Outside-In Ways to Increase Property Value

Privacy fences are very popular for creating a backyard that is a true extension of your home. Privacy fences, whether made from wood or vinyl, add security from outside forces and safety for children and pets. When a house goes onto the market, a privacy fence is also often attractive to potential buyers.While they have many benefits, privacy fences are an investment, both in terms of time and money. Estimating the cost of your new privacy fence can help you to know when the best time is to begin building. Consider the material. Typically privacy fences are six feet tall. Both wood and vinyl privacy fences come in a variety of styles, including stockade, board-on-board, and shadowbox. Wooden privacy fences are best if you want something customizable with stain or paint. Vinyl privacy fences are best for those who prefer a fence that needs little or no maintenance. Vinyl fences have a higher upfront cost than wooden fences, but they also have a longer life.Determine the length of the fence in linear feet. Walk your property line with a tape measure to get a sense for how many feet your fence will be. Along with the material, the length of your fence will determine the cost of your fence. If the fence is on a slope or must go around trees, it's good to note that as well and include that information when you request a quote.If you really want to save money you may consider building your own fence. Fair warning, though, that what seems like a simple DIY project can turn into big headaches when you consider HOA, utility lines, property lines, installing gates, and having to work around ground slopes and obstacles. If done inexpertly, a fence may have to be redone within a short period of time, wasting time and money.If you're ready to start your free quote, contact Fence Central in Winter Have, Florida today. We'll provide you with an expert quote and help you weigh all of the options for your new privacy fence.

While the air feels chilly outside now, warmer temperatures and pool season are right around the corner. Winter is a great time to check the area around your pool to ensure you're ready for spring.Take a close look at your pool's floor and surrounding patio or deck. Be on the lookout for cracks, missing tiles, nails or uneven patches that could cause injury or a slip. Cracks may or may not need tending to immediately. If it's shallow and small, make a mental note and revisit in a few months, making sure it hasn't spread or deepened. If you have a deck and see any nails or uneven boards, take the time to repair them now before bare feet and excited kids visit the pool.When you're finished taking a look at the pool and surrounding ground area, also take a critical eye to the fence around your pool. The State of Florida requires a 4 foot-tall barrier that completely surrounds the pool. There must be space between the fence and the pool so that someone walking through the fence doesn't immediately fall into the water. Fence gates must open outwards, away from the pool, and must automatically close once it's let go of. Gates must include a self-latching lock that is placed on the pool-side of the gate.If you have an above-ground pool, the walls of the pool may act as the barrier as long as they're at least 4 feet tall. Ladders or stairs used to enter the pool must be removed when it's not in use to prevent children from wandering into the pool unsupervised.If the fence around your pool is looking worn or you'd like to upgrade it to something from which you can clearly look out and enjoy the view, contact Fence Central. We're based in Winter Haven, Florida, and service most of the surrounding areas including Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Alfred, Polk City, Lake Wales, Dundee, and Haines City. Our knowledgable staff can help you choose a suitable replacement for your pool fence or, if you're thinking about building a pool in the upcoming year, can help you choose which fence will suit your needs best.

For many households, pets are members of the family just as much as anyone else. If your fur baby loves to play outside, you may have considered ways that you can make them more comfortable and safe in the backyard.Your creation should reflect your pet's individual needs and preferences, but to get you started here are some ideas and tips for how to keep pets enjoying your outdoor space and coming back for more all year 'round. More of a good thing. Pay attention to what your dog loves to do in the backyard already. Does she love to run? Is he most interested in basking in the sun or under a tree? Observing what your dog does already can help you to plan out spaces for them to do more of it throughout the back yard. It can also help you to plan where more people-friendly areas, like patio sets, should go. Water for life. A water feature can add coolness and peacefulness to your back yard. If you plan well, it can also be a treat for your pet. If your water feature is at pup-level, make sure it has proper filtration and movement to make it a safe place for your dog to quench her thirst. Shady scene. In the Florida sun, it's easy for anyone to get overheated. Short hair dogs are also susceptible to sunburn! If there aren't many or any places for shade in your backyard, consider adding a doghouse or planting shade trees -- which the whole family can enjoy. Plant smarts. Your dog may not be as gentle on plants as you are. If you're considering new grass, go for heartier varieties that can stand up to paw and foot traffic, such as Kentucky bluegrass, buffalo grass, or tall fescue. You may also consider adding some eatable plants and herbs (rosemary, lavender, and mint also repel fleas!)Be sure to avoid plants that dogs may eat and fall sick from, such as iris, foxglove, lily of the valley, and monkshood. Some vegetables are also harmful to dogs, including garlic, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Fenced-in for safety. The #1 way to keep your dog happy and safe is to make sure he won't go wandering or bounding-off and get into danger. Invisible electric fences work for some dogs, but if a dog is very excited (such as if she wants to chase a squirrel) or stubborn (you know who you are), the discomfort of a shock isn't always enough to stop them from running into the road. Your best bet is a tall fence that will keep your pet safely inside and enjoying his paradise.