Whatever your budget and whatever your new barn design, orchestrating a new barn build is an exciting time and it is easy to overlook important details during the purchasing process. Here are some tips to help you stay on track when shopping for the perfect barn.
Modular Horizon Structures barn
The process of buying and building a horse barn should be a happy event throughout the project. but if you see red flags it is smart to find another builder.
© 2019 by Horizon Structures
Tip # 1: Buy Good Quality
The longevity of your barn will depend on good craftsmanship in the build and top quality materials being used for its construction. Horses dish out some serious abuse on stall walls and doors, and the exterior of the building needs to be as maintenance free as possible.
Choose a company that has a broad choice of options in color and materials for siding and roofing, and a design that is functional for your individual daily lifestyle needs. For example, if you prefer your horses to have free inside/outside access, Dutch doors and overhangs are a must.
For trainers that run a busy boarding operation the inclusion of a large, secured tack room and feed room, with additional space to add a bathroom and wash stall are a boon for business. Clients always appreciate security for their equestrian equipment and a place to freshen up themselves and their horses.
Tip # 2: Research The Construction Company
All companies are not created equal and by conducting research online and by word of mouth, you’ll get a good picture of previous customers’ satisfaction level with their purchase. Remember that buying a barn is not just about the initial deposit and site preparation.
The company you choose to work with will be in your life throughout the building process, so pick a construction firm that has lots of experience building horse barns as a specialty, and that is open and transparent about their previous builds.
You will have lots of questions and a friendly, professional staff will be happy to address your individual needs and offer advice as needed. Search for a company that not only offers a wide choice of barn designs, but that provides free information such as barn building guides.
If possible visit an example the construction company’s work and talk to their previous customers in person. It is great way to garner insight into the reality of their barn purchasing experience and happiness with the quality of their barn months or even years down the road.
When you select a building company with proven experience and a list of contented customers, you are minimizing the likelihood of a poor barn build or negative encounter.
Tip # 3: Written Price Guarantees
A quotation or an estimate is just that, an approximate cost. When you are ready to move forward with your purchase ensure that the price quoted is guaranteed. If there is wiggle room to add other charges later, then you are signing up for a headache down the road. Reasonable overage costs if they apply should be clearly defined.
When you purchase a modular horse barn, you enjoy the significant advantage of a “ to the penny ” price, with no hidden fees and you also avoid delays in the build due to weather, lack of crewmembers or materials arriving on site.
Avoid companies that push a hard sell, are vague about defining the ultimate price or timeline for the build, or that don’t define all the aspects of the purchase in detail. The type of materials and manufacturers of roof or siding materials should be specified and warranty information included.
If the prospective builder does not respond in a timely manner to your questions then walk away. Once the deposit check is cashed such companies will likely be even harder to work with and you don’t need to waste your time fretting about cost overruns or chasing down the builder.
Tip # 4: A Contract Is A Must Have
Before you part with any hard cash be certain that you have a contract signed by both yourself and the building company. The verbiage should be to the point and easy to understand.
It should detail the agreed price and the timeframe and amounts of each payment, the terms of cancellation of the project, materials to be used, the responsibilities you need to undertake as part of the build for example, site preparation and access, and the duties that the construction company will undertake such as insurance and delivery.
It should also include warranty information and terms of rebate/refund and method of repairs. Be certain to read all the fine print.
If in doubt it is wise to run the contract by your attorney, especially for a large capital investment.
Tip # 5: Be Realistic
If a price for the barn build seems too good to be true then it probably is. Good materials and quality workmanship may not be the cheapest price on the market.
It is a good idea to resource multiple quotes for the barn building project but these are only valuable if you are certain to compare “apples to apples.” This does not just apply to the size or design of the building but also the materials to be utilized. Wood comes in different grades, with the least expensive grades showcasing many knots that result in a weaker product.
Wood that is pressure treated is a necessity where it enters or is close to the ground but is more expensive than regular untreated lumber. Boards come in different thicknesses and different types of wood provide varying levels of insect and moisture repellence as well as strength.
There are a myriad of products on the market and a huge variety in quality of hardware, shingle or tin, siding boards, doors and windows. The quality of these materials all factor in to the final cost.
In conclusion it pays to be detail oriented when comparing prices and don’t be shy to ask questions. If substitutions are to be allowed these need to be clearly defined.
The process of buying and building a horse barn should be a happy event throughout the project. If you see any red flags it is smart to move on and find another builder. There are many excellent companies to choose from and doing your due diligence at the outset will help ensure a smooth and worry free experience.
This article is brought to you courtesy of Horizon Structures Inc., Atglen PA – Modular horse barn and indoor riding arena specialists. Horizon Structures also offers both residential and commercial kennels, coops, multi-use structures and playsets. Please visit https://www.HorizonStructures.com to learn more.
About Horizon Structures:
One horse or twenty, there's one thing all horse owners have in common...the need to provide safe and secure shelter for their equine partners. At Horizon Structures, we combine expert craftsmanship, top-of-the-line materials and smart "horse-friendly" design to create a full line of sheds and barns that any horse owner can feel confident is the right choice for their horses' stabling needs.
All wood. Amish Made. Most of our buildings are shipped 100% pre-built and ready for same-day use. Larger barns are a modular construction and can be ready for your horses in less than a week. All our barn packages include everything you need -
Horizon Structures also sells indoor riding arenas, chicken coops, dog kennels, 1 and 2 car garages, storage sheds and outdoor living structures.
Headquartered in South-Central Pennsylvania, Horizon Structures, LLC is owned by Dave Zook. Dave was raised in the Amish tradition and grew up working in the family-owned shed business. He started Horizon Structures in 2001 in response to an ever-increasing customer demand for high quality, affordable horse barns.
For additional information about the company or their product line, please visit their website at https://www.horizonstructures.com
About Nikki Alvin-Smith: International and national published freelance writer and photographer in such world renowned publications such as The Chronicle of the Horse, Horse and Hound, Dressage and CT, Warmbloods Today, The Horseman’s Yankee Pedlar, Reiter, The Equine Journal, Spur, Hoofprints, Horsin’ Around, Horses All, Field & Stream, Western Horse and Gun, Pony Quarterly, Horses All Canada, Catskill Horse to name a few. Ghostwriting, blog services, PR/Marketing copy either direct with manufacturer or for agencies, copy editing and editor services also available. Nikki also produces catalog copy, white papers, e-books, corporate brochures and advertising copy for international corporations and PR/Marketing for celebrities.
As a Brit who has called the America home for the past 34 years, Nikki brings a unique perspective to the equestrian world. Nikki is also an accomplished Grand Prix dressage trainer/competitor, competing at international Grand Prix level to scores over 72% and is a highly sought clinician offering clinics worldwide. She has been a horse breeder/importer of warmblood and Baroque breeds for more than 25 years. Together with her husband Paul who is also a Grand Prix trainer, they run Willowview Hill Farm, a private dressage breeding operation and training yard in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York. Please visit https://nikkialvinsmithstudio.com/ to learn more about her affordable services.