Tips for Finding the Right Contractor for Your Horse Barn

Building a new horse barn from start to finish can seem like a daunting task. With the right companies and team members on your side, the process can be simplified, making building your dream barn an exciting project. This helpful blog post is brought to you by American Stalls.

Above, a finished barn by American Stalls (additional photos of the same barn during the construction process).

Are you ready to build your dream barn? A lot of time and money goes into a project of this scale. If you don’t know where to start, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of contractors you might need as a client that’s ready to navigate the building landscape.

Hiring the Right Contractor

Depending on your level of skill, you’ll either need to hire a handyman, framer or most likely a general contractor (GC)/builder.

A handyman is perfect for small tasks or projects that need to be completed after the barn is built.

A framer is someone who comes in to install various components such as doors or windows. They are generally not involved with the barn’s foundation or exterior finishes. Because of this, it’s important to ask a framer what their skill set includes and what they can offer.

General contractors and builders are recommended for a new construction project or barn renovation. It is their job to oversee a project from start to finish.

Equine Architects – In addition to a GC or builder, American Stalls often advises customers to work with an architect if their budget allows for it. An experienced equine architect will help with the aesthetics, but will simultaneously help you design a barn that is efficient and functional. Reputable equine architects will be able to help you think about your barn site’s location, the surrounding topography and climate, and other details that will make all of the difference in your barn’s day-to-day functionality. American Stalls admires and recommends the following companies – Pegasus Design Group, Quinis Design Works, Blackburn Architects, and GH2 Equine Architects.

Asking the Right Questions

The best way to find a reliable contractor is by word of mouth (or reading through past Stable Style barn tours). Ask fellow equestrians with barns you already like. A happy client will always refer to their builder if the process went smoothly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Here are some great starter questions:

Which builder or contractor did they use for their barn?

What particular work did the contractor perform? This question is key because a contractor could perform work on a high quality shed riding arena, but lack the experience in building an enclosed center barn aisle. Be sure to find out the style of building and features it had.

What is the quality of their workmanship? The word “good” differs from person to person. Ask the client’s contractor for more references so you can see some of their work in-person.

How was the communication before, during, and after the barn build? Easy communication takes the stress out of a project and gives you peace of mind.

Did the contractor provide a timeline and stay on schedule? Sometimes deadlines have to be pushed back within reason, but the contractor needs to stay on schedule whenever possible.

What was the payment structure of the build?

Did the contractor provide suggestions on the build’s safety, materials, and other considerations? A great contractor will provide their recommendations based on their experience and will try and help you improve the build if necessary.

Once you narrow down your options for a contractor, it’s time to have very honest and transparent conversation about the entire process. A stable can take anywhere from several months to a year to build depending on the size, amenities and labor availability. Below are some key discussion points and questions to go over.

Discuss the barn site’s location, topography and climate. An experienced contractor will provide loads of suggestions based on your particular site to ensure that the barn is built for success. Airflow, direction and ground conditions are all factors.

Understand the barn builder’s lead time. In today’s ever-competitive labor market, it is sometimes difficult for a barn builder to procure proper labor as needed. This might translate to longer timetables to build your barn. Whether you have a small or large barn, it is crucial to understand your builder’s timetable and understand any potential variables that might delay your project.

Understand the builder’s crew. Ask about the size of the contractor’s team and their experience. It is also beneficial to understand whether the contractor’s crew is their own or if they are using sub-contractors.

How long will the builder stand behind his or her work? This is equivalent to a warranty. Like anything in construction, hiccups will occur. How will your builder react to those? Will he or she stand behind their work for years after the completion? It’s something to consider when getting quotes from multiple contractors.

Go over your hopes and wish list for the barn. Do your research on your wish list and share it with your barn builder. Although a stall and barn door manufacturer (like American Stalls) will provide recommendations, your barn builder can also provide recommendations on your wishlist based on the agreed upon barn structure.

Discuss permits, code inspections and zoning requirements. This line item has the ability to affect everything from timelines, your overall expenses for the build, and also affect certain things like the height of your ceilings.

Once you have decided on a barn builder or contractor in your area, consider the supplies and materials you would like to source. It’s crucial to work with a high quality stall, door, window, and flooring supplier like American Stalls. You don’t want to cut costs on important fixtures like doors or windows.

Find the right people to do the job for you and your dream barn. The right barn builders, architects and suppliers can make the building process much more enjoyable and ensure your barn is built for long-term success.

Do you have any questions or need pointers for your new barn or renovation project? Feel free to contact American Stalls at (855) 957-8255 or complete their inquiry form. The American Stalls team is here to be a resource to help you build a barn that is elegant, safe, and built to last.