palisade fencing price

'Published 12:05 am Wednesday saint louis temporary wooden construction fence , September 14, 2022 By Elisabeth Strillacci SALISBURY Discussion among board of education members over a single bid to add an additional 920 linear feet of fencing around Salisbury High School got testy Monday evening when several board members said the issue has dragged on too long. However, Chairman Dean Hunter asked for some adjusted numbers at the next meeting because the bid price was $150,000 higher than what is currently allocated, adding we will take a vote at that meeting. The district put the project out to bid at the end of August after five interested parties attended the pre-bid walk-through of the property on Aug. 15, according to Anthony Vann, chief operations officer. The school already has 4,800 linear feet of fencing. By the time bids were due on Aug. 29 for the additional 920 feet of fencing, only two of them submitted bids. Vann explained that it is an official bid process, so unless the city received at least three bids, they could not open any of them. The bids were returned to the two companies, and we re-advertised the very next day, Aug. 30, said Vann. On Sept. 6, the next day we could open bids, we had only one. But regulations allow that after a second request for bids, the town could open whatever they received. It was a bid from Fence Builders, Inc. for $850,192 for installation of heavy-gauge aluminum fencing, September 14 grating steel floor , several brick columns and a few additional necessities. But the city has budgeted only $700,000. We are asking the board to consider using money from the capital fund balance to cover the difference, said Vann, who added that the district has had a lot of difficulty with vendors being able to give pricing on any projects because of the supply chain issues and because of the lack of qualified labor. But he said this particular vendor is fairly confident that once started, they could complete the project in four to six months. How much money do we have access to in our fund balance? asked Hunter, and when the answer came, he jokingly said, Im not going to repeat that out loud. There is approximately $6.1 million in the fund balance. However, Hunter added that he knows everyone is having sticker shock, including the public. Were talking just shy of $1,000 per linear foot for a fence, he said. I know this is happening everywhere. I dont even like to go to Lowes anymore. Part of the design includes brick columns that Vann said the architects from ADW Architects included so that it looks very much like the columns on the building and like its been there forever. Hunter asked what the reduction might be if the columns were left out and instead just standard anchor pieces were used. Vann said theyd have to go back to the vendor to find out, which would take several days. Not everyone was happy about another postponement. Alisha Byrd-Clark, vice chair of the board, said the board has been told there is a serious security issue with people just walking through the campus. This has been on our agenda since Dr. Moody was here. We should be beyond that. I think what has been presented is what is needed, and I think we should move forward. She then made a motion to vote on the fencing as it was proposed Monday, but the motion was defeated. Jones raised one other concern students possibly leaving gates propped open. The student parking lot is outside the fence, and if they are going to their car, dropping a back pack, 2022 By Elisabeth Strillacci SALISBURY Discussion among board of education members over a single bid to add an additional 920 linear feet of fencing around Salisbury High School got testy Monday evening when several board members said the issue has dragged on too long. However palisade fencing durban north , are they going to end up leaving the gates open and are we then paying a lot of money for security that doesnt work? he asked. Vann said there are access points and assured the board the gates would be kept closed. In the end, the board decided to wait to hear what the cost reduction will be if they go without the columns, and will plan to vote at the next meeting in two weeks.\n', "Chain-link fencing is installed along the perimeter of many business properties, including self-storage facilities. But though its fairly inexpensive and can be erected quickly, it comes with drawbacks. In particular, it doesnt offer the best security. A few minutes and a simple bolt-cutter are all thats needed to breach it. Chain-link fencing can also be scaled by would-be thieves, or damaged by vehicles, unruly vegetation and adverse weather. If youre looking to fix a damaged chain-link fence or perhaps upgrade to a more secure solution, there are retrofit options that allow you to re-use your existing fence posts, which represent a significant portion of your original investment. Pouring foundation and setting posts is labor-intensive and costly; but if youve already got them, you can now explore better options at less expense. Following are three to consider for your self-storage site perimeter. A layered approach to self-storage security is key, with the first tier