Altitude Fence and Deck has worked with many landlords throughout Northern Colorado looking for custom Fort Collins fences. Our products stand the test of time and can help improve security and property values.
If you’re a landlord, property decisions are much more complicated than if you were only a private homeowner and resident. You’re not only responsible for your own property; you’re responsible for marketing that property to the right renters and then maintaining that property for your tenants. There is of course no end to the improvements you can do to your property, and there’s no end to the requests for better facilities and repairs, too.
When looking for fencing options for rental properties, there are many options to consider, and many factors that private property owners and residents don’t have to deal with.
Custom Fences for Rental Properties
Landlords are in a unique position. They’re at once maintenance foremen and women, marketers, sales people, and friendly neighbors. They have to collect rent and improve their properties so they can gain more from their rental investments. For all property owners, installing a fence is an investment in their future security and property value. For landlords, they must also impress current and would-be tenants. Even though it’s the landlord’s investment, new custom fences benefit the tenants.
What should you consider before investing in a new fence for your rental property?
Materials
For your own home, wood can be the perfect fencing material. You can use a variety of elegant styles and types of wood to achieve just the perfect look for your outdoor space. However, wooden fences require more maintenance than other fences (read more on fencing material considerations here).
Ornamental aluminum fencing can make any property look more upscale, and it’s easy to maintain. You don’t have to worry about your fence rotting or fading in the hot sun. Aluminum won’t rust or color in the snow and ice of winter, and it won’t warp in summer. Fixing aluminum fences is usually easier than fixing wooden ones.
Another option is PVC fencing. Although this material isn’t as elegant as aluminum, it’s as durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective as aluminum fencing.
Aluminum and PVC are usually the most cost-effective materials you can rely on to protect your rental property and add value to it. But there are other materials that have their benefits as well. Wrought iron fencing is more expensive, but the security this material provides is unparalleled. Iron fences won’t break down over time, either, and require minimal maintenance.
Vinyl fencing is easy to install, easy to clean and care for, and customizable with many different colors and styles, but it’s also on the more expensive end of the scale.
To read about other fencing materials, click here.
Installation
There are more factors that you don’t control when you’re a landlord trying to make improvements to your property. Notifying your tenants and getting them to keep themselves and their pets away from the installation crews might be a challenge in some cases, although, your tenants might be enthusiastic about the work, especially if they’ve complained to you about the need for a fence.
The main issue with installation, other than the work itself, is the scheduling and safety concerns. Make sure your tenants know when and where the fence will be installed so they know to steer clear. If you’re installing a fence in part because of dogs, make sure your tenants know to keep their pets out of harm’s way, too.
You may find that the best time to install a fence, if possible, is between tenants.
Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Space
Landlords and regular homeowners alike invest in fences because they not only add security, they add a bit of elegance and beauty to your outdoor space. Invite your tenants to put flower planters next to the fence, or to dress up the gate. Add some of your own easily maintainable landscaping touches like flower beds or garlands to the fence after it’s installed to make your property even more attractive to tenants. You could make the gate the grand entrance with some natural décor.
These considerations will get you started on your fencing project for your tenants. If you decide to install a fence, consider Altitude Fence and Deck for top quality services and results.