This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about condensation prevention by placing foam board over the top of 2×4 purlins, options for sound proofing a post frame home, and if 2×4 flat purlins can hold a specific snow load. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning a pole barn; the roof will have […]

Finding Which Way Is Up Avid reader DAVE in BLUFFDALE writes: “As I told Trey, I’ve been reading and reading and reading your blog posts until I don’t know which way is up!  Don’t get me wrong, you’ve done an amazing job with your blog posts, but it can be a bit overwhelming.  I think […]

Reader JASON in WINDSOR writes: “What are ways to avoid a stone base for slab to protrude under grade board using a post in the ground or pier with wet set brackets? We want grass to grow right up to the building’s base rather than stone around the perimeter or stone flower beds. I don’t […]

Post Frame Plywood Slab-on-grade As concrete and excavation costs have increased steadily buildings are more frequently turning to slab-on-grade foundations. These assemblies require less concrete and labor than full basements and have a number of advantages over crawlspaces: better thermal performance, much lower risk for water and animal intrusion, and lower maintenance overall. Slab-on grade […]

Insulating a Partially Climate Controlled Post Frame Self-Storage Building Reader KEVIN in HUMBOLDT writes: “ I’m designing a post frame building for self-storage that will have non climate control units around the perimeter of my building with climate controlled units in the center, accessed via a hallway down the center of the building. The entire […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses a reader’s concern about “condensation leaks” when using spray foam, advice on costs of attic trusses vs traditional second floor, and how to stop posts from bending when the wind blows. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a 40×50 post frame building as my garage. It will […]

When Friends Buy Buildings From Others Long ago, in a galaxy far away……well actually it is in our galaxy. Jeff and I met roughly 40 years ago, when his mother and my father dated. About 15 years later, I was Jeff’s sponsor when he became a member of Spokane Valley Rotary. In recent years, Jeff […]

Insulating an Existing Pole Barn When Things Started Wrong Reader TOM writes: “Mike,  I have an existing pole barn (6×6 post with 2’ on center girts ) that has a 4” concrete floor with 10 mil plastic under it. The side walls have 1” XPS insulation on the outside of girt then steel siding with […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses questions about whether or not a base will be suitable for a slab, if a person HAS to insulate if they intend to heat the structure, and building 13′ above grade foundation in a flood zone. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning, I’m getting ready to have a […]

Engineer Andy Ponders Insulation and Condensation Loyal (and prolific) blog reader ANDY in OXFORD writes: “First, THANK YOU for providing so much valuable information in your blog, free of charge. I’m an engineer, quite handy, with construction experience. But everything I know about post frame construction, I learned from you. I’ve been planning for over […]

My Barndominium Attic Has Moisture Issues! Reader DAVID in CHICAGO writes: “Greetings – I’ve got a pole barn style home that’s about 2.5 years old and I’m having moisture issues in the attic. Hoping I can talk with someone to get a consult or second opinion to resolve as quickly as possible. Let me know […]

Today’s “Ask the Guru” tackles reader questions about moisture management, poorly done steel cutting around windows and doors, and help “Looking for info” for Jack. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, I am framing out an animal barn (right now to be used for housing chickens and storing some feed and hay) inside of an existing […]

Help! My Barndominium Roof Is Dripping! Reader TIMM in WHITEFISH writes: “Thanks for taking my question. I recently built a barndominium in NW Montana. I tried to find someone to build it for me, but the demand and cost in the area had gone up so much that I had to do almost all the […]

Is Fiberglass Insulation a Carcinogen? We live in a world fraught with unseen perils (COVID-19 anyone?), however fiberglass building insulation is probably not one of them. When it comes to fully engineered post frame barndominiums and homes, we all just want our clients to be safe and happy. I went to an expert on this […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about screw penetration into decking/substrate, header aka truss carrier requirements, and a proper roof insulation solution. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Should the screws for exposed fastener metal panel roofing COMPLETELY penetrate the 1/2″ plywood decking/substrate? STEVE in WARREN DEAR STEVE: For through screws, they should not only completely […]

