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Post Frame Buildings: Choose Wisely

Lester Building Systems delivers post frame buildings that stand the test of time. Let us discuss why pole barns differ from one another. In addition to the eight decades of experience, Lester Buildings affiliates with the only national trade association that represents post-frame industry professionals – The National Frame Building Association. Start here to educate yourself when you are ready to invest in post frame buildings for any purpose.

Engineered Buildings

Lester Buildings ensures that the building’s components all work together. Components must support one another. Alternatively, some companies only engineer one or a few compounds such as the truss, sheathing, purlins, footings, and columns. However, the truss requires support and bracing from the rest of the building. Every component connects with the next to create enduring strength. Be sure they won’t just piece together your post frame building.

Building Loads

Builders may use the same words but have different meanings. For example, the ground snow load and the roof snow load are not the same thing. Large post frame buildings require precision in the importance of wind and snow loads. Be sure the estimates more than cover the requirements of your building site.

Similarly, builders must accommodate building codes and local codes. Do they go over the minimum design loads established by The American Society of Civil Engineers? Be aware that outbuildings must be custom manufactured to accommodate occasional severe Colorado weather. Most importantly, your columns and trusses must be custom selected for the building.

Sourcing

Be sure all building materials come from one building system manufacturer and a single-source supplier. In case of any building failure, you will not be in the crossfire of finger-pointing between suppliers.

Materials & Methods

Scrutinize the quality of the materials. The size, species, and grade of the lumber, for example, will impact the building’s performance. Visual graded lumber and machine stress rated grades of lumber help engineers and architects select the exact material needed for your building design and size.

The testing of laminated multi-apply columns proves them to be stronger than solid wood posts today. Chemical treatments can prevent wood rotting in the interior layers of wood. These laminated wood columns produce higher strength, consistency, and longevity.

Will your builder use stronger finger joint columns or simple end butt splicing? What kind of structural framing will they use?

Competitive Quotes

Be sure the quotes you receive compare exact features. Before pricing, find out if the builder studies the building site, knows the local restrictions and ordinances, and evaluates site preparation.

Building Sites

Establish who is responsible for excavation and site preparation. Who will deal with drainage, buried rocks, and other unforeseen conditions?

Credibility

Find out exactly what the warranty will cover and if your builder offers a warranty for workmanship. Ask if the builder is fully insured and understand your liability. Get references and try to take tours of owners who have used this building contractor.

So, you see, it’s best to familiarize yourself with aspects of post frame buildings before selecting a contractor. Speak with the experts at Sapphire Construction, Inc. to learn more about the project you have in mind. Our professionals will illumine you and help you to make wise choices.

Colorado Builders – Sapphire Construction, Inc.

For more information about Colorado post frame buildings, contact Sapphire Construction, Inc. at (303) 619-7213. Our team custom designs each building using high-quality, engineer-tested materials from Lester Buildings.