Category Archives: Building Department
Sheathing Under Portion of Steel Roof
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/01/02 @ 8:00Sheathing Under Portion of Steel Roof Loyal and very kind reader JOSEPH in LaPORTE writes: “Good afternoon, let me start off by saying that I’m extremely appreciative of your content. The reason for my email is that I’ve been contracted to build several 30x180x9 post frame buildings and my plans are calling for 5/8” OSB […]
Read moreIce and Water Shield with Threw Screwed Steel Roofing
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/12/05 @ 8:00Ice and Water Shield with Threw Screwed Steel Roofing Making sense of Building Codes can be a daunting task, even for Building Officials. Post-frame construction is vaguely mentioned, at best, within Building Codes, leading to at best head scratching and at worst total confusion. Ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane used to protect […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: IBC, Moisture Barrier, Ice And Water Shield, Roof Decking, Steel Substrate, Ice Shield, Water Shield, Steel Roof Panels, Threw Screwed Steel Roofing
- 1 comments
Post-Frame Building Utilities
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/11/30 @ 8:00Post-Frame Building Utilities Reader MICKEY in LIVINGSTON writes: “How is the wiring and plumbing handled with a construction such as this?” Utilities for a post-frame building is no different than for any other wood framed structure. During your new post-frame building’s planning phase, you will need to incorporate all necessary considerations for utilities to meet […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Building Interior, Pole Barn Heating, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, floorplans, Pole Barn Design, Building Department
- Tags: Outlets, Post Frame Were System, Electrical Plan, Post Frame Buildings HVAC, Temperature Control, Post Frame Utilities, Lighting
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Post Frame Footings, Delivery Limitations, and Foundation Types
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/10/25 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about common gable post frame footings, weight limitations for a building delivery and the possible solutions, and what types of foundations Hansen Buildings can design for in Weld County Colorado. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is a common gable post footing compared to a main truss […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Building Interior, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn holes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Post Frame Footings, Footing Thickness, Materials Deliveries, Materials Weight, Jobsite Restrictions, Foundations, Crawl Space, Slab On Grade, Column Footings
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Residential Pole Barn Foundation With Clay Soil
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/10/24 @ 8:00Best Residential Pole Barn Foundation with Clay Soil and High Water Table Reader BOB in MOUNT PLEASANT writes: “What would be the best type of pole barn foundation for ground that is primarily clay, and has a water table that is generally as shallow as 24″? We are looking to build a residential pole barn […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Drainage, Professional Engineer, Barndominium
- Tags: High Water Table, Silt, Sandy Clay Loam, Clay Loam, Silty Clay Loam, Sandy Clay, Silty Clay, Geotechnical Reports, Geotechnical Engineer, Clay Soil
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Knee Braces in Post-Frame Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/10/12 @ 8:00Knee Braces in Post-Frame Buildings With Diaphragm-Action Design Long time readers will recall several articles by me in regards to knee bracing, including this one: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/01/post-frame-construction-knee-braces/ May 2023’s Frame Builder magazine (official NFBA magazine) published an article by Dimitry Reznik, P.E. and Dr. Kifle Gebremedhin specifically regarding knee braces in post-frame buildings with diaphragm action […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department
- Tags: Truss Design, Knee Braces, Building Diaphragm, Eave Deflection, Knee Brace Loads
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Bracing Site-Built Trusses for Lateral Loads
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/09/07 @ 8:00Bracing Site-Built Trusses For Lateral Loads Reader in SHINER writes: “I am building a gambrel style barn, 30×80, in two directions, in plan view, it looks like a cross. I am building the trusses based on an LSU publication, giving sizes of structural members, etc… I have built several structures before, not a gambrel style […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Lofts, Barndominium
- Tags: LSU Publication, LSU Agricultural Center, Midwest Plan Service, United States Department Of Agriculture, Design Roof Loads, Construction Codes, Wind Loads, Gambrel Trusses
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Can I Purchase Just Plans?
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/08/03 @ 8:00Can I Purchase Just Plans? writes: “I live in NC, and love the building pictured on your website–can I purchase just the plans? I’m attaching the picture for reference, and thank you so much for your time & assistance!” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: Thank you for your kind words in regards to this […]
Read moreAlaska Pole Barn with Actual Poles
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/06/27 @ 8:00Alaska Pole Barn With Actual Poles Reader DOUGLAS in FAIRBANKS writes: “Hello, I’m planning to build a 40×36 pole barn using 12 surplus power poles (3 rows of 4 poles) that are in good condition. They will be placed 6′ deep by a digger truck as a normal utility pole would be. The ground is […]
Read moreWhat Building Code Applies to Post Frame Construction?
