New barn now, concrete later?

[ovrszd]

I think your answer depends on how badly you need the "shed" now. That's what it is until you pour concrete. A shed. If you need the weather protection or theft protection now then do the building and pour the concrete later.

My first shop started life as a machine shed with gravel floor. Two years later I poured concrete. As Eddie pointed out, "shop" work sucked on gravel.

With all that said I admire your concern about sticking with a budget. The enjoyment of your new shop will dissipate if you are struggling to make the additional payment.

 

[newbury]

One thing to consider is the future cost of materials, labor, etc. versus the cost of a loan.

My bank, Navy Federal is advertising home loans for about 2.5%. Check with your local land bank or ag bank, nailing in low rates now may easily make it worth borrowing the 20K for concrete.

 

[Alien]

I made the mistake of putting down crusher dust in my barn. Oh boy! It is now bull dust and my feet send up clouds when I walk around not to mention the dust that goes all over my trousers and everything else. When I drive my tractor in the exhaust blows up a cloud of dust over everything.
When my other farm sells I am building a decent BIG new shed (maybe 2) and the slab is going down first. Anyone want to buy a farm in New Zealand?
Country & Co Real Estate - 231 Otautau Tuatapere Road, Waikouro | Ref: CC2

 

[Wagtail]

Do it all at once is my advice. "pay once, cry once"

Because, as many here have said and despite all of your own good intentions, it will take exceedingly longer for you to 'get around to' finally putting that floor down.

With my own shed, the metal footings for the shed's frame were embedded into the concrete slab when it was poured = extra structural strength.