You are ready for more privacy in your backyard. A good privacy fence can change your outdoor space. It gives you a private feeling right here in Spearfish. You need to know that a privacy fence project is more than just picking out nice-looking panels. Mighty Fence Co has been in this business for a long time. Our team has seen many people make common mistakes. We will make sure you do not make them.
Ignoring Local Rules and Property Lines
This is often the biggest mistake. It is where much frustration starts. Many homeowners think they can put a fence anywhere they want. They also think they can make it as tall as they want. This is not true. Spearfish has rules, just like every other city. You have zoning ordinances that tell you about fence height. These rules are especially for front yards. You also have setback rules from property lines. For example, fences not over seven feet high generally do not need a building permit. You still need to think about those setback requirements. If your fence is over seven feet, you will definitely need an engineered design. You do not want to build a beautiful privacy fence. Then you do not want to be told it is too tall. You also do not want to be told it is in the wrong spot. Having to tear it down is a costly mistake.
You need to get your property lines figured out. This is important. Digging without knowing exactly where your property ends is asking for trouble. You might think you know. A few feet can make a big difference. You should get a survey if you are not sure. Talking with your neighbors about your plans is also a smart thing to do. This is especially true if the privacy fence will be on a shared line.
Underestimating Spearfish's Wind and Rocky Soil
We know about wind here in Spearfish. The wind can blow hard through the Black Hills. This is especially true down off the canyon. A solid privacy fence acts like a big sail. It catches all that wind. If your privacy fence posts are not set deep enough, the fence will not stand up for long. If they are not properly secured, it will not stand up for long. Mighty Fence Co has seen too many fences lean. Our team has also seen them come down after a strong windstorm. This happens because the posts were not ready for the wind.
We also have rocky soil here. Many areas around Spearfish have rocky ground. This is especially true on the west side of town. You cannot just dig a shallow hole. You cannot expect a post to hold in that soil. At Mighty Fence Co, we have learned that you need heavy-duty augers. Sometimes you even need hydraulic rock drills. This is to get the post-hole depth right for a privacy fence. We are talking about setting posts with a minimum of 24-36 inches of concrete. This depends on the fence height. It also depends on that wind load we just talked about. If a contractor does not talk about how they will handle rocky soil, that is a red flag. If they do not talk about wind, that is also a red flag. Insufficient post depth will lead to an unstable privacy fence. Improper concrete backfill in rocky terrain will also lead to an unstable privacy fence. This is plain and simple.
Skipping Utility Locates
This is not just a mistake. It can be dangerous. It can also be very expensive. Before anyone starts digging, you absolutely have to call 811. This is to get underground utility lines marked. Gas lines are down there. Water lines are down there. Electrical lines are down there. Communication lines are all down there. Hitting one of those can cause serious injury. It can also cause widespread outages. It can also cause massive repair bills. A good contractor will always insist on this step for your privacy fence. If they do not bring it up, you should. It is not negotiable for safety. It is also not negotiable to avoid a big mess.
Focusing Only on Upfront Cost, Not Value
Everyone wants a good deal. This is understandable. When it comes to something permanent like a privacy fence, going for the cheapest option often costs you more. Mighty Fence Co has seen homeowners choose lower-quality materials. Our team has also seen them choose contractors who cut corners. This is just to save a few dollars at first. Untreated wood, for example, will rot much faster in our climate. This is especially true with our freeze-thaw cycles. Our clay soil also retains water. Low-grade metal will rust. It will look bad very quickly.
A good privacy fence is an investment. It adds to your home's value. It adds to your home's security. It also adds to your enjoyment. Look for contractors who use quality materials. This includes pressure-treated posts rated for ground contact. It also includes hot-dipped galvanized fasteners for wood fences. This prevents rust streaks. Ask about their installation methods. This is especially true for how they set posts and use concrete. A contractor who explains why they do things a certain way is usually one you can trust. This includes making sure there is proper drainage around posts in clay soil. It is about getting a privacy fence that will stand strong. It is also about getting one that will look good for many years. It is not just about getting one that is cheap today.
Not Getting Everything in Writing
This seems clear. It is still a common mistake. You need to make sure every detail of your privacy fence project is in a written contract. This needs to happen before any work begins. This includes the exact materials to be used. It also includes the total cost. It includes the payment schedule. It includes the project timeline. It includes warranty information. It also includes who is responsible for permits and utility locates. If a contractor does not want to put things in writing, walk away. If their contract is vague, walk away. A clear contract protects you. It also protects the contractor. It prevents misunderstandings later on.
Installing a privacy fence is a big project. You want it done right. You will save yourself much trouble by avoiding these common mistakes. You will end up with a privacy fence you will be happy with for many years to come.