So, you are thinking about a privacy fence, right? That is a great idea. A good privacy fence can really change your yard in Sturgis. It gives you a quiet space away from everything. But we have seen too many people around Sturgis make common mistakes. These mistakes cost them time as well as money as well as a lot of frustration. As the owner of Coastal Fence Co, we want to tell you straight. You do not want to be one of those people.
Ignoring the Permit Process
This is usually the biggest problem we see. Homeowners get excited about their new fence. They might even try to build it themselves. They often forget about getting permits. The City of Sturgis has rules for a good reason. Most new fence installations, especially privacy fences over 6 feet, need a permit. You cannot just put up a fence wherever you want in Sturgis. You need to check zoning rules as well as setbacks from property lines as well as height restrictions. Coastal Fence Co always makes sure these things are checked.
What happens if you skip the permit process? The best thing that can happen is you get a notice from the city. You then have to apply for the permit late. You also pay extra fees. The worst thing that can happen is you might have to tear down a perfectly good fence. This happens because it does not meet city code. That is a huge waste of money as well as effort. Coastal Fence Co always helps our clients understand these local regulations. We can also guide you through the application process for your Sturgis privacy fence. It is easier than you think. This is especially true with the Citizenserve web portal.
Shallow Post Holes: A Recipe for Disaster in Sturgis
Our Sturgis weather is tough. Your fence posts need to be tough too. We get some serious freeze-thaw cycles here. This means frost heave is a real problem for fences in Sturgis. If your posts are not deep enough, the freezing and thawing ground will push them right out of the earth. This leaves you with a leaning, wobbly fence in just a few seasons. Coastal Fence Co knows how important deep post holes are for a strong fence.
The frost line in the Black Hills as well as western South Dakota can be anywhere from 48 to 60 inches deep. That is a big depth for fence posts. You need your fence posts to go below that line. This is typically at least one-third of the post's total length. You also need a gravel drainage base. For a 6-foot privacy fence in Sturgis, that often means an 8-foot post. This also means a hole depth of 38 inches or more. The exact depth depends on the frost line. If a contractor is not talking about digging deep enough, that is a big problem. If they are trying to cut corners on post depth, that is also a huge red flag. Your privacy fence will not last in Sturgis if the posts are not deep enough.
Not Calling 811 Before You Dig
This one is simple. People forget it all the time when planning a fence installation. Before anyone puts a shovel in the ground, you absolutely have to call 811. It is the law in Sturgis. It is also for your safety. There are utility lines buried all over the place. These include gas lines as well as water lines as well as electric lines as well as communication lines. Hitting one of those can be very dangerous. It can also be very expensive. Always call 811 a few days before any digging starts for your Sturgis fence project. It is free. It keeps everyone safe.
Choosing the Wrong Material for Our Climate
Sturgis is not Miami. Our climate has strong winds as well as heavy snow as well as big temperature swings. This means you need a fence built tough. We have seen people choose cheaper wood options. These are not properly treated. They are also not suitable for our Sturgis conditions. They rot or warp within a few years. Coastal Fence Co makes sure to recommend the right materials for your Sturgis privacy fence.
For a privacy fence, you are usually looking at wood or vinyl. If you go with wood, make sure it is pressure-treated. It also needs to be designed to handle our moisture as well as temperature changes in Sturgis. If you are thinking about vinyl, know that it is durable. Some cheaper vinyl can become brittle in extreme cold. You need materials that can stand up to a Sturgis winter. They also need to look good in the summer. A good contractor will talk you through the pros and cons of each material. They will do this specifically for our local Sturgis conditions.
Poor Planning and Layout
A privacy fence needs to do its job. It needs to provide privacy for your home in Sturgis. But we have seen fences installed that do not quite line up. They leave awkward gaps. They also just do not achieve what the homeowner wanted. This often happens because not enough time was spent planning. You need to accurately measure. You also need to mark post locations. You need to consider the slope of your yard. If your yard has a big grade, you might need a stepped fence. You might also need a custom solution. This helps maintain privacy as well as a clean look for your Sturgis privacy fence.
Another thing to remember is your neighbors. Even if you are building entirely on your property, a little communication helps. It can go a long way to avoid disputes. You want the