To buy or to build

[Davinator]

I have been stuck on the horns of a delima for some weeks now and could use some fresh insight. Here it is: I am needing a place to park my tractor/implements to keep them out of the weather. At first, I thought that I would just buy a simple "carport" and have it erected in a cleared spot on my land. Quick, cheap and easy, right?

Then, the more that I looked into the various options available, and became aware of some of the nifty things which could be included: Overhead doors, add-on rooms with locking doors, skylights, solar panels, etc, etc, etc, all of a sudden, the "cheap" adjective no longer applied and I began to seriously consider building something myself and designing it just the way that I needed it, with the option of adding on as time went by and the needs arose.

The property is way the heck off the beaten path and up a rather gnarly road and doubt that I could ever get a large truck (suck as a concrete delivery truck) to make a delivery so as to pour a traditional footing. So, I am leaning toward a pole style building of some sort.

I am a pretty handy guy, at least when it comes to carpentry skills, but have zero experience with building other than traditional stud wall, truss roof style construction.

Please offer suggestions on what you guys think regarding the various options available and possibly recommend some good recourses if I do head down the "do-it'yourself" route, which I think at this point, I really prefer.

 

[brin]

Over the years I have built 4 different pole barns, sheds and storage buildings...Not a difficult undertaking at all...I even used roll roofing on one and the roofing lasted 15 yrs. and then I replaced it with more roll roofing and it is still there ...It can be as easy or hard as you want to make it be...You can leave it with dirt floors which is fine depending on your application..you could add gravel or gravel and concrete...all up to you..You can do it alone or it is much easier with a helper..

Just google pole buildings and pole building plans and you will see how simple and straight forward they are to construct...

 

[crbr]

Just google pole buildings and pole building plans

How does one google?

 

[brin]

How does one google?

Google Search - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia :thumbsup:

 

[creekbend]

I have two of these structures. I have found them to be economical and structurally sound. They have withstood quite a few strong winds over the last seven years. They work for me. Installation by a crew of three takes no time at all. I don't even have all the sides enclosed. Just a thought. Eagle Carports - Nationwide installed metal carports, garages, buildings, rv covers, horse barns and more!

 

[MotorSeven]

If you have or can get your hands on the equipment, and have the time and desire.....do it. You will save a ton of money and learn something new. I am a scrounger, so this is what I have done in the past:
The poles are the expensive part, so search for used ones from power company's or their sub contractors. A local truss company can build your trusses pretty cheap or they may have some "mistakes" they will sell at a discount. Sawmills usually sell their seconds cheap(here I can get 1,000 bf of 1x6's for $135) for the siding. Then the only real expense is the tin & time.

 

[DAY]

MotorSeven gives good advice!
Depending on your location, the biggest- and first!- hurdle is the Building Code.
If you are lucky, there isn't one covering farm buildings a certain number of feet from a road. If you are not so lucky, there may be costly permits and visits from the building inspector.
And, while you are doing that "Google Thing" click on the "image" box. Often a picture is worth more than words.

 

[Davinator]

I have been scouring the internet, trying to find a set of plans for the simple structure that I have in mind, wit no luck. Here's what I have in mind:

A rectangular building 16' wide, 32' long, min. inside clearance height of 9'-6". I was thinking about a single angle sloping roof to the rear to allow the capture of all rainfall. I was thinking about sinking sonotubes to carry the vertical posts and spacing them every 8'. No floor being planned, I'll just haul in some gravel after completion.

Here is the real issue in my limited mind: Will I be better off using a beam to carry the center 32' span to keep the inside open and clear or would I be better off putting posts inside the structure to help carry the roof joists.

Then again, I guess the pre-made truss idea proposed for the roof would eliminate that whole concern and then I could hang gutters on both sides to collect water.

Absolutely no permit/inspection issues on this project. Completely off the grid in every way.

Hey, thanks for all the help and advice from all of you! I am getting excited about proceeding and getting started. While I think that I can pull this off, I am just AR enough to feel better with a set of plans to go by.:confused2: