The Antique Barn Co.

When first contacted by a prospective client we discuss the intended purpose of the structure and guide them in picking the proper frame. After narrowing down the options we discuss making a trip to see the frame(s) while they are still standing. Once a client choses a barn the contract will be drafted between our company and the client for the dismantlement, restoration, and re-erection of the frame. Because all city/towns/states differ in Permitting/Zoning engineering is the clients responsibility. Our company has incredible resources in this department and will be happy to recommend both engineers and architects that are familiar with timber frames. The barn will be insured throughout the duration of the process. The contract will prescribe installment payment due dates for each completed milestone. It will also describe trucking, storage and/or restoration details should they apply. Once the contract has been signed and secured by deposit monies the project moves into Phase I.

Phase I
Our crew will strip the barn sheathing and roof materials and then we will take an accurate survey of measurements for the set of frame drawings that will be presented to you and your engineer, architect, designer and/or general contractor. These measurements are critical for your foundation plan. All members will be tagged, filmed or photographed and documented for our future use. Once measurements are confirmed by two senior members of our staff, the frame will be dismantled. Once the frame has been dismantled, the first major milestone has been reached. All salvable materials are bundled on site for better care in shipping. In all circumstances, the barn will be delivered to our restoration workshop in Orford, NH. We do this for a few reasons; first and foremost this allows some members of our crew to spend time working at home which saves the cost of food/hotels/travel fees and allows the crew time with their families. Being able to work at home also gives our guys access to the full range of woodworking tools, some of which are too large to bring on the road. In addition we provide the benefit of free and secure storage for up to one year while your site work is being completed (barn frames must be properly stored to prevent water and sun damage). Once the barn arrives in New Hampshire, it is cleaned and photographed. A formal drawing of the frame plan is drafted based on the actual measurements taken at the barn dismantlement. Once these drawings are completed and sent to the client, the next milestone has been reached. At this time, we will do any (if applicable) barn frame modifications or restoration work necessary for the frame. Major modifications will described in the contract.

Phase II
Once we have been notified that your site work has been completed, a tractor trailer will be scheduled to pickup your barn frame. Upon delivery at your job site, schedule/weather permitting, our team of timber framers will re-erect your barn on the new foundation. Installations will be done to the specification of your stamped & approved drawing that is received from the engineer. Engineering/Architectural modifications are common after the frame has been dismantled, they will be treated as a time and material additional cost. Travel expenses, wages, rentals and heavy equipment is included in the contract cost unless otherwise specified. However, additional costs of heavy equipment required will be the clients responsibility if site isn’t clear and adequate for a barn raising. Once the barn has been erected, the entire job-site will be cleaned of our work related material. Depending on the complexity of the barn, Phase II takes about one weeks time once our crew is on-site (weather permitting). As we approach the final day of the framing project, it is the clients responsibility to gather any relevant parties (GC, Architect and/or Engineer) to inspect the frame and give us the approval. Once approved, final payment is expected in the form of a certified check or wire transfer including any relevant incidentals related to items mentioned above. Also, while not necessary, it is traditional to have a barn raising party on the final day of erection.