Owning recreational land can be a significant investment. Proper maintenance of the buildings on the property not only enhances the enjoyment of those assets but also protects their value.
Whether a garage, hobby shop, equestrian stall barn, machinery storage facility or other structure, all buildings experience normal wear and sometimes damage that require repairs. In other cases, a renovation can enhance a building’s beauty, durability or efficiency. That holds true whether you own an existing recreational property or recently purchased land with buildings in need of work.
Jeremiah Fairbanks, general manager of repairs for Morton Buildings, a leading national post-frame manufacturing and building company, says most of their post-frame repair projects typically fall into three categories:
A fresh look — The most common need, he says, is updating a building, giving it a modern look. Examples include replacing faded or rusted steel on the roof and sidewalls, changing to a new color scheme or renovating structures that otherwise might be torn down.
Improved functionality — Many owners want to add new features that improve the performance of their buildings or make them more versatile. “Examples include a porch addition, skylights, new windows, large sliding doors, enhanced energy efficiency and building extensions,” Fairbanks says.
Minor or major repairs — Whether due to storms, damage or simple wear, most needs can be solved with a variety of minor or major repairs from sliding door repair to steel replacement from damages.
Fairbanks says if repairing weather damage, be sure to talk with your insurance agent to determine what is covered and check if building damage or wear is protected by warranties. “If functionality is the issue, think about your needs — and what updates are needed to meet current as well as future requirements.”
While some landowners may have the basic skills to do some of their own repairs, Fairbanks cautions it’s not always easy to fix a building. “There are issues involving safety and proper installation, and some materials may be hard to come by,” he says. “Using a professional can help avoid problems and save money in the long run.”
He adds that a common decision is whether to repair or replace a building, especially older buildings that may have sentimental value. “Some of these structures can be updated and preserved. In other cases, it may be impractical to repair a building that is not structurally sound or is too small or outdated to meet needs. Renovation may be a more cost-efficient way to meet building needs until an owner is ready to build new.”
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Fairbanks recommends that recreational property owners ask these questions when selecting a contractor for a repair or renovation project for your post-frame structure:
Do they have experience repairing or renovating post-frame buildings (sometimes known as pole barns)? “We’ve heard of many cases where contractors without prior experience have encountered problems with repairs or upgrades to post-frame buildings, especially relating to framing and air flow/exchange,” Fairbanks says.
What warranty coverage is provided, especially for steel reskins and residing? “Morton’s steel warranties are for 35 years and are handled in-house, unlike the warranties offered by some builders. Those pass-through warranties involve third parties that can be challenging to reach when making a claim.”
How long has the contractor been in business and do they have local customers who can serve as references? “Last year, Morton Buildings celebrated our 120-year anniversary. As a 100-percent employee-owned company, we are committed to serving our customers today and in the future.”
Morton Buildings provides repairs through most of its construction centers for its own post-frame structures as well as most other brands of post-frame buildings. And as a partner of Whitetail Properties, Whitetail Properties clients are eligible for an exclusive Whitetail Properties Rebate for added savings on your Morton building project. For more information or to get started on your repair project, learn more at mortonbuildings.com/whitetail.
*Morton’s repair service team capacity in some of Morton Buildings coverage area limits the ability to service repairs on non-Morton buildings. To inquire about the availably of non-Morton Repair services in your area contact us at mortonbuildings.com/whitetail and a member of our team will assist you with your repair questions.