Barndominium Closed Cell Spray Foam – and Rodents Closed cell spray foam applied directly to steel roofing and siding can be a great product for controlling condensation, achieving an air tight barndominium and at R-7 per inch is a great insulation solution. So good, I strongly encourage its use, especially for those buildings in Climate […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about plans to insulate and preparations ahead of insulating, recommendation for framing and footing an apartment to prevent movement, and if the PBG knows whether or not the USDA programs apply to post frame homes. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am currently constructing my Hansen provided pole building, […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about insulating a roof to keep exposed trusses, the size limits for and equestrian riding arena, and whether or not to use closure strips between the gable (rake) trim and siding. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 30×40 post frame building with cathedral style trusses. I really […]

Barndominium Concrete Slab Insulation Boards – XPS or EPS? Other than in Climate Zone’s 1 and 2 (think deep South), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requires perimeter and under slab continuous insulation for barndominiums. When it comes to concrete and insulation, contractors tend to be most familiar with extruded polystyrene (XPS). Yet, expanded polystyrene (EPS) […]

A Barndominium HVAC Challenge My now dear friend (thanks to his barndominium) LONNIE in COLORADO SPRINGS writes: “Hi Mike, I’m still around and still working on the house and making some slow but constant progress so I thank you all for your help and support. I have run into an issue (it’s not related to […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about building upgrades to convert to a residential use, how to best insulate a monitor style building, and the possibility of trusses spanning 40′ to eliminate interior posts in a shop/storage building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We bought a pole barn with no insulation, just studs and metal […]

Should a Vapor Barrier Be Installed in an Insulated Ceiling? Should you put a vapor barrier in an insulated ceiling or not? I build in a cold climate, where many longtime builders swear that you shouldn’t put a ceiling vapor barrier in. The reasons go something like, “Because you have to let the moisture escape,” […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about cupola sizes, the proper way to insulate a shed ceiling, and a structural materials question. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What base size and height is correct for a cupolas for a 32’ wide by 36’ long by 35-40’ high with a 10 over 12 pitch […]

Blown-In Fiberglass Attic Insulation In Climate Zones 3 and higher blown-in fiberglass attic insulation is extremely popular due to lower investment cost and high performance. Looking for a best solution for your barndominium or post frame attic? It is inevitable an insulation contractor will warn you away from blown-in fiberglass due to a dated study […]

Aircrete for Post Frame Cladding Reader KRISTOPHER in GARDINER writes: “Can I use pre-cast aircrete panel in lieu of metal siding for the walls and roof?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: It may be possible to use aircrete in lieu of steel roofing and siding, however it would need to be strong enough in […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about using wet set brackets on a stem wall foundation, if it is possible to build over a walkout basement, and the viability of installing rigid foam between framing and steel cladding. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey there guru. We are planning on building a post frame home […]

At What Temperature Can You Not Spray Foam Insulation? Reader DON in ELLSWIRTH asked this question. Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: Ideally, spray foam insulation should be installed during warmer months. Once temperatures start dipping, spray foam insulation installation processes become a lot more challenging. For a successful spray foam insulation installation, application side […]

Are 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 […]

How to Pour a Slab on Grade in an Existing Barndominium Reader PAUL writes: “I have an opportunity to purchase a barndominium that has the posts set in 20” wide 40” deep peers. Unfortunately the county where this is located does not require a footing. All city codes in this area require an 8”X 36” […]

Building After a Burn Down Western United States wildfires have been featured on network newscasts and seen in our air for months. My own Auntie Norma’s home was a victim of California’s 2018 Camp Fire – where she lost all of her worldly possessions. Reader MATHEW in RENO writes: “Greetings, I know I’m not the […]

How to Insulate a Post Frame Shop When No Advance Considerations Were Made I encourage clients to give some serious advance consideration when erecting new post frame (pole) buildings to any eventuality of future climate control and a need for insulation. Reader MAC in MILLVILLE writes: “40 x 30 want to insulate. It will be […]

