Where to get small roof trusses built?

Piston · 10-19-2013, 06:54 AM

My grandfather lives in Alton Bay, and for the last 5 years or so, we've put up one of those fabric portable garages for him to keep his vehicle out of the snow in the winters. He is 95 yrs old and lives alone in his house up on the mountain, and I don't want him out in the snow cleaning off his car.

The last 2 shelters that we've put up have not survived longer than 2 or 3 years in the heavy snow. We've only spent around $300 on the shelters and got the cheap ones, so this year I figured I'd buy one of the more heavy duty ones that cost close to a thousand dollars and actually a bit more.

Then I thought, instead of buying another portable garage that won't last through a strong storm, I could put up a small pole barn type structure. I thought I could set 6 or 8 pressure treated posts in the ground, then large beams spanning those, and set premade trusses over the top. Then just put the roof on and be done with it. This would be enough to keep his car clean of snow.

Does anyone know where I can buy roof trusses for something like this? I'm planning around 12 or 14' wide, by 24' or so long. He only has one vehicle and that's all he keeps under there.

Or, any better ideas aside from building a full blown garage?

RLW · 10-19-2013, 07:29 AM

Most all lumber yards can order any size and shape one wants. Just remember the garage you have now there isn't any real estate tax on it, but as soon as you build the permanent one the taxes are tacked onto it and you also have to get permits where you do not need them for the covered portable garages.

Piston · 10-19-2013, 08:06 AM

RLW,
I would be planning on leaving it as a pole barn style building, with no sides on it. So basically just a roof but open on the sides.

I believe there is no tax on open buildings like that but I don't know for sure. I thought I remembered seeing somewhere that I could have either one or two sides closed in, but not anymore than that.

Does that make sense?

Thanks for the info on the lumberyard. There is one in town so I will call them and ask about trusses.

RLW · 10-19-2013, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piston

RLW,
I would be planning on leaving it as a pole barn style building, with no sides on it. So basically just a roof but open on the sides.

I believe there is no tax on open buildings like that but I don't know for sure. I thought I remembered seeing somewhere that I could have either one or two sides closed in, but not anymore than that.

Does that make sense?

Thanks for the info on the lumberyard. There is one in town so I will call them and ask about trusses.

If you are referring to Alton Lumber I do not think Ruben handles that big stuff, but you can make contact with Middleton Lumber which is just a short ride. there number is 603-473-2053. Regarding permits, I do think a permit will be regarded, but if you are in Alton then just contact John Dever the building inspector at (603) 875-0107 and ask

.

tis · 10-19-2013, 04:14 PM

Or Winnipesaukee Lumber in Wolfeboro. 569-1381

RLW · 10-19-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

Or Winnipesaukee Lumber in Wolfeboro. 569-1381

Very true, but higher prices

TheProfessor · 10-19-2013, 05:09 PM

Check the web site of your town as far as building codes.

In my town no building permit is required for a "temporary" structure. Wood or plastic.

A wood storage shed on blocks is considered a temporary structured in my town and no permit is needed. There are size restrictions.

There are places that will make and deliver a wood storage shed. Some local/independent and some at the big box stores.

If you still want trusses - then LaValleys/Middleton are the ones that manufacture them. Made at LaValley's in Newport, NH.

When I ordered my trusses I made a visit to Lavalley's in Newport. I spoke with the actual engineer that designs them. There are options such as overhang on both the sides and front/back.

But any lumber yard can order them.

upthesaukee · 10-19-2013, 07:32 PM

Take a look at this pamphlet and see if your proposed structure meets the criteria for a temporary Carport.

http://www.alton.nh.gov/forms/No_Permit_Required_Pamphlet.pdf

Piston · 10-20-2013, 03:29 AM

Thanks to everyone for the replies and advice!

As mentioned by someone, Alton lumber doesn't deal with trusses. However, they were able to give me the names of some places that did, one was Brock's lumber in Rochester and the other was Middleton lumber.

I called Brocks Lumber yesterday and they told me to call back on Monday as the guy who could help me was out for the weekend, so I'll call them back tomorrow and get a rough price estimate. I will also call Middleton for comparison.

According to the link posted, I will need to obtain a permit to build the permanent carport since I'll be drilling holes in the ground to set the posts. If I decide to go this route, I'll call the building inspector as mentioned. I have spoken with him in the past about projects I had been thinking about and he was extremely helpful for me. I was a bit nervous at first to ask questions because of all the bad "wrap" building inspectors seem to get, but I'm glad I did and I know have a different view of building inspectors in general, and I don't have any hesitation to ask questions anymore.

