Recommendation request (Upstate NY build) - 30x60

[dhurley737]

Hi Guys~

I think this might be my official first post - but I've been lurking for over 5 years! Situation as to why I'm looking for a recommendation: we've closed on what could very well be our "long-term" home (I'll never say forever because this will be our 5th home in 10 years). Seems like corporate moves and personal upgrades are in the past and we're looking to invest long-term in a property we're more than happy to stay in for a while (not to mention the little one starts Kindergarten this Fall and we're NOT moving her around anymore... period).

We've got close to 10 acres just outside Saratoga Springs and we're looking to put up a garage / barn about 30x60 in size. Not married to the size but I've never heard of anyone building big and saying they wish they went smaller. Land is no issue and the likely spot we'll put it is already fairly flat and very accessible (site prep will likely be only a day or two - very close to electrical / water / septic setups of existing home and I've got equipment to do the runs). We've got a 2 car existing off the main home, but we've also got some toys to store: a 68 Corvette / modified Wrangler / 21' Ski Boat / tractor / implements / UTV / few motorcycles to store.

I've begun shopping it out and had great conversations with a few people - but the range is OUT OF CONTROL. The grand "M" building company came in and bid - and they were well north of $200k and that's not including any site prep, concrete, HVAC, septic or electrical. I almost passed out in shock. I've also heard guys saying they could put up a pole barn for next to nothing - but I'm skeptical of the building meeting my standards.

The more I read the more I see people spending OUTRAGEOUSLY low $'s in their builds (and I realize a lot of folks do a lot on their own) - but I can't find who / how / where. I've been looking around for recommendations - just can't seem to find anyone.

Maybe someone has a contact / referral for Upstate NY? I'm not opposed to going pole barn and finishing interior upgrades over time... just trying to get a quality structure up (hopefully this year). Lots of folks use the amish - anyone have experience here?

Looking forward to recommendations... thanks everyone.

 

[Kaizen]

Welcome aboard. what are "my standards"?
Never ever ever ask for a one stop shop price. You learned that i guess.
Do you really need a crapper out there? Water? You listed your stuff but what are you going to be doing out there? Did that 200k include a full concrete pad? Can you get away with say 30x30 and have the rest just rock to park stuff on?

I've built my own. Alone except for the slab. Its a 30x36x12 carriage barn theme. Probably in it for 40k. no heat. no sewage. no water. not even lights and power yet. I'm on year 3 right now so consider that. If i had paid someone it would have easily been 80-100k.
Pick a price you would like to spend and work backwards eliminating what you can. With that much land you could definitely do whatever you want. Also be prepared to wait. Building industry is rocking right now and i'm guessing most reputable contractors are booking for a year out.

 

[boomer12831]

PM sent

 

[casmurbax]

Greetings neighbor, Like Kaizen asked are you doing one stop shop?

When I built my garage(18x24), I needed to hire out to get the slab done, I must have called 8 guys for estimates and I couldn't believe how different the prices varied and that was me doing all the site prep. I was happy with the contractor I finally did chose. I also hired a family friend to do the roof as a side job, well worth it for me.

My brother and I did all the construction and electrical work. All inspected and passed with no issues.

How many contractors have you gotten estimates from? I truly believe there is no shortage of construction work in our area and that may play a roll in the costs?

 

[kaymccampbell]

Take your ideas to Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa, off exit 12. See what they say. They might even have a "kit" in the size you are looking for.
If you want to get a reasonable price, you are going to have to do most of it yourself. Contractors round here don't lack for work.

 

[dhurley737]

@casmurbax @Kaizen I don't need a one stop shop... and to be honest the "M" quote wasn't one (which is even more disturbing the more I think of it). Didn't have prep, concrete, electrical, water, septic, HVAC... nothing. In all fairness it was an insulated building w/ fairly pricey doors and a bit of a loft (but that was very much unfinished). You can see how the #'s quickly rose above $300k and that's just crazy.

