Fences and Gates - Benefits
Fences and Gates - Benefits
Fences and gates are a normal part of a home. In suburbia land sizes may be as large as an acre (4048m2) or as small as 300m2. Then there are lifestyle properties and farms, but we will limit this article to residential property.
The major reasons for having a residential property fenced and gated is for security, safety, privacy, and property enhancement. A well fenced property with a locked gate is a poor prospect for a burglar who would hopefully look elsewhere.
From a safety standpoint especially in locations with busy street traffic, children and pets are much safer in a well fenced and gated garden. Privacy with a solid fence and gate may be a big factor in choosing a fence and gate, sound reduction can be another bonus.
Sometimes homeowners just want a fence and gate to enhance the appearance (and value) of their property.
Types and Costs
The following table is by no means comprehensive but does give an overview of the main types of fences and gates and their prices.
| Material | Typical Material Cost / Lineal Meter (for typical 1.8m high) |
|---|---|
| WOOD | |
| Picket fence | $180.00 |
| Post and Rail | $150.00 |
| Panels / Trellis | $150.00 |
| Natural Brush Panels | $175.00 |
| Solid Close Palings | $100.00 - $350.00 |
| METAL | |
| Colour Steel Panels | $275.00 |
| Powder Coated | $300.00 |
| Aluminium Panels | $300.00 |
| Wrought Iron | $150.00 - $200.00 |
| PLASTIC | |
| PVC Panels | $75.00 - $150.00 |
| FIBRE CEMENT | |
| Wooden Posts & Sheets | $51.00 - $100.00 |
| CONCRETE | |
| Block (eg Interlocking) | $350.00 |
| Panels | $221.00 - $280.00 |
| Brick | $450.00 |
| Natural Stone Hinuera | $160.00 |
| Central Otago Schist | $750.00 |
| Gates | From $200.00 - $5,000.00+ (automatic) |
Keep in mind labour / installation costs are not included. Stonemason and bricklaying can cost much more than the material cost. A typical “regular sized” 600m2 section (30m x 20m) gives a fencible area of 100 lined meters, so for material costs alone multiply the meter cost by 100.
Clearly to fence and gate a property even of this size a price of $7,500 - $45,000 for materials and up to double that for labour is expensive. Keeping fences and gates in good condition gives all the benefits described and adds value to a property.
Fences and gates form part of every home inspection report from A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections.
