Is it time to remodel, retrofit or rebuild? That’s the question livestock producers must answer at some point during the lifetime of their operation. After all, improving or building a new facility is a substantial investment for any livestock operation.
Where to start?
Remodeling involves renovating an existing building to improve its intended purpose. The purpose can be the same for which it was originally built, or it can be a new endeavor.
A major consideration is to evaluate whether the facility allows you to efficiently implement your business plan. If reusing an existing space will not allow you accomplish your plan, you may end up creating problems from a safety, health or efficiency standpoint. Bottom line, it may cost you more in the long run.
Here are some factors that need to be part of the evaluation process:
-What are the needs of the operation? This includes number and size of livestock, feeding methods, bedding resources, ventilation and water.
-How safe and labor-efficient is the facility? This may involve a floorplan where one person can do everything in an easy and safe manner.
-How is the structure of the existing building? This includes evaluating the structures condition and how this incorporates with interior floorplans and new equipment.
Another option is retrofitting the existing facility. This involves thoroughly updating and upgrading a building to meet the needs of a new, expanding or existing operation. However, retrofitting a structure is more typically expansive than a remodel.
Even though remodeling and retrofitting have some similarities, retrofitting is more or less a means to improve the functionality of a building by adding new technology and improved functionality as well.
“CCS recommends that you sit down with one of our livestock experts to help guide you to the best cost functioning solution. Our team sees dozens of remodel, retrofits and new builds each year, which allows you to tap into that expertise and decide the best solution based on your expectations.” CCS Construction Operations.
In the end, livestock producers must balance the value of an existing building versus the extent of the repairs and changes needed to be made, as well as, the final functionality of the facility.
A rule of thumb is that if remodeling is going to cost more than two-thirds the cost of a new building, then the new building may be the best option, when you include maintenance and repairs into the equation.
So, what’s the answer?
With 40 years of experience in quality construction and custom-built equipment, Central Confinement Service (CCS), carries the reputation as the highest quality builder of turn-key swine, dairy, beef, poultry, and other ag-related facilities in the U.S.
(CCS) has helped livestock producers make the most efficient decision, whether to remodel, retrofit or rebuild. In short, a decision that is strategically tailored to their unique operation and needs.
“Our Team, with over 100 years of combined experience, can guide you based on your facility needs and more importantly help you work up a realistic budget. With our in-house ROI tools, we will help you create the documentation that you can take to your financial institution. We also have financing sources that we work with daily that can help you finance your project.” CCS Construction Operations.
At CCS, our livestock facilities and equipment are custom-adapted to meet each producer’s individual production and financial needs.
From design through construction, we ensure that three key requirements for success are met. Our buildings are designed to:
- Maximize animal comfort and productivity.
- Provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient environment for workers.
- Be exceptionally durable and easy to maintain.
These three requirements serve as the foundation for everything we do, allowing us to provide the most effective design, equipment manufacturing, and construction service in the industry.
Design Services
- Our expert design team and years of experience in animal agricultural construction allow us to design highly productive, efficient and low-maintenance facilities.
- We offer both custom and turnkey designs, including dairy barns, cattle barns, hog barns, and poultry barns.
- Our capabilities include commodity barns, hoop buildings, and monoslope facilities—virtually any building option you can think of.
Construction
- Our experienced construction personnel ensures that your finished building will be one of the best-built facilities available today.
- At CCS we are dedicated to perfection. Our three key requirements for success lead to highly profitable and productive systems.
Equipment Manufacturing
- We have both stainless steel and mild steel manufacturing facilities, enabling us to create custom equipment and parts that precisely fit your design and needs.
- CCS incorporates only the highest quality materials in all manufactured products.
- Our sister company, MidPlains Industry, continually works to improve its processes and incorporate state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and techniques.
Bottom line, Central Confinement Service understands the needs of livestock producers, and we design facilities from a producer’s perspective. So, whether your needs are to remodel, retrofit or build new, you can trust CCS and our 40 years of industry expertise to be with you every step of the way!