being a quality fence system that prevents or deters intrusion for much longer than a chain-link fence can. Expanded metal panels, welded-wire panels and palisades (sometimes called stakewall or paling) are superior options, and a good retrofit system can accommodate any of these. All three options provide significant anti-cut and -climb capabilities. Though they can't always completely prevent intrusion, especially when battery-operated power tools are involved, they can typically delay the breach and subsequent entry by five to 10 minutes. Combined with a sensor or alarm system, this allows enough time for security personnel or first responders to arrive. In some cases, a hybrid system consisting of expanded metal panels and palisades are used to capture the best of security and aesthetics. In addition to the posts from the original chain-link fence, Chairman Dean Hunter asked for some adjusted numbers at the next meeting because the bid price was $150 galvanized barbed wire manufacturers , horizontal rails, and brackets. Lets examine each. Panels or pales. When choosing these, its important to consider the open-area percentage (the ratio of open to closed area). While panels with small openings are superior in terms of anti-cut and -climb capabilities, they need to be suitable for the post size and strength of the original system. Here are some other important factors that contribute to a structurally sound, retrofit fence: A good fencing supplier can speak to all these items and can submit wind-load calculations stamped by a professional engineer. Horizontal rails. The number of rails and type of rail attachment used to support your fence are critical. They must work with any post spacing allowed by engineering and wind-load requirements. A chain-link fence often doesnt require tight tolerances in terms of spacing; therefore, the retrofit system needs to be highly flexible to accommodate variances among existing posts. In a typical retrofit, the rail system is installed front of the posts but behind the panels, providing a complete independency between panel size and post spacing. Thankfully, the panels dont need to fit perfectly between posts, which eliminates the labor-intensive process of field-cutting to make panels fit into inconsistent spacing. Another important aspect of retrofitting a high-security fence is the labor required to install a rail system onto existing posts. A good system doesnt require any fasteners to connect rails to one another. Rather, it uses fastener-less connectors or splices that hold in place with friction, thus reducing labor cost. Post brackets. These are another important component of the fence retrofit. They must be cost-effective and easy to install, requiring a minimum number of fasteners. Good ones support the rail system with a simple through-hole, allowing each horizontal rail to pass through securely without any additional fasteners. This bracket-to-rail configuration is often called a bypass system, as it enables rails to bypass the posts instead of being cut to fit each spacing and having to mechanically fasten rails between posts. There are several positive aspects to a self-storage fence retrofit. First, you can complete the project without any interruption to your business. Because the existing posts remain in place, the process doesnt typically require heavy machinery such as drilling equipment or concrete trucks. This means you can keep staff and customers safe as they continue to move freely about the property. Here are some other benefits: The main benefit of a retrofitted self-storage fence is flexibility. Not only does it help you retain a large portion of your original investment, it addresses any concerns that arose after the original system was designed and installed. This allows you to address security issues in a timely, cost-effective manner. Markus Erbeldinger is the product and engineering manager at Amico Security , which provides perimeter-security systems and metal-security fence solutions. He can be reached at email\xa0protected .\n", 'Photo: depositphotos.com Keeping the backyard protected from the prying eyes of neighborseven friendly onescan help make it a relaxing oasis. Some landscapes are suited for tall rows of trees or hedges, but for many, an attractive privacy fence can offer a secluded space and a lovely background for plantings or playscapes. Fencing can be a significant investment, so its important for homeowners to budget carefully and consider the additional costs, such as permits, excavation, installation, and finish. Its a worthwhile investment: Sturdy, nice-looking fencing can increase curb appeal, as home buyers with children or pets often consider fencing to be a must-have, and it can increase the homeowners own enjoyment of their backyard. According to Angi , privacy fence cost ranges from $1,500 to $8,000, with a wood privacy fence costing an average of $2,700. The exact privacy fence cost is dependent on a lot of choices a homeowner makeo about the purpose, style, and size of the fence, so there are many opportunities to customize the project. These variables are explained below. Photo: depositphotos.com There are many styles of