When it’s time to purchase a home, most people will use an inspector to go through all the major systems and components in the home, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and more. However, there is one large investment that many people forget: the fence around the property.
A fence can provide not only security but also privacy, so it’s not wise to overlook this major component when buying a house. This article will go over what types of things to look for in regards to fences and fence issues when buying a house, and why it’s so important.
Not only does a fence provide aesthetically pleasing separation from your neighbors, but it’s also a vital part of defining the boundary of your property. One of the top reasons to inspect a fence and fence line is to make sure that your property boundaries are correct. These types of inspections are generally done in the form of a survey, but it’s important to have an inspector look at the condition and placement of a fence as well. Have your inspector make sure that the fence provides a safe and securely enclosed area for your pets and children.
Just like any other main system at home, fences will need regular maintenance and, eventually, replacement. Understanding the condition that the fence is in when you purchase a house can be a vital part of budgeting for maintenance. A fence that is aging or starting to show serious signs of wear can add to the cost of home ownership. If you hire an inspector who can find these issues, you can leverage this information to negotiate with the seller.
How to Inspect a Fence and What to Look For
We spoke with one of the highest-rated fence companies in Longview TX, and asked him what he looks for or recommends his clients look for in a fence when buying a home. This is the list we compiled:
The first thing our company recommends is to check the structural integrity of the fence in its entirety. Check each section of fence for signs of wear or damage, and look for instability in the fence posts. Also, check for missing or loosened fasteners, as these issues can sometimes be easily replaced or tightened. It’s important to look for insect infestation’s, especially in areas of the country where termites are common. Termite damage can be hard to spot.
The next thing you want to look at in depth is any gate or entrance to the fenced-in area. Gates are critical parts of a fence system as a whole, and they must be in working order to maintain safety and security. Ensure that the gate or doors open smoothly and look at all the hardware to make sure it’s fastened tightly and it’s not rusting.
The third item to look at is what material the fence is made out of. Common fences are made from wood, vinyl, wrought iron, or chain-link. There are other types of fences, like split rail, but the first four listed are the main types of fences that we see. Different materials have different maintenance requirements. For example, a chain-link fence doesn’t need much maintenance. Since it’s made out of galvanized steel, won’t rust, and doesn’t experience issues with pests, once the chain-link fence is installed properly, the only issue you can run into is damage from people, vehicles, or storms.
On the other hand, common wood fences are reasonably priced to install and offer great privacy, but they tend to wear out quickly and are easily damaged by insects, storms or vehicles. These types of fences must be inspected thoroughly to ensure their structural integrity.
One of the last things to look out for and one of the most common things that people do not check on or consider, is local regulations. It’s always important and a smart decision to check on local zoning regulations and to check with homeowners associations in regards to what type of fence you can have on your property, how tall it can be, what material can be made out of, etc. Just because there are rules in place does not mean that the seller has paid attention to them or gone by the rules. Checking these regulations and bylaws ahead of time. Can save you from a huge headache.
So, as you can see, inspecting the fence before buying a house is a very important step. Having a home inspector who knows fences and understands the pros and cons of each type of fence can be a huge positive asset on your side when buying a home.