What Amount of Barndominium Spray Foam Insulation is Adequate? Reader DON in LAKE CHARLES writes: “Building new pole barn. Would using closed cell foam in roof and walls be adequate?” Lake Charles is in climate zone 2A. 2018’s International Energy Conservation Code prescriptively mandates (for your zone) a minimum R-38 value for ceilings and R-13 […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a “conventional” foundation, drainage between steel and shiplap siding, and potential moisture issues of stick built vs post frame foundations. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a 24X48 pole barn, but instead of using a slab, I would like to have a conventional foundation. […]

Insulating a Hybrid Building Reader COLTON in DAWSON writes: “Insulation question? I am going with a Worldwide Steel Building. Identical to a Perka. Part of it will be shop and part will be house. It’s a steel web truss with wood purlins and girts. I’m stuck on a lot of guys say just put house […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about post frame with a raised floor use in a flood area, framing for drywall in a post frame house, and post holes full of water could be bigger soil issue. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you have a kit that can be used in a […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding insulation to a quote, a quote for a pole barn home, and the use of standing seam steel on exterior walls. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in Jim Thorpe, PA and have ordered a 20×24 Pole Building. The quote didn’t include insulation. So […]

This week the PBG answers reader questions about a post frame addition to a house, a combo business/residential building, and use of a vapor barrier. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We bought an older ranch house with a poorly done addition in the back. Since this dream property came with a house that prevents me building […]

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 where a builder is providing erection services […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about radiant floor heat, properly treated posts for in ground use, and how to fix screws that did not hit the framing materials. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am trying to make a decision on radiant floor heat. The internet has a lot of opinions from a […]

Things You Want to See on a Building Proposal/Contract Maybe you (as a soon to be building owner, building contractor or provider) are satisfied with being overly vague when it comes to what you are buying or selling. From a contractor/provider standpoint, this gives you lots of leeway to add ‘extra dealer margin’ by providing […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about the best method of insulating a building with no plans for a ceiling, planning a pole barn house, and adding heat to a completed post frame building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am insulating my 30×50 pole barn that is wrapped with Tyvek outside the purlins […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding sheeting and tar paper to a metal roof, if we could supply blueprints for project 08-0602, and condensation control for a tight structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can most pole building metal roofs support the extra weight of sheeting and tar paper (underlayment)? TAMI in […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about pole barn homes, help with finding a lender for a post frame home, and an insulation solution for a gambrel style building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, do you have any information on your pole barn homes? Looking to build in lower Michigan. HOLLY in […]

Is Cor-a-vent a Right Product for Me? Reader (and Hansen Pole Buildings’ D-I-Yer) LEE in IDAHO FALLS writes: “Would this product https://www.cor-a-vent.com/purlin-vent.cfm be suitable for providing eave vents where no overhangs were designed. This product would be installed by recessing the eave strut (purlin) 1″ below the roof line and filling the gap with this […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding a styrofoam insulation board to help keep a pole barn warm, how to best prevent condensation, and if one can purchase plans only instead of the complete kit. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I recently built a pole barn, I’m in Ohio. I put in a 15000w […]

Reader KIMBERLY in LINDEN writes: “We are building a 52x40x10 post frame home in East Texas.  The entire thing will be living space.  I have been researching as much as possible on the best way to insulate a post frame home with metal siding and roof.  The information is overwhelming and you get a completely […]

This 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 […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about engineer stamped plans,  hanging sheetrock of OSB from truss bottom chords, and the best choice for spray foam insulation in a post frame building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are your drawings engineer stamped to meet local municipality requirements? ERIK in LAS VEGAS DEAR ERIK: Yes, […]

While we United States residents like to think of ourselves as perhaps the center of our universe, post frame construction appears world wide. Reader JONATHAN in HALIFAX picked Alabama as his state when he filled out his online request for information when he wrote: “What insulation do you suggest between bookshelves of wall?” With so […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers readers questions about condensation control in a small garage with a gravel floor, the possibility of adding a “mother-daughter” unit to her house, and “ribbed vapor barrier” for a shed roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Recently purchased a metal garage kit, 24X26. No insulation. Two garaged doors. Gravel floor […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses the use of PermaColumns, planning of a pole barn in Florida, and the best solution for a building without roof or exterior wall weather resistant barriers. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am having a pole building put up with engineered laminated columns. The contractor is pushing a “Perma […]

