The New Horse Barn – The Importance of Planning Ahead

Most horse owners are naturally good organizers — it’s part of the lifestyle. Running a stable and caring for horses requires strong planning skills; without the ability to think ahead, daily operations would quickly become overwhelming. Whether that’s stocking up on hay supplies for winter or filling out the forms for shows months or even years ahead of a competition deadline, the horse owner knows that good things happen, and bad things can be avoided with a bit of forward thinking. 

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that a major investment—such as a new barn—is best made with careful thought and adequate planning. Even if you choose a popular modular horse barn that arrives almost “instantly,” taking the time to plan ahead is still essential to ensure the best results.

Don’t Miss Out

The modern-day expression coined to capture the essence of the human fear of missing out on something advantageous to themselves, FOMO, can drive a horse owner to buy a barn on spec. An impulse purchase perhaps nudged along by the incentive of a special offer, such as a ‘fire sale’ style lot clearance of run-in sheds prior to winter, is not always a bad thing. 

Deals can be had – but be careful to check your price comparison points ‘apples to apples’ and not buy a lower quality barn or run-in shed, that may have been sitting around long enough to show wear and tear. Examine the structure for tell-tale signs such as discoloration from moisture on exterior walls indicating the structure has been sitting for a few seasons in a damp, wet or snowy space.

Good Things Take Time

There are significant advantages to choosing a modular horse barn over traditional ‘stick built.’ Notably, that all important ‘to-the-penny’ quote that includes not only the price of the barn but also its delivery and set up costs. To avoid disappointment, it’s important to factor in a realistic timeframe that includes awareness of factory lead times which may fluctuate seasonally. 

One of the major advantages of a modular barn is that the construction timeline stays consistent—no delays due to bad weather, material shortages, or crew scheduling like you might face with traditional pole or stick-built barns. However, it’s still important to plan ahead, as each structure is built in order of production. Placing your deposit secures your spot in the production schedule and ensures your new barn arrives right when you need it.

Where to Look

Purchasing your new horse barn online is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get exactly what you need. The quickest option is to choose from barns already available on the Sales Lot—these ready-to-go structures can often be delivered and set up within just a few days or weeks. With large suppliers offering nationwide inventory and year-round transport, your options aren’t limited by location, making it easy to get your barn where and when you need it.

Alongside the Sales Lot selection, also look at the wide array of designs and styles, awesomely inspired by galleries of photos, videos and special Featured Project insights shared by your fellow equestrians online.

Turnaround time on a customized barn design will likely be the longest for the largest barn structures. High-end timber frame barns, the increasingly popular Barndominiums, and high-profile modular barns obviously involve the more work and thus time to construct than a shed-row style. 

Obviously the bigger the barn the more work the entire project will take to formulate and complete. Large areas may need to be levelled and compacted for foundation work, there are likely more details to consider throughout the barn as it may encompass two levels and/or multi-purpose use.

Ask Lots of Questions

Our knowledgeable and experienced staff are eager to assist. Answering questions, offering solutions to help you stay within budget and advising on options and upgrades. All of which help speed up the process. 

It is up to you to ask questions, though of course you don’t know what you don’t know. Some amount of trust is involved when you work with any builder. Nevertheless, be sure to do your homework. Check references, ask lots of questions and always follow your gut feeling. Staff who take the time to understand your specific needs—rather than simply trying to sell you a project—provide real value, especially when they bring credentials and hands-on experience in horse barn construction. Their expertise becomes a trusted resource you can draw on directly. If they won’t spend time with you, then you shouldn’t spend your money with them. 

Take time to carefully evaluate who you partner with on the construction side of your project. A reliable company will include essential features—such as kickboarded walls—as part of every barn’s standard package. Others may charge additional fees for items that should be included, causing the total cost to rise well beyond the initial base price. Understanding what’s included from the start helps you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected expenses.

Expect good quality building materials to cost more. The grade of lumber used, including whether it is box center cut (undesirable); the warranties offered on siding and roofing materials; the durability and finishes on grill work and hardware, all matter a lot especially over time. A barn is subject to temperature changes, moisture and a high degree of abuse from the sheer weight and mass of horses utilizing it. So, the barn should be sturdy and well-crafted. A line of nails that missed their mark sharp points showing through the roof sheeting are a great example of careless workmanship.

Plan for Delays

Unforeseen project delays most likely won’t come from the modular barn company at all, but from others that are involved in the construction process. Officials such as Planning Officers, Building Code Inspectors, and Zoning Board members need time to review the drafted plans (which conveniently most modular building company can provide certified for a fee). And of course, the more impact the structure will have on its environment in terms of size, and purpose (for example – commercial use as an equestrian facility), the more time will be needed for that process to be completed.

Factor in also the seasonal issues of site preparation. While ‘dirt work’ can be completed in double quick time by larger equipment, it is often unavailable for weeks at a time early in the Spring season in regions where winter has halted excavation projects. Get your project on the list early to help ensure your site is ready to go when your building is ready for delivery. Be aware that some companies book their schedules for excavation work more than 6 months ahead. 

Direct liaison between the modular building company and your chosen site preparation company is possible to review the requirements, and in some areas the modular company can even manage the entire process for you.

Pay Your Way

Take advantage of financing options where they make sense for your cash flow and budget. A wise accountant once said to me in my early days of business, “Don’t worry how big the numbers get turnover wise, as long as you have good cash flow.” Sage advice indeed. 

Larger construction companies often have 3rd party financing options they recommend, and interactive online resources where you can plug in your capital expenditure and learn the monthly payment schedule and amounts. Playing with numbers and obtaining good deals on finance rates, plus a solid business plan with concrete numbers such as a ‘to-the-penny’ price on the main structure provides more than peace of mind. It helps ensure the viability of the entire project long-term and eliminates the risk of budget overruns. Given of course, you don’t make last-minute changes to the plans once building has commenced. Another good reason to take your time and plan ahead, especially with regard to smaller details. Expect there to be many! You don’t want to miss anything because you rushed the process. Take your time and get it right.

Pick Your Time

When wintertime causes snow to fly, ground to freeze and horse care becomes more a daily routine of feed and exercise versus showing and competing, it allows time for the busy equestrian to sit down and take a breath. An opportunity to leisurely peruse the extensive options for their dream barn, but it is important to secure the best deal. A rewarding activity not without excitement. 

Taking the time to understand the construction process, explore all the options in barn styles and designs and complete any customizations and suggestions for upgrades is always well worth the extra effort. Scratch those hastily scratched plans! Enjoy the process and you will be sure to also enjoy the result. But don’t procrastinate for too long. 

Time flies faster than you think! If you want your barn ready when it’s time to move your horses in, make sure to plan ahead. There are many factors – aside from the barn itself – that affect your project timeline: zoning, site prep and securing financing. Keep builder lead times, busy seasons, and weather delays in mind so everything comes together right on schedule.