Tag Archives: design features for post frame buildings

Cost-Effective Post Frame Building Considerations

Site Selection and Preparation

Choosing the most efficient site involves several considerations. While identifying a footprint that demands the least amount of site prep work may save money, building owners should also ensure the location is the most efficient for future use. Ease of access is essential for vehicles and heavy machinery. Therefore, positioning for minimal maneuvering is an important consideration. Also, keep in mind the cost of preparing the approach, especially if paving will be necessary.

Length and Width Considerations

The next critical step is to calculate the desired square footage necessary to meet every need, now and in the future.

Assuming the proposed location and potential footprint are not restricted by lot lines or other structures, your post frame design expert should be able to help define the shape and dimensions that will be the most efficient to design and erect.

For example, an extra-wide post frame building can add substantial expense. This is because of the additional reinforcement required to support the extended width and weight. Reinforcement is particularly critical in regions where there is heavy snow.

Moderately rectangular structures or even square ones often do not demand additional reinforcing materials. Therefore, they will likely cost less to build.

Post Frame Height

Taller buildings are far more vulnerable to high winds and other stresses than shorter structures. Regardless of the building method, additional support materials will be necessary to maintain the vertical integrity of the building.

When a post frame building design approaches a height of 16 feet, designers must add reinforcement to the vertical columns. While the additional support helps the building withstand severe conditions, this activity means more labor and materials and higher costs.

Keeping the building height at or below sixteen feet is often the most economical approach.

Aesthetic Features

Non-essential overhangs, gables, alcoves, and other architectural features can add considerable cost. In many cases, aesthetic features can be added later on. Consider a more basic design in the beginning if you are looking to build the most cost-effective post frame building.
Work with a Professional Post Frame Designer

Given the owner’s expectations, budget, and target square footage, a professional post frame designer can create a design that will perform all functions while minimizing the cost.

Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings of North Webster, Indiana, is a premier supplier, designer, and builder of high-quality post frame buildings. For over four decades, the professionals at Pacemaker have satisfied their clients with sensible and economical post frame buildings that will stand a lifetime.

To view many of Pacemaker’s completed projects, visit the Pacemaker website Gallery. If you would like to discuss your project with a true professional, set up a consultation by completing the brief Contact Us form on the Pacemaker website. Or call Pacemaker at 1-888-834-4448 to discuss your ideas.

Choosing a Roofing Style and Type for Your Post Frame Building

Focus on Structural Integrity First

By working with an experienced post frame building designer, building owners can begin to understand their roofing options. Whichever roof style they choose must incorporate sufficient design strength to support the maximum load required. For example, the post frame design has to accommodate excessive forces in areas where wind and snow conditions can be severe.

A post frame building is only as strong as its weakest element. In a post frame building, trusses play a crucial role in ensuring a structurally safe installation for interior features. This can include lofts, decks, and upper stories. Trusses must also be able to handle the maximum amount of snow and ice build-up. Furthermore, they are built to withstand excessive wind. Trusses are designed to handle the weight and redirect it downward through the vertical posts and into the ground. The post frame design expert will determine the best way to ensure the roof structure will support potential loads under any conditions.

Styles of Roof for Post Frame Buildings

As mentioned, the choice of roof styles for a post frame building is diverse. Whether the building is for agricultural, civic, commercial, equestrian, or other purposes is part of the roof design process.

Here are a few eye-catching roofing style options that a new post frame building owner may consider:

Gable Roof:

A central roof ridge runs laterally across the building, from which two sections slope downward. The result is a gable at each end.
Gable Dormer Roof:

This roof integrates at least one window within a dormer. The dormer will protrude from a downward-sloping section. A windowed dormer projects vertically from the plane of the roof.
Hip Roof:

This roof projects downward from all four sides. These come together to form a ridge in the center.
Dutch Hip Roof:

This is a modification incorporating the elements of a gable roof that extends downward as usual, where a hip roof section may then be integrated.
Mono-Sloped Roof:

A roof (and building) sloped in only one direction.
Gambrel Roof:

A gambrel roof starts from the center line at the top, extends downward at an angle to a midpoint, and then slopes even more steeply. Often the edge runs beyond the structure’s lower level. This roof style is most familiar with traditional barn styles.
Monitor Roof:

With its double-pitched roof, a monitor roof presents a raised structure. The second roof is parallel to the main roof.

Working with Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

Clients of Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings of North Webster, Indiana, have relied on the professionalism, expertise, and sound judgment of the experts at Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings for over four decades.

The roof choice for a new post frame building design can significantly affect a new structure’s functionality, appearance, acceptability, and cost. Of course, zoning requirements, neighborhood compatibility, and other elements always play a role. Pacemaker professionals can advise the most effective and economical option for any circumstance.

Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Northwest Ohio clients rely on Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings’ expertise to design and complete their post frame structures.

You can visit their Gallery of finished projects to see the many solutions the Pacemaker post-frame experts offer, including roof styles.

If you need more information or have questions, visit the Pacemaker website and complete the brief Contact Us Form.

Or you can call Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings to set up a meeting to discuss your project at (574)-834-4448.

Steps to Building the Perfect Horse Barn

Elements to Consider

How much space will you need? Consider the storage, tack room, and an office with a bathroom and possibly even a shower area for humans. How many horses will the structure design support? Can you justify an indoor arena and exercise area when lousy weather arrives?

What type of heating and cooling systems may be necessary to keep the interior comfortable in any season? How much insulation is needed? These are all questions that need careful consideration before starting to build.

Consult with a Post Frame Professional to Develop the Plan

Before investing any money in the project, the first step is to consult with an experienced post frame professional in your area. This allows you to list your requirements, determine the size of horse barn you will need, choose the best location, and investigate all local code restrictions that may be in play.

With the help of an experienced post frame professional, you can incorporate these inputs into a plan for a long-lasting, economical, and energy-efficient horse barn that should meet your needs for decades.

A reputable post frame company with decades of experience will help you create the right plan. They’ll also provide the necessary staff to prepare the site for proper drainage, and even execute the construction.

Exterior Considerations

The plan should include your vision of how you would like the structure to look. This may even complement the adjacent architecture, home, and other structures.

Precise location, spacing, and directional orientation will be critical elements during the build process. Careful attention to maneuvering space for animals and equipment are vital considerations at this point.

Make sure electricity and water are available. Additionally, if an office is necessary in your equestrian center, will internet and cell phone service be available?

Interior Considerations

Ensuring you have sufficient space inside to accomplish what you need to is also essential. Horses and humans must have room to maneuver, saddle and unsaddle, store all necessary tack, medicines, and short-term supplies. Not to mention the requirement of easy access for cleaning stalls and interior areas.

The standard recommendation for any horse stall should be at least 12’ by 12’ for a 1000 lb. horse. Larger horses may require a 14’ x 14’ space or more, according to Equine Facility Design.

Is Expansion a Possibility?

Horse lovers often end up expanding their herd over the years. At the outset, you may choose to add a few stalls to the plan. After all, these are helpful for shifting animals around while cleaning or for other reasons.

Expansion is frequently inevitable, thus, make sure your initial site plan allows ample space for adding to the initial post frame horse barn. With post frame construction, adding on is far easier than with many other building construction methods. This is because of the wide spacing between the vertical posts.

Make Sure You Have the Necessary Permits

Consulting with your local authorities to get permits for new construction will help you get underway sooner and avoid delays. Your post frame builder/expert will also know what needs to be in place before starting.

Contact Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

Representing one of the region’s top post frame supply and construction companies, the Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings professionals can help in each step to create the ideal post frame solution for horse owners. Whether for a simple but highly functional two-horse stall setup or a more expansive multi-faceted equestrian center, the Pacemaker Post Frame Building experts can help with each step in the process.

Located in North Webster, Indiana, Pacemaker has provided high-quality, durable post-framer buildings for over four decades to clients in Northern Indiana, Northwestern Ohio, and Southern Michigan.

Visit the Pacemaker Gallery on their website to view some of Pacemaker’s equestrian projects.

For more information and to discuss your next project, contact Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings at 1-888-834-4448.

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