Quarry View Building Group

A couple of weeks ago, our team hit the roads to clean up the stretch of highway around our headquarters. We understand that construction is about building stronger communities, not just structures.

What are your favorite ways to serve your community?

Is this timber frame pool house calling your name in the midst of the heat wave?

We enjoyed constructing the plans by Archer & Buchanan Architecture for this timber frame project!

What timber frame oasis do you daydream about?

Lancaster County has long been known for its rich agricultural heritage—but anyone paying attention knows the landscape is shifting. While farming still plays a vital role, more and more land is being used for light industry, small businesses, and creative ventures that support the local economy in new ways.

From farm-to-table markets and artisan shops to warehousing, veterinary clinics, and agricultural support facilities, people are finding innovative ways to work the land beyond traditional farming. It’s not a loss of values—it’s a necessity, driven by the rising cost of living.

But here’s the tension: zoning laws haven’t always kept up.

Zoning Should Evolve With the Community

Too often, zoning feels like a rigid system – black-and-white categories that don’t reflect the complexity of what’s actually happening on the ground. The truth is, every community is different. What works in one township may not make sense just a few miles down the road.

That’s why zoning needs to be more than a rulebook – it should be rooted in common sense and a living reflection of the community’s priorities and values and most of all with the aim the protect and prosper the citizens it governs. When laws intended to protect citizens begin to erode their property rights, we have failed in our mission to build stronger communities. Private property rights form the bedrock of all other rights, and their violation undermines the very foundation of a free and just society.

Local People Should Guide Local Policy

Zoning decisions should be made by those who have real relationships in the community, not by disconnected consultants or career bureaucrats who don’t bother to understand the community. When local input is left out, good projects can get delayed – or shut down altogether – because the nuances get lost.

Whether it’s a small business owner expanding a homegrown shop or a farmer looking to diversify operations, the zoning process should support smart, sustainable growth – not stand in the way of it.

How Quarry View Can Help

If you’re considering a project, give us a call. We’re happy to share our experience, connect you with the right professionals, and help guide you through the approval process.

Let’s build something that reflects both the land and the people it serves.

Interested in building with mass timber? Check out our mass timber construction services here: https://quarryviewbuildinggroup.com/services/#mass-heavy-timber

“It feels like a hug every time I walk into the barn”

The warmth of the beautifully stained Douglas Fir timber frame, and European style stall fronts makes everyone stop and absorb the beauty of this incredibly well thought out 7 stall barn.

The stunning doors in each direction, and an over 13 foot tall center aisle provide critical air movement even on the most sultry of Virginia days.

The exterior features a standing seam roof, James Hardie siding, custom-made aluminum doors, and beautiful stone and timber accents.

Not a detail was missed. From the waterproof closet in the wash stall, to built in closets and bench for the rider to prepare after her horses are tacked up, and tons of deep cabinetry to keep the tack room organized, this barn is one to behold. Even the feed cabinets were made to the owners specifications. Waterproof wall coverings in the laundry room makes handling, oversized, wet, blankets, a breeze, and the hanging blanket storage so convenient.

An oversized lounge, deep overhang in the rear of the barn for equipment storage and an accessible exterior bathroom for the staff makes this barn a wonderful experience for a horse, owner, and staff alike, all while beautifying the countryside.

An old barn once stood here, full of stories but no longer structurally sound. Our construction team carefully dismantled the aged timbers, preserving the character while ensuring safety. Reclaimed wood—retrofitted for strength—was re-erected within the original stone walls of the barn.

Now, this beautifully repurposed barn stands tall once more, transformed into cozy living quarters while honoring its roots.

As remote employees return to the office, it’s more important than ever for employers to create work environments that inspire motivation and prioritize well-being.

Our campus not only showcases our craftsmanship, but was constructed to serve as a sanctuary where employees thrive—thanks to abundant natural light and the thoughtful integration of biophilic design. Our adaptive reuse campus is a place where productivity, motivation, and health come together!

Timber framing is more than just a building technique—it’s a philosophy that celebrates the timeless connection between craftsmanship, nature, and design. To be a skilled timber framer, you need more than just the right tools; you need the right mindset. Based on our experience, here’s what it takes to succeed in this ancient craft:

The Right Mindset

– Blending Tradition with Innovation: Traditional timber framing relies on centuries-old methods, but modern tools and techniques can enhance precision and efficiency. The best timber framers embrace a balance between traditional joinery that has stood the test of time and, for some projects, incorporating more modern plated connection details. – Perseverance and Resilience: Timber framing presents its fair share of challenges—long hours, heavy lifting, and intricate joinery. Success requires perseverance, the ability to troubleshoot on the fly, and resilience in the face of obstacles.

A true timber framer’s mindset is one of respect for tradition, patience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Of course, the right mindset must be paired with the right tools.

The Right Tools

Have you taken a virtual tour of this equestrian training facility yet? We constructed a 16 stall barn, service barn & riding arena in Virginia!