fencing available to choose from, so once the homeowner has measured their yard, they can adjust their budget and the estimated total cost based on the materials they select and the height of the fence. For a basic calculation, homeowners will want to consider the following: The wide range of fence installation costs is largely due to the variety of shapes, styles, and materials of fencing available. This is beneficial to homeowners in several ways: If a backyard fence is important and cost is the chief consideration, its possible to choose materials that are less costly in order to get the job done swiftly. However, there are quite a few factors to consider when forming a budget and plan. Fencing materials are priced based on the cost per linear foot. Therefore, the size of the area to be enclosed will determine everything else about the cost. The measurement of the number of feet of fencing material needed guides the total cost, with larger or oddly shaped yards costing more than smaller yards and those that dont require rails or panels to be cut. Privacy fencing is available in chain link, wood, vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron. Both the material and installation costs vary, with chain link costing the least and wrought iron being the most expensive. Many homeowners find themselves considering wood vs. vinyl fencing since both are very popular options. The style of fence a homeowner selects will also affect the pricing: picket fences, iron, or split-rail styles provide a little less privacy but cost less and can be a great option for gardeners looking to trail plantings up the fence. Stockade and vinyl panel fences are a bit more expensive but offer more complete privacy and are quite sturdy. Wood pickets take more time to install properly and will increase labor costs. Lattice work and stylized post caps add more to the total. This choice will be balanced between the look, cost, and level of privacy the homeowner is hoping for. Gates are priced by the piece and also require hinges and fastening hardware. While you may initially think a gate is unnecessary, gates are useful in the long run, providing a shortcut through your property. Gates also offer curb appeal, so youll need to choose whether you want a gate on one side or both sides of the house. Balancing convenience against the cost, choosing the number of gates can add to or subtract from the overall cost. Privacy fences come in standard 6-foot and 8-foot sizes. Local regulations may limit the height that can be installed, and there can be a difference in these codes based on the height of the material itself versus the height off the ground. Therefore, its important to check on the specifics: An 8-foot fence installed on a hill over a significant dip in the ground can turn into a 10-foot total height that violates regulations. Additionally, 8-foot fencing can add as much as 35 percent to the total cost of the project, so carefully consider how much your fencing needs to block out. The posts that support any privacy fence need to be dug deeply into the soil and sometimes cemented to prevent the fence from collapsing or blowing over in windy or snowy conditions. Rough, rocky soil; heavy clays; soil with many roots running through; or hilly terrain can make the digging of post holes difficult and time-consuming, so labor costs will increase. In some cases, a root or rock cannot be removed and the placement of the post must be adjusted accordingly, which can add material and labor costs. The cost to have professional installation of fencing will vary based on the material, but it averages around $35\xa0per hour. An average fence installation can take around 24 hours for a total labor cost of $840, but that includes professional measurement, purchase of materials, delivery, installation, and cleanup, and usually also includes a warranty. Its worth noting that contractors can often get significantly lower prices on materials, so adding the labor cost can save on materials, delivery, and haul away, and it may not add much to the overall cost. Photo: depositphotos.com There are additional costs for homeowners to take into account and considerations to make before settling on a budget for the total cost of their privacy fenceor even deciding to install a privacy fence around their property. Some of these costs are unavoidable, depending on where the home is located. Because fence installation usually requires digging, you or your contractor will need to call 811 to check for hidden utility lines before beginning. Thats a free service, but the cost of moving any utilities that are in the way wont be. Local government or homeowners associations (HOAs) may also require permits or fees and a follow-up inspection. Because privacy fences also affect neighbors, this isnt a job to try to avoid the permits for; removing and reinstalling a fence that doesnt meet requirements can be hugely expensive and can also damage your relationship with your neighbors. Some localities require that the pretty side of the fence face outward as well, so apply for permits and check the regulations before beginning work. Removing an existing fence can be a surprisingly large