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Building a barn?

970 views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Saskia 
#1 ·
Hey - We've just started looking to move, trying to find a home for sale with a barn that's half way decent and find that REALLY hard to find!!
We've begun thinking about getting a home large enough and zoned correctly for us to build a barn. I was just at the Equine Affaire and collected paperwork from all the barns that people can build. I'm SO overwhelmed by information. Has anyone had one of those pre-built barns built for them? How does it work? Are they as awesome as the seem? Which company did you go for? What features do you think are absolutely needed?

I have 3 horses, but I'm growing :P so far 2 are drafts, so it would need to be sturdy. I'm looking for 8 stalls, with at least a few that are in/out stalls. I'm trying to decide whether to get a loft or not for the hay.
 
#2 ·
I know someone who got a prefab- shed row with 5 or 6 stalls from an amish company. She said it was a great experience. I have seen a few others and the only concern I would have about them in general is the wooden floors. Many seem to have wooden floors and that makes me nervous when combined with urine, rain/snow and time. I just hate to think that the first time I notice a rotten floor is when the horse goes through it. I have never seen or heard of that but it makes me nervous.
 
#3 ·
How to narrow down the barn builders:D

1. Compare all the materials each builder uses. Do that from the rough schematics and brochures you just collected up:) Once you start reading details, you'd be surprised at how you wouldn't want some of those barns to house a few chickens:-p

2. What is each company using for poles. Same as #1 there can be difference that might literally pull your barn down over time.

3. You should be getting a metal roof regardless of who is building the barn. If anyone says they only use shingles:shock: That's a File 13 right out of your shopping bag. Ask about mil strength on the metal roofing - I'd bet there are some people who might try to use left over SIDING for the roof.

4. Compare pricing on the structure only. The shell of the barn is going to be the same size regardless of who builds it. If you've got a builder with prices "too good to be true", I'd bet they are and you will find yourself with problems down the road.

5. Go on the Internet and see if any of them have any BBB claims against them or just bad reviews in general. One or two might only mean the Buyers were fuss budgets and nothing would make them happy but read between the lines anyway. A handful of bad reviews is a red flag to me.

6. Pick a company that has been in the business several years AND you know for fact can get a semi load of material delivered to your farm<---even if they are buying it from Lowes.

7. Something I would have never done in the past but I sure as heck would do now, is to ask about the work crew. Having been in jail for minor offenses is one thing but do NOT send sex offenders, rapists or murdering thieves to my property. I know they need jobs but some of them are only working construction because of the tawdry opportunities it affords them.

Not quite what you wanted to hear but having had two barns and a workshop built by someone else, in my lifetime, this is my approach. It's going to be your several thousands of dollars and you have every right to ask a lot of sensible questions:D
 
#5 ·
I've never built a barn, but I really think local experience can be worth seeking. If you ask around at the local riding clubs or something, there are probably a fair few people who went through what you are doing now, and can advise you on what they did and how it worked out for them. They might also be able to give you names of local people with good work, or vouch for one of the bigger brands.
 
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