PA Pole Barn Companies

[LenS]

I'm in the process of receiving quotes from Pioneer, Shirk, and Conastoga for a 24' x 26' garage to be located in northern NJ. Anyone have specific experience (good or bad) with these companies? Can anyone recommend one, all, or none?

Thanks.

 

[rieferman]

When I was deciding whether to fix my old barn, or start anew, I visited several Pioneer and Conestoga building owners in my area and took a really close look. In all 4 instances (2 of each) the owners were very happy with the quality of work etc. I looked for any shortcuts by the crew and couldn't find any. Pioneer seemed to have the better pricing of the two at the time, but otherwise, they seemed very similar in terms of materials and attention to detail.

Just my opinion based on 4 buildings visited

 

[1SlowFormula]

I just got a quote from Conestoga a few weeks ago, and all I can say is that I am soo confused I have to find time to actually call them for clarification, because it doesn't make sense...

I have gotten quotes from other venders, and metal building venders, and never felt as confused as I did after reading what I got from Conestoga...

 

[LenS]

I finally have three quotes in hand from the above mentioned companies. I have to sort through them but at first glance I'd say that Pioneer and Shirk submitted the most detailed breakdown. (Shirk even supplied plans that I can submit to my township for zoning review.)

They all seem to be fairly close in terms of price, but I have to rework the quotes to get a true apples-to-apples comparison. This has been a learning experience; I finally have a handle on pole building construction and the available options...

24 d x 26 w x 10 h structure w/ 1' overhangs, 2 - 9 x 8 doors, 2 windows, 1 service door, slab, R-30 roof insulation, asphalt shingle roof, vinyl siding, and sealed NJ plans for approx. $20K. And another $2500 to remove my existing structure...

 

[1SlowFormula]

sounds good, I am trying to duplicate something like this (but 24X34X10) and not pay too much, so I got quotes from pole barn places and steel building places, the next step is to get quotes for stick framing through a local GC and find out what would be the best for me in the long run...

Good luck with your choice and the building...

 

[LenS]

I got a quote about 1 1/2 years ago to double the square footage of my existing 13 x 19 concrete block garage—$35K! That's when I started to look for alternative solutions...

 

[1SlowFormula]

I finally have three quotes in hand from the above mentioned companies. I have to sort through them but at first glance I'd say that Pioneer and Shirk submitted the most detailed breakdown. (Shirk even supplied plans that I can submit to my township for zoning review.)

They all seem to be fairly close in terms of price, but I have to rework the quotes to get a true apples-to-apples comparison. This has been a learning experience; I finally have a handle on pole building construction and the available options...

24 d x 26 w x 10 h structure w/ 1' overhangs, 2 - 9 x 8 doors, 2 windows, 1 service door, slab, R-30 roof insulation, asphalt shingle roof, vinyl siding, and sealed NJ plans for approx. $20K. And another $2500 to remove my existing structure...

You were not kidding about the detail in the plans from Shirk I got my quote back and it had the most detailed "plans" attached then anyone else, if the PDF didn't have my address writen on the plans I would share them just to show the detail they got of the layout I was looking for without even having to go back and forth with them about it, they hit the nail on the head with my plans first shot...


***EDIT***
actually I just realized I could take screenshots of them and mark out my address, so again I am just so impressed by what Shirk sent considering I only sent then an email stating what I wanted and they sent these back, and if you compair that to the image I posted above you see they were almost right on the money...

http://www.pszweb.com/house/images/garage/Shirk_plans_p1.jpg
http://www.pszweb.com/house/images/garage/Shirk_plans_p2.jpg
http://www.pszweb.com/house/images/garage/Shirk_plans_p3.jpg
http://www.pszweb.com/house/images/garage/Shirk_plans_p4.jpg
compared to this
http://www.pszweb.com/house/images/garage/HSHG-002D-6042-100.gif

 

[Schtauffer]

As a garage door installer, I get into a lot of different contractor's buildings. There's excellence, and there's complete trash, and its not always readily apparent.

Check with Unlimited Structures. Gary Nelson is a good guy to deal with. Phone: (717) 738-2831

Also check with Brecknock Builders. Titus is the man, there. (717) 484-2200

 

[LenS]

I appreciate your insight, but could you be a bit more specific? Are the two companies you mentioned GCs?

 

[Schtauffer]

Yes. They build some of the best buildings I've worked in.

 

[zrxrider]

I'm going to use Shirk. Leon, is the man over there! Very easy going and always willing to help. I looked at about 7 different pole building builders too. My build date is 7-20-09. If anyone uses them, drop my name as I get a few $$$ if you sign a contract.

 

[Matt M PA]

I'd suggest calling Stoltzfus Structures in Atglen, PA. mysheds.net.

They built my garage and I am well pleased. It's not a pole barn, but "regular" construction. It was pre-built then assembled at my location. Meaning..the walls ahd trusses were frames and brought on site. Jonathan is the guy I worked with. Tell him Matt from PA sent ya.

 

[mad57]

I love my pioneer pole barn at 30x80 done in 3 days by really top notch builders i was impressed. they delivered every thing they said they would. i payed $30,000 done...7 garage doors, 1 window, 1man door. the concrete was not included!!! but cost me another $9,000 but i went 5 inchs thick fibermesh and #4500 mix. im in nj as well if your down in sj look me up glad to show it too you.