expense: Even if a homeowner decided to DIY, fence posts that are set in concrete can be difficult to get out, and there may be a separate cost for disposal of the old fence materials, especially if theyre pressure-treated wood. Homeowners can expect to pay between $3 and $5 per linear foot for a professional to remove existing fencing. Ideally the area where the fence is to be placed will be clear of undergrowth and planting, but often yard perimeters have shrubs, groundcover, or trees in place. Some may need to be removed, while others (for example, larger shade trees or old trees that add character to the yard) may require the fence installers to implement creative work-arounds. Some homeowners are lucky enough to have root- and rock-free level yards with a perfect combination of sandy and clay soil. Fence installations in this kind of soil will often cost less. Heavy, dense clay soils are much tougher to excavate, heavier to haul, and can raise labor costs, but they will hold the fence posts firmly. Light sandy soil may require concrete to hold the posts upright, increasing time spent and the cost of materials. Deeply rooted or rocky soil can make the installation downright difficultthose situations will require additional labor time and potentially additional equipment. Wood fences require finishing to stand up to the elements. A well-applied coat of clear sealant will allow wood to weather slowly and gracefully, where a coat of exterior paint can add color to a plain yard. Either way, plan on purchasing enough paint, stain, or sealant to cover the fence after installation, and then add materials and time to your budget in future years for maintenance and upkeep of the finish. Its often the final flourishes that make a privacy fence truly beautiful. Elegant metalwork, intricate lattice, custom finials, or even unusual wood selections can make a fence stand out from the neighbors and add curb appealbut these touches will add to the overall cost. Photo: depositphotos.com Homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to types of fence materials for their privacy fences. Each has benefits and drawbacks, and there can be significant cost differences both because of the expense of the materials themselves and the cost of labor to install them. All of the options will provide privacy, with varying levels of protective enclosure for pets and children. Wood fences are classic and blend well into almost any neighborhood. Whether youre looking for pickets, stockade, rail, or other styles, wood fences can be built out of many different types of timber and painted or stained. In this case, traditional doesnt have to mean boring. Wood fence panels can be installed horizontally for a more modern look, or they can be built on a diagonal for a transitional style. Latticework, finials, or post caps can be added to customize the look. Wood fences cost $2,700 on average, ranging from $17 to $45 per linear foot, depending on the wood type, height, and style. Aluminum fencing looks clean and modern and lasts for a long time with little maintenance. The rails are generally a bit farther apart than wood pickets, so as a privacy fence, aluminum fencing will require a bit of landscaping to block the neighbors view. The biggest drawback is the cost of installation: While the materials cost between $17 and $90 per linear foot, the installation process is difficult and can add a higher labor cost than other types of fence materials. Total cost for an aluminum privacy fence is around $4,600. Maintenance-free, easy to clean, easy to install, and mid-priced, vinyl fencing is available in multiple colors and styles. The average cost per linear foot is between $10 and $40, not including labor. Total cost to install a vinyl privacy fence is around $3,700. Vinyl is not always an appropriate choice, though. Because the panels do not allow airflow, they can blow over or crack in high wind conditions, and in extreme heat they can soften or buckle. While it costs more per foot up front than some other options, it does not require time-intensive, costly maintenance, so the lifetime cost may be similar. For many applications, however, vinyl is a long-lasting, low-maintenance option. While it is not generally thought to be as attractive as other fence options, chain link is inexpensive, highly functional, and reasonably easy for homeowners to install themselves, saving money on labor costs. Pricing out between $15 and $30 per linear foot for materials, chain link makes it feasible to enclose large areas for less money. The DIY route makes it even more cost effective as homeowners can save on labor costs. Total cost to install a chain link fence is $2,200 for a 150-foot fence. Chain link is available in bare metal versions but also in color-coated or metallic-coated options, and there are a number of choices for covers, rail edges, and other materials to customize the fence for your needs. Similar to wrought iron in weight and appearance, but easier to DIY and considerably less costly, steel fencing is a great option for homeowners who crave the elegance of iron but not the maintenance schedule or outlay of cash. Costing between $17 and $90 per