A picture is worth
a thousand words, especially when you’re contemplating a builder for a new
horse barn. In fact, it’s hard to believe that anyone would consider such an
investment without first seeing standing proof of a builder’s workmanship and
experience. Here’s what to look for in a builder’s equine portfolio.
Experience and Variety
A reputable
building company knows that seeing is believing. Look for a builder whose
portfolio shows a variety of equine projects. Each should display the same
level of quality, regardless of size or function. Lester Buildings took this to
heart when redesigning its website last year. The site now provides an
extensive online photo library of real Lester Buildings of all types and sizes,
including horse barns, riding arenas, and those with attached living quarters.
“It’s a great place to showcase our company’s experience building equine structures around the country,” said Stephanie Beste, Marketing Manager with Lester. “Horse people are passionate about their animals, and they expect the best in safety and quality whether they’re building a single-stall stable or large commercial riding arena.”
Customization
Don’t settle for a
builder that’s limited to the proverbial napkin sketch. Equine owners typically
want to customize their structures to the specifics of their lifestyle, climate,
horse breed(s), aesthetical preferences – you name it. A good builder should
have the ability to confidently design and deliver your vision on time and
within budget.
“There are almost
no limits to how we can customize our equine buildings. Our site provides great
inspiration and design ideas for horse owners,” Beste added. Lester’s site lets
viewers sort project photos by building use, geographic location (state), color
and project number. Clicking on a photo reveals deeper details, such as town/state,
dimensions, special features and more. If viewers want to venture into pricing,
they’re just a click away from eBuildings, Lester’s online pricing tool.
Builder Longevity and Warranty
Don’t hesitate to
ask questions. For starters: How long
has the building company been in business? You want a builder who will be
around for the long haul if problems arise or you want to expand in the future.
Does the builder offer a lifetime structural design warranty? Don’t commit to a
builder who doesn’t. Also ask if the builder knows local residential and
commercial codes, in case you what to attach living quarters at some point.
References
A good builder
should have no shortage of references. Ask for contacts who can comment on
recent equine projects, as well as past, where after service was needed.
To learn more about Lester Buildings and see its
library of equestrian buildings, including those in your area, visit
lesterbuildings.com.