Do You Really Need an Engineer for That Barn Repair?

When folks see us replace major structural elements in a barn—especially beams carrying long spans—they often ask:

“Do you need an engineer to sign off on that?”

Fair question. So how do we know it’s going to work?

Experience.

---

We’ve rebuilt, reinforced, and reimagined hundreds of barns. We know what works because we’ve seen what fails—and because we know what’s required in new construction, where engineers are involved. That knowledge carries over. We don’t guess.

Take this project in Salmon Arm. The beam in question spanned 24 feet and supported trusses. What was there before? A pair of 2x8s (!). What did we put in?

A four-ply, 14-inch LVL.

Was it overbuilt? Yes.

Was it engineered? No. It was better—built from years of firsthand knowledge and a commitment to never cut corners when it comes to safety or longevity.

That beam won’t sag. Ever. The customer can sleep easy for the next 50 years. That’s the kind of peace of mind that experience—and a bit of “overbuilding”—can buy you.

If we touch it, it’s built to last. Whether there’s an engineer's stamp on it or not.

Wondering if your barn’s structure is safe? We’ll give you the straight truth. No fluff. No fear tactics. Just real answers from real experience.