Rebuilding with Confidence: Key Tips for Managing Disaster Reconstruction

Recent storms have pushed a lot of owners into quick fixes. Before you set posts or order materials, here are the five mistakes we see most—and how to prevent them.

1) Property lines aren’t confirmed
Boundary disputes are expensive and slow. Have a construction surveyor mark lines and setbacks before layout.

2) Post holes are too shallow or inconsistent
Shallow depth and irregular spacing make fences lean and fail early. Use proper auger depth and consistent centers based on the system and soil.

3) Maintenance is ignored
Weeds, windfall, animal damage, and loose fasteners add up. Walk the fence regularly and correct small issues before they become structural.

(269) 216-7350 utility checks are skipped
Never dig before you call. Striking utilities is dangerous and costly—schedule locates and respect marked zones.

5) Gates are an afterthought
Under-sized posts, weak hinges, and poor alignment cause sagging and drag. Specify hardware for the gate’s weight/width and brace appropriately.

TBG tip: Document site conditions (photos/video) after storms, and keep a simple maintenance log. That record helps with decisions—and sometimes with insurance.