Fences enhance security, privacy, and visual appeal while helping separate property.
They come in different heights, and for a good reason, different sized fences and fencing styles serve different purposes.
For the most part, this means that you can build fences that meet your needs and wants.
So, Can You Put A Privacy Fence In Your Front And Backyard?
Yes, you can certainly fence your front and backyard. However, before erecting a privacy fence around your homes, it is extremely important to check with local regulations regarding fencing your property. Some cities have ordinances preventing front yard fencing or limiting the type of material and height of fences.
If you are planning to put a privacy fence in your front and backyard, there is more about it you need to understand before embarking on the project itself.
This post will cover more about fencing, emphasizing the privacy fencing approach.
What Is A Privacy Fence?
As the name suggests, a privacy fence is a thick, solid fencing wall designed to deter nosy neighbors while preserving privacy.
These types of fences are usually engineered from sturdy materials.
They tend to be tall and thick with visual points within their design, which makes them a great option for homeowners looking to increase the amount of security and seclusion.
Private fences typically stand 4-6 feet tall, giving a reasonable degree of seclusion from the neighborhood when you are at home or in your yard.
If you are a first-time homeowner, it may be worth noting that private fences are more common as backyard fences.
For homeowners planning to put privacy fences in their front and backyards, you will need to check what local regulations have to say about privacy fences.
This is very important considering that some cities and counties have front yard fence height rules that you must follow when fencing your property.
After all, you don’t have to completely sacrifice your home’s curb appeal in favor of privacy.
Eight Things To Consider Before Putting Up A Privacy Fence Around Your Yard
Building a fence around your home can potentially give your home character, enhance its curb appeal, and elevate the landscape design.
Besides, fences make homes more secure while enhancing privacy.
With a rigid fence, parents are more confident letting their kids and pets play around outside, knowing that they are safer.
Whatever your reasons are for a fence, here are some of the things you need to know before putting up your dream privacy fence.
1. The Survey
Before starting your fencing project, you need to know where to put the fence.
This means you will need to hire a surveyor to establish the property boundaries so that you don’t end up building your fence on your neighbor’s land.
Having your land surveyed will help prevent any disputes, which will help protect your investment in the fence by ensuring it doesn’t encroach public or neighbors’ property.
2. Permits
Some privacy fences, particularly those that are structural like concrete and stones fences, will almost certainly require a building permit.
So, before embarking on the fencing project, contact local building authorities to learn about any permits you may need and possible restrictions.
Most restrictions are related to height and fence type.
3. Fence Type And Material
There are many materials used in fencing, but some will definitely not work for privacy fences.
That said, privacy fences are commonly made of wood or vinyl.
Wood is affordable and can be customized with stain or paint, making it a great all-around option.
Vinyl, on the other hand, requires little to no maintenance.
Concrete and stone fences can provide a great degree of privacy but are less preferred in residential areas.
As for styling, it can vary wildly depending on personal needs and desires.
4. Your Home’s Architecture
This is a very important consideration when adding a fence to the front yard.
While privacy fences help enhance security, safety, and privacy, you should not sacrifice your home’s curb appeals altogether in favor of privacy.
For this reason, you should tie the fence into your home’s existing features.
Precisely, you need to ensure that the fence you’re putting up in your front yard adds visual appeal just as it creates a barrier for your home.
5. Neighborhood
Sometimes it makes perfect sense to harmonize with the neighborhood.
While you would be within your rights to build a privacy fence around your home, it is often considered a good idea to follow neighborhood trends.
For instance, if houses on your street do not have fences, you can opt to stay without, even when the HOA guidelines don’t prevent you from putting up one.
If you are the one starting the trend of erecting a privacy fence in front and backyard in your street, be careful to add your home’s value or at least not detract.
6. Accessibility
When installing a privacy fence, one of the things you need to plan upfront is how you will access your home.
You need to plan where you will place the gates and how you will access your backyard.
The ultimate decision will depend on your needs and personal preferences. It is a good idea to have more than two gates.
7. Being A Good Neighbor
While putting up a fence in your backyard may not affect the neighborhood, a privacy fence in the front yard will most likely change how the neighbor’s property looks.
For this reason, consider neighborly fencing etiquette and let your neighbors know you are building a fence, even when you’re sure to follow neighborhood trends.
8. Home Value And Budget
When planning to put a fence, homeowners should always keep in mind that landscaping should be no more than 15% of the property’s value.
This is very important if you are planning to move out in the future.
While installing a fence can potentially boost your home’s overall value, you don’t want to overinvest in a fence. In contrast, it also makes perfect sense to consider other reasons for fencing.
Privacy fences are functional, so make sure to strike a good balance between your budget and the intended functionality for a practical result.
Installing a privacy fence is quite harder than it looks. Although you may want to do it yourself, the job is left in the hands of professionals.
For front yards, there may be more restrictions limiting the materials you can use for a front yard fence and the maximum height your fence can be.
Why Should You Install A Privacy Fence?
Putting a fence around your home boosts curb appeal, but there are practical reasons for fencing your home.
First and foremost, not all established neighborhoods are privacy-friendly. If you are living in such a neighborhood, installing a privacy fence in your front and backyard will keep out prying eyes.
Without a privacy fence, your backyard will be accessible to strangers and unwanted animals that may prey on your pets. As such, a fence will keep any valuables in your backyard out of sight of burglars.
If you have outdoor pets, privacy fences help confine them while ensuring they don’t become a nuisance to your neighbors.
For people who often host guests to late hours, a considerably tall fence can keep the gatherings intimate and keep the light from disturbing close neighbors.
Conclusion
A well-crafted privacy fence adds a spark of curb appeal.
Overall, putting a privacy fence in your front and backyard is a great idea, especially if you live in a privacy-unfriendly neighborhood.
Hopefully, this post will help in making a decision regarding installing a fence around your home.
If you live in an area with no fences in front yards, you can consider putting up a fence in the backyard only.
Related
References
https://steemit.com/yard/@submits/can-i-put-a-privacy-fence-in-my-front-yard
https://www.westgeorgiafence.com/consider-these-before-you-fence-your-front-yard