Post Frame Barndominium Exterior Wall Questions Reader IAN in RIDGWAY writes: “I am looking for help understanding a couple of exterior wall questions.   My county is enforcing the 2018 IECC for energy efficiency. In my region this requires R-20 cavity + R-5 exterior wall assembly.  From everything I’ve read, this means a continuous layer of […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about use of a gable fan to prevent condensation, building with posts in clay soils, and addressing condensation issues in a three-stall garage. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have been reading some post on your site about gable vents. I have a 40×80 building with spray […]

Saving Money When Venting An Attic? While some of you may think I have been doing post frame buildings since dinosaurs roamed our planet, I can assure you this is not true. Now my youngest son, when he was pre-school aged, did ask me (in all seriousness) what was it like watching space aliens build […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru takes reader questions about spray foam in an attic space, cutting “rat guard” trim, and ceiling joists for a 9′ span between trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am in the process of completing my Hansen building and decided to spray foam the roof and gable ends above the […]

There 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 […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about “ceiling insulation” for a roof rebuild, the capabilities of our drafting and proprietary pricing program, and “what percentage of pole buildings are 24″ on center?” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The birds have destroyed the front half of the ceiling insulation in our 40 x 60 […]

Multiple options are available for insulating attics of post frame (pole barn) attics. Reader NATE in BURNHAM writes: “Hello! I have been doing some research all evening and I can’t seem to find an answer. I did take the time to read some various forums and blogs regarding this subject to no avail…having said that, […]

Adding Heated Space in a Pole Barn Reader THOM in COLRAIN writes: “ I’m creating a 20′ X 30′ heated shop space in the center of a 40′ X 70′ pole barn.  One 20′ side is on an outside wall.  The other three have 2 X 4 studs.  I’m using rough-cut 1″ for the walls […]

I try to keep my eyes open for new products available for post frame barndominium construction. Hemp based insulation might be of interest to some. Disclaimer: I have never used this product and it appears to currently be a challenge to source it. Hempitecture, based in Ketchum, Idaho, in conjunction with their material processing and […]

Decisions, Decisions – Vapor Barrier for a Post Frame Steel Reroof There are few reasons to replace an existing post frame building’s steel roof, as properly installed it should last a lifetime. Among these reasons could be: Tired of Existing Color Old roofing was nailed on Tree fell through roof This last one actually occurred […]

This Monday the Guru answers questions about post rot due to pouring quickcrete below the posts, adapting post frame to floor plans, and running plumbing and electrical a super insulated post frame house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I just got done building a pole barn. A task that’s a lot harder than I thought. My […]

Most of our country is unfamiliar with low budget steel truss pole barns produced and sold primarily in Southeastern states. There is a reason these are prevalent where there is no snow – just in case you were wondering. Disclaimer, I have no issues at all with prefabricated light gauge steel trusses, provided they have […]

Nanoo Nanoo In today’s riveting episode of Pole Barn Guru blogs we are actually going to discuss nanograms, not Robin Williams’ character Mork’s salutation from a late 70’s sitcom. Reader KEN from INDIAN RIVER didn’t plan his pole (post frame) building with a WRB (Weather Resistant Barrier like Tyvek) and now writes: “Mr. Pole Building […]

My Facebook friend RICK in MALDEN messaged me: “I have never built a building like this. I have seen many bad experiences with concrete, poor quality metal work and many more issues. I would just like to know if there is a list of things to make sure I get a quality home. I saw […]

How 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 […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about wall insulation and moisture barrier choices, New Steel on top of old steel, and advice on how to find an engineer to convert an existing shop into a residence. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I wrapped my post frame with double bubble with silver foil on […]

Answers for Brian’s Barndominium Builder Should you have missed yesterday’s episode, please click back to it using link at bottom of this page – it will make more sense as well as being more entertaining! Hello Brian ~ My Father and his five brothers were all framing contractors, so I was raised in a world […