If you have never ordered custom trusses before, the process can feel more complicated than it needs to be. You know what you are building, but you may not know exactly what information a truss manufacturer needs to give you an accurate quote. Calling without that information usually means a second or third call, which costs you time when your project schedule is already tight.
At H&S Truss LLC in Irvington, Kentucky, we work with contractors, builders, lumber yards, and homeowners every day. The calls that go smoothest are the ones where the customer comes in with a few key details already in hand. This post walks you through exactly what those details are, why each one matters, and how to find them if you are not sure where to look.
Start with Your Building Plans or Blueprints
If you have engineered drawings or architectural plans for your project, pull those out first. They contain most of what we need. If you are working from a rough sketch or have not finalized plans yet, that is fine too. We can work with you, but the quote will be less precise until the dimensions are locked in.
What we are looking for in your plans:
- Overall building dimensions (length and width)
- Roof pitch or slope
- Overhangs on the eaves and rakes
- Any interior bearing walls or open-span requirements
- Ceiling type (flat, vaulted, cathedral, or attic storage)
Know Your Span and Pitch
These two numbers drive most of the engineering on a truss. The span is the outside-to-outside measurement of the building where the trusses will bear. The pitch is the angle of the roof, usually expressed as a ratio like 4:12 or 6:12, meaning the roof rises four or six inches for every twelve inches of horizontal run.
If you are not sure of your pitch, think about what the building will look like and what style of roof you want. A steeper pitch sheds water and snow better and gives you more attic space, but it uses more lumber. A shallower pitch costs less in materials but needs more attention in heavy snow or rain climates. We can help you think through what makes sense for your project and your location in Kentucky.
H&S Truss builds trusses with spans up to 80 feet, so even large open-floor-plan builds, barns, and commercial structures are well within what we can engineer and deliver.
Identify Your Truss Type
Not all trusses are the same, and the type you need depends on what your building has to do. Here are the most common types we manufacture and what each one is used for.
Common Roof Truss Types
- Fink truss: The most common choice for residential construction. Efficient use of lumber, strong across standard spans, works well for gable roofs.
- Hip truss: Used when all four sides of the roof slope down to the walls. More complex to engineer but a clean look for residential and commercial builds.
- Attic truss: Designed with usable space in the center of the truss frame. Good for homeowners who want storage or a bonus room without adding square footage to the building footprint.
- Vaulted or scissor truss: Creates sloped interior ceilings. Popular in residential builds where the homeowner wants a high, open ceiling look.
- Agricultural truss: Engineered for barns, equipment sheds, stables, and large-span outbuildings. These prioritize clear span and durability over aesthetic considerations.
If you are not sure which type fits your project, that is what we are here for. Tell us what the building will be used for and we can recommend the right design.
Know Your Load Requirements
Every truss is engineered to handle specific loads. Loads fall into two main categories: dead load and live load. Dead load is the weight of the materials themselves, including the roofing, sheathing, and the truss. Live load is the weight of things that come and go, primarily snow, wind, and any equipment or storage that gets placed on the structure.
Your local building department sets the minimum load requirements for your area based on climate and geography. In Kentucky, snow loads and wind loads vary by county. If you have a set of engineered plans, the load requirements will be specified. If you are not sure, your local building permit office can tell you the required design loads for your project location.
This matters because a truss engineered for a 20 psf (pounds per square foot) roof snow load is built differently than one engineered for 40 psf. Getting this right upfront means your trusses meet code and perform safely for the life of the building.
Have Your Truss Count and Spacing Ready
Trusses are typically spaced 24 inches on center for most residential and agricultural applications, though 16-inch spacing is sometimes used for heavier loads or special conditions. The number of trusses you need is calculated from the length of the building and your chosen spacing.
A simple example: a building that is 40 feet long with trusses spaced 24 inches on center needs roughly 21 trusses. The count can vary slightly depending on end configurations, gable trusses, and framing details, but this gives you a starting point for your quote.
If you are not sure what spacing to use, tell us the building type, roof material, and any special conditions and we can help you decide.
Think About Delivery and Timeline
Custom trusses are manufactured to your specifications, so they are not something you pick up off a shelf. Lead times vary based on order volume and project complexity, but having your delivery date in mind when you call helps us plan production and coordinate the delivery schedule.
H&S Truss delivers throughout Irvington, Kentucky and the surrounding counties. When you reach out, let us know your project location so we can confirm delivery availability and talk through logistics. Trusses arrive pre-assembled and ready to set, which cuts down significantly on framing time compared to stick-built alternatives.
Do You Need Engineering Stamps?
Many jurisdictions require engineered and stamped truss drawings before issuing a building permit. Our trusses are designed by professional truss engineers and can be stamped when required. If your project needs a permit, check with your local building department early in the process to find out whether stamped drawings are required and what format they need.
If you are in a rural area or building an agricultural structure where permits are not required, stamped drawings may still be worth having for insurance purposes or if you ever sell the property. We can walk you through what makes sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get custom trusses from H&S Truss?
Lead times depend on order size and current production volume. Contact us with your project details and we will give you a realistic timeline based on where we are in our schedule. Getting your order in early is always the best way to stay ahead of your framing date.
Can I order trusses without a full set of plans?
Yes. Many of our customers, especially on smaller projects, work from basic dimensions rather than full architectural drawings. The more detail you can provide, the more accurate your quote will be. We can help you identify anything that is missing and work through it together.
Do you build floor trusses as well as roof trusses?
Yes. H&S Truss manufactures both roof and floor trusses. Floor trusses are engineered to handle specific live and dead loads for the floor system and are a strong alternative to traditional joists, especially on longer spans where you want to eliminate intermediate bearing walls or beams.
What is the largest span you can build?
We build trusses with spans up to 80 feet. Large-span trusses are common in our agricultural and commercial orders, particularly for equipment sheds, barns, and warehouses where an open interior is important.
How do I get a quote?
Call us at (270) 547-3036 or use the contact form on our website. Have your span, pitch, building dimensions, truss type, and approximate quantity ready and we can usually give you a ballpark figure on the first call.
Ready to Get a Quote on Custom Trusses in Kentucky?
H&S Truss LLC has been building custom roof and floor trusses for residential, agricultural, and commercial projects throughout Kentucky for over seven years. We are a family-owned Amish truss manufacturer based in Irvington, and we take pride in straight trusses built with top-grade lumber, engineered to perform and delivered ready to set.
If you have the basics ready, give us a call at (270) 547-3036 or reach out through the contact form at handstruss.com. We will get you a quote, answer any questions about your project, and work with your schedule to make sure your trusses are on-site when you need them.