 

[Bull]

If you want a terrific looking building and to work with one of the best guys you'll ever meet, all at a surprisingly affordable price, contact George Abetti at Geobarns. He's located in VT but builds all over the country, and as a few of us on this board know, he and his product are top-notch.

Here is a gallery of some of his structures: http://geobarns.com/gallery.htm

 

[Nutty 5.0]

I had my 24x36x12 built with two 10x10 doors, two windows, overhangs on the 36' side and a ridge vent. It was just under 11k. I had the space excavated for 1200 and through that guy I found out the concrete guy Conestoga used in my area and save 1/2 the cost with 6" pad 3500 or 4500 psi poured and a 3'x3' section for 2050. The workers for my Conestoga came out very good. Don Zook was the person I used and he was used for two friends garages as well. We were happy.

 

[rieferman]

the numbers were all sounding right to me... But $2K for 6" x 24'x 36' slab? Yikes, that's the deal of the century. Do you mean that you did all the form work and finishing?

 

[fiftysix chevy 210]

I have heard that Conestoga has more than one brand of building. If you are looking for an economical building, try their Dutchway Pole Barns division. The Conestoga Building can give you bells and whistles if that is what you are looking for. The Dutchway buildings are more of a box building at a more economoical price.

 

[Nutty 5.0]

the numbers were all sounding right to me... But $2K for 6" x 24'x 36' slab? Yikes, that's the deal of the century. Do you mean that you did all the form work and finishing?

Yep, back in 05 though. He charged similar for my two friends and I did nothing but hand him a check.

 

[Justanoldguy]

http://geobarns.com/gallery.htm

That is one awesome site.

Thanks for posting it..

 

[Bull]

That is one awesome site.

Thanks for posting it..

You are welcome

 

[SHIRKPOLEBUILDINGS]

I feel somewhat embarrassed to post to this thread since we are one of the Post&Frame Builders being discussed here. However, without mentioning any of these different companies, I would like to point out that one of the most important things to consider in purchasing a new garage is the galvanizing rating of the painted steel siding and roofing. Since this recession hit some companies are cheapening up on product to turn a profit, using G60 and G40 for siding and roofing. This stuff will probably rust in 15 years. I would not advise going less than G90, do your homework. Thanks guys, we find these posts very interesting, and may possibly learn how to improve our product and services from them.

 

[thouart]

You might not think you could build this but it's easy as heck.
Check out www.socketsystems.com

Check out the Amazing Chuck B on this forum.

 

[fiftysix chevy 210]

I feel somewhat embarrassed to post to this thread since we are one of the Post&Frame Builders being discussed here. However, without mentioning any of these different companies, I would like to point out that one of the most important things to consider in purchasing a new garage is the galvanizing rating of the painted steel siding and roofing. Since this recession hit some companies are cheapening up on product to turn a profit, using G60 and G40 for siding and roofing. This stuff will probably rust in 15 years. I would not advise going less than G90, do your homework. Thanks guys, we find these posts very interesting, and may possibly learn how to improve our product and services from them.

After doing my research, I learned that G40 vs G60 vs G90 is simply the amount of zinc applied to the metal before they apply the paint. Since paint has evolved through time to inhibit rust, the zinc coating requirements are not as critical. If you are concerned about zinc coating, my research showed that you may want to consider not less than G60 on your roof because of direct sunlight and damage that could occur. It's no different than a 1970 Chevy rusting in less than 10 years as compared to my current 2000 Chevy that has no rust showing. In my opinion, construction companies are gouging if they push G90 when I found G60 with a limited lifetime warranty.

 

[LenS]

I understand the concerns re: galvanization ratings for steel, but I've decided to go with roof shingle and vinyl siding to match our house.

26w x 24l x 10h, 3 windows, 1 entry door, 2 10w x 9h garage doors, 4" slab, R 30 roof and R 19 wall insulation w/ liner panels, NJ sealed plans.

I have quotes in hand from Pioneer, Shirk, and Conastoga. There's a $9000 spread between the three (apples-apples), so I'm going to really examine each company's standard materials and construction techniques, and check all references. Seems like all three have a good reputation with satisfied customers on this board, but there's too much of a price swing IMO...

I would appreciate hearing from anyone that has past or current experience with these companies. (Mobile #201.926.3432)

Thanks.

Len

 

[rieferman]

Would you mind listing the three quote amounts by company?

 

[LenS]

I don't have the quotes in front of me, but approx.:

Pioneer - $31K
Conastoga - $27K
Shirk - $23K

 

[thouart]

You might want to check out Socket Systems. They make a metal coupling system that is very easy to install. I understand it builds for about $10.sq ft.

Good Luck

 

[Possum]

You wouldn't happen to know a dealer, would you?

You might want to check out Socket Systems. They make a metal coupling system that is very easy to install. I understand it builds for about $10.sq ft.

Good Luck

 

[Polebarn Builder]

Also Check out.,,,,www.NewPoleBarn.com

 

[SHIRKPOLEBUILDINGS]

www.shirkpolebuildings.com

 

[bcoma]

I live in central NJ and had Pioneer build me a 30x50 10' high pole barn. Started on 1/3/11 completed on 1/5/11, 3 man crew, no slab. $15,000

I couldn't be more pleased!

Bart