In short
- What it is: a free, printable 4-page horse barn quote comparison worksheet for Marion County owners.
- Pages 1-2: a side-by-side grid for 3 quotes, from license and insurance to wind design, site prep, permits, warranty and price.
- Page 3: a sketch grid for stalls, aisle, tack room and doors.
- Page 4: questions to ask, red flags and notes.
This free horse barn quote comparison worksheet helps you line up three written quotes on the same terms. A lower price often just means something is left out, so fill in every row before you compare totals.
Download the worksheet (PDF, 4 pages)
What is on each page
| Page | What you fill in |
|---|---|
| 1. Builder and barn | Builder, DBPR license check, insurance, subcontractors, barn style and size, stalls, aisle, ceiling height, materials, ventilation |
| 2. Build and price | Wind design and engineering, tie-downs and doors, slab and stall systems, site prep, electrical, water, fire and lightning, permit, timeline, warranty, payment schedule, total price |
| 3. Layout sketch | A blank grid to draw stalls, aisle, tack, feed and wash rooms, hay storage and the tractor path |
| 4. Questions and notes | 10 questions to ask, 8 red flags, space for notes |
Ask for a written, itemized scope first. Without one, rows such as site work, permits and engineering stay blank and the quotes cannot be compared. See our guide to choosing a horse barn builder.
How to use it
- Print two copies
Pages 1 and 2 take three quotes; use a second copy if you collect more.
- Look up each license yourself
Use the state DBPR search at myfloridalicense.com and match the name to the contract and insurance certificate.
- Fill every row from the written quote
Mark gaps "not included" rather than leaving them blank, then ask the builder to price them.
- Sketch the layout
Draw your plan on page 3, then ask each builder how their plan differs. Our stall size and layout guide explains the common dimensions.
- Compare price last
Only after the rows match. Our cost guide shows what drives a quote.
What to watch for on the grid
| Row | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Permit pulled by whom | A farm barn may be exempt from the building code under Florida Statute 604.50, but floodplain rules still apply and living quarters are different. Ask who handles the paperwork. |
| Wind design | We do not state a design wind speed for Marion County. Ask what speed the plans use and whether a Florida-licensed engineer stamped them. |
| Ventilation | Penn State Extension recommends a window that opens for each stall, eave and ridge vents and a high ceiling. |
| Payment schedule | Tie payments to finished stages, and ask for written lien releases. |
Planning aid only. It is not engineering or legal advice. Confirm permits with Marion County Building Safety (352-438-2400, per the county website) or your city. We are a referral service, not a builder.
Ready to collect quotes?
Download the free worksheet (PDF)
Use the form below to tell us about your barn. Independent local builders may reach out with their own quotes, and you can drop them straight into the worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
What is in the horse barn quote comparison worksheet?
It is a 4-page printable PDF. Pages 1 and 2 are a side-by-side grid for three quotes covering builder, license and insurance checks, barn style and size, stalls, aisle, materials, ventilation, wind design, site prep, utilities, permits, timeline, warranty and price. Page 3 is a layout sketch grid. Page 4 has questions to ask, red flags and room for notes.
Is the worksheet free?
Yes. Download it directly from this page and print it for personal use. It is a planning aid, not engineering or legal advice.
Does it tell me what a barn should cost?
No. It helps you check that three quotes cover the same scope. For planning ranges, which are estimates and not quotes, see our Ocala horse barn cost guide.
Does it replace checking permits with Marion County?
No. A farm barn may be exempt from the building code under Florida Statute 604.50, but floodplain rules and living quarters are different. Confirm with Marion County or your city.