An interview with Martial Thevenot about "Better Buildings for the future"

August 2, 2006

1) Once upon a time, outbuildings needed only to be functional, but not necessarily attractive. How have aesthetics changed and why are consumers more concerned about looks today?

While price/cost remains a VERY important factor and will still get people buying galvanized quonset huts, people now realize that over the long haul (investment wise) they can get more for their dollar as an asset if it is something that is not only practical but "nice" and therefore more marketable! In the same breath - COMFORT is becoming a bigger and bigger issue - as the new generations get use to heated and air conditioned work areas. So ENERGY conscientiousness is also a growing factor. Therefore if we're going to make it comfortable - we need to make it affordable over the long haul too - and that requires an awareness of what to do to make sure the building is well insulated and well "finished".

2) How do companies like yours focus on providing buildings that offer both utility and good looks?

We have put literally millions of dollars and years of research in developing a building system that can be built pleasing to the eye, comfortable to work, live and play in, be durable AND affordable. First by using STEEL frames we can meet the need for structural integrity that will last and give peace of mind - especially now with the changing climate conditions that we are experiencing - i.e. higher winds - more storms, unusual snow falls to name a few. By putting where steel is needed we can offer the solution for that. Then by combining these with wood purlins and girts, we can offer the contractor and do-it-yourselfer all the ease and flexibility they have come to expect with wood. You can put windows and doors anywhere you want and do it easily without torches or welders, or worries that a post needs to hold up the roof! Also the wood/steel combination makes it MUCH easier for the do-it-yourselfer and can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in labor costs - which also helps keep things affordable. Another huge benefit that the wood purlins and girts offer is that it acts as a thermal break between any outside steel covering and the steel frame - thus eliminating any heat loss affects that comes from conduction through the steel!

By using wood for your outer framework you can now finish your inside and outside pretty much any way you want - and without having to build ANOTHER system on the inside! This not only lowers labor costs further - but adds to the potential for beautifying the building by being able to use more residential like finishes and trims.All Perka Building Frames come with prewelded and pre punched clips which also makes this whole process quicker and easier to complete.

Finally to put the icing on the ENERGY EFFICIENCY cake - we suggest an expanded polystyrene insulation foam board (like the P2000 Insulation SYstem) with at least one side reflective-diffusive covering to keep the harsh radiant heat out... And this insulation material - unlike many other conventional types that use glass fibers, will not rot, will not mildew, is NOT carcinogenic, is impermeable, environmentally friendly, acts as a thermal break, vapor barrier, radiant heat blocker and for ALL practical comfort purposes REALLY WORKS!

So we have Steel where steel is needed, wood where wood serves best and an insulation system where insulation is suppose to work!

3) People with land may not always use that land for the same thing, are more consumers looking long-term on their building purchases by buying something that could serve more than one purpose?

Absolutely. We have all come to realize that our buildings are ASSETS. And when making decisions about any asset, we must be fully informed and make wise choices. Knowing the things stated above will only ADD value to the investment and pay for itself not only every day that it is used, protecting other investments, our health and our overall well being! Furthermore - by having a building that already can offer the flexibility like what is offered by Perka Buildings, the building itself can always at anytime be easily converted and retrofitted for multiple purposes and uses as our needs, or that of new owners, change!

4) In your experience, what are some of the things your customers who are farmers look for in a building?

Probably the first thing is still PRICE... So whatever we do or offer must be done from the point of view of being good STEWARDS of our assets -- not only in the initial expense of construction - but then being educating about the cost of owning, maintaining and then reselling our buildings.

The next thing is being able to "match" the home looks - or at least be able to make it look appealing to the eye. So ability to finish like a home is quite important.

And then - as our energy consciousness grows - being able to efficiently heat and cool it is most definitely a growing need!

5) What else are your customers looking for in general?

Most certainly quality in workmanship, accuracy in the fit of the materials, ease of assembly are all "needs" that go without saying. We at PERKA BUILDING have gone the extra mile to meet this need. We basically pre fit all our frames in our shop before we ship to assure that they will go together as expected. Having to repair, replace or retrofit building materials in the field is the last thing anyone wants to deal with. It's a huge "waste" of money and time! We know this - we are all "customers" - so we put the GOLDEN RULE into play in every step of our product's process.

That said - clients want to be heard, want to be served, want to be respected and want to know that they are getting value for their money and that they can benefit from the experience that their "supplier" has gained over their life cycle to avoid any unnecessary discomforts in a building process. We know it can be a stressful time for some - so we do whatever we can to take care of as many of the little things as we can in the process too!