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/06/22 @ 8:00What Building Code Applies to Post Frame Construction? Being a Plans Examiner in a Building Department would have to be one amongst this planet’s toughest jobs. Besides having to listen to clients who have their own ideas about how things should be built, there are volumes upon volumes of Building Code books and referenced texts. […]
Read moreEngineer Drawings, Build on a Basement, and an ADU
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/05/24 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about engineering drawings for a house– from a building inspector in Michigan, whether or not a post frame structure can be mounted on a basement, and if an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) can be constructed with post frame. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking for […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete
- Tags: Post Frame Home, Engineer Drawings, Post Frame Over Basement, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit, Engineering
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Converting a Traditional Framing Plan to Post-Frame
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/05/09 @ 8:00Converting a Traditional Framing Plan to Post-Frame Hansen Pole Buildings’ client SHAYNA in PHILADELPHIA writes: “Hello, I am looking to convert my traditional; framing plan to post-frame framing to get my walls up quicker. I would like to know what requirements need to be followed. The information I already have is that it’s best for […]
Read moreCode Official Questions Post Frame Slab Edge Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/04/13 @ 8:00Code Official Questions Post Frame Slab Edge Insulation Code Official MATT in PIERRE writes: “As a code official, I have approved pole barns for storage/garage use. they have not been conditioned. a new person wants to build one as a residence, how do the slab edges typically get treated? Would they need to extend to […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions
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Dragging Panels, Code Compliance, and “Some Assembly Required”
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/03/01 @ 8:00Today’s “ask the Pole Barn Guru” addresses reader questions about dragging steel panels over one another during installation, and the effects on the panels, a recommendation to consult a registered design professional in Michigan regarding footings, and if a Hansen Building is a “some assembly required” type of kit. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: So I […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Footings, Pole Barn Questions, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Columns, Building Department, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding
- Tags: Roof Steel Installation, Perma-column, DIY, Dragging Panels, Scratched Steel, Some Assembly Required, RDP, Registered Design Professional
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Rethinking Ways to Encourage Permanent Truss Bracing
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/02/09 @ 8:00Rethinking Ways to Encourage Permanent Truss Bracing Part I Today’s article is authored by my post frame construction structural mentor. I will mention here, Hansen Pole Buildings takes both temporary and permanent truss bracing quite seriously. Every building we provide includes an engineered permanent truss bracing plan and our Construction Manual has an entire chapter […]
Read moreUnder Construction Barn Collapse Close to Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/02/02 @ 8:00Under Construction Barn Collapse Close to Home Summit, South Dakota is within an hour’s drive of Hansen Pole Buildings’ headquarters in Roberts County. In September 2022, this dairy barn (under construction) collapsed, sending 10 people to hospitals with injuries. Many states, South Dakota included, allow agricultural buildings to be erected not only without being engineered, […]
Read moreA Baker’s Dozen Post Frame Home Myths Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/11/15 @ 8:00A Baker’s Dozen Post-Frame Home Myths This article is so lengthy it will be fed to you in three installments. For your reading pleasure I present here Myths #1 through 3. MYTH #1. MOST JURISDICTIONS WILL NOT ALLOW POST-FRAME HOMES. Now this happens to be one of my favorite subjects. If I believed in past […]
Read moreInsulate a Building, Truss Carrier Bolts, and Code Standards
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/11/09 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the proper way to insulate the walls of a metal building, advice on bolting truss carriers, and advice about, “building code standards for the horizontal infill framing” on a post frame building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to insulate the interior walls of […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Code Standards, Insulation, Commercial Girts, Engineer Sealed Plans, Girt Spacing, Truss Carrier, Truss Bolts, Girts Sizing
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Adding Solar to Your Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/09/01 @ 8:00Benefits of Adding Solar To Your Barndominium Solar energy is taking off in a big way, both here and worldwide. There are around 2.7 million residential solar panels installed in the United States, and solar trends continue to grow as people become more interested in energy alternatives. If you’re considering building a post frame barndominium […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Building Department
- Tags: Solar, Solar Energy System, Energy Star Rated Appliances, Solar Panels, UV Blocking, Barndominium, Smart Thermostat, Post Frame Home Kits, Homeowner's Association
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Fireblocking and Firestops
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/02 @ 8:00Fireblocking and Firestops Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rachel was recently quoting a project for a governmental entity where the contractor requested her to include all provisions for fireblocking and firestops. This led to my deep dive into International Building and Residential Codes (IBC and IRC respectively). Both have established a means to control fire spread […]
Read moreWind Exposure and Confusion Part III
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/30 @ 8:00Cliff Notes for Wind Exposure Been following along reading my articles on wind exposure? OK – so here is my “Cliff Notes” version – in generalized, simple terms: Wind Exposure B is a site protected from wind in all four directions, within 1500 feet, by trees, hills or other single-family home sized buildings. This would […]
Read moreWind Exposure and Confusion Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/28 @ 8:00WIND EXPOSURE & CONFUSION – Part Deux For those of you who needed an energy drink to survive Part I…. To get the information needed, glance over IBC Section 1609.4.2‐‐Surface Roughness Categories. “A ground surface roughness within each 45-degree sector shall be determined for a distance upwind of the site as defined in Section 1609.4.3 […]
Read moreWind Exposure and Confusion
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/23 @ 8:00WIND EXPOSURE AND CONFUSION If you are a registered design professional, or a building official, then you are trying to make sense out of this subject on a daily basis. Most people who are selling buildings (either constructed or kit packages), tend to ignore wind exposure, or pretend it somehow doesn’t exist. What adds into […]
Read moreDrilling Electrical Holes Through Glu-laminated Posts
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/21 @ 8:00Drilling Electrical Holes Through Glu-laminated Post Frame Building Columns Reader and Hansen Pole Buildings DIY client AARON in SALEM writes: “I am trying to find the best way to run in wall wires (6/3, 8/3 & 10/2 romex) past columns on the “braced wall panel” bays in my building. My building has a 20′ eave […]
Read moreYou Can’t Build it Here Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/16 @ 8:00You Can’t Build It Here Part II If you missed part I, go back two days to find it. Continuing on… Post frame homes can save thousands of dollars in excavation, footing and foundation forming and concrete costs inherent to stick framing. This is due to use of isolated widely spaced wood columns either embedded […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Building Styles and Designs, Barndominium, Building Department, Shouse, Shouse, Pole Buildings History
- Tags: Pole Building, Fully Engineered Post Frame Home, Code Conforming Structural Building System, Pole Barn, Planning And Zoning Departments, Fully Engineered Building, Barndominium, Post-Frame, Stick Frame
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Responsibility for Collapsed Pole Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/05/17 @ 8:00Question Whether County is Responsible for Collapsed Pole BuildingsEllensburg’s (Washington) Daily Record published this letter from DAVE on March 5, 2022: “To the Editor: Anybody passing through the Nelson Siding area in the Upper County some seven miles west of Cle Elum, will notice collapsed pole buildings due to the snow we had in January. […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Snow Load, Engineer, Climactic Data, Licensed Design Professional, Snow Weight, Forensic Evaluation, Building Code, Architect
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Do You Do Longer Ones?
