Frequently Asked Questions

You will work with Bobby Payne, owner of Flint Hills Barns and Buildings Co. Bobby is a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime field service engineer who believes customers deserve practical guidance and straight answers. FHBB is a Kansas-based online building dealer, so most planning, quoting, and ordering is handled by phone, email, and secure online checkout.

Use our building quote form and tell us what you want to build, your preferred size, how you plan to use it, and the installation ZIP code. Bobby will review the request, confirm the important details with you, and prepare a written quote based on the product, options, delivery location, and available installation service.

The most helpful details are your installation ZIP code, intended use, preferred width and length, required height or door clearance, installation surface, site-access conditions, and any doors, windows, lean-tos, colors, or other options you are considering. Site photos are helpful for larger projects.

Yes. Our goal is to give you a clear written quote that shows the building, selected options, and the delivery or freight arrangements we can confirm. Freight rates for some oversized products and shipping containers can change quickly, so the quote will also show any expiration date or delivery items that still need confirmation.

Usually, yes. A quote is part of the planning process. Tell Bobby what you want to change and we can revise the size, configuration, options, or delivery details before you approve and pay for the order. Changes may not be possible after a custom order has been accepted or released to the manufacturer.

We confirm the final scope, exclusions, delivery address, site and unloading responsibilities, payment schedule, and any required documents. FHBB then creates the order through Shopify and sends a secure checkout link. The order is released only after the required payment and final details are verified. You will receive the next available production, freight, delivery, pickup, or installation information as it is confirmed.

Timing varies by product, customization, engineering, manufacturer workload, material availability, freight, destination, weather, site readiness, and installer availability. We will share the best estimate available, but production and delivery dates are not guaranteed unless the written order documents expressly say otherwise. Do not schedule concrete crews, installers, equipment rentals, or other contractors solely from an estimated date.

FHBB is the dealer and customer-planning contact. The product may be manufactured, freighted, delivered, or installed by independent manufacturers, carriers, depots, or installation contractors identified for the order. Their availability and responsibilities vary by product and location. Your written quote will identify the expected parties and scope before payment.

Unless specifically included in writing, plan for site clearing and grading, gravel or concrete, drainage, foundations, utilities, permits, surveys, engineering, unloading equipment, assembly, installation, anchoring, equipment rental, and work by local trades to be separate customer responsibilities. The written quote and order documents control if they differ from general website information.

Delivery coverage varies by product, manufacturer, installation area, and destination. Send us your installation ZIP code and we will confirm whether the product can be delivered, professionally installed, shipped as a materials-only package, or picked up from the manufacturer.

It depends on the product and destination. Product pages may show estimated, included, or calculated shipping, but oversized freight often requires a location-specific quote. Your written quote or checkout summary will clearly state what is included before you pay. See our Shipping Policy for general terms.

Not always. Some deliveries include specialized unloading, while others require the customer to provide a forklift, crane, telehandler, container tilt-bed arrangement, or another suitable method. We will identify the expected unloading responsibility before the order is placed.

Often, yes, provided the delivery vehicle can safely reach and leave the site. Tell us about narrow roads, low branches or wires, soft ground, steep grades, tight gates, bridges, limited turning space, or seasonal access. The driver makes the final safety decision at delivery.

The carrier or driver may refuse unsafe access or unloading. Waiting time, redelivery, storage, return freight, additional equipment, or supplier fees may apply when the site, access route, unloading equipment, or responsible receiving person is not ready as agreed. Contact Bobby as soon as conditions change so the delivery plan can be reviewed.

Wait for a confirmed delivery or pickup appointment before committing contractors, equipment, lodging, or travel. Freight and installed-building schedules can change because of production, weather, route, permitting, site, or carrier conditions. FHBB is not responsible for third-party costs booked from an unconfirmed estimate.

Installation depends on the product and installation ZIP code. Some buildings are sold with professional installation, while others are materials-only packages. Your written quote will clearly identify whether installation is included and what work remains the customer's responsibility.

A materials-only building is supplied as a component package without installation. Manufacturer documents and installer support vary, and a materials-only package may not carry the same installed-structure warranty as a building installed by an approved crew. The customer and installer are responsible for unloading, permits, site preparation, required engineering, foundation, anchoring, utilities, assembly, and work not specifically included in the quote. We strongly recommend using an experienced building installer and reviewing all manufacturer documents before work begins.

Requirements vary by structure, but most projects need a level, accessible, properly drained area that is large enough for both the finished building and the installation crew. Concrete, gravel, compacted soil, or another foundation may be required. Confirm the final site plan, drainage, utilities, and foundation requirements before work begins.

Anchoring depends on the building, foundation, soil conditions, local wind and snow requirements, and the manufacturer's specifications. Concrete anchors, earth anchors, or engineered foundation connections may be used. The correct anchoring method must be confirmed for your site and structure; it should never be treated as an optional finishing detail.

Possibly. Building permits, zoning approval, setbacks, snow and wind ratings, and stamped drawings are controlled locally. The property owner is responsible for checking with the local authority before ordering or beginning site work. Tell us early if your jurisdiction requires engineered or stamped drawings so we can verify what documentation is available.

The term usually refers to a specific building configuration supported by manufacturer or engineer documentation for stated design loads when it is assembled, founded, and anchored exactly as required. Certification is model-, size-, location-, and foundation-specific; it is not a general promise that every product in a series meets every local code. Confirm the exact wind, snow, seismic, exposure, and drawing requirements with your local authority and the written building documents.

A single-truss shelter uses a simpler arch or truss assembly and is often the more economical choice for smaller spans and general storage. A double-truss design adds another structural member and bracing to create a more rigid frame, so it is commonly used for wider buildings, larger clear spans, and heavier-duty applications.

Double truss does not automatically mean that a building meets every wind or snow requirement. Steel diameter and gauge, truss spacing, purlins, connections, foundation, anchoring, and the complete engineered design all matter. Always compare the manufacturer's documented ratings for the exact model rather than relying on the truss label alone.

PE stands for polyethylene. PE covers are generally lighter and more economical, making them common on smaller or budget-focused shelters. A quality PE cover may still be waterproof, UV-treated, reinforced, and appropriate for years of service when it is correctly tensioned and maintained.

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. Shelter covers described as PVC are commonly made with a strong woven polyester base coated or laminated with PVC. They are often offered in heavier weights and heavy-duty applications where resistance to weathering, abrasion, and frequent use is important.

Neither acronym tells the whole story. Compare the cover weight, reinforcing fabric, UV treatment, seams, flame rating when applicable, expected service life, and written warranty. “PCE” is not the usual shelter-cover term and is normally a mistaken reference to PVC.

Not automatically. Fabric weight may be listed in ounces per square yard or grams per square meter, and a heavier cover generally contains more material. However, material type, reinforcing scrim, coating quality, UV protection, seam construction, proper tension, climate, and maintenance also affect service life. The manufacturer's specifications and warranty are better guides than fabric weight by itself.

Wind and snow ratings describe the loads a specific building design is documented to resist when it is properly assembled, anchored, and maintained under the manufacturer's requirements. They are not interchangeable with phrases such as “heavy duty” or “all weather.” Ask for the exact model's documentation and compare it with local code requirements before ordering. Never assume an unrated shelter meets a particular wind or snow load.

Vertical roof: Roof panels generally run from the ridge toward the eaves, helping rain, snow, leaves, and debris shed efficiently. It is often the preferred construction for larger spans, longer buildings, and demanding weather conditions, subject to the specific manufacturer's engineering.

Boxed Eave roof: This has an A-frame appearance with squared eaves, while roof panels typically run horizontally from front to back. It provides a finished roofline at a lower starting cost than many vertical-roof designs, but horizontal seams may require more attention to debris and water management.

Regular roof: This economical style uses rounded roof edges and roof panels that typically run from front to back. It is commonly used for smaller carports and shelters where the manufacturer's size and load requirements permit it.

Availability, framing, panel orientation, bracing, certification, and price vary by size, destination, and manufacturer. Choose the closest option on the quote form or select “Help me decide” for a recommendation.

Start with what must fit inside, the required door and equipment clearance, how people or animals will move through the space, and what you may need a few years from now. Bobby can help you compare sizes, roof and frame choices, doors, windows, lean-tos, ventilation, anchoring, and other common choices. For a complete walkthrough, download the Custom Building Planning Guide before requesting your quote.

Yes. Depending on supplier availability, a custom barn quote may include stall fronts, partitions, tack, feed, or wash-room components, doors, gates, stable hardware, flooring, feeders, waterers, and related accessories. Final layouts must follow manufacturer requirements, local codes, and appropriate horse- or livestock-safe construction practices.

Not always. Photos, renderings, diagrams, and color samples may be representative and can show optional features, different sizes, or prior projects. Custom buildings are produced from the approved written configuration. Used shipping containers vary in age, color, dents, patches, surface rust, repairs, and interior appearance. Review the written scope, drawings when provided, specifications, current depot photos when available, and color samples before approving the order.

The container type describes its size and configuration. The condition grade describes its current condition and intended service. For example, a container can be a 40-foot High Cube in One-Trip, Cargo Worthy, or Wind and Water Tight condition.

A standard dry container is normally 8 feet 6 inches high on the exterior. A High Cube is normally 9 feet 6 inches high, providing one additional foot of exterior height and more interior clearance. Door openings and exact interior dimensions are smaller than the exterior dimensions, so always verify the specification sheet when equipment clearance matters.

One-Trip: Generally the newest commonly available option. The container has usually made one loaded trip from the factory and may still have minor handling marks.

IICL: A premium used container inspected to criteria associated with the Institute of International Container Lessors. It should be in better repair condition than a typical storage-grade unit, but it is still used.

Cargo Worthy (CW): A used container inspected as structurally suitable for cargo transport at the time of its survey. Anyone planning to export it should confirm the current inspection and CSC requirements rather than relying only on the sales grade.

