A Multi-Use Building, Backhoe or Auger, and Loft Floors
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/23/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about a Multi Use building, using a backhoe to dig post holes, and the proper method to add floors to a post frame house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking at building a pole building want it to be about 72 ft long, 50 ft wide […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Lofts, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Footings
- Tags: Shouse, Multi-Use Building, Auger, Backhoe, Loft Floor
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There is a Right Way and This Way
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/20/2020There is a Right Way and This Way When it comes to building construction, there are a plethora of both right and wrong ways to do assembly. Pictured below is a wrong way (does not happen to be post frame construction). Roughly 20,000 post frame buildings of experience has taught us virtually anyone who can […]
Read moreA Post Frame House Photo
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/19/2020A Post Frame House Photo – and More Post frame buildings are amazing, after four decades in this industry I am still amazed at what can be accomplished with them. We are just now barely scuffing surfaces of a burgeoning residential housing market! I will begin with a disclaimer, this is not a Hansen Pole […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Bookshelf Girts, Wall Girts, Bookshelf Wall Girts, Concrete Apron, Barn Style Wall Girts, Diagonal Braces
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Fire Separation Requirements for Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/18/2020Fire Separation Requirements for Barndominiums and Shouses Loyal reader CHUCK in MERINO timed asking this question perfectly, as fire separation requirements for barndominiums, shouses and post frame houses had just made it to my list of subjects to research and comment upon. Chuck writes: “I was wondering if you could pen your interpretation of the […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Doors, Building Interior, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation
- Tags: 2006 Energy Conservation Code, 5/8" Type X Drywall, Fire Rated Doors, Two Hour Fire Separation, Automatic Sprinkler System
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Should My Barndominium Have a Vapor Barrier?
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/17/2020Should My Barndominium Ceiling Have a Vapor Barrier? With barndominiums, shouses (shop/house) and post frame homes becoming immensely popular, I have been learning more than I ever thought I wanted to learn about them. Rather than me just spewing on, today’s expert advice comes courtesy of building scientist Joe Lstiburek. Plastic vapor barriers should only […]
Read moreAdding Overhangs, Building Replacement, and Moving a Structure
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/16/2020Today the Pole Barn Guru assists with questions about adding an overhang to an existing structure, replacing two buildings on site, and moving an existing structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi I just saw your blog posts on the web and wanted to ask you my barn has no overhang on the ends and when […]
Read moreSnow Retention in Building Codes
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/13/2020For all of my friends in locales where it does not snow, you are welcome to take a nap through this article. For those of us who are seriously tired of winter, but choose to endure shovels and plows, please read on. Now snow retention is a subject well ignored by probably everyone you are […]
Read moreBeginning a Shouse Journey in Washington State Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/12/2020For many readers, you might be considering your new barndominium to be constructed in a jurisdiction without state energy requirements such as those in Washington State. Granted, Washington is a state either on the forefront, or totally out of control, when it comes to mandated energy efficiency, however fuels are not going to get any […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Building Drainage, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Insulation
- Tags: Windows U-29 Energy Value, Energy Efficiency Credits, R-49 Attic Insulation, BIBS Insulation, Raised Heel Trusses, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
- 2 comments
Beginning a Shouse Journey in Washington State Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/11/2020A shouse (shop/house), barndominium or post frame house project may seem daunting, however by doing lots of reading, research and asking questions, an average individual can craft for themselves a home they love, tailored to meet their family’s wants and needs. Loyal reader ROBERT in OLYMPIA writes: “Hello to the Pole Barn Guru or whoever […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Building Overhangs, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Post Frame Home, Concrete, Barndominium, Building Drainage, Budget, Shouse, Porches, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Barndominium, Post Brackets, Stick Built Building, Shouse, Porch, Pocket Gopher Review Process, Overhangs
- 7 comments
A Mezzanine for Your Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/10/2020A mezzanine is a common design feature found in all types of buildings- very possibly even your new barndominium, shouse or post frame home. Think of a mezzanine as being a lofted area above a room. International Building Codes outline some basic rules for mezzanines to help determine if it is an intermediate level within […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Shouse, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Lofts, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: 2018 IBC, Shouse, International Building Code, IBC Section 503.1, Fire Protection System, House Loft, House Stories, Mezzanine
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Overhead Door Opening, Boat Storage, and Transfer of Plans
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/09/2020This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about the required height of an overhead door opening for an Airstream Trailer, options for a boat storage barn, and plans for a previous project transferred without consent of EOR. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Airstream trailer – 2020 Globetrotter https://www.usadventurerv.com/product/new-2020-airstream-rv-globetrotter-23fb-954672-29 Width – 8 ft Height – 9 […]
Read moreSome Barndominium Kitchen Appliance Ideas
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/06/2020Some Barndominium Kitchen Appliance Ideas Barndominiums afford new home owners an ability to utilize their creativeness. We see it here at Hansen Pole Buildings every day – especially with uniqueness of exterior designs and features. A few folks have been asking for interior photos of our shouse (shop/house). Originally our living area was not designed […]
Read moreNo Leak Barndominium Windows
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/05/2020No Leak Barndominium Windows Steel covered barndominiums, regardless of whether they are PEMBs, weld ups or post frame, if they leak it is in one of two places. First of these is when an errant roof screw misses a purlin or is improperly seated. Second of these is around windows. As a builder I found […]
Read moreWhere Your Barndominium Dollars Go