I didn't really explain what was the purpose of the building so I guess I'll throw that out there. It's a storage barn first, but down the road I'd like it to be insulated, heated, and def. would at least like water available (both for washing vehicles outside and perhaps a slop sink inside). I'm more than OK sneaking in a gray-water system off the back - did this at my former pool house for the sink and never had a single issue as it wasn't used more than 30 days a year.

If one of you guys called 8 guys alone just for concrete - I guess I need to keep on the phones. I am more than willing to invest the time to get my $$$ worth. Also need to make sure the builder and I share the vision of the project. Experienced that in passing on a few guys with recent projects - their price was great but I knew their work was not aligned with where the vision of the projects was headed.

Thanks @kaymccampbell for the Curtis recommendation. I used to live in Charlton and was there every week. Even had them help with an addition we did a few years back. Great people. I try to use them at every chance I get over the Big Box Boys.

 

[Bretny]

I would not put wood in the ground for a pole building in NY. You will also want more than 4in overhangs that come standard.

Do the slab first then the building. Steel would be my first choice.

My father contracted and put a deposit down to have a metal carport built for there RV. 9 months later and alot of running around he got his money back. Turns out they take a bunch of deposits and dont come to the area until theres enough business. Make sure the company has enough business to build your building in the area.

He ended up building a RV shelter him self.

 

[Adk Mike]

We’re almost neighbors. I also live outside of Saratoga Springs. A dairy farmer friend just built a couple Amish Pole Barns. Look very nice.
Saratoga County has been a growing area for years. You want to do your research.

 

[dhurley737]

Adk Mike: yes, we're originally from the area. Still own a house in Middle Grove that I rent out (this one is right up the road). As far as I'm concerned Saratoga County is the only place we'd live in the Northeast outside of NYC / Boston / Burlington (it's the only county growing outside those areas last I had heard).

Any chance your dairy farmer friend has a reference on the Amish builders?

 

[casmurbax]

Adk Mike, hi neighbor.

Adk Mike, Kings dairy is that who you are referring to? I believe they used Mennonites.

I grew up within walking distance to Charlton Heights. Do you know the landscaper near the end of Stage RD near Charlton RD Brett K? He built a barn a few years ago. If you are not friendly with him I could contact him if you like and ask who he used.

There are all kinds of options out there as I am sure you are aware. Are you looking to do some of the work yourself? electrical, water lines?

 

[dhurley737]

Too funny - I do know the landscaper (think it's called ProBuilt - can't recall)? I used to own the green house on the corner of Charlton Road and Peaceable. That "was" our forever home before we moved to Charlotte NC. I desperately wish we never sold it. Bought it from Brian (the builder) and put the pool area in myself. We miss it everyday.

Yes, I'll likely do a lot of the site prep / electrical / water / finishing... but I am NOT a foundation / concrete guy and I just don't have the time, skill or patience for framing / roofing / etc... so I'll sub that all out.

I'll call Brett... he handled my property after we moved out until we sold it 2-1/2 years ago (and did some of the landscaping in Spring / Fall w/ mulch and weeding).

Thanks!

 

[casmurbax]

I think the Pro built people are related to the septic people(Kirby or his brother Cory), Bret is the one I was referring to having the pole barn built.

I have not had anything done by Bob Relyea, though I did play little league with him, you might want to call him?

I am not sure if Ken is still in business or not but Ken(davis builders, little troy lane) did some great work for my parents as well.

 

[sberry]

Go to 40 wide to start with. The effort is so great the extra Sq ft is cheap. 50 is even better. My neighbor just did 56x60, it's good. Half the size of mine but it feels big.

 

[hookedontronics]

I’m also located in saratoga county (Ballston Spa) so welcome neighbor!
Look into Double O buildiners, they build pole barns cheap, they do a lot of local work.
I’m about to start on a 40x60 myself but I’m doing a stick frame build but I’ll be using them when I build an animal barn in another couple years.

