Choosing a Contractor

The most important part of a decision to build a post-frame building is selection of a quality contractor.

One way to identify the best builders is by the professional organizations they belong to. Membership in a group that represents and promotes the industry in question is a strong sign one is dedicated to that industry as a professional specialty and to keeping up-to-date on its latest developments.

The association that represents the post-frame industry is the National Frame Building Association. NFBA membership demonstrates that a company is committed to post-frame building as a profession, and is not just a builder who also may occasionally erect post-frame structures. NFBA members specialize in post-frame construction, and NFBA keeps them current on the latest research, new products and industry developments.

NFBA members also make a voluntary commitment to comply with NFBA’s Standards of Professional Conduct. NFBA members follow this code of ethics, and may optionally participate in an accreditation program in which they demonstrate commitment to safety, education and customer satisfaction.

Many NFBA Active Builder members provide design-build and turnkey solutions. NFBA Design Professional members specialize in post-frame engineering and/or design. NFBA Supplier members provide specialized products for the post-frame building market.

Follow links below to search for an NFBA member to meet your needs:

NFBA Accredited Post-Frame Builder Program

To recognize those companies that go the “extra mile” to ensure customer satisfaction, the Board of Directors of the National Frame Buildings Association established the Accredited Post-Frame Builder Program.

The Accredited Post-Frame Builder Program publicly recognizes and honors those post-frame contractors who meet a select number of requirements, and have documented their commitment in three key areas of corporate responsibility:

Ethical business practices
Safety
Education and training

Select an Experienced Builder

Any building’s value and durability are governed by the quality of materials. Builders should be responsible for the quality of materials they use, as well as workmanship. “Getting the best structure for your money comes down to picking the right builder and communicating effectively,” says Iowa State University professor Jay Harman.

Before you select a builder, make sure you know what features you want. “Look at other buildings and talk to the owners,” , Harman advises. “Mistakes often don’t show up until someone uses a structure for a while.”

“Look for a contractor who specializes in the kind of building you are constructing,” says Harman. “When you have a list of several contractors, you might want to ask your lending agency representation for an evaluation.”

Getting bids from several contractors is usually recommended. Ask builders about warranty; is it offered by the builder or by the makers of the various building materials?

Find out exactly what the warranty covers, including the structure and exterior cladding that may be maintenance-free such as paint, UV coatings and corrosion protection for cladding and fasteners. There may be differences in quality and methods of application that will affect how long your new building maintains its rich color.

Make sure your contractor is familiar with local building codes, says Harman. Most of them will be, but you need to check. Ask your insurance agent and local code officials what standards the building must meet, such as wind and snow loads.

Tips for Choosing a Post-Frame Contractor:

Check to verify the contractor is a member of the National Frame Building Association.
Ask to see a contractor’s license or other official documentation.
Ask to see proof of insurance.
Ask for at least three references with phone numbers.
Contact the Better Business Bureau and the state attorney general’s office to see if any complaints have been registered against the person or company.
Don’t be pressured into signing a contract “today” to get a better price.
Don’t put more than one-third down for deposit before the start of typical projects unless special conditions justify it.
When paying for supplies up front, ask for a waiver from the store where they were purchased.
Don’t make the last payment until a “punch list” of items to be done is complete.
If you are unsure about the contract or prices, ask someone else to review the contract and supply list before hiring the contractor.
Whenever making a change in the original project, get the change and the price in writing.
Keep a journal of work done, contacts made with the contractor and payments made.

Before Selecting a Contractor:

Look at both recent & past projects.
Talk to past customers.
Check litigation history.
Check current workload to make sure the contractor really can start and finish when the say they can.

What a Contractor expects from You:

Communicate your objectives and expectations from the very start.
Allow the contractor to lead.
Provide access to the project.
Be available for meetings.
Make decisions promptly.
Accept reasonable standards for performance – perfection is rare in construction.
Be prepared for unpredictable conditions. Contractors don’t control the weather.
Be responsible for your own actions that may affect the job.
Provide prompt payment.
Treat others the way you would want to be treated.