Built on the land General Patton rode on before World War II, it was very important for all involved to honor General Patton and his barn in the design by drawing inspiration from it. The arched front door of the barn harken back to the historic barn.

This main entrance gives one the expansive 319’ view to the rear arena wall. 19’ longer than a football field! This light infused entrances thanks to the oversized cupola, centers one in the 16 stall barn that is exclusively stalls. This gives the horses the quiet to absorb their training and recover faster.

A breath taking glass and wood walkway leads to the Service barn, containing all the necessary wash, groom, tack, feed, veterinarian, and laundry rooms.

Behind it is a glorious lounge complete with a full kitchen, fireplace with doors that open to the arena. On the other side of the main arena aisle is a raised open viewing arena ideal for clinics.

1. Planning Around Manufacturer Price Increases

Manufacturers in the construction industry often implement price increases, which tend to be more predictable during certain times of the year. For example, many manufacturers issue annual price hikes, typically at the start of a new fiscal year. However, price increases can also occur sporadically in response to changes in raw material costs, labor shortages, or global market shifts.

Being aware of these fluctuations and planning your project timeline to avoid sudden price hikes can help keep your budget intact. In other words, if you’re expecting a price increase from a supplier, ordering materials in advance or locking in a contract before the hike can save you a significant amount of money.

2. Ripple Effect of Oil and Gas Pricing

Oil and gas prices have a direct impact on construction costs—particularly when it comes to transportation. Shipping costs for materials can increase sharply with rising fuel prices. This means that as oil and gas prices fluctuate, the cost of delivering materials from the manufacturer to the supplier, and eventually from the supplier to the job site, will also go up.

While it’s difficult to predict oil price fluctuations, staying updated on the global market can provide insight into when the best time to buy materials might be. This is especially important for projects that rely on bulk deliveries of materials like steel, concrete, or lumber.

3. Unforeseen Disruptions in the Supply Chain

Natural disasters can have significant long-term impacts on material supply. For instance, after Hurricane Helene devastated areas in the South, one of our timber connections informed us that three out of five of his timber providers went out of business due to the destruction. When a natural disaster strikes, the immediate effect is a disruption in the availability of building materials, which inevitably leads to price increases.

Similarly, the ongoing California wildfires have raised concerns about the availability of Douglas Fir, a common building material for wood-frame construction. As this tree is primarily grown on the western side of the U.S., any regional disaster—whether fires, floods, or storms—can limit supply and drive up prices due to higher demand.

While it’s impossible to predict when or where a natural disaster might occur, you can monitor regions where certain materials are sourced and plan your building schedule around potential risks.

4. Long-Term Supply Chain Impact

The ripple effects of tragic events extend far beyond the immediate damage caused. Consider the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, for example. In 2020, global shutdowns led to a wave of factory closures and supply chain disruptions. While many manufacturers have recovered, the long-term impact on supply and demand has lingered, resulting in higher material costs and longer delivery times.

In addition, the loss of a local or regional supplier due to a tragic event often leads to increased demand for the remaining suppliers, which in turn causes prices to rise. If a specific material or resource becomes scarce, it’s not just about the immediate lack of stock but also the future instability of the supply chain.

5. Political Shifts and Trade Impacts

Every four years, the U.S. experiences the uncertainty of an election year, where tariffs, taxes, and policies can shift dramatically based on who assumes office. The construction industry is especially vulnerable to these changes because many materials—particularly mass timber like cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels—are imported from Canada.

New tariffs or changes in trade agreements can lead to increased material costs, especially for products that rely on international trade. For example, if there is a change in U.S.-Canada relations or new trade barriers are introduced, costs for timber may rise. Keeping an eye on the political landscape during election years can help you anticipate potential price hikes and adjust your project schedule accordingly.

When is the Best Time To Build?

To minimize costs, here are a few strategies:

Buy Materials Early: If you anticipate a price increase, consider buying materials in bulk ahead of time or locking in prices through long-term agreements.

Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your project timeline if global or regional events affect material availability or delivery.

Choose an Experienced Builder: You’ll never regret hiring an expert contractor to help you navigate the factors that influence fluctuating construction costs and supply chain challenges.

Ultimately, the best time to construct a new building depends on a careful assessment of your specific project’s needs and the broader market conditions. By partnering with an experienced builder, like Quarry View Building Group and staying informed about these key factors, you can make smarter decisions and avoid costly delays or unexpected price hikes.

The National Center for Healthy Veterans (NCHV) at Valor Farm stands as a beacon of hope and rehabilitation for veterans, with its mission succinctly encapsulated by the phrase, “Returning Healthy Veterans to America.” Nestled on a picturesque 340-acre property just 20 minutes south of Lynchburg, Valor Farm offers a unique, comprehensive nine month residential program designed to aid in the holistic recovery of veterans.

A month or so ago, we broke ground for the second village for the construction of 25 tiny homes and a 3500 sq. ft community center.

Do you have a vision for a tiny home community? https://quarryviewbuildinggroup.com/contact/