Grindstaff: Details big factor in construction of small buildings

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   "Whenever I go out on a job, I get every detail that I possibly can from a customer," remarked Brian Grindstaff, the owner of Brian's Buildings. "Whatever they tell me that they want, is what they get."
   Seventeen different size buildings are available at Brian's Buildings. Sizes range from 8 feet by 8 feet to 16 feet by 24 feet. The smaller size buildings would be appropriate for storing items like garden tools and push mowers, according to Grindstaff. He said the larger buildings can even be used as retail space by those who are interested in having their own business.
   "Some people buy the smaller ones for their kids to play in," Grindstaff said. "Then later mom and dad will take over the playhouse and they'll have a little storage area or something."
   From the time a customer pays for an 8-foot by 8-foot building until it is completed is usually within two days. A 16-foot by 24-foot building will take about four to five days. "I always allow a day or two in-between jobs in case I run over, because always, if I say I'm going to be there on a certain day or a certain time, I'll be there," Grindstaff said. "I've never been late."
   The first question that customers usually ask Grindstaff is about the cost of the buildings. "'The very first question I ask them is 'What size and what style did you have in mind?'" he said. "As soon as they give me a style, I ask them about what size and I can give them a price right then. The price includes everything, sales tax, delivery, setup, whatever color they want it painted and the color and style of shingles to match their house."
   The buildings, which can add to a property's value, require little maintenance. "The only thing they would have to do every few years is put a coat of paint on it," Grindstaff said. "That's about it. The shingles will last about 20 years.
   "They're all framed up out of two by fours. Everything is 16 inches on center."
   Each building comes with a double door. "They can choose whatever size door they want, four, five, six foot. I've put doors in the back, doors on the sides, and I've put in windows. Usually, they want the window to match the windows that they have on their house. I don't charge for the window, I let the customer buy the window and I put it in free, if they want a window."
   Grindstaff pre-fabricates the buildings in his shop. "I put it together on site, or I build it on site," he said. "It just depends on the location."
   Several buildings may be viewed at Grindstaff's display lot. "I have a display lot," he said. "There are several buildings on display. Everybody thinks that what is on the display lot is everything that I have. People don't realize that each job is unique. "
   Gable-style and barn-style buildings, as well as custom designed buildings, are available from Brian's Buildings, according to Grindstaff. Porches are also available for the buildings.
   The number one goal that Grindstaff would like to accomplish with the business "is to stay busy all the time."
   Grindstaff serves about a 40-mile radius. "I've put some in Johnson County," he said. "And I've put a couple just across the state line in North Carolina."
   The display lot is located at 795 Highway 91. For more information, call 647-1084.