We know very well that even before entering a property, we have already formulated an idea or an expectation about it, based upon our First Impression of it. This in fact happens when we first meet a person, when we buy a book by its cover, when we enter a restaurant and look at the menu… and when we visit a property for sale.
All images by James Treble
When arriving at your home, First Impressions are very powerful, as they affect the mood of your visiting guests, or more importantly, prospective buyers if your property is on the market.
Like the perfect pair of shoes on that beautiful new dress, the fence must match your property. Its style, height, materials, and colour are all important... if you haven’t thought about it yet, then ask yourself ‘can my fence be improved?’ If the answer is ‘Yes’ then you must act immediately, but it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Indeed, if your fence is a sturdy one, then maybe some cosmetic changes are all that’s needed.
A bricks fence can be lightly rendered and/or painted. Keeping the fence in theme with the house’s style, paint can add a modern touch to a tired brick look.
As a general rule, the fence should be painted using the same colours of your property to provide a unified look. But sometimes I suggest choosing the same colour you use for the windows and trims, like these images below providing a contrasting and elegant effect.
Tips:
Fix any broken parts and replace what you can’t fix. Oil a squeaking gate.
A brick wall might be revived by simply giving it a good scrub and clean. Moss, dirt and weeds always spoil a good impression.
A coat of paint will easily bring an old fence into the new century. For a good job, do not paint over dirt and flaking paint, as the result will not look fresh and it wont last long.
If the frame is sturdy consider replacing the fence palings with new ones. Instead of repainting the tired looking ones. For the right property, would a trendy natural wood stain suit your façade, maybe adding warmth and character to your façade.
Add low maintenance glossy green plants to soften the look; nothing scrawny and nothing that will grow too fast or drop a large amount of leaves.
Ultimately, you want to achieve a fresh, well maintained and welcoming look form the outside. The more buyers you invite in, the more competition and demand you will achieve for your property. Remember that it is hard to change people's opinion once they have decided they don’t like your home from the outside. First Impressions: Make it work for you!
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James Treble has more than 25 years of experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design. His knowledge and experience in adding value to homes, through clever design & styling, is now published for all to learn and benefit from. Interior Design For Profit is now available online.
.