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/04/12 @ 8:00Do You Do Longer Ones? Reader DANA in DEER LODGE writes: “Hello. We are looking at having a 4 door garage built but 2 of the spots will be turned into living space. I see the one you have with 3 garage doors. so you do longer ones? What would the price be to do […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Budget, Professional Engineer, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Shouse, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Barndominium Kits, Building Kit, Technical Support, Building Shell, Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty, Structural Blueprints
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Town Orders Woman to Move Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/29 @ 8:00Town Orders Woman to Move Barn it Granted Her a Permit to Build Article by Brett Davidsen at www.WHEC.com from February 24, 2022 RUSH, N.Y. (WHEC) — A woman from Rush has been ordered to tear down a brand new barn on her property because it violated the town’s zoning laws, but it was the town […]
Read moreCondensation, Floor Plans, and Planning a House
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/23 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru discusses condensation issues in a metal pole barn a reader would like to convert to livable space, floor plans for a new post frame residence, and the steps to take to plan and build a new post frame house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I just purchased a property with […]
Read more- Categories: floorplans, Ventilation, Concrete, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Building Department, Post Frame Home, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse
- Tags: Post Frame Floor Plans, Post Frame Building Permit, Moisture Barrier, Post Frame Home, Shouse, Vapor Barrier, Condensation, Barndominium Plans, Building Permit
- 2 comments
Frustrating Builder, Post Size, and Sliding Barn Doors?
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/16 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about recourse against a builder that “never does what what he says,” a question about the necessary post size for an RV shelter, and the need for a structural engineer to answer the question, and advice for a reader whose doors blow out wondering if sliding […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, RV Storage, Constructing a Pole Building, Sectional Doors, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Sliding Doors, Pole Building Doors, Overhead Doors
- Tags: Structural Engineer, Legal Recourse, Sliding Doors, Builder Contracts, Wind-rated Doors, Post Size, Wind Rated Garage Doors, Builder Issues
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Building Permit Makes It All OK? Think Again!
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/15 @ 8:00Building Permit Makes It All Okay? Think Again! This article “Town of Rush orders woman to move barn it granted her permit to build” by Brett Davidson was published at www.WHEC.com February 24,2022 A woman from Rush has been ordered to tear down a brand new barn on her property because it violated the town’s […]
Read moreBuilding Over Existing Slab, Blueprints for House, and Pole Building Finance
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/09 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building over or on an existing slab or concrete, whether of not Hansen sells “just the blueprints” for a pole barn/house, and lending for a pole building set on foundation/footing/wall. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In Arkansas, I want to build a pole barn (or similar) […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, floorplans, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Concrete, Shouse
- Tags: Motor Home Storage, Blueprints, Floor Plans, Existing Slab, Shouse, Construction Loan, Pole Barn Financing
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When Barndominium Batman Light Illuminates
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/01 @ 8:00When Barndominium Batman Light Illuminates Dark Sky Loyal reader MARCO in EDINBURG brought a smile to my face when he wrote: “*Batman light illuminates dark sky* Pole barn guru! Help! I am building my pole barn house, Finally. This will be a DIY project with help of friends and family. I will more than likely […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Building Department, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Budget, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Building Risk Category II, Risk Category I, DIY Pole Building, Diy Barndominiumbar, Engineered Framing Plans, Floor Plans, Barndominium
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Occupancy, a Single-Slope Residence, and Lean-to Addition
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/16 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru take care of reader questions about getting an occupancy permit in Victor ID, the size and scope of building a single-slope with a loft, and the addition of a lean-to to an existing structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I follow your posts and have seen some who question if […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, single slope, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Building Styles and Designs, Barndominium, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Occupancy, Residential Post Frame, Single-slope, Lean-to Addition, Lean-to, Loft, R-3
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Rock Solid, Living Quarters, and Better Get an RDP
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/02 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru responds to readers questions regarding assistance in designing that is “rock solid for generations to come” using the reader’s own sawn lumber, a questions about adding a living quarter to an insulated building, and advice in bracing a post frame building better suited for a registered design professional. DEAR POLE […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Heating, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation, Building Interior, Lumber, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Moisture Barrier, Rough-sawn Lumber, Own Lumber, Insulation, U-brackets, Structural Design, Registered Design Professional
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Canada Facing Premature Decay of Pressure Treated Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/11/23 @ 8:00Canada Facing Premature Decay of Pressure Treated Columns Fear of properly pressure preservative treated wood decaying prematurely has been a continuing concern amongst potential post frame building owners. Key to this is “properly” and at issue how pressure treated wood is labeled and sold at the retail level. Canada uses AWPA’s (American Wood Protection Association) […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Columns, Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: AWPA, American Wood Protection Association, CFBA, Canadian Farm Builders Association, Gary Van Bolderen, Daily Commercial News, National Building Code, International Building Code
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Unheated Post Frame Building Slabs on Grade
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/10/01 @ 8:00Are Unheated Post Frame Building Slabs on Grade Required to Be Frost Protected? Reader BILL in CLAYTON writes: “I’m in early planning for a post frame garage – just over 1000 sf but will reduce it if it solves a code problem for “private garages” in IBC. Ignoring that, where does the code permit a […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Building Department, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete, Footings, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation
- Tags: Concrete Piers, Frost Protected, Detached Accessory Building, Wet Set Brackets, International Energy Code, International Building Code, Slab On Grade, Risk Category II
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Barndominium Questions
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/18 @ 8:49Questions About a Pole Barndominium Reader PAYTON in CANTON writes: “I have a few questions regarding building a pole barn/barndominium. 1. Do you offer any model homes we can explore? 2. Can we set up a consultation to discuss our options as far as building/kits? 3. What is the lead time for purchasing a kit? […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building Comparisons, Shouse, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Barndominium, Fire Suppression Sprinklers, Shouse, Barndominium Plans, Structural Blueprints, Sprinklers
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Open Web Wood Floor Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/13 @ 8:00Prefabricated Open-Web Wood Floor Trusses in Your Future? Use of open-web floor trusses has steadily increased over this past decade, but there’s a lot of room to grow. Ed Huston from Home Innovation Research Labs (HIRL) recently shared some results from their April 2021 Builder Best Practice Reports on Structural Systems, containing survey results from […]
Read moreYou Have to Get It In
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/21 @ 8:00Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases where a builder is providing erection services […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn holes, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Purchase Money Security Interest, Change Orders, Soil Bearing Capacity, Freight Charges, Uniform Commercial Code, Personal Injury, Water Table, Soil Studies, Asbestos, Hazardous Waste Removal
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Change Orders in Contracts
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/14 @ 8:00Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases where a builder is providing erection services […]
Read moreWho is Responsible for Verifying Design Loads?
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/09 @ 8:00Who is Responsible for Verifying Design Loads by Contract? Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Engineering Changes, Design Criteria, Calculation Changes, Design Loads, Roof Snow Exposure Factor, Wind Exposure, Allowable Foundation, Ground Snow Load, Maximum Frost Depth, Occupancy Category, Wind Speed, Thermal Factor, Flat Roof Snowload, Seismic Zone
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Building Codes and Requirements in Contract Terms
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/07 @ 8:00Building Codes and Requirements in Contract Terms Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Building Department, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Ventilation
- Tags: Net Free Ventilation Area, Building Department, Seller, Post Frame Building, Purchaser, Plan Check Fees, Change Orders, Building Codes
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Buildings Designed/Built to Code
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/16 @ 11:00Designed / Built to Code Sounds pretty impressive to think you are going to be investing in a new building designed and/or built to “Code”. Right? Well – maybe not so much. To begin with “Code” happens to be bare minimum requirements to adequately protect public health, safety and welfare. This does not mean a […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Registered Professional Engineer, Seismic Zone, Allowable Foundation Pressure, Wind Exposure, Flat Roof Snow Load, Ground Snow Load, International Building Code, Design Wind Speed, International Residential Code
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Contracts Are Boring…Until You Go To Court
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/09 @ 8:00I have one goal – for people to end up with structurally sound buildings they love. Follow these guidelines and you are far more likely to love your new building. Your work starts before you sign a contract. ASSUME YOUR PROJECT WILL END IN COURT ASSUME YOUR BUILDING PROVIDER/CONTRACTOR IS UNTRUTHFUL ASSUME YOUR PROJECT WILL […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Concrete, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Engineer, Construction, American Concrete Institute, Building Contracts, Construction Tolerance Standards For Post Frame Buildings, Contracts, Building Contractor, Co, Professional Engineer, Metal Panel And Trim Installation Tolerances, APA Guidelines
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Human Habitation Prohibited
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/14 @ 8:00Human Habitation Prohibited “Please be aware that the Land Development Code and adopted Building Codes prohibit the human occupancy of any Accessory Building. This means that buildings such as metal buildings, pole barns, tool sheds, garages, or any other accessory structures shall not be constructed or used for human occupancy. Accessory Buildings are not constructed […]
Read moreWhere Should You Place Your Pole Building?
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/16 @ 8:00Where Should You Place Your Pole Building? Today’s guest blog comes from an expert in pole buildings, Lauren Groff. Pole buildings are perfect for so many applications, from sheltering animals to housing your very own hobby shop. Whatever you want to use it for, you need just the right place for it. There’s more to […]
Read moreInsulation Addition, A Clear Span Monitor, and Post Frame Code
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/05 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses adding insulation to an existing building, building a monitor style building with a large clear span main level, and a building official misinforming a potential client. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I currently have a 30×50 Wick building on some property which I purchased last May. The building is […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Insulation, Building Codes, Building Officials, Moisture Barrier, Monitor Style Buildings
- 4 comments
Why Self Engineering is Risky
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/24 @ 8:00Reader MICHAEL in EAGLE POINT writes: “I want to span 18 feet on a shed roof with any pitch necessary should I nail two 2x 6 rafters together and place this in the center and use 9 foot 2×6 purlins. The shed will be 18 X 18. Do I need to nail two 2×6 together […]
Read moreLooking for a Place for a New Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/19 @ 8:00Looking for a Place for a New Barndominium Reader PATTI in MINNESOTA writes: “My husband and I are knocking around the idea of doing a Barndominium. We need a 4-5 car garage space and we can barely afford a traditional preloved home that has a 3-car garage which will require us to add another stall […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding, Post Frame Home, Barndominium
- Tags: Shouse, Setbacks, Single Family Home, Planning Department, Fully Engineered Post Frame Construction, Barndominium, Post Frame Home, Cladding
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Working a Shop Mezzanine in With Planning Department Height Restrictions
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/26 @ 8:00Not every post frame building gets planned and constructed in areas where height limitations are not an issue. Reader AARON in BURLINGTON gets to deal with his Planning and Zoning Department placing height restrictions on what he can build. Aaron writes: “I am planning a 45×56 pole barn, with ~16ft deep mezzanine on the end […]
Read moreZero Lot Line Post Frame Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/22 @ 8:00There are occasions where the best location to place a building just happens to be right up to a lot line. Let’s face realities – if your site’s required setbacks without fire resistive construction are five feet, what is going to accumulate in this area? Most often it is either “stuff” or weeds, neither of […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Building Overhangs, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Insulation
- Tags: Setbacks, Rat Guard, Mineral Rock Wool Insulation, Green Board Drywall, Gutters, Base Trim, Snow Retention System, Weather Resistant Barrier, 5/8" Type X Drywall
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Enforcing Updated Building Codes Saves Money
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/20 @ 8:00Enforcing Updated Building Codes Saves Money As a member of most every active barndominium group in the social media world, I read all too often how new or prospective barndominium owners proudly proclaim they are or will be building where Building Codes are not enforced. Long time followers of my column may be tired of […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Architect, Engineered Plans, Engineer, ICC, International Code Council, Building Standards, Windstorm Losses, Building Contractor, Building Codes
- 1 comments
Stretching Stick Frame Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/07 @ 8:00Post frame (pole building) construction is popular due to efficiencies of materials (ability to do more with less) and speed of construction. Reader RAYMOND in BARLING is trying to find a way to make stick framing cheaper, he writes: “24×64 pole barn in question. 4 pitch. I am just comparing the cost of alternate designs. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building Comparisons, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete
- Tags: Stud Walls, Ceiling Joists, Rafters, Concrete Slab On Grade, International Building Code, Roof Loads, Engineered Building
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Wall Framing, a Sloped Build Site, and Engineering for Slab
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/10 @ 8:00Continuing the week with more Pole Barn Guru, Mike discusses spacing of framing for wall steel, how to prepare a sloped build site, and if Hansen can provide engineering for slab on grade in Colorado. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If you have 2×6’s for walls in pole building that are spaced 16 inches apart, and […]
Read moreHow Best to Use Metal Building Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/03 @ 8:00How To Best Use Metal Building Insulation Loyal reader ANDY in SOUTH CAROLINA writes: “ I read with interest the article “What house wrap is good for” on your website and would like to include house wrap on a pole building I’m currently planning to build in the upstate of South Carolina. Typically builders in […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, RV Storage, Pole Building Comparisons, Building Department, Post Frame Home, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse, Pole Building Siding, Shouse
- Tags: House Wrap, Weather Resistant Barrier, Fiberglass Insulation, Faced Insulation, Metal Building Insulation, Condensation Control
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What Hansen Pole Buildings Offers for Prospective Barndominium Owners
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/12 @ 8:00What Hansen Pole Buildings Offers for Prospective Barndominium Owners If you are considering building a barndominium or shouse (shop/house), whether DIY or with a contractor’s involvement, there is one very important question to ask: “Do you personally live in a barndominium?” If you do not receive a resounding, “YES” for an answer, you may want […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding, Post Frame Home, Building Colors, Barndominium, Building Interior, Shouse, About The Pole Barn Guru, Budget, Building Overhangs, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty, Overhangs, DIY Pole Buildings, Barndominium, The Ultimate Post Frame Experience, Crawl Space, General Contractor, Basement, Curb Appeal
- 2 comments
Minimum Steel Substrate Coating
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/04 @ 8:00Minimum Steel Substrate Coating for Residential Steel Roof Panels When it comes to residential buildings – whether your barndominium or shouse (shop/house) is stick frame (stud walls), post frame, PEMB (pre-engineered metal building) or some other structural system with a steel roof, there is one import aspect of this roofing material frequently overlooked. Substrates Most […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Shouse, Building Department, Shouse, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Galvalume Steel, Galvanized G100, Galvanized G60, Corrosion Resistance, Galvalume Warranty, Galvanized Steel, IRC And IBC Substrate Requirements, Galvalume
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Arnold Puts Moratorium on Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/29 @ 8:00Arnold puts moratorium on ‘barndominiums’ This article by Tony Krausz appeared in the Jefferson County, MO “Leader” October 25, 2020 An example of a barndominium. The city of Arnold has temporarily prohibited the construction of “barndominiums,” which typically are metal barn-like structures that include living quarters. City Council members voted 5-0 last month to place […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Shouse, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Pole Buildings, Building Codes, International Building Code, Barndominiums, Moratorium, High Wind Building Codes, Steel Cladded Buildings, High Wind Events
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Questionably Designed Steel Truss Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/28 @ 8:00Being a member of numerous social media discussion groups, I see a plethora of photos of people’s new (or under construction) steel trussed post frame buildings. Most of these buildings are from Southeastern states where it appears structural building permits and plan checks are minimal or non-existent. This results in my receiving emails like this […]
Read moreBlower Door Testing Your New Barndominium Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/23 @ 8:00Continued from yesterday’s blog; Aside from code compliance or indoor air quality concerns, another reason to get a blower door test is to properly size your furnace or air conditioner. How leaky or tight your barndominium is can change how much heating/humidification or cooling/dehumidification you need. This then ties into how carefully your mechanical system […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Doors, Windows, Barndominium, Shouse, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Building Department
- Tags: Cubic Feet Of Air Per Minute, ACH50, Blower Door Testing, Energy Code Testing, Barndominium, HE, CFM, HERS Rater, International Energy Conservation Code, Indoor Air Quality, Air Leakage Metrics
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Loading Gambrel Loft Space
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/29 @ 8:00Loading Gambrel Loft Space Loyal reader ANDY in OXFORD writes: “Mike, First, thanks for providing so much useful information to all of us. I’ve read about 1,200 of your blog entries so far, and I’ve learned so much. I have already priced a 30X36X11 Gambrel Roof building from Hansen for a woodworking shop. I’m committed […]
Read moreSearching for a Builder Embracing Hansen Building’s System
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/08 @ 8:00Loyal reader RUSS in PIPERSVILLE writes: “We are in the process of having our floor plans and elevations done by Greg Hale. A pleasure to work with by the way. I’m wondering if you have any experience with pole frame builders in the east shore area of Maryland? We really want to purchase our building […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Building Interior, Budget
- Tags: Floor Plans, Hansen Buildings Construction Manual, Greg Hale, Hansen Pole Buildings Designer, Elevation Drawings, Hansen Buildings, Blueprints
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New Zealand Eases Permit Requirements for Pole Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/04 @ 8:00In our North American centric world we sometimes lose sight of post frame buildings being used all across our globe. Acquiring Building permits (consents in New Zealand) can be time consuming and expensive. New Zealand has made some policy changes to ease this process – especially for single story pole sheds (pole or post frame […]
Read moreSteel Roofing and Siding Over Purlins