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/04/2020Where Your Barndominium Dollars Go Recently published by NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) was their 2019 Cost of Construction Survey. I will work from their ‘average numbers’ to breakdown costs so you can get a feel for where your barndominium, shouse or post frame home dollars go. Please use this as a reference only, […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Building Contractor, Pole Building Siding, Trusses, Windows, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Concrete, Insulation, Footings, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Roofing Materials, Budget, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Excavation, Trusses, National Association Of Home Builders, Retaining Walls, Framing, HVAC, Backfill, Sheathing, Engineering, Plumbing, Electrical
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Condensation Above Metal Building Roof Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/03/2020Condensation Above Metal Building Roof Insulation Only those few long time readers or those who had time on their hands and have read every blog I ever wrote will recall this story about my adventures with metal building roof insulation: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/11/metal-building-insulation-in-pole-buildings-part-i/. Reader JOSH in CORVALLIS is having issues with how metal building insulation is (or […]
Read morePylon Sizes, Insulating a Pole Barn, and Plastic for Drainage
Posted by polebarnguru on 03/02/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about concrete pylon sizes, how to best finish and insulate an existing structure, and the best plastic for drainage. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What size do the concrete pylons need to be for a 24×36 building with an 11’ roof peak to be used for storage. […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Trusses, Ventilation, Footings
- Tags: Pylons, Insulation, Spray Foam, Footings, Plastic For Drainage
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SIPS for Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/28/2020It has only been five years since I first opined about using SIPs for post frame building construction: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/02/sips/. Since then, post frame homes (frequently referred to as barndominiums) have become quite the rage. Easily half of Hansen Pole Buildings’ inquiries are now for some combination of living space! I had recently done some further […]
Read moreWhat Makes Some Buildings Better Than Others
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/27/2020I answer literally hundreds of building related questions every day. These questions come from many different sources – our staff, drafts people, engineers, architects, building officials, clients, builders and social media (just to name a few). This question, posted in a Facebook group, is an exceptional one and I felt it necessary to share: “What […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Shouse, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses
- Tags: Stick Frame Building, Weld Up Building, PEMB Building, Post Frame Building
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Things Roof Truss Manufacturers Should Ask
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/26/2020Things Roof Truss Manufacturers SHOULD Ask, But Don’t Always I didn’t just fall off of a turnip truck yesterday, even though there are a few who may doubt my claim! Prefabricated metal plate connected wood trusses and I became close friends back in April of 1977. Yes, we had electricity then and no, I did […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Trusses
- Tags: Risk Category, Roof Slope, Attic Insulation Weight, Scissor Trusses, Building Span, Overhangs On Eave Side, Pounds Per Square Foot Truss Support, Truss Spacing, Top Chord Dead Loads, Wind Speed And Exposure
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Proper Screw Location for Post Frame Steel Cladding
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/25/2020Proper Screw Location for Post Frame Steel Cladding It was a pleasant October evening back in 1985 in Blacksburg, Virginia. My friend Dr. Frank Woeste was then a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences professor at Virginia Tech (officially Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) and he had invited me to teach one of his […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Roofing Materials, Steel Roofing & Siding, Powder Coated Screws, Fasteners
- Tags: Steel Cladding, Virginia Tech, Post Frame Buildings Screws Through Flats Or High Ribs, Ring Shanked Nails, Screw Location, Steel Roofing And Siding, Metal Connector Plated Wood Truss, Dr. Frank Woeste
- 2 comments
Monitor Style, Cost to Build a Floor Plan, and Adding OHD Openers
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/24/2020This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about the possibility of an open floor plan Monitor style building, what the costs of building s specific floor plan might be, as well advice on adding overhead door operators to a building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you design a truss system for a monitor style […]
Read moreBarndominium: One Story or Two?
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/21/2020Barndominium: One Floor or Two? Welcome to an ongoing debate about whether it is more cost effective to build a one story or two story barndominium. Commonly I read people advising two stories is less expensive than a single story. Reader TODD in HENNING put me to work when he wrote: “I’m curious why “Going […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Apartments, Trusses, Windows, Concrete, Post Frame Home, Footings, Barndominium, Insulation, Building Interior, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions, Budget, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Wall Insulation Cavity, Enclosed Vented Overhangs, Condenstop, Floor Trusses, Condensation, Ceiling Joists, Vented Ridge, Commercial Bookshelf Girts, Dripstop
- 4 comments
Barndominium on a Daylight Basement
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/20/2020As post frame construction moves into a world filled with barndominiums, shouses and homes, there are of course those who would prefer (or need due to lot slope) to build upon either a full or partial (daylight) basement. Post frame buildings are ideal for this situation. Reader LOUIE writes: “Hi, I just started the process […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Shouse, Building Interior, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Vaulted Ceiling, Shouse, Wet Set Brackets, Daylight Basement, ICF Block Wall, Ridge Beam, Barndominium, Post Frame Home
- 11 comments
Barndominium Egress Windows
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/19/2020Barndominiums, shouses (shop/houses) and post frame homes have become a popular alternative to ‘conventional’ stick frame construction. This creates a radical mind shift for those of us who have been focused on non-residential structures for years or even decades. An important consideration is including adequate windows for egress. Dedicated readers will remember my oldest step-son, […]
Read moreGetting the Best Deal on Your New Post Frame Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/18/2020A price quote is merely a number without a complete understanding of exactly what is or is not included in said quote. You have requested quotes for your new post frame building from a dozen or more providers and actually gotten four back, even after having to hound all of them for pricing! Frustrating when […]
Read more- Categories: Budget, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Post Frame Home, Building Department, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Trusses
- Tags: Engineer Sealed Building Plans, Warranty, Wind Exposure, Building Code Standards, Complete Building Code Information, Ground Snow Load, Flat Roof Snowload, Design Wind Speed, Engineer Of Record
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