A newly constructed canopy to ward off the scalding sun at a Sparks lumberyard involves a cost-saving construction technique that trimmed 35 percent from the project's budget.
The 25,000-square-foot canopy at B&C Building Supply was built by Q&D Construction Inc. of Sparks. The $400,000 project protects the condition of lumber inventories that otherwise might be damaged by the sun's rays.
Working with architect Don Mackey of Reno, a design-build team decided to use a footing system made of helical piers to reduce building materials and costs. Helical piers are based on the principal of turning a screw anchor into subsoil to support the structure.
A traditional system would have used foundation stem walls and a floor slab to support the structure. Because a gravel floor will work for lumber storage in Nevada's dry climate, the team was able to eliminate a large installation of concrete and complete the job in 11 weeks.
Q&D Construction Vice President Tim Kretzschmar said the completed cost was less than $16 a square foot and was environmentally sound because it minimized the use of building materials.
B&C, a 35-year-old company that sells to contractors and homeowners, is owned by Randy Blackwell and Mike Ceccarelli.
