1. Which Greenhouse is right for me?

That’s a great question, though a complicated one.  First we need to determine what it is you will be using the greenhouse for.  If you are using the greenhouse for overwintering plant material, we suggest using a cold frame structure such as the Inflation Buster or Sun Lite.  The Inflation Buster is a traditional “hoop house” while the Sun Lite has a gothic profile.  The gothic shape helps shed snow, so the amount of snow typical in your area should be considered when choosing between the two building styles.  Whenever you are constructing a greenhouse that will not be heated, it is important that you select a model that is designed to withstand snow loads specific to your area.  We’ll be happy to provide you with more details.

If you are just starting a growing operation or planning a small expansion, a new freestanding greenhouse may be just the item you’re looking for.  Our Inflation Buster can become a fully equipped growing house as well!  Our Gothic style structures, such as the Sun King, Storm King, Sky King, and Super King greenhouses are extremely popular these days as more and more growers come to recognize the structural benefits of a gothic arch greenhouse. 

If you need more space than a freestanding house can provide, or would like to create a growing space that customers can browse, a gutter-connected structure may be what you’re looking for.  As all of our gutter-connected greenhouses are designed to meet each customer’s specific needs, please call us during office hours and we will be happy to discuss your project down to the slightest detail.

Want to learn more?  You can find much more information on this subject in our Published Articles section.

2. How are X.S. Smith Greenhouses Installed?

Believe it or not, most of our greenhouses are built by the purchaser.  The majority of our freestanding greenhouses can easily be put up in a day or two with a few hired hands. 

Our gutter-connected houses usually require a bit more assistance, though we still have plenty of customers that construct these themselves, as well.  Because gutter-connected structures require concrete anchors, extra precision is required in setting the columns.  Extra equipment may be required; such as an auger to dig the column holes or a scissor lift to enable laborers to assemble overhead components. 

X.S. Smith does retain a small group of sub-contractor crews who have been putting up our houses for decades.  We would be happy to supply an estimate to have one of our crews construct your greenhouse. 

3. Will my greenhouse need a permit?

For many agricultural applications the answer is quite often no.  For most non-rural gutter-connected applications, especially when retail customers will be present, the answer is usually yes.  Before purchasing an X.S. Smith structure we ask that you confirm this very important detail with your local building department.

Regardless of what the local building department requires, it is the policy of X.S. Smith to engineer all buildings we sell to meet or exceed the local wind and snow load requirements.

4. Do you charge sales tax?

We are required to apply state sales tax for any purchases made in NJ, PA, NC, and FL, unless you have a tax exemption such as for agricultural use or educational institutions.

5. What are your payment options?

We accept all major credit cards, money orders, personal and cashiers checks, and cash where applicable.  All orders must be paid in full before shipment, unless you have established a house account with us. 

X.S. Smith values our loyal customers and honors exceptional credit among new and old customers alike.  Please call and request a credit application if you would like to establish a house account and become eligible for partial down payments and installment plans.   

6. I don’t see ____________ on your website, do you sell it?

Our products are comprised of many components, all of which may be ordered individually upon request.  There are so many different types of equipment out there that we just can not fit all of them on our website.  Our roots run very deep in the industry, and chances are, if you need it, we can get it!  Just ask!

7. How long is my price quote good for?

Our products are fabricated from many different types of raw materials.  As many greenhouse industry veterans can tell you, material prices can fluctuate quite drastically based on seasonal changes and market conditions.  For these reasons, we typically honor all quotes for 30 days from the date of issue.  We are often able to extend this, in some cases for many months past the initial quote date.  Just give us a call to make sure.

8. What sort of things should I take care of before my greenhouse arrives?

There is a short checklist of items that the customer needs to consider before ordering a greenhouse.  Not all items apply to all projects. 

PERMITS: Are you required to obtain a building permit? (We can help!)
GRADING: Proposed project site should be graded and leveled before materials arrive.
STONE: (or sand, or dirt) to grade the area inside the greenhouse.
LUMBER: For wooden baseboards or wooden endwall framing.
CONCRETE: For column anchors, or for greenhouse floor.
HEATING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING: All serviceable plumbing and electrical connections should be
prepared at the site in advance.

Again, you can find much more detail on pre-build considerations in the Published Articles Section

9. You look like you serve the big guys.  I might be too small for you.

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