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Sometimes a home inspection uncovers an unexpected list of repairs that needs to be completed before selling the house. While most often the issues are things like loose handrails or old water heaters, there are occasions when an inspector will also find something in the backyard that requires attention, like a fence that leans or has a broken gate.
For homeowners selling their home, working with a fence repair professional to assess what is needed can help avoid confusion and delays. It is not always necessary to repair or replace all the fencing, but it is a good idea to make sure that the fencing is safe, properly aligned, and won’t be an issue for the buyer. Here are some common fence-related issues that can come up during a home inspection (see more here) and what to do about them.
Fence Post Alignment
There’s no substitute for a good look at your fence, and inspectors sometimes find that one or more fence posts are leaning. This might be a post that’s leaning towards the neighbor’s yard, or a post that’s bowed due to the weight of a gate, or a post that’s loose in the ground.
With a little work, most fence posts can be made to stand upright again by having the surrounding soil refilled and compacted around the base of the post or adding new concrete. If one or two posts were the only ones that leaned after a storm or other event, then the issue may be resolved.
In cases where several fence posts have tilted, or there are cracks in the fence panels or rails, it may be necessary to replace the entire fence. After all, fixing one leaning post isn’t going to fix an entire fence that’s failing at the weakest points.
While a fence that looks like it’s slightly leaning in an uneven manner shouldn’t require repair if the posts are otherwise sound and the fence is sturdy overall, this is something to check before the home is listed.
Gate Function
There’s a reason that most homeowners have a fence with a gate at the end. Whether you use it to access a side yard or to provide a way for pets to come and go, the gate should be easy to use and secure. If the gate is stuck, doesn’t close right, or is hard to latch, it can make the property appear to be less maintained than it actually is. A potential buyer might imagine what happens if the dog gets out or if the gate can’t be closed properly.
It may be possible to repair a gate that doesn’t work properly by re-hanging the gate on new hinges, replacing a broken latch, or fixing the alignment of the gate – more on fence contractor if you want that route. However, if the gate itself is rotting or damaged, it may need to be replaced. If you’re marketing your home as pet friendly, make sure the gate and latch are in good repair.
Ground-Level Rot
Many wooden fences rot at the bottom, where the posts meet the soil. If you have a wooden fence and you see that a post is rotted at ground level, you might assume that the fence is in bad shape, but the upper portion may be fine. The problem may be restricted to one or two posts that support the fence, or one post may be rotted near a gate where it bears extra weight.
A professional can remove the rotted posts and replace them, leaving the rest of the fence intact. However, if there’s rot throughout the fence line, fixing one post at a time could end up costing more in the long run than replacing the entire fence before the home goes up for sale. Are there more posts that need to be replaced, and is the rest of the fence starting to show signs of decay?
Panels and Property Lines
Another common issue that comes up in inspections is broken fence panels. This is more than just an aesthetic concern; it may also impact privacy and prevent the owner’s pets or children from staying in the yard. Depending on the age and type of fence, it may be possible to replace a few broken panels without replacing the entire fence. In other cases, it may be better to replace the section that is damaged or visible from the street.
It’s important to know where your fence sits in relation to the property line – https://www.findlaw.com/state/mississippi-law/property-line-and-fence-laws-in-mississippi.html is worth a skim. If you have a shared fence, you’ll want to make sure that it’s in the right place. While you can ask a fence repair professional to assess the fence’s condition and determine whether it’s best to repair or replace, they won’t be able to confirm whether the fence is on the property line or if there’s a dispute over ownership. Check property records if you suspect that a shared fence is out of place.
Repairs Before Listing
By addressing any fence-related concerns before listing your home, you’ll minimize the risk that a buyer will request repairs in the final days before closing. Review the inspection report, inspect your fence, and contact a fence repair company to discuss your options. Once you’ve decided on which repairs are necessary, get the work done before listing your home.
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