 

[Nowater]

Yes, I am from Florida, but with what I have learned, question the wind load on your structure, including uplift.

 

[ssffnomad]

737, welcome to GJ. Hello Saratoga County people. When are we having a Saratoga Co. GJ meet & greet ?
Dave

 

[boomer12831]

Better do it quick Dave, I'm selling out and moving on. I wouldn't want to miss a party.

 

[ssffnomad]

Lineman, we have to talk. Sending you a PM.
Dave

 

[dhurley737]

Double O was legit. Talked to Brett and he also used them. Ironically they're the ones that the zoning guy was a big fan of (and odd as it is he appeared to be at odds with Morton).

Multiple quotes in the works at the moment. We'll see who presents the best quality paired with the best perceived price.

 

[casmurbax]

That is great dhurley. Hopefully things will work out for you.

 

[jumbo61]

I'm a little late to party, but I used Conestoga Buildings out of Syracuse for my pole barn. Very satisfied. I live outside Albany.
https://conestogabuildings.com/

 

[Kirkvkid]

I also recommend Conestoga Buildings.

They built my 30x50 pole barn 8 years ago and I am super happy with it.
Inside I wired it up myself and waited a couple years to do the concrete. Next phase is insulation.

If price is an issue do as much as you can yourself, but some jobs are better off contracted. I looked into quonsea huts, kits from lumberyards, etc. I think I only paid about $5k more for a 30x50 installed (with insulated roll-up doors) then a 30x40 kit with sliding track doors was.

I'm not sure I agree with no wood in the ground... between myself, relatives, friends...I know dozens of barns that have wood in the ground and have no issues after many, many years.

 

[dhurley737]

I'm not as worried about wood in the ground either. I've seen dozens of these buildings with many years of extreme weather thrown at them and they appear to be in fantastic structural shape.

I'll sub out quite a bit, but there are things I'll def. do myself. Electrical and some of the HVAC is no issue for me... and most of the site prep I can handle as well.

I've looking into Conestoga as well. Have a feeling they can't touch the Double O price but we'll see what they come back with.

Still just shocked (or mortified) at the difference between where I'm at today vs. 2 weeks ago with the "M" guys.

 

[xyster101]

I am just west of Albany and did a stick built shop myself. I brought my CAD plans to 84 lumber and they made a material and price list. Curtis can do the same but be expensive so check a few places.
You really should have some plans drawn up either in CAD (sketch up is free) or on graph paper. Also have a list of your needs and a second list of wants (bathroom, etc). I trenched for electric and just went a little deeper and threw water in the trench for an extra $50. Then plumbed it later and did grey water to daylight. Town was ok with that.
With CAD and a list you can talk apples to apples with builders and maybe their prices will be more in line. Also some builders will be cheap and then add costs as they go, others plan for the additional costs up front.
Builders are busy right now. I have a few friends in real estate and buyers are paying 10% over asking for houses in bidding wars. Builders are slapping up homes as fast as they can.
PM me if you want a contractor I used for my roof last year. Fair price, honest, hard working and not frills. He does buildings, kitchens, baths, decks, electric, etc. Sounds like you have plenty of recommendations.

 

[Adk Mike]

Adk Mike: yes, we're originally from the area. Still own a house in Middle Grove that I rent out (this one is right up the road). As far as I'm concerned Saratoga County is the only place we'd live in the Northeast outside of NYC / Boston / Burlington (it's the only county growing outside those areas last I had heard).

Any chance your dairy farmer friend has a reference on the Amish builders?

I go buy the farm every day. I’ll get the number off the sign. He built a couple buildings this year. You can go look at the buildings corner of Clark and Selfridge in the town of Moreau. They went up fast. Mike


Sent from my iPad using Garage Journal

 

[boomer12831]

I go buy the farm every day. I’ll get the number off the sign. He built a couple buildings this year. You can go look at the buildings corner of Clark and Selfridge in the town of Moreau. They went up fast. Mike


Sent from my iPad using Garage Journal

PM sent