Barn project (with Tractor)

[Spencer]

Beautiful Barn! I am jealous that you got it done so fast. I love your username as well.

 

[rationalizer]

Spencer,

Thanks - the outside is done but there is still a lot more work to do!

The username was my wife's idea - so you can see what she thinks of what I'm doing!!!

 

[lblair]

Absolutely wonderfull job! Did you have carpenter back ground before you started? Were the plans good from them? Ive gotten several quotes now on having a pole barn built, but i know ill end up doing it myself. I realize your's is not pole constuction. I plan on using pole. Might as well use my digger for my own projects as well as the neighbors. Again you did a great job. Congrats!
Larry

 

[rationalizer]

Thanks!

I had no carpentry background to speak of when I started - and I paid a local guy to do the final framing. My big contribution was the trusses - which were easy to do, they just took lots of labor. I also did the staining/painting etc. - the grunt work. I paid the professionals to make sure the barn was "true" and would be standing 30 years from now! It really didn't them long to frame the walls and hoist everything into place.

 

[pajoube]

Really enjoyed your photos. If you get a chance, please include some shots of the upstairs also.
This is the type of barn (only smaller) that I want to build (upstairs and down).
PJ

 

[GaryM]

Looks like a barn anyone would be proud of!

Great job, do you take orders?

 

[rationalizer]

Gary,

Thanks! I'll have to pas on the career change - but I was surprised at home "easy" it was to do this (at least the stuff I did, which had the most labor hours) As always - it pays to hire good people to help you. The guy who did the final framing etc. was a real pro and was very helpful and responsive. He may not have been the "lowest bid" - but that isn't the only factor in chosing who does your work. Of course I also used some "local teenage labor" to help with the truss building - cheap and they were happy to make some pocket cash without having to wear a silly hat and say "fries with that?"

Bill

 

[BrettW]

Hi, great barn, do you mind give us a apx. cost of the structure? thanks, bw

 

[rationalizer]

Brett,

The barn cost about $45K - which works out to $15/sq. ft. This included the foundation (42" deep footers with 3 courses of block) , the trusses, 2x6 framing, Anderson windows, insulated garage doors, and "architectural" shingles to match my house etc. Not really a barn - more like the start on a house....

I'm sure I could have done it a lot cheaper, but around here the building trades are so tight that you definitely "get what you pay for" and I didn't want to hassle with chasing subs etc. It really got me thinking about how much I actually did pay for my house...!

Bill

 

[BrettW]

Thanks Bill,
I'll need a smaller barn in about 1 year, but I think I'll use your style. probably 24x32, one story with loft. I really like how it looks. I may look for red board and batten type vinal for the exterior. I just dont want to fool with maintaining the outside. thanks, brett