by Nikki Alvin-Smith
There are many components to a horse barn build and taking note of the smaller details can sometimes become lost in the overwhelming scale of the project. Major factors such as the floor plan and overall design of the structure will obviously take precedence decision wise in the horse barn buying process. But it is smart not to overlook the items lower down the list in horse barn design. This is because even relatively inexpensive customizations and attention to detail can make a huge difference in the aesthetic appeal, durability and functionality of the barn.
Exterior Design Flare
Every modular barn design offers an opportunity to individualize its appeal with a few simple changes to the standard plans that can make a big difference in the feel and presence of the ultimate build result.
Consider the low-profile center aisle barn as a great example of a budget-friendly horse housing design that will sit happily next to a one-story house without overwhelming the residence with its presence. A few extra feet of height added to the ridge line that slightly elevates the pitch of the roof, or a couple of feet added to the exterior wall height can make all the difference in the spaciousness that the interior exudes and improves the passive ventilation for the barn.
Shutters added to the exterior walls for each window can significantly improve the aesthetic appeal of a horse barn. If these shutters are operable, they can also be a useful adjunct for securing the barn by closing them to help ‘batten down the hatches’ during extreme weather events such as hurricanes or tornados.
The lean-to or overhang is an effective and relatively inexpensive feature to add to a horse barn. Extremely useful it offers many benefits that should not be overlooked.
Color choices of the exterior siding, trim, roof, window shutters and doors can also significantly elevate the barn structure in terms of curbside appeal. The selection of colors, whether the wall is split in color, accent tones and hues, and their complementary factor to existing structures on the property, can make a huge difference in how the barn fits into the landscape. Don’t be shy to spin that color wheel.
Floor Plans and Features
The simplest of customizations can improve the daily use experience working in the barn. Consider the addition of a few extra feet to an aisleway as a prime example of how small changes can make that world of difference to the functionality of the barn. The change from a 12’ to 14’ aisleway means horses can navigate the aisleway better; there may be room for tack boxes or safe storage areas; horses may be led past each other mitigating the risk of upset; and mucking out with equipment such as UTVs becomes easier to manage.
Barn feature options such as the addition of windows to the top section of the entry doors to the barn can add significant extra natural light to the interior and make winter use of the barn much more pleasurable as doors can be closed without loss of light.
There are many barn building details that are worthy of careful attention. Such as the quality and design of the hardware on the doors including the stall doors; the amount of overhang on gable ends; window screens; the provision of a cover for the sliding entry doors to protect the runners from snow and ice; the quality and type of material used together with its finish on grill partitions.
A good quality modular horse barn construction company will offer many great features as standard on their barn builds but don’t be shy to ask for details of the seemingly more minor components, as both the durability and ease of use of the building can be impacted by poor substitutions in these areas.
Companies that determine that their profit margins need elevation, may hide details of what is actually going to be installed quality wise. These are areas where corners can be cut to make a company profit margin larger. The unwitting buyer who believes they have secured a slightly better quote from one company over another may not truly be comparing like to like.
It is far better to work with a reputable modular construction company that clearly identifies all the components in the build and will stand behind their structures with warranties and good customer service.
There will be a need for construction companies to raise prices from time to time to adapt to market forces. It is better to pay a bit more and get a better quality at the outset. It is smart to choose a modular company that offers the major advantage of the ‘to the penny quote’, that is honored from the time of purchase through to finish set up including delivery and includes all the specifications of the horse barn.
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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 chicken coops, equine hay feeders, greenhouses, dog kennels, 1 and 2 car garages, storage sheds and outdoor living structures and playsets.
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 visit their website at https://www.horizonstructures.com
Horizon Structures LLC, Atglen, PA
Media Contact: NAS@NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com
Tel: 607 434 4470
https://www.HorizonStructures.com
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