Frequently Asked Questions / Ordering Info

Ordering process:

  1. So how does this all work?

    Determine how many stalls you need including tack room, wash rack, and shed rows. Your decision will also be influenced by what your budget and site will allow. Contact us to discuss which model best suits your needs and to answer any questions you may have.

  2. Once the model and size have been decided on, we will send you a purchase agreement that outlines the payment schedule and delivery date.
  3. We will set up a time to go over the purchase agreement and pricing in detail on the phone and discuss any questions. It is also a good idea to start looking for a contractor at this point.  Depending on your location, we may have a list of preferred contractors you can use.
  4. After the purchase agreement is signed and the down payment is received, we will generate permit drawings.

Permitting:

  1. It is the owner’s responsibility to research and obtain all building permits and inspections. Contact your local building permit department to get a list of all required documents and any special considerations. In most areas this is a simple process.
  2. Items that may be needed to obtain a building permit in addition to our drawings include:
    • a. Design Criteria (snow load, wind load, seismic requirements)
    • b. Soils report
    • c. Survey
    • d. Site Plan
  3. We will assist with any permit corrections that are building related and can provide additional permitting services at an hourly rate. Once you receive your building permit we will assemble your barn kit and site work can begin.  To speed up the construction process it is ideal to have the site prepared prior to the delivery of the barn kit, although not necessary.

Delivery:

  1. We will be shipping your barn on one or two full size flat bed trucks to your site. Adequate ingress and egress is crucial for an on time delivery. If your site is difficult to access please let us know in advance and we can make special arrangements.
  2. Delivery time varies depending on your locations but our standard schedule is 6-8 weeks for the barn order to be filled and shipping time will depend on your location.
  3. You are responsible for unloading the truck and will need a fork lift or skid loader to unload the larger pieces.
  4. The building kit will be packaged in plastic but will need to be stored in a covered environment and raised off of the ground. It is important to protect the lumber from inclement weather.

Construction support:

During construction we are available during standard business hours, Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (PST) to answer questions that you or your contractor may have. Once your barn is complete we would love for you to send us photos.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What does the price include?
    The price includes the entire lumber package, stall front kits, doors, all door hardware, and structural hangers. Each barn model page has a brochure that you can download with a detailed building materials list. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
  2. What does the price not include?
    The price of the barn kit does not include: shipping, concrete, nails, roofing, stall mats, foundation work, site work, building construction, soils test, site survey, and permit fees. This may not be complete list and we will be glad to discuss with you further what is specifically needed to build your barn.
  3. Are White Horse Barns (WHB) available in my state?
    Yes, our barns are available in all 50 states and also in Canada. Please give us a call for a shipping quote.
  4. Where are the barns packaged?
    Our barns are packaged in western Washington state.
  5. Can a WHB resist strong winds?
    Yes. Our standard design is for wind speeds of 85 mph with terrain exposure B. This criteria will be adequate for most barns in the continental US. Simple and inexpensive modifications can be added to your kit if your barn is in an area of extreme wind conditions. Your local building authority will be able to tell you if you are in an area where standard wind criteria will not apply. If you have any further questions please give us a call.
  6. Can a WHB resist strong earthquake forces?
    Yes. Our standard design will withstand design earthquake forces in all but the most extreme earthquake regions. Simple and inexpensive modifications can be added to your kit if your barn is in an area of extreme seismic activity. Again, if you have any questions please give us a call.
  7. Can WHB handle heavy snow loads?
    Our standard barn designs include a roof snow load of 25 pounds per square foot. With modifications to the design, heavier roof snow loads can be accommodated by our barns. Usually these modifications can be included for a modest increase in the kit price. Please call to discuss if the required roof snow load in your location is greater than 25 psf. Your local building authority will know what the snow load requirements are for your site.
  8. Once I have placed my order, how long will it take to get my barn?
    Your barn kit will be packaged in 6-8 weeks and then shipped to your site. The shipping time will depend on your location.
  9. I don’t need the stall fronts or stall walls; can these be taken out of the package?
    Yes. The stall walls or stall fronts can be removed and the cost will be adjusted accordingly.
  10. Can WHB kits be customized?
    There are a number of features that can be added or changed on our designs that are simple to include without a large increase in cost. For instance, removing stall walls or dutch doors is a minor change that would result in cost savings. We can also provide a custom design starting from scratch or from one of our existing designs. Please call for an estimate of the design costs for a custom barn.
  11. Do you design houses too?
    White Horse Barns has a sister company, McClellan Architects, that designs custom residences. You can see their work at www.mccarch.com
  12. Can I turn a barn into a house?
    Our kits are intended to be stables, but McClellan Architects would be happy to speak with you about designing a home.
  13. Do you have covered riding arenas available?
    Yes, we have designed and built several beautiful riding arenas. Give us a call and we can send you more information. We will have these on the website in the spring of 2010.
  14. Can WHB design a custom equestrian facility for me?
    Yes. We have extensive experience in master planning and equestrian facility design. Please call us to discuss the specifics of your project.
  15. Do you provide site planning services?
    Yes, please call for more details.
  16. Do I need a building permit? If so, then how do I get one?
    You will need to contact your local jurisdiction to see if you need a building permit to build a horse barn. If one is needed, talk with the building permit department and they will give you a list of documents that you will need to submit for a permit. Refer to “Ordering Process” for more information.
  17. What type of warranty comes with the barn?
    Our warranty specifies that all the components of the barn that are itemized on the materials list are supplied to you. Any item that is missing or arrives damaged will be sent to you at no additional charge. We include additional material for many of the framing components so that wastage and a small amount of construction error can be accommodated without additional expense. Larger items such as doors and beams are supplied on a one for one basis as called for in the design.
  18. Does WHB provide consultation during construction?
    Yes, our support staff is available to answer questions during normal business hours.
  19. Does WHB offer construction services for your barns?
    We are equipped to construct select barns within 100 miles of Seattle, WA. Please call for more information.