Most contractors bring generic plans and hope for the best. After 500+ projects between Olympia and Yelm, we've learned exactly what works here—and what doesn't.
Remember hearing about that barn near Yelm that sank 8 inches in its first winter? That's what happens when contractors don't understand our marine clay deposits. We go 18-24 inches deeper than standard specs because we've seen what happens when you don't.
Last spring, we fixed a competitor's barn in Rochester where posts were literally pulling out of the ground. The owner said their contractor had "20 years experience." Just not here.
Properties near the Nisqually? That's Tuesday for us. We've engineered solutions for:
Every jurisdiction has its preferences. We know them all:
Two weeks ago, we got a Yelm permit approved in 21 days. The owner's previous contractor had been waiting 3 months.
Sure, everyone knows it rains here. But do they know about the Columbia Gorge wind events that hit Grand Mound? Or the micro-climates around Black Lake that create surprise frost pockets?
We do. Because we've been building through them for 37 years.
When Legacy Horse Rescue bought 40 acres in Tenino, they had big dreams and bigger problems. The property sat on a seasonal creek that turns into a river every February. Three contractors walked away from the job.
We didn't. Instead, we engineered a 80x120 facility with:
Result: "Last winter, we had water flowing under the barn for three days. The horses stayed dry and comfortable. ProBuilt saved our rescue operation." - Linda Martinez, Legacy Horse Rescue
Investment: $125,000 (including specialized drainage)
A craft furniture maker needed commercial space in Olympia's strict design district. The city wanted "architectural excellence." The owner wanted "affordable functionality."
We delivered both:
The kicker: We completed it for $32,000 less than the "architectural" bid from a Seattle contractor.
Final cost: $48,000 for 30x40 workshop
A logging company needed equipment storage that could handle 40-ton loaders. The twist? The site had been a wetland 50 years ago, and the soil was basically pudding 6 feet down.
Our solution:
Two years later: Zero settling, zero problems. The same company just hired us for their second building.
Project cost: $165,000 for 60x100 heavy equipment facility
A retired couple needed covered RV storage but had a challenge: their lot backed up to protected wetlands with a 100-foot setback requirement. Buildable area? Almost none.
We made it work with:
Happy ending: They're saving $280/month in storage fees. Building pays for itself in under 4 years.
Total investment: $31,000 for 14x40 RV shelter with lean-to
We show up with more than a tape measure. Our site evaluation kit includes:
Last month, we saved a Lacey client $15,000 by identifying a buildable area that avoided wetland setbacks. Their previous contractor missed it entirely.
While others wait months, we typically get permits in 3-5 weeks. How?
Recent example: Olympia permit for a 40x60 shop. Submitted Tuesday, approved 18 days later. The owner's friend is still waiting after 2 months with another contractor.
This is where local knowledge really matters:
We use a concrete mix specifically designed for our wet-dry cycles. It costs 8% more. It lasts 300% longer.
We've tracked local weather patterns for decades. We know:
Result: We finish on schedule 94% of the time, even in winter.
Every building gets:
But most importantly: A building that solves your specific challenge, whether that's flooding in Yelm or design review in Olympia.
Sure, any contractor can say they're "experienced." But when your property has 6 feet of marine clay, or sits in a FEMA flood zone, or needs Olympia design review approval, you need more than experience. You need local experience.
"Three contractors said my property was unbuildable due to wetlands and clay soil. ProBuilt found a solution in one site visit. My barn has been perfect for two years now."
- Janet Morrison, Rural Olympia
"They got my Tumwater commercial permit in 19 days. My friend's contractor has been trying for 3 months. That's the difference local relationships make."
- Mike Chen, Tumwater Business Owner
"When February's flood hit, water came within 6 inches of my neighbor's barn floor. Mine stayed bone dry, exactly as ProBuilt promised it would."
- David Williams, Yelm
Your property has unique challenges. Generic solutions won't work here. Whether you're dealing with clay soil in Rochester, flood zones near the Nisqually, or Olympia's design requirements, we've been there. We've solved that.
Call us at (253) 434-0550 for a free site consultation. We'll visit your property within 48 hours and show you exactly how we'll handle your specific challenges.
Or email [email protected] with photos of your site. We can often identify solutions before we even visit.
Stop calling contractors who treat Thurston County like anywhere else. Call the team that's been solving local challenges since 1987.
ProBuilt Metal Buildings: When local knowledge matters.