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Can You Spot the Best Quality When Comparing Colorado’s Post Frame Builders?

It may not be as easy as you think to discern the differences between products offered by the variety of post frame builders in Colorado. The best companies go the extra mile to create strong and durable buildings with fitting aesthetic components. But how do you compare their building styles? Let’s get down to some of the basics that will help you spot the best quality post frame construction practices.

Ways to Compare Post Frame Buildings

Dig into details. Pole or post frame construction only works if it is correctly engineered. So, find out about these important details.

1.  Is the building completely engineered or only hints of being engineered? Many pole buildings advertise engineering when only one part has seen the once over, maybe the trusses. All components must be selected to do a specific job and they need to work well together. Ask if the builder uses piecemeal materials or a building system.
2. Now find out where the materials come from. They need to come from one source. Wood, windows, doors, hardware, wainscoting and other exterior materials.
3. And zero in on the type of lumber. Every type of wood performs in its own way. Some are dense and some more flexible. Be sure the builder understands varying grades of wood and their purposes.
4. Have the load values been tailored to fit Colorado’s climate? There are scientific formulas and values and a builder must overachieve them. So, ask about foundation design loads, wind and snow loads, and building live loads.
5. Does the post frame building company build to code? There may be county codes, city codes, subdivisions codes, and so forth that may determine aspects of the building design and placement.
6. Have the engineers custom-designed the column and trusses to fit perfectly where they are positioned in the building. The forces and loads will be affected if the builder goes with a one size fits all approach. When each post is properly engineered, the building will be stronger.
7. Nitty gritty. What type of columns will be used? Laminated multi-ply columns provide higher design strengths than solid wood posts. Do they use finger joint columns or end splices? How do they attach the wall and roof steel, with screws or nails? What type of framing is used? Truss to column, purlin to truss, and/or truss to truss bottom chord bracing.
8. Does the builder let you choose your own style and look?

Comparing the Builders

Here are some ways to assess the building companies, too. Find out about warranties on materials and workmanship. Find out is your builder is fully insured. Ask for a resume of buildings such as the one you would like to build. Are there references and reviews? Is the company a member of National Frame Building Association, professionals leading the post-frame building industry?

And does the company prepare the building site and research the local building codes? It may sound like a lot to ask, but a reputable company with be able to respond quickly to these inquiries.

Colorado – Post Frame Builders

Our Colorado builders custom design with high-quality, engineer-tested materials from Lester Buildings. For information about post frame buildings, pole buildings, pole barns, and metal buildings for Storage, Hobbies, Farm & Ranch, Livestock, Equestrian, and Commercial uses, contact Sapphire Construction, Inc. at (303) 619-7213.