl fence to avoid issues with falling debris during severe thunderstorms.

Vinyl fences stand up to wind, weather, and mold very well. The thing they don’t do well is blunt force trauma, especially from heavy machinery. The more gently you can treat your fence, the better.

Avoid Paint

Vinyl naturally protects itself from UV rays, but only if you don’t block its protective qualities with paint. Paint doesn’t adhere too well to vinyl anyway.

If you really want a color other than white, talk to us; there are some options, and we can help you explore them.

Pay Attention to Mildew and Algae

In our humid Texas climate, mildew and algae are all too likely, especially in the shaded areas of your yard. Either will stain your fence.

Fortunately, vinegar and water take care of mildew and algae, too.

Schedule Your Free Quote Today

Don’t have a vinyl fence yet? Thinking about installing this low-maintenance, long-lasting option? Turn to Lone Star Fence & Construction and call us to get a free quote today!

Our customers will tell you all about our detailed estimates, the way we offer informed suggestions, and, best of all, the way that we won’t charge you until the job is finished.

What to Think About When Considering Custom Gate Design

Adding a custom gate to your property can increase its value and security. It can also help you personalize it, communicating your unique style, your house number, or anything else you want.

When ordering a custom gate, you will have a big influence on the final design. Thus, there are some points to consider as you discuss your quote with us.

What is the purpose of the gate?

Gates may either slide open or swing out. They may help you increase your curb appeal, or they may block the view of your property altogether.

Consider whether your primary concern is privacy or security. Consider how many times per day the gate might open, where it will open, and how much space you’ll have to work with.

Are you laboring under any restrictions?

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, you may be dealing with some strict rules about the type of gate you can put up, how high it may be, and how much of the view you’re allowed to block.

It’s imperative to research these restrictions before you call us, as you may have to pay fines or even tear down your new gate if the HOA takes exception to it.

How much space do you have?

If you have enough space, adding a pedestrian gate can be a great option. This allows a safer entry point for people approaching on foot or via a wheelchair.

However, suppose you don’t have the space to add the option. In that case, you’ll maximize your accessibility with a sliding gate vs. a swinging gate, as someone may always step or scoot backward long enough to allow the gate to open without having to judge distance.

How tall do you want the gate to be?

A taller gate can be an elegant, imposing feature for any home. A shorter gate shows that you’re serious about security but creates a more welcoming atmosphere.

Some of the zip codes we serve are in townships with height restrictions on gates, so there’s often an upward limit on what we can do anyway. Nevertheless, it’s a good design and aesthetic consideration.

Get your free quote today!

Here at Lone Star Fence and Construction, we’re always excited to help you design the perfect gate for your home, ranch, business, or property. We can help you balance aesthetics and other design considerations with practical concerns.

Ready to get started? Call (832) 981-2402 today!