linear foot, steel is not inexpensive, but it requires little maintenance and is a reasonable DIY project for the handy homeowner. The average cost to install a steel fence is $3,970. Classic, beautiful, and customizable, wrought-iron fencing tends to increase the value of a home and highlights the landscaping and layout of the yard. Costing an average of $30 to $55 per linear foot (and considerably more for custom work), wrought iron is prone to rust and denting, so it requires a fair amount of regular maintenance to look its best. That said, iron develops a patina over time that is stately and aesthetically pleasing, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners who are interested in its style. Wire fencing, intended to provide protection for gardens and trees and to keep pets in and strays out, runs about $1 to $7 per linear foot, making it one of the most affordable ways to fence in a yard . This fencing is sold in large rolls and must be attached to stakes, stapled to wood framing, or connected to large posts. It can be attached to rail fences or picket fences to more completely enclose the yard, or fitted around gardens to protect specific areas. It is also ideal for homeowners who want the look of vines and flowers growing up their privacy fences: If spacers are used in the installation, wire fencing can be attached to wood, vinyl, or metal fences to provide an almost invisible trellis for vines to climb without damaging the base fence. Ranch or farm fencing is designed to keep larger animals in and predators away. Because every installation is custom based on the needs of the buyer, costs will vary: Most ranch fencing consists of horizontal rails mounted to posts that travel as high as necessary. While this style of fencing is intended for farm installations, it can also be used for neighborhood applications for homeowners looking for a creative and different look. For the environmentally conscious homeowner, sustainable bamboo fencing can be a great privacy option. This fencing can be planted live, where it will grow into a dense, prunable fence, or it can be purchased cut, dried, and bound, which renders the wood almost maintenance-free. Usually sold in rolls that are mounted to metal or wood posts, the sticks of bamboo are bound together closely to provide enclosure with a natural look. It is quite affordable: Bamboo fencing costs between $6 and $12 per linear foot for materials, is long lasting and does not require sealing and painting. Photo: depositphotos.com While some homeowners prefer the spacious feel of a wide-open yard, there are many reasons why installing a backyard fence might be a good choice. Fences keep animals and people in or out, protect your investment, and provide security, all of which can make the yard feel more like a haven and less like a public space. Placing a fence on the perimeter of a yard clearly demarcates where a property begins and ends, especially in areas where installing a fence requires confirmation of the property lines. This can be helpful when planning renovations or changes to the property, as it will help you know precisely how much room you have to work with. In addition, a fence can clarify where a homeowners mowing and maintenance responsibilities begin and end and can prevent disputes with neighbors over those tasks. Finally, in areas with a lot of wide-open space or farmland, a fence can protect land from encroachment by clearly staking out the boundaries. Families with younger children who want to play outside know that taking eyes off a child for even a moment in an unsecured space can mean a run into the road or an incident with an unsecured animal or pet. Plenty of parents and pet owners have practiced the mad dash down the street to retrieve a wanderer. And even those without pets or children may have been surprised by a dog or person unexpectedly appearing in the yard. A fence can make it easier to keep tabs on kids and pets and protect homeowners from unwanted surprises. Fences also create a barrier to break-ins or vandalism: Providing an additional obstacle for criminals or mischief-makers to overcome means theyre more likely to move on. If you have a pooleven a temporary onelocal regulations or your homeowners insurance may require fencing to protect against drowning accidents. A well-chosen fence can add beauty and shape to a yard. Decorative scrollwork and lattice create dimension, while a plain, simple wood fence can be the backdrop that makes the colors and textures of a lush garden pop rather than blending into the neighbors greenery. Fencing can also be used to separate a yard into distinct areas for dining, lounging, or swimming, genuinely creating an outdoor living space. Any activity youd prefer to do away from prying eyes, such as reading quietly by a pool, disastrously losing at badminton, relaxing in a hot tub after work, or enjoying dinner and a movie with your family, can be protected by a privacy fence. Even if you love your neighbors, you dont necessarily want to invite them into every moment of your life, especially during precious leisure time. Fencing can add privacy to the entire yard or to smaller areas where privacy is