What types of post-frame buildings does Altitude Builders specialize in?

At Altitude Builders, we specialize in designing and constructing a comprehensive range of custom post-frame buildings tailored to meet diverse needs throughout Colorado. Our expertise includes barndominiums that seamlessly combine living spaces with workshop or storage areas, agricultural buildings for livestock housing, equipment storage, and hay storage, as well as residential structures such as detached garages, workshops, hobby shops, and storage buildings.

We also construct commercial buildings including retail spaces, warehouses, offices, and light industrial facilities. For our equestrian clients, we build horse barns, stables, indoor riding arenas, and training facilities. Additionally, we create recreational buildings perfect for RV and boat storage, personal gyms, and entertainment spaces.

Each structure is custom-designed to meet your specific requirements and engineered to withstand Colorado's unique weather conditions, particularly our heavy snow loads and high winds.

What makes Altitude Builders different from other pole barn contractors?

What truly sets Altitude Builders apart is our owner-present construction approach. Unlike many competitors who delegate projects entirely to crews, our owner Reuben Shrock is actively present at job sites, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and direct accountability for quality at every phase of construction. This hands-on involvement means you're working directly with the decision-maker throughout your project.

Our specialized expertise in mountain terrain construction is another key differentiator. We've developed techniques for building on challenging slopes, uneven ground, and difficult access sites that many contractors simply cannot handle. Combined with over two decades of industry experience and our commitment to using superior materials like engineered trusses, treated skirt boards, and 29 gauge metal roofing, we deliver structures specifically engineered for Colorado's extreme weather conditions.

Our focus on transparency, responsive communication, and treating each project with the care we'd give our own family's property has earned us a 5.0 rating on HomeAdvisor and countless satisfied customers throughout south-central Colorado.

What areas does Altitude Builders serve?

Altitude Builders proudly serves a wide range of communities throughout south-central Colorado, with Wetmore as our base of operations. Our primary service area includes Wetmore, Pueblo West, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Cañon City, Westcliffe, Walsenburg, Black Forest, Peyton, Woodland Park, Monument, and Fountain. This coverage area allows us to efficiently serve clients across diverse Colorado landscapes - from the eastern plains to mountain communities throughout Pueblo, El Paso, Fremont, Custer, and Huerfano counties.

Will you build outside your normal service area?
For projects outside our primary service area, we evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as project scope, size, and logistics. Our commitment to quality construction means we carefully manage our service territory to ensure we can provide the responsive, hands-on service that defines our business approach.

When you contact us for an estimate, we'll confirm that your location falls within our service area and discuss any site-specific considerations that might affect your project timeline or requirements.

How far in advance do I need to schedule my project?

The scheduling timeline for your post-frame building project with Altitude Builders varies depending on several factors, including the time of year, project complexity, and our current workload. Generally, we recommend contacting us at least 4-6 weeks before your desired start date to ensure adequate time for design consultation, permitting, and material ordering. During our busier seasons, particularly spring and summer, scheduling further in advance may be necessary.

We understand that some projects have specific deadlines, such as needing agricultural buildings completed before harvest season or wanting a garage finished before winter weather arrives. When you contact us for your free estimate, we'll discuss your timeline requirements and provide realistic scheduling expectations based on our current project queue.

Our commitment to responsive communication means we'll keep you informed throughout the scheduling process, and our efficient construction methods - like completing a barndominium shell in as little as six working days - help ensure your project stays on track.

Do you work year-round or are there seasonal limitations?

Yes, Altitude Builders operates year-round, maintaining our regular business hours Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Our extensive experience building in Colorado's varied climate conditions means we've developed methods to work safely and efficiently throughout all seasons. However, weather conditions can occasionally impact construction schedules, particularly during winter months when heavy snow or extreme cold may require temporary work stoppages for safety reasons.

Winter construction actually offers some advantages, including potentially faster scheduling availability and the opportunity to have your building completed and ready for spring use. We take special precautions during cold weather, such as protecting concrete work from freezing and ensuring proper material handling.

During periods of severe weather, we maintain close communication with our clients about any necessary schedule adjustments. Our mountain construction expertise means we're well-equipped to handle Colorado's unpredictable weather patterns while maintaining our commitment to quality and safety standards throughout the year.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes, at Altitude Builders, we proudly offer free estimates and consultations as a cornerstone of our commitment to accessible, transparent service. Our comprehensive estimation process is designed to provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision about your building project. There's absolutely no obligation attached to our free estimates - we're simply here to help you explore your options and plan your ideal post-frame building.

Our free estimate program includes a detailed assessment of your project requirements and goals, comprehensive material and labor cost breakdowns, timeline projections for project completion, and custom recommendations tailored to your specific needs and budget. We also provide various design and material options to consider, along with information about appropriate building specifications for your location's snow and wind load requirements. You can request your free estimate by calling us at (719) 478-6312, emailing your project details to sales@altitudebuildersco.com, or filling out the estimate request form on our website.

What information do you need to provide an accurate estimate?

To provide the most accurate and detailed estimate for your pole barn project, we need several key pieces of information about your specific requirements and site conditions. The more details you can share with us upfront, the more precise our estimate will be, helping you make an informed decision about your investment.

Essential information includes your desired building size (length, width, and height), the number and size of garage doors needed, the quantity and placement of windows and man doors, your color preferences for roofing and siding, and any specific features or customizations you have in mind.

Additionally, it's helpful to know your building's intended use (storage, workshop, barndominium, etc.), your property location and any site challenges such as slopes or difficult access, your preferred timeline for project completion, and whether you need assistance with permits or site preparation.

If you have photos of your building site or examples of designs you like, these can also be valuable in creating an accurate estimate. During our consultation, we'll ask additional questions to ensure we understand your vision completely and can provide a comprehensive quote that addresses all aspects of your project.

What are some common building sizes?

Choosing the right size for your pole barn is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the planning process. The dimensions you select will determine not only the building's functionality and cost but also its long-term versatility as your needs evolve.

At Altitude Builders, we've compiled the most common dimensions based on decades of experience helping Colorado property owners select the perfect size for their specific requirements, from compact storage solutions to expansive agricultural facilities. Here are common pole barn dimensions:

Most Common Widths:

  • 24 feet - Basic single-car garage, small workshop, or storage shed
  • 30 feet - Popular two-car garage, medium workshop, or small barndominium
  • 36 feet - Spacious three-car garage, large workshop, or equipment storage
  • 40 feet - Commercial shops, RV storage, or agricultural equipment
  • 50 feet - Large agricultural buildings, commercial facilities, or multi-use barndominiums
  • 60+ feet - Commercial warehouses, large livestock facilities, or indoor arenas

Most Common Lengths:

  • 30 feet - Compact storage, single-bay workshop, or small garage
  • 40 feet - Standard two-car garage depth, medium workshop, or basic storage
  • 50 feet - Extended workshop, RV storage, or small barndominium
  • 60 feet - Multi-bay garage, equipment storage, or medium barndominium
  • 80 feet - Large workshops, commercial buildings, or full-size barndominiums
  • 100+ feet - Agricultural storage, commercial facilities, or livestock barns

Most Common Wall Heights:

  • 12 feet - Standard height for most residential storage, workshops, and small equipment
  • 14 feet - Popular for RV storage, larger equipment, and barndominiums
  • 16 feet - Common for agricultural use, tall equipment, or when adding a loft/mezzanine

Popular Combinations:

  • 24x30x10 - Basic garage/workshop
  • 30x40x12 - Standard residential shop
  • 30x50x14 - Popular barndominium size
  • 40x60x14 - Large workshop or small commercial
  • 50x80x16 - Agricultural or commercial building
  • 60x100x16 - Large agricultural or industrial facility

Note: These heights are typical but can be adjusted based on specific needs:

  • Add 2-4 feet for loft storage
  • Add 4-6 feet for mezzanine/second floor
  • Consider door heights needed (overhead doors, equipment clearance)
  • Local snow load requirements may affect roof pitch and overall height

Can you help design a custom pole barn for my specific needs?

Absolutely! At Altitude Builders, custom design is at the heart of what we do. We understand that every property and every client has unique requirements, which is why we never offer cookie-cutter solutions. Our design process begins with a thorough consultation where we listen to your specific needs, intended uses, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations.

Whether you need a simple storage building, a complex barndominium with living quarters, or a specialized agricultural facility, we work closely with you to create a design that perfectly matches your vision.

Our design services include custom floor plan development, 3D rendering and visualization to help you see your building before construction begins, and engineered building plans that meet or exceed local building codes. We specifically engineer our designs for Colorado's unique climate challenges, accounting for heavy snow loads, high winds, and extreme temperature variations.

