Would you take down this fence?

Hey everyone!

I'm in a frenzy working out what to do as part of my minor reno of my IP.

In terms of first impressions, the property doesn't look very welcoming or open as there are 1.8m tall paling fences wrapping around. See below image:

Imgur

I'm contemplating pulling down the front fence completely, and then cutting the front parts of the side fences at half height as they should've been...

I'd just line some nice plants along the front instead of the high fence.

Thoughts? Is this a good idea, or will it "devalue" the property since I'm taking something away?

Thanks

 

It's in good condition. You will be renting it out. People living there will like a fence if they have children/ grandchildren. Just tidy, clean and do anything that needs to be done to make it safe. I wouldn't touch the fence. You could paint it.

 

Maybe in charcoal?

I was originally going to paint just insides of fences.

 

The things that would be a priority for me would be safety:

• make sure the house has safe and adequate cooling and heating
• check electrics and plumbing are safe and reliable
• check and fix problems on your building report
• make sure the gutters are clean and roof is in good condition
• tidy the garden
• check maintenance is up to date

 

I doubt it will add value to a renter. I'd rent it out, and paint it a classic colour, off white or charcoal perhaps for any sale.

 

I wouldnt touch it. Its good condition, looks fine and it may actually be an advantage to some tenants with pets/kids extra car space etc.

 

Perhaps tidy up the agapanthus in front of the fence. You could thin out some from the left (as you look at the fence) and fill in the gaps on the right. Remove dead leaves and flowers - cost nil and about 15 mins work. Plus painting if you want. Tidy gardens can make a huge difference

 

Great point, thanks for your help. It's in Frankston too... I guess it's important to have that extra security.

 

Excellent idea! Thanks for your help

 

Awesome idea re climbing plants - I'll look into it.

Yeah, the side fence is poking out but it seems secure. No pedestrian or car gates at all. Just an opening at the driveway/crossover. There are actually 2 bedrooms (one of which is the master) with windows on the facade, so I do agree now that it's important to retain the functionality / positive to having the fence vs the aesthetics of not.

 

The front yard is becoming the new backyard, especially with smaller subdivided blocks. People usually prefer privacy, I would leave it and landscape on the inside to hide it with hardy, tenant resistant plants - looks like you already have some conifers on the side boundary. Agree it may also be worthwhile painting a darker colour to help it disappear, but no point until you are ready to sell.

 

Do you recommend painting on the front of the fence too (facing the road that is)?

 

Hi Werdna, I wouldn't paint it at all until ready to sell, but yes I think it would look better painted on the road side.

 

15l of dulux monument and it will come up great.

 

What colour would you do? Light or dark?

 

Haha good thinking!

 

I would go dark and flash it up with a fancy gate

 

Haha I like your thinking.. nice one.