Man Rebuilds After Snow Load Destroys Previous Building

Oregon resident Bob Galven lost his wood-framed structure to a late-spring snow collapse. He turned to SteelMaster Buildings and assembled his replacement with one arm.

The Problem: A Building That Couldn’t Handle the Load

Retired postal worker Bob Galven of Oregon had watched a late-spring snow load collapse his wood-framed storage building, taking down the structure along with whatever was inside. The stress his building was under during a snowy winter, and the heavy, wet snow from the spring was just too much for his traditional wood building to handle. He was determined not to repeat the experience.

Bob needed a replacement building large enough to house his truck, his tractor, and a prized 1963 Ford Thunderbird he had been collecting and restoring. He was looking for something engineered to survive the kind of weather that had already taken one building from him.

The Solution: A 30′ x 52′ SteelMaster Steel Building

Bob compared multiple suppliers before choosing SteelMaster. What set the company apart wasn’t just the building specs; it was the people.

“I’ll tell you the truth. I shopped several companies when I was looking for my new storage building. It was Gordon Bingen that made the difference. Gordon is in the right business at the right company. He and I hit it off right away. Rich Merrill was very helpful, too.”

Bob chose a 30′ x 52′ building, which gave him ample room for all three vehicles with space to work.

The Build: One Arm, One Goal

Bob has one arm. He handled the majority of the construction himself.

He began by digging out the foundation on his own. The work was physically demanding, and some days were harder than others. When questions or doubts arose, Bob called his SteelMaster representatives directly.

“They assured me I could and would complete my building. They were with me by phone any time I had a question, concern or doubt.”

Bob eventually brought in a hired hand for portions of the build, and friends stepped in to help set the final arches. When the last arch was bolted into place, he compared the feeling to reaching a summit with a spectacular view.

The Outcome: Protection He Can Count On

Bob says he is proud of the outcome and of the process it took to get there.

“I’m very proud of the outcome.”

His 1963 Thunderbird, his truck, and his tractor now sit in a structure engineered to handle Oregon winters, assembled by the man who refused to let a disability or a difficult climate stop him from building something that lasts.