Throughout the design process, owner Reuben Shrock provides personal input to ensure your building not only meets your functional requirements but also complements your property and lifestyle. From determining optimal building placement to selecting the right materials and features, we guide you through every decision to create a truly customized solution.

How do you handle building on sloped or difficult terrain?

Building on sloped or difficult terrain is one of our specialties at Altitude Builders. Based in Wetmore and surrounded by Colorado's diverse mountain topography, we've developed proven techniques for constructing stable, level buildings on challenging sites that many other contractors simply cannot handle. Our mountain construction expertise means we can transform seemingly unbuildable lots into functional spaces with beautiful, durable structures.

Our approach to difficult terrain begins with owner Reuben Shrock personally evaluating each site to identify challenges and opportunities. We've perfected methods for establishing level foundations on sloped properties without excessive grading, utilizing specialized equipment designed to access remote or steep building sites.

Our designs work with natural contours rather than against them, incorporating innovative drainage solutions to manage mountain runoff and prevent erosion. We also apply additional structural reinforcements to handle the increased stresses that come with building on slopes, including higher wind exposure and uneven load distribution.

Whether your property features rocky subsoil conditions, steep grades, or limited access, our experience building throughout Colorado's varied terrain ensures we can deliver a structurally sound building that works harmoniously with your land.

How long does it typically take to build a pole barn?

Construction timelines for pole barn projects vary based on several factors, but Altitude Builders is known for our efficient building process without compromising quality. For a standard pole barn or shop, construction typically takes 1-2 weeks from the start of actual building. More complex structures like barndominiums may require 2-3 weeks for the shell completion.

We've had clients amazed at our speed - for example, we've completed barndominium outer structures in as little as six working days, as noted in our customer testimonials.

Several factors influence your specific timeline, including building size and complexity, site conditions and necessary preparation work, weather conditions during construction, and the inclusion of special features or customizations. It's important to note that these timeframes refer to actual construction days and don't include pre-construction activities like permitting, design finalization, and material ordering, which typically require an additional 2-4 weeks.

Our efficient construction process is possible because of our experienced crew, systematic approach, and owner Reuben Shrock's on-site presence ensuring smooth project flow. We'll provide you with a realistic timeline projection during your free estimate consultation, and our commitment to responsive communication means we'll keep you updated on progress throughout your project.

Do I need permits for my pole barn?

In most cases, yes, you will need permits for your pole barn construction in Colorado. Permit requirements vary by county and municipality, as well as by the size, type, and intended use of your building. Generally, any structure over a certain square footage (often 200 square feet) or any building that will have electrical, plumbing, or be used for human occupancy will require permits.

Agricultural buildings may have different requirements than residential or commercial structures.

At Altitude Builders, we understand that navigating the permit process can be overwhelming, which is why we offer guidance and assistance throughout this important step. Our extensive experience building in Pueblo, El Paso, Fremont, Custer, and Huerfano counties means we're familiar with local building departments and their specific requirements.

We can help you understand what permits you'll need, assist with preparing the necessary documentation including our engineered building plans, and advise on typical timelines and costs for permit approval. While property owners are ultimately responsible for obtaining permits, we're here to make the process as smooth as possible and ensure your building meets all local codes and regulations.

During your free estimate consultation, we'll discuss the specific permit requirements for your location and project type.

How are your buildings engineered for Colorado snow loads?

At Altitude Builders, engineering for Colorado's heavy snow loads is a critical aspect of every building we design. Our structures are specifically engineered to meet or exceed all Colorado snow and wind load codes, which vary by location and elevation throughout our service area.

We understand that a building in Westcliffe or Woodland Park faces different snow load requirements than one in Pueblo West, and we design accordingly to ensure your building's safety and longevity.

Our engineering approach includes using engineered trusses specifically designed for your building's location and calculated snow load requirements, implementing proper roof pitch to encourage snow shedding while maintaining structural integrity, and utilizing 29 gauge metal roofing that can withstand the weight and moisture of heavy snow.

We also ensure proper post spacing and use treated materials to handle the freeze-thaw cycles common in Colorado, incorporate appropriate bracing and structural connections to handle both snow weight and high winds, and design with safety factors that exceed minimum requirements for added peace of mind.

Each building comes with engineered plans that document these specifications, giving you confidence that your structure is built to handle whatever Colorado weather throws at it. This attention to engineering detail is one reason why our buildings are known for their durability and long-lasting performance.

