This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about Hansen providing stamped engineered plans, buildings with “no foundation,” and if a two story or single story structure is more economical to build.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you supply stamped engineering plans for building inspection purposes? DOUG in BENEZETTE
DEAR DOUG: Every building we provide comes with site specific, engineer sealed plans showing every member, its location and connection, as well as engineer sealed verifying calculations.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I see buildings with no foundation what is the code for pole barn foundations in Michigan? ANTHONY in GLADWIN
DEAR ANTHONY: IRC and IBC codes allow for post frame (pole barn) foundations to be columns either embedded in ground (properly pressure preservative treated, with sufficient means to disperse weight across bottom of holes, usually via a concrete footing) or attached to ICC-ESR approved wet set brackets poured into concrete piers.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Which would be more economical, to build a 40x64x12 post frame shouse with attic trusses over a 40 x 32 section for an upstairs or to build a 40 x 72 x 12 with no upstairs needed? BETH in CADIZ
DEAR BETH: All on one level will be more economical. Attic trusses do not come cheap, plus you lose the space wasted by stairs. One level also affords accessibility for those with limited mobility.