I'll be interested to see how much the trusses are going to cost, I have absolutely no idea what to expect. For the most part, the cost will determine what I end up doing, whether it's the permanent structure or the portable garage. Next will be the time consideration. I'll know more once I get a quote for the trusses.

Thanks again to everyone who replied!

Markem · 10-20-2013, 06:47 AM

if the frame is still good... perhaps you could screw the ribbed metal roofing panels on it and call it day

Piston · 10-20-2013, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markem

if the frame is still good... perhaps you could screw the ribbed metal roofing panels on it and call it day

That's a good idea but unfortunately it's the frame that has been destroyed on both accounts.

RLW · 10-20-2013, 08:57 AM

Markem, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

It is great to see you on the forum and posted your comments. Come on and see us a bit more often as we enjoy your comments.

granitebox · 10-21-2013, 09:49 AM

If you are flexible in size and construction.....don't be afraid to call and ask about stock or 'leftover' trusses and see if you can incorporate them into you shelter.

Many times folks place an order for trusses (with a down payment) and then cancel, change their mind or simply don't pick them up. I've even seen trusses for sale on Craigs list.

Ordering custom trusses will be more expensive and if you can design your shelter around a set of available trusses you'll come out way ahead.

Piston · 10-22-2013, 01:46 PM

Thanks Granite,
I'm waiting for a couple different quotes right now, and when they get back to me I'll ask about any leftover trusses they may have. I never would have thought about that.

They both said (Brock's and Middleton) that it would be 1-2 weeks before they can get me a quote, so we'll see.

As a side note to anyone looking for pressure treated posts, I called Middleton and they were $36 dollars for a 6"-6"-12' pressure treated. Then I called Alton lumber and it was $56 for the same size! I guess it pays to shop around and thanks to you guys for recommending the lumber yards.

RLW · 10-22-2013, 02:09 PM

As far as prices being high at Alton Lumber he is only a very small yard with a small limited inventory because space and therefore can not get the discount that on the materials like the big places, but when one is local and in the need of 2 or 3 pieces it is a lot easier to run to Ruben's and pay his price. I know as I have done it many times for my own projects and very thankful that he is in town.

Piston · 10-22-2013, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLW

As far as prices being high at Alton Lumber he is only a very small yard with a small limited inventory because space and therefore can not get the discount that on the materials like the big places, but when one is local and in the need of 2 or 3 pieces it is a lot easier to run to Ruben's and pay his price. I know as I have done it many times for my own projects and very thankful that he is in town.

Actually, I didn't think it was that his prices were high, I thought it was that Middletons were low. I've purchased a lot through them just because they're local and convenient, and I never really got the feeling they were expensive. I tore down and put an entirely new roof on my grandfathers barn and bought all my materials there. In fact, if they had roof trusses I wouldn't have even shopped around

. However, I'm glad they didn't.

10-19-2013, 06:54 AM	#1
Piston Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Upton, MA/Alton Bay Posts: 81 Thanks: 20 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	Where to get small roof trusses built? My grandfather lives in Alton Bay, and for the last 5 years or so, we've put up one of those fabric portable garages for him to keep his vehicle out of the snow in the winters. He is 95 yrs old and lives alone in his house up on the mountain, and I don't want him out in the snow cleaning off his car. The last 2 shelters that we've put up have not survived longer than 2 or 3 years in the heavy snow. We've only spent around $300 on the shelters and got the cheap ones, so this year I figured I'd buy one of the more heavy duty ones that cost close to a thousand dollars and actually a bit more. Then I thought, instead of buying another portable garage that won't last through a strong storm, I could put up a small pole barn type structure. I thought I could set 6 or 8 pressure treated posts in the ground, then large beams spanning those, and set premade trusses over the top. Then just put the roof on and be done with it. This would be enough to keep his car clean of snow. Does anyone know where I can buy roof trusses for something like this? I'm planning around 12 or 14' wide, by 24' or so long. He only has one vehicle and that's all he keeps under there. Or, any better ideas aside from building a full blown garage?