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/27 @ 8:00There is just plain a lot of bad (and scary) information floating around out there on the internet. For whatever reason, people will believe a random unqualified answer from a stranger, rather than going to a highly educated expert (e.g. Registered Professional Engineer). Reader DYLAN in BEDFORD writes: “I am building a 50×60 using 2×6 […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: OSB, Plywood, Post Frame Building, Stick Built, Registered Design Professional, Furred Down Ceiling, Girts, Purlins, Tyvek, Spray Foam Insulation, Weather Resistant Barriers
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Building Department Checklist 2020 Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/26 @ 8:00Yesterday I covered seven of what I feel are 14 most important questions to ask your local building department. This not only will smooth your way through permitting processes, but also ensures a solid and safe building structure. Let’s talk about these last seven…. #8 What is accepted Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity? This will be […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Prescriptive Building Requirements, Building Risk Category, Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity, Engineered Soils Test, Seismic Site Class, Wet Stamped Structural Plans, Building Permit, Frost Depth
- 2 comments
Building Department Checklist Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/25 @ 8:00BUILDING DEPARTMENT CHECKLIST 2020 PART I I Can Build, I Can Build! Whoa there Nellie…..before getting all carried away, there are 14 essential questions to have on your Building Department Checklist, in order to ensure structural portions of your new building process goes off without a hitch. I will cover the first seven today, finishing […]
Read moreStruggles to Define What a House Should Look Like
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/20 @ 8:00With barndominiums, shouses and post frame homes rising in popularity, jurisdictions are struggling to define what a house should look like. To follow is an article by Arielle Breen in August 13, 2020’s Manistee, Michigan News Advocate detailing their city’s challenges. “Does the building plan look like a pole barn or a house? The answer […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Shouse, Building Department, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Pole Barn, Planning Department, Barndominium, International Residential Code, Shouse, Manistee City Planning Commission
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Stick Frame and Some Limitations
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/06 @ 11:00Stick Frame and Some Limitations Perhaps stick built construction’s biggest advantage is builders and tradespeople are very comfortable working in and around stick framing. All registered architects and most building inspectors are very familiar with stick framing. The International Residential Code (IRC) provides a prescriptive ‘cook book’ to follow for adequate structural assembly, within certain limitations. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Wood Niche, Stick Built Building, Lumber Niche, Lumber Shrink, Weather Resistant Barriers, Lumber Warp, Dimensional Lumber, Framing Crew, PEMB, Weld Up Steel Building, Ceiling Height, Stick Built, Ceiling Angle
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Steel Roofing Over Living Areas
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/21 @ 8:00Steel Roofing Over Living Areas Requires Solid Decking? Barndominiums, shouses and post frame homes have become a recent and trendy rage. Seemingly everyone wants one, at least as gauged by hundreds of weekly requests received by Hansen Pole Buildings would attest to. Reader STEVEN in BOONE writes: “I visited with the building inspector with your […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Building Department, Roofing Materials, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Roof Sheathing, OSB Decking, Building Inspector, 30# Asphalt Impregnated Paper, 30# Felt, Metal Roof Panels, Plywood Decking, Solid Decking, IBC 2012, Dead Loads, Deck Requirements
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Lofty Barndominium Ambitions
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/16 @ 8:00Lofts and mezzanines (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/03/a-mezzanine-for-your-barndominium/) are popular inclusions in barndominiums. Even though my lovely bride and I have a mezzanine in our South Dakota shouse, they are not often truly practical from an accessibility or economics stance. Reader Devin in Porun writes: “I’m designing and building a 42’x50′ pole barn home with 10′ exterior walls. Viewing […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Lofts, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: House Loft, Habitable Space, Minimum Height Code, Barndominium, Pole Building Home, International Residential Code, Pole Barn Home, Loft, Shouse
- 1 comments
An Architect’s Guide to Drawing Your Own Barndominium Plans
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/04 @ 8:00An Architect’s Guide to Drawing Your Own Barndominium Plans Architect David Ludwig (www.LudwigDesign.com) has over 50 years of construction and design experience. A frequent contributor to assisting those interested in barndominiums, but without knowledge to create their own plans, David has offered his sage advice: 1. Draw to scale. Use 1/4” graph paper. Make each […]
Read moreAdding to a Floating Slab Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/19 @ 8:00Adding to a Floating Slab Building Most buildings need foundations to transfer the structure’s weight as well as roof and floor loads into the ground. Small sheds and backyard structures like gazebos and pergolas may not need elaborate foundations because they are so light. But, for any building over about 150 square feet, a strong […]
Read moreDo You Own the Land Your Barndominium Will Be Built On?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/14 @ 8:00Do You Own the Land Your Barndominium Will Be Built On? Barndominiums, shouses and post frame homes are not only a current rage, they may be America’s future home of choice. Pinterest has literally hundreds of photos of barndominiums. DIY network’s “Texas Flip-n-Move” feature a rusty old barn made into a beautiful home in Episode […]
Read morePrescriptive Structural Requirements for Post Frame Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/07 @ 8:00In a misguided effort to make things “easier” for potential building owners and builders, some Building Departments have prescriptive requirements for non-engineered pole buildings. This means if someone walks in their Building Department’s door and wants to construct a post frame building, as long as the building owner (or builder) agrees to build to match […]
Read moreLoad Duration Factor in Wood Design
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/26 @ 8:00Load Duration Factor in Wood Design Considering a barndominium, shouse or other post frame (pole) building with wood framing? While this article is somewhat technical, you (as a future building owner) can use it to determine if who (builder or supplier) really knows what they are talking about when it comes to structural design. And […]
Read moreA Post Frame House Photo
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/19 @ 8:00A 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: Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department