Wind and Water Tight (WWT): A used container intended primarily for secure ground-level storage. It should close properly and keep out normal wind and rain, but it is not represented as currently certified for ocean cargo service. The term does not mean the container is submersible or free from interior condensation.

As-Is or Damaged: Sold in its current condition and may require repairs. Holes, floor damage, difficult doors, heavy corrosion, or structural damage may be present depending on the unit.

Age, color, dents, patches, surface rust, previous repairs, and interior condition can vary within any used grade. Current depot photos or an inspection are recommended when appearance or a particular use matters.

An inside-mount shelter attaches closer to the inner edges of the supporting containers. This usually creates a narrower overall roof footprint and can work well when the space between the containers is the main protected area. An outside-mount shelter attaches toward the outer edges, creating a wider roof and additional coverage over the container roofs or sides.

Mounting style affects total width, container spacing, attachment details, drainage, and usable clearance. Use the spacing and attachment requirements for the exact shelter model; do not position or modify the containers based only on a general diagram.

No, unless the product page or written quote specifically says they are included. Most container-shelter listings are for the new shelter kit that mounts between or over customer-supplied containers. We will confirm the parts list, mounting style, required container spacing, and available setup documentation before purchase.

Container cancellation and return terms depend on the depot, supplier, unit, and progress of the order. A paid container order may become non-cancellable once it is reserved, dispatched, or leaves the depot. The written quote and product-specific supplier terms control. Review current photos or request a depot inspection when available before approving the order.

After you approve the written quote, we create the order through Shopify and send you a secure checkout link. Depending on the product and order, the written quote may require payment in full, a deposit, milestone payments, or the remaining balance before production, shipment, delivery, or installation. The applicable quote and checkout page will state the payment schedule. The order is not released until the required payment, delivery details, scope, and exclusions have been verified. Review our Payment Policy and Terms of Service for general terms.

For customer protection, online payments are completed through secure Shopify checkout using the payment methods shown for the order. We do not request complete card numbers, bank-account credentials, or other sensitive payment details by ordinary email, text message, or website forms. We do not send surprise wire-transfer or off-platform payment requests. If you need help placing an order, we can create a draft order through Shopify and send you a secure checkout link. If a request seems unusual, stop and call Bobby at 620-551-1194 before paying.

Synchrony Financing - Pay Over Time may be available at eligible checkout for qualifying purchases. Availability is not guaranteed for every product or order. Approval, available offers, rates, terms, fees, and eligibility are determined by Synchrony. Review the financing overview.

When Synchrony is offered at an eligible checkout, you can select it there and continue through Synchrony's separate application and offer-review process. The FHBB quote form is not a credit application.

No. Selecting Yes or Maybe on the FHBB quote form only tells Bobby to include financing information when he follows up. It does not apply for credit, affect the quoted price, or guarantee that financing will be available.

A custom-quoted project may be eligible when the final order can use a supported checkout. Bobby will first confirm the building details, delivered price, and order process. Do not rely on financing availability until the final checkout path has been confirmed.

Synchrony makes the credit decision and determines any available offers, rates, terms, fees, and eligibility. Flint Hills Barns and Buildings Co. does not approve applications or set financing terms.

Applicable sales tax is calculated or collected based on the order, product, delivery location, and current tax rules. If you believe the purchase is exempt, provide a valid exemption or resale certificate before the order is finalized. FHBB may need time to review the documentation, and an exemption is not effective until it is accepted for the transaction. Customers remain responsible for taxes, use tax, or documentation required by their jurisdiction.

Inspect the shipment before the driver leaves whenever possible. Photograph the load, packaging, labels, and damage; note visible damage on the delivery receipt or bill of lading; keep the packaging; stop assembly or installation; and contact FHBB immediately. Visible freight damage must be reported within 48 hours. Concealed damage must be reported no later than 7 calendar days after delivery. Carrier, supplier, and written policy deadlines may be shorter, so prompt notice is essential. See the Shipping Policy for details.

Eligible, unused standard items may be returnable within 14 calendar days, subject to the posted Returns Policy and supplier terms. Custom, made-to-order, and special-order products are generally non-returnable. Do not ship anything back until return authorization and instructions have been confirmed.

Contact us immediately. We can usually revise or cancel a quote before payment, but a paid custom order may become non-cancellable once it has been accepted, released, ordered, engineered, fabricated, reserved, or placed into production by the supplier. The written quote, order status, product-specific terms, and documented costs control any cancellation or refund.

Warranty coverage varies by product, manufacturer, component, and installation method. Some warranties apply only when the manufacturer's approved crew installs the building, and materials-only packages may have limited or no installed-structure coverage. We will identify the applicable written warranty and important exclusions before you order.

Contact Bobby promptly if parts appear missing, damaged, incorrect, or if you need help identifying the correct supplier or warranty process. Keep the packaging, labels, photos, delivery paperwork, model and order information, and do not modify or discard disputed parts. FHBB will help document the issue and coordinate with the responsible manufacturer, carrier, depot, or installer, but replacement, repair, labor, and warranty decisions remain subject to the written order and third-party terms.