particularly important to you. In addition, if neighboring houses are close to your own, privacy fencing can interrupt the sight lines from your neighbors kitchen to your own, so you wont need to keep the curtains constantly drawn for privacy even inside your home. Does a fence increase property value? It can certainly increase curb appeal, but the answer to this question is a mixed bag, because it varies by region, neighborhood, and potential buyer pool. A well-kept fence is almost never going to reduce the value of a home, so if youre planning to enjoy the fence while living in your home, you probably wont need to worry that it will decrease the property value. In suburban areas where buyers are likely to have dogs or young children, real estate agents suggest that a well-maintained fence be added to a property. The value of properties in urban areas with smaller yards would also likely go up with the addition of a privacy fence, as built-in privacy without having to install a fence is a great benefit to potential buyers. The key to a fences value in terms of home price is its condition. A beautiful, sturdy, well-kept fence adds charm and curb appeal and can really make the appearance of a home stand out. However, real estate agents caution that adding a fence just for the purpose of a sale will likely not recoup the cost of installation. Some fence styles can certainly be installed by homeowners who have the correct tools and know-how. This can save money on labor costs and allow the homeowner to curate their own timeline and customize the fence and installation as they please. Hanging out in a yard you have fenced yourself can create a great sense of accomplishment. Chain link, wood, some vinyl, and potentially some steel fences can be achieved by committed homeowners, while aluminum and wrought-iron fences will likely be a difficult DIY. Hiring a reputable contractor can save time, expense, and frustration and result in a precise and polished finish. Even for experienced homeowners, fence-building will require a fair amount of research and significant labor timeusually far more time than an experienced crew will need. Rental or delivery costs for materials and specialty tools can add up quickly, and the cost of the materials themselves can be higher for individual buyers than for contractors by a significant margin. Therefore, doing it yourself may not result in as big a savings as anticipated. A contractor will likely have installed fences in dozens of different configurations and conditions and will have the know-how to deal with challenges such as uneven ground, unmovable roots, overhanging trees, and navigating the sometimes-complicated permitting and inspection rules. A fence is a long-term installation, so its best to make it sturdy, stable, and beautiful on the first try. Photo: depositphotos.com Careful planning and creative thinking are the best ways to save money on a fence installation. By doing some homework prior to purchasing materials, homeowners can prevent costly errors and make sure they have budgeted correctly. Because fence installation involves digging into the yard, there is always a possibility of unknown obstacles. Making sure you ask a contractor the correct questions can save you time, money, and frustration. Building a fence presents a great opportunity to add private space to your property, and a well-chosen fence can add appeal and security to your yard. The number of options and considerations can be mind-boggling, however, so here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers to help as you make your decision. The biggest variables will be the number of linear feet of fencing youll need, the height you want the fence to be, and the material youd like to use. Measure your yards perimeter, decide on a style, and then multiply the cost of the fence materials by the number of feet youll need. Then consider gates, maintenance, and the cost of installation. Some internet calculators can help you get a feel for the amount based on average material costs, but its just as easy to check with suppliers on your own. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. For true privacy, a wood stockade or vinyl panel fence will provide the most seclusion and prevent passersby from seeing into your yard at all. Wood or vinyl pickets, aluminum, chain link, and steel fences will provide excellent enclosure of the yard while maintaining an open feel, and combining them with landscaping can create a fine visual barrier. Bamboo, wire, and ranch fencing provide customizable applications, while wrought iron adds beauty and design options. Once you have established the purpose of the fence and the look you want, your budget will help make this decision. While the longevity of any fence is somewhat dependent on the climate and conditions where you live, a well-installed, well-maintained fence should last between 15 and 20 years. Galvanized chain link can last much longer, while inexpensive softwood fences may only last between seven and 10 years. Proper maintenance makes a huge difference here; even a strong fence will collapse or fail if it doesnt get an occasional coat of sealant or paint. Different