4/28/2014
Spring Questions
Nathanael Bokelman
1. Do I need a master plan or will my dad’s vision still work?
Taking the time to think through your vision is very important. But even more importantly, you need to map the most effective ways of making it happen. As an example: You expect that someday you’ll need a large loading dock to handle the number of shipments from your operation. Today, you only need two. Laying out the property to accommodate that future growth may keep you from having to relocate greenhouse structures or being on top of a utility right-of-way.
Do your homework now for the future. Knowing where you want to go helps you master the uncertain future.
2. Do I need an architect/designer? Or can I do it on a napkin?
Contact your Nexus representative and have them guide you through what your particular project requires. There are some projects that require an architectural vision beyond what you can do. We’ll work closely with your architect to make the plan a reality. But in most cases, our experienced team can help you think outside the box to create unique layouts and innovative configurations. Our team of professional engineers is licensed in 49 states and two Canadian provinces. That means that they can work with you to provide certified plans that meet local building codes.
3. How long term should I be thinking when shopping for a new greenhouse? Should I buy the cheapest structure I can get and trust it will work out?
Cost is most certainly a factor in every decision. You also have to look at what you want to accomplish. Some people just need a temporary solution to accomplish a project and cost becomes an important factor. For most of us though, the old adage of “you get what you pay for” applies.
4. Do I need to buy from a reputable manufacturer or can I import something from a manufacturer that I’ve never heard of before?
We think being a reputable manufacturer is important. Nexus spends a lot of time and money making sure the products that we manufacture and design meet all applicable U.S. standards. Our company is successful because of our long-term relationships with our customers. Buying from a U.S. manufacturer gives you peace of mind knowing someone can be on your doorstep as soon as there are issues. Since our customers set the standards for quality in growing their crops, we have a commitment to build a structure that gives them the same level of quality. Our people attend conferences inside and outside the industry to stay abreast of innovations. We support the industry in many ways so that we know what our growers and retailers need and what their concerns are. We take leadership roles to protect our industry, such as being involved with the NGMA Codes and Standards committee. With more than 45 years of experience in this industry, we have an excellent track record.
5. Do I need permits or can I sneak it in when nobody’s looking?
In this day and age, there’s always someone looking. It’s highly unlikely that you can remain under the radar for very long and the cost of violating the rules can be very high. There are many horror stories about the permitting process, but even more about those who avoided the process and had to make changes later on.
Local and state municipalities are charged with protecting all citizens in the community and minimizing the negative impact on the area. Permits are generally required on most improvements and all new builds and are designed to make sure that structures live up to building-related requirements, such as structural loading, energy conservation, accessibility and zoning.
Make sure that you review the requirements of all of the licensing bodies within your local jurisdiction. Our staff can make suggestions and share their knowledge of how others have weathered the permitting process to make it less difficult. We can help explain the questions that those government bodies will have since we understand and design for wind and snow load to meet their local requirements.
6. Do I need to hire someone to erect it or will my watering crew suffice to put it up?
That’s a different answer for each company. We know several companies whose families and employees set aside part of each year to do new construction on their Nexus projects and they do a great job. A trained and skilled builder can make the build less complicated, erect it faster than your people can and allow you to do what you do best—and that’s run your business.
7. How long do I need to build my new greenhouse?
Let us work with you from the beginning of your project to avoid the pitfalls of not planning enough time. Mother Nature doesn’t consult with our best-laid plans. You always have to know what your back-up plan might be when the coldest winter on record hits the country. Permitting may also play a role in the time required, as well as availability of labor crews. Our experience can help guide you through all the planning stages of your next greenhouse, start to finish.
One or more of these questions may have hit home for you. If you have any of your own questions, call us to talk about your project and get the benefit of our years of industry experience at (800) 228-9639 or
www.nexuscorp.com.
GT
Nathanael Bokelman is Design Engineer for Nexus Corporation in Northglenn, Colorado.