10-19-2013, 07:29 AM	#2
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	Most all lumber yards can order any size and shape one wants. Just remember the garage you have now there isn't any real estate tax on it, but as soon as you build the permanent one the taxes are tacked onto it and you also have to get permits where you do not need them for the covered portable garages. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

10-19-2013, 07:32 PM	#8
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,578 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,426 Thanked 1,938 Times in 1,072 Posts	Town of Alton Pamphlet. Take a look at this pamphlet and see if your proposed structure meets the criteria for a temporary Carport. http://www.alton.nh.gov/forms/No_Permit_Required_Pamphlet.pdf __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

10-20-2013, 08:57 AM	#12
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	*Markem,* I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends. It is great to see you on the forum and posted your comments. Come on and see us a bit more often as we enjoy your comments. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

10-22-2013, 02:09 PM	#15
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	As far as prices being high at Alton Lumber he is only a very small yard with a small limited inventory because space and therefore can not get the discount that on the materials like the big places, but when one is local and in the need of 2 or 3 pieces it is a lot easier to run to Ruben's and pay his price. I know as I have done it many times for my own projects and very thankful that he is in town. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to RLW For This Useful Post:
ApS (10-19-2013), BroadHopper (11-22-2013), Piston (10-19-2013)

10-19-2013, 08:06 AM	#3
Piston Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Upton, MA/Alton Bay Posts: 81 Thanks: 20 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	RLW, I would be planning on leaving it as a pole barn style building, with no sides on it. So basically just a roof but open on the sides. I believe there is no tax on open buildings like that but I don't know for sure. I thought I remembered seeing somewhere that I could have either one or two sides closed in, but not anymore than that. Does that make sense? Thanks for the info on the lumberyard. There is one in town so I will call them and ask about trusses.

10-19-2013, 04:14 PM	#5
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,565 Thanks: 742 Thanked 1,426 Times in 988 Posts	Or Winnipesaukee Lumber in Wolfeboro. 569-1381

10-19-2013, 05:09 PM	#7
TheProfessor Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,075 Thanks: 17 Thanked 335 Times in 201 Posts	Check the web site of your town as far as building codes. In my town no building permit is required for a "temporary" structure. Wood or plastic. A wood storage shed on blocks is considered a temporary structured in my town and no permit is needed. There are size restrictions. There are places that will make and deliver a wood storage shed. Some local/independent and some at the big box stores. If you still want trusses - then LaValleys/Middleton are the ones that manufacture them. Made at LaValley's in Newport, NH. When I ordered my trusses I made a visit to Lavalley's in Newport. I spoke with the actual engineer that designs them. There are options such as overhang on both the sides and front/back. But any lumber yard can order them.

10-20-2013, 03:29 AM	#9
Piston Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Upton, MA/Alton Bay Posts: 81 Thanks: 20 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	Thanks to everyone for the replies and advice! As mentioned by someone, Alton lumber doesn't deal with trusses. However, they were able to give me the names of some places that did, one was Brock's lumber in Rochester and the other was Middleton lumber. I called Brocks Lumber yesterday and they told me to call back on Monday as the guy who could help me was out for the weekend, so I'll call them back tomorrow and get a rough price estimate. I will also call Middleton for comparison. According to the link posted, I will need to obtain a permit to build the permanent carport since I'll be drilling holes in the ground to set the posts. If I decide to go this route, I'll call the building inspector as mentioned. I have spoken with him in the past about projects I had been thinking about and he was extremely helpful for me. I was a bit nervous at first to ask questions because of all the bad "wrap" building inspectors seem to get, but I'm glad I did and I know have a different view of building inspectors in general, and I don't have any hesitation to ask questions anymore. I'll be interested to see how much the trusses are going to cost, I have absolutely no idea what to expect. For the most part, the cost will determine what I end up doing, whether it's the permanent structure or the portable garage. Next will be the time consideration. I'll know more once I get a quote for the trusses. Thanks again to everyone who replied!

10-20-2013, 06:47 AM	#10
Markem Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	if the frame is still good... perhaps you could screw the ribbed metal roofing panels on it and call it day

10-21-2013, 09:49 AM	#13
granitebox Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Steamboat Springs - Bear Island Posts: 156 Thanks: 136 Thanked 81 Times in 36 Posts	If you are flexible in size and construction.....don't be afraid to call and ask about stock or 'leftover' trusses and see if you can incorporate them into you shelter. Many times folks place an order for trusses (with a down payment) and then cancel, change their mind or simply don't pick them up. I've even seen trusses for sale on Craigs list. Ordering custom trusses will be more expensive and if you can design your shelter around a set of available trusses you'll come out way ahead.

10-22-2013, 01:46 PM	#14
Piston Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Upton, MA/Alton Bay Posts: 81 Thanks: 20 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	Thanks Granite, I'm waiting for a couple different quotes right now, and when they get back to me I'll ask about any leftover trusses they may have. I never would have thought about that. They both said (Brock's and Middleton) that it would be 1-2 weeks before they can get me a quote, so we'll see. As a side note to anyone looking for pressure treated posts, I called Middleton and they were $36 dollars for a 6"-6"-12' pressure treated. Then I called Alton lumber and it was $56 for the same size! I guess it pays to shop around and thanks to you guys for recommending the lumber yards.