- Tags: Diagonal Braces, Bookshelf Girts, Wall Girts, Bookshelf Wall Girts, Concrete Apron, Barn Style Wall Girts
- No comments
Fire Separation Requirements for Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/18 @ 8:00Fire 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: Post Frame Home, Insulation, 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
- Tags: 2006 Energy Conservation Code, 5/8" Type X Drywall, Fire Rated Doors, Two Hour Fire Separation, Automatic Sprinkler System
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Overhead Door Opening, Boat Storage, and Transfer of Plans
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/09 @ 8:00This 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 moreGetting the Best Deal on Your New Post Frame Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/02/18 @ 8:00A 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 Of Record, Engineer Sealed Building Plans, Warranty, Wind Exposure, Building Code Standards, Complete Building Code Information, Ground Snow Load, Flat Roof Snowload, Design Wind Speed
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Building Codes Apply to Shouses
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/02/05 @ 8:00Building Codes Apply to Shouses Recently I shared with you, my faithful readers, a Park Rapids Enterprise article penned by Lorie R. Skarpness as Nevis, Minnesota attempts to deal with a shouse. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/12/a-shouse-in-the-news/ Below is Lorie’s update from January 18, 2020: “The discussion of a proposed shouse (a word that means a shop with living […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Homes, Workshop Buildings, Post Frame Home, Barndominium
- Tags: Residential Performance Standards, Shouse Structural Components, Building Aesthetic Requirements, Building Code, Barndominium, Post Frame Home, Shouse
- 2 comments
Barndominium Brick Wainscot
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/02/04 @ 8:00Actual Brick Considerations for Barndominium Wainscot With post frame buildings becoming a ‘rage’ for use as homes, barndominiums and shouse (shop/houses) alternatives to dress them up are quickly arising. Amongst these options are clients looking to have actual brick wainscot, as opposed to using a different color of steel siding, thin brick, or other cultured […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Foundation Wall, Weather Resistant Barrier, Shouse, Brick Wainscot, Brick Veneer, Brick Veneer Structural Support, Brick Ledge, Barndominium
- 2 comments
Your Barndominium’s Planning Department
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/29 @ 8:00In most parts of our country (and probably most other developed countries), it will be a necessity to acquire a building permit in order to construct a new barndominium, shouse (shop/house) or post frame home. Easiest way to find out is to contact your local authorities to find out if indeed this is your case. […]
Read morePutting Everything Under One Post Frame Roof
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/15 @ 8:00Putting Everything Under One Post Frame Roof I have been an advocate of one larger roof, rather than an enclosed building with a roof only side shed for years. This allows for greater headroom in ‘shed’ area without having to deal with pitch breaks (transition from a steeper slope main roof to a flatter shed […]
Read moreRemodel or Not?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/01 @ 8:00Remodel or Build New? I am as guilty as most – my initial reaction is always to remodel, rather than build new. Even when it makes no practical or economic sense. Reader JIM in LAWTON is working through one of these situations. He writes: “I have a 30 x 40 pole barn 32 years old. […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Footings, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department
- Tags: High Risk Building, Footing Diameters, Building Code, Registered Design Professional, Truss Carriers, Headers, Building Design Loads
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Spray Foam for Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/20 @ 8:00Spray Foam for Barndominiums – Is a Thermal or Ignition Barrier Required? Although it’s certainly not used in every green building project, spray foam insulation has become a popular way to build an air-tight (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/11/airtight-post-frame-homes-and-barndominiums/) barndominium, shouse (shop/house) or even just a well-insulated post frame building. Early on building codes hadn’t caught up with how […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Comparisons, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Interior, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium
- Tags: Thermal Barrier, Ignition Barrier, FIRESHELL, NFPA 286 Class Certified, E84 Class A Certified, Code Council Evaluation Service, Acceptance Criteria 377
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Building Permits, Building Changes, and Frost Protection
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/16 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about ability to “build … without any problems…” permitting, adding wall skirting to an open building, and appropriate frost protection. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I build my pole barn in Hernando County without any problems from the county for permitting which is located in Brooksville, Florida? […]
Read morePost Frame Standards or Extras?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/05 @ 8:00On Facebook I am a member of a discussion group for Pole and Post frame building professionals only. Recently one of our group members posed a question, “What are the extras you do to set yourself apart”? It was only then I realized there are some significant differences between a Hansen Pole Building and other […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Doors, Trusses, Ventilation, Insulation, Powder Coated Screws, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Professional Engineer, About The Pole Barn Guru, Columns, Building Department, Fasteners, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Steel Shear Strength, Prefabricated Ganged Roof Trusses, Powder Coated Screws, Registered Professional Engineer, Bookshelf Style Wall Girts, Reflective Radiant Barrier
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Don’t Restrict Post Frame Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/11/14 @ 8:00Post frame (pole) buildings are a Code conforming building system. In my humble opinion, jurisdictions can legally restrict a building’s aesthetics, however restrictions upon a proven structural system appear to be a restriction of fair trade. It would be fair for a jurisdiction to prohibit a certain type(s) or even color of building skin (roofing […]
Read moreA Contractor for Your Barndominium Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/11/07 @ 8:00A Contractor for Your Barndominium (Part II) Liquidated Damages For most people, you are financing your barndominium and have logistical issues prior to being able to occupy. Negotiate a hard date for project completion, using a start date based upon Building Permit approval. After this completion date, you will assess builder a monetary penalty for […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Barndominium, Building Styles and Designs, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Building Contractor