What is the expected lifespan of your pole barns?

When properly maintained, pole barns built by Altitude Builders are designed to last 40-60 years or more, with many lasting even longer. Our commitment to using superior materials and construction techniques, combined with engineering specifically for Colorado's climate conditions, ensures exceptional longevity.

The lifespan of your building is significantly influenced by our quality construction practices, including the use of treated lumber for ground contact areas, 29 gauge metal roofing and siding that resists corrosion, and engineered trusses designed for long-term structural integrity.

Several factors contribute to maximizing your pole barn's lifespan, including regular maintenance such as keeping gutters clear and addressing any minor issues promptly, proper site drainage to prevent water accumulation around posts, quality of initial construction which is why our owner-supervised approach makes such a difference, and appropriate use within the building's designed parameters.

Our metal roofing and siding typically come with 40-year paint warranties, while the structural components are built to last even longer. Many of our clients view their pole barn as a multi-generational investment, knowing that with basic maintenance, the building will serve their family or business needs for decades to come. During your consultation, we can discuss specific maintenance recommendations to help ensure your building achieves its maximum lifespan potential.

Do you offer any warranties on your work?

Yes, at Altitude Builders we stand behind the quality of our work and offer warranties to give our clients peace of mind about their investment. While specific warranty terms can vary based on the scope and type of project, we typically provide comprehensive coverage for our workmanship and structural integrity.

Our commitment to using superior materials means many components come with their own manufacturer warranties - for example, our metal roofing and siding often include 40-year paint warranties from the manufacturer.

Our warranty approach reflects our values of integrity and quality. Because owner Reuben Shrock is personally present at job sites ensuring meticulous attention to detail, we have confidence in the durability of every structure we build. We address any warranty concerns promptly and professionally, maintaining the same level of responsive communication that defines our entire construction process.

During your free estimate consultation, we'll discuss specific warranty details for your project type and answer any questions you have about coverage. Our strong reputation and 5.0 HomeAdvisor rating are testaments to our commitment to building structures that last and standing behind our work when issues arise.

Do you handle site preparation and concrete work?

Yes, Altitude Builders provides comprehensive site preparation and concrete work as part of our turnkey construction solutions. We understand that proper site preparation is crucial for the long-term stability and performance of your pole barn, which is why we handle these critical early stages with the same attention to detail we apply to the rest of your project.

Our services include site evaluation and grading to ensure proper drainage and level building placement, as well as excavation work necessary for your specific terrain.

Our concrete services encompass everything needed for your post-frame building, including pier holes and footings for posts, concrete slabs for floors when required, and specialized solutions for challenging sites such as those with slopes or poor soil conditions. We take special care with concrete work in Colorado's climate, using proper techniques to protect against freeze-thaw cycles and ensuring adequate curing even in cold weather.

By handling both site preparation and concrete work in-house, we maintain better control over your project timeline and quality. This integrated approach also simplifies your project management - you work with one contractor from start to finish rather than coordinating multiple subcontractors. During your estimate, we'll assess your site's specific preparation needs and include all necessary work in your comprehensive quote.

Can you build on rocky or uneven terrain?

Absolutely! Building on rocky or uneven terrain is one of our core specialties at Altitude Builders. Our location in Colorado has given us extensive experience with challenging mountain sites, including rocky outcroppings, steep slopes, and highly uneven ground. Where other contractors see impossible building sites, we see opportunities to create unique, stable structures that work in harmony with the natural landscape.

Our approach to rocky terrain includes specialized drilling equipment to set posts in rocky soil, custom engineering solutions to work with rather than against rock formations, and creative foundation designs that accommodate bedrock at varying depths.

For uneven terrain, we've developed techniques to minimize grading while still achieving level, stable buildings, including stepped foundations that follow natural contours, strategic post placement to account for elevation changes, and proper drainage systems to manage water flow on slopes.

Owner Reuben Shrock personally evaluates each challenging site to develop the best construction strategy. This hands-on assessment ensures we identify potential issues early and design solutions that maintain structural integrity while minimizing site disturbance and cost. Our mountain construction expertise throughout areas like Westcliffe, Woodland Park, and Cañon City has prepared us to handle virtually any terrain challenge your property might present.

Ready to start your post-frame building project?

Contact us for a no-obligation estimate!