materials require different maintenance levels and schedules. Vinyl fences require nothing more than a wash with soapy water and a soft brush every few months. Its also important that vinyl fences not be subjected to the heat from gas grills and smokers and that they never be painted. Metal fences need to be protected from rust damage with regular cleanings using soapy water and a brush and occasional reapplication of epoxy or sealant as directed by the manufacturer. Wood fencing requires a bit more: Bleach application and pressure washing will remove any mold that begins to grow, and restaining or resealing must be done every few years. Regardless of the type of fence you have, prompt repairs of any damage are essential: A loose board or tie will quickly lead to other loose boards or sagging sections if not repaired immediately, causing the fence to fail prematurely. Sources: Angi , HomeAdvisor (1 and 2) , Forbes\n', 'Remember the Smart car ? The original micro machine was pitched to drivers as the clever solution to congestion. Two decades on, Hyundai has a different idea of what a smart car should be. Roughly triple the weight of the tiny two-door and able to carry four times as many people, the new Hyundai Palisade has brains to match its brawn. Running changes to Hyundais largest model deliver new looks, improved refinement and a major lift in technology. The most obvious changes are on the outside, where a bluff grille, sharper headlights and reshaped 20-inch alloys join minor tweaks to the tail. The interior also benefits from a new 12.3-inch digital dash and 12.3-inch central touchscreen that bring it into line with the brands latest models. More importantly, the car has a five-star safety rating on the back of a reinforced body, new centre airbag, reverse automatic braking and a forward collision avoidance system that looks sideways for hazards at intersections. Those features could save your life. And if a crash occurs, the Palisade will automatically dial a call centre for help. Operators will then pass detailed information to emergency services so paramedics know what to expect. The Palisade is also the first Hyundai with BlueLink , a smartphone app similar to FordPass, myAudi, Porsche Connect or the Tesla App. Owners can use their phone to find the cars exact location, check whether the doors are locked, preheat (or cool) the cabin and check the wear of key maintenance items. You can send satnav destinations to the car from your phone, and the car can pass navigation duties back to your handset if you need to walk from a carpark to an appointment. Parents can set geo-fencing and speed-limit alerts that tell them if teenagers drive too far, too fast, or too late at night. The app is free for five years, which is a better deal than American customers get it costs $US99 ($142) per year in the states. Expect to see it added to next-generation models as they reach showrooms from 2023. Other tech upgrades include a 360-degree parking camera and a switch from older USB-A to faster charging USB-C outlets for six power sources in the cabin. Priced from $65,900 plus on-road costs (about $71,000 drive-away), the upgraded Palisade costs $5900 more than the original model that launched in 2020. The standard engine is a 3.8-litre V6 that needs 10.7L/100km of petrol to make 217kW and 355Nm, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Customers can pay $4000 to upgrade to an all-wheel-drive variant powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel combining 7.3L/100km economy with 147kW and 440Nm of grunt. Both engines are available in top-end Highlander trim for an extra $10,000, adding a range of extras including a two-tone steering wheel, quilted leather trim, metal speaker grilles, a head-up display, rear sunroof and heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows. The Highlander trim also adds blind-spot monitoring and reverse auto braking to the regular cars list of safety features. Hyundai expects the majority of owners to go the whole hog, paying about $87,500 drive-away. Petrol versions offer hearty acceleration accompanied by a throaty exhaust note and wallet-burning fuel bills. The big V6 also has a tendency to trouble the front tyres, particularly on slippery surfaces such as damp tarmac or loose gravel. Diesel options are a better bet, with confident all-wheel-drive traction, superior economy and adequate punch. Both models benefit from running changes to the body structure, transmission and suspension intended to improve the cars ride and refinement. The finetuning serves to polish a car that already impressed with rare poise for a car this size, taking the edge off sharper bumps without blunting responses to driver input. VERDICT Big and clever, the updated Palisade deserves a space on driver shortlists. 4 stars Hyundai Palisade 2.2 CRDi Highlander PRICE About $87,500 drive-away ENGINE 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel, 147kW and 440Nm WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-yr/ultd km, $2445 for 5 yrs SAFETY 7 airbags, front and rear auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert THIRST 7.3L/100km CARGO 509 litres SPARE Space-saver\n'