by Nikki Alvin-Smith
Investment in a new horse barn is a considerable capital expense. The building project provides much excitement and keen anticipation, but if you’re not careful, it can also cause you some major headaches. Issues can occur during the building phase or down the road, especially if products utilized are defective or the structure has not been properly constructed or set up on site.
So logically, you would expect that anyone purchasing a new horse barn would look carefully for a builder that offers a solid guarantee of their workmanship and provides full disclosure of the products that will be incorporated into the structure and provides the manufacturer’s warranty information.
Amazingly, many folks simply overlook the importance of the warranty altogether. The builder may offer a written estimate or quotation for the materials and labor, or an all-in price for the barn, but there is nothing in writing that evidences any kind of warranty.
Here’s a few things you most definitely should insist upon before you sign up for a new building. It doesn’t matter whether you are purchasing a stick-built structure on site or buying a modular barn. Please be smart and don’t overlook these factors:
- All materials and components of the building should be covered with a specified warranty period. This should include everything from roof shingles or metal roof to all fasteners and hardware.
- A full manufacturer’s warranty for specialist products such as trimboard and OSB board should be provided in detail.
- The contract should define what remedial action the building company will take should any product be defective and define how long their guarantee for free repair will last and also provide a timeline for repair or restitution.
- The building company should warranty all aspects of their craftsmanship in the structure, including any that they have subcontracted, with a detailed procedure for remedy.
If you do your due diligence in your search for a trustworthy company to build your dream barn, you will find there are companies that not only provide testimonials and customers for you to go visit and reference in person, but also provide all the above. Did you know there are companies that even offer to refund the entire amount paid for the structure if they don’t repair and replace any defective items in a timely fashion. It is well worth the effort to locate a reputable company that has that level of integrity.
As important as a good warranty is, there are also other important factors to consider in your horse barn-building program. The building company should offer a guarantee that they will not substitute products you have both agreed will be used; that they will repair any damage they cause to your property; that they will stick to a designated timeframe for the project from start to finish and that they will leave your property in good order.
So make sure your dream horse barn doesn’t become a nightmare by taking the simple precaution to work with a company that will stand behind their workmanship and products used. After all, if they don’t believe in themselves why would you?
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. Find them in our section devoted to Horse Barns & Stalls.
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 find them in our section devoted to Horse Barns & Stalls.
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 www.NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com to learn more.