- Tags: General Contractor, Building Permit, Performance Bond, Approved Building Drawings, Building Site Conditions, Registered Architect, Finish Work
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A Contractor for Your New Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/11/06 @ 8:00A Contractor for Your Barndominium (Part I) I have done my best to be a member of any barndominium, shouse (shop/house) or post frame house discussion group on Facebook with any sort of activity. If I had a quarter for every post from people looking for a building contractor, I could head to a casino […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Professional Engineer
- Tags: American National Standards Institute, Building Contract, Construction Tolerance Standards For Post Frame Buildings, Building Contractor, ASAE
- 2 comments
Partially Enclosed Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/09 @ 8:00Partially Enclosed Buildings (and Why It Matters) I have previously written how a fully enclosed building could be less of an investment than a three sided building – even though a fourth wall has been added: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/03/three-sided-building/ For those of you who neglected to click and read my previous article, consider your building as a […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Doors, Sliding Doors, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Positive External Pressure, Storm Shutters, Wind Rated Windows, Wind-rated Doors, Sliding Barn Doors, Barndominium, Entry Doors, Shouse, Partially Enclosed Building
- 2 comments
Unknowedgeable Post Frame Building Suppliers
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/01 @ 8:00Reader JEREMY in STAFFORD SPRINGS is experiencing challenges with unknowledgeable post frame building suppliers. I will share his own words with you: “I am currently attempting to price out for a metal building, post frame or conventional stick built. The dimensions we are looking at is a 40×60 with a 12 foot roof. I am […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Building Department, Planning Department, Pole Building Technical Support, Engineered Plans, Post Frame Building Packages, Engineer Sealed Structural Plans, Pole Building Engineered Plans, Pole Building Calculations
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Yet Another Case for Engineered Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/09/19 @ 8:00Yet Another Case for Engineered Buildings (The six photos at https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/article/construction-resumes-following-barn-collapse are essential to this story) In case you are wondering why I rail so loudly about building permit agricultural exemptions for buildings, these photos (look at bases of columns) should quell any wonderment. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/12/exempt-agricultural-buildings/ From a September 2, 2019 article by Amanda Purcell at […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Building Department, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Concrete, Rebuilding Structures
- Tags: Concrete Footings, Bijou Contracting, Stop Work Order, Health Insurance Portability And, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act, Freedom Of Information Law, Concrete Piers
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Responsibilities Where the Legal Requirements Mandate
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/09/17 @ 8:00Responsibilities where the Legal Requirements Mandate a Registered Design Professional for Buildings (Section 2.3 of ANSI/TPI 1) MPC is Metal-Plate-Connected; RDP is Registered Design Professional (architect or engineer). “In preparation for specifying MPC wood trusses, every section of Chapter 2 and ANSI/TPI 1-2007 (NOTE: ANSI/TPI 1-2014 retains same language) standard should be carefully studied by […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Permanent Bracing, Long Span Truss Requirements, Temporary Bracing, ANSI/TPI 1 Standard, Registered Design Professional, Architect, Engineer
- No comments
Does an IRC Design Work for Most Residences?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/13 @ 8:00In my humble opinion (and in one word) – no. I have opined in past articles as to what Code is applicable to post frame (pole) building construction: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/10/what-building-code-applies-to-post-frame-construction/. Recently Louisiana engineer Steve M. Sylvest (www.sylvestengineering.com ) sent an email to Structural Building Components Association addressing challenges with non-engineered structures, particularly residences. Again, I stand […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Architects, Steve M. Syvest, Building Designer, Engineered Wood Products, IRC Building Code, Gravity Loading, Structural Engineers
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Ever Wonder What a Post Frame Engineer Does? Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/08 @ 8:00I have been pooh-poohed on occasion for my insistence every post frame building (or barndominium) should have an engineer involved. Very few potential building owners understand what it is an engineer does or how they are adding value to a particular project. To follow, in its entirety, is an article by Jess Lohse, originally published […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Post Frame System Design, Architectural Drawings, Soil Report, Bearing Walls Stacking, Engineer Of Record, SBC Magazine, Jess Lohse, Post Frame Conceptual Design
- No comments
A Place for a Post Frame Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/01 @ 8:00You and your loved ones have decided to take a plunge – building your own barndominium, shouse, or post frame home. But where? Other than formulating a rough budget for building (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/07/how-much-will-my-barndominium-cost/) your journey is realistically at a standstill until you have acquired a place to build. It is easy to idealize what it’s like […]
Read morePost Frame Home Construction Financing
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/07/31 @ 8:00Most people building their own post frame post frame home (barndominium or shouse included) need some amount of post frame home construction financing. (shouse=shop+house) Some important things to keep in mind with construction loans: Obtaining one takes more time and financial investment than a conventional loan (loan on or against an existing building). Lenders require […]
Read moreMore Thoughts on Polyurethane Foam
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/07/25 @ 8:00More Thoughts on High Density Polyurethane Foam for Column Backfill Reader STEPHEN contributes a question regarding high density polyurethane foam for column backfill: “Hello, I have this question I would like to pass along to the “pole barn Guru” to be answered, I doubt I will get the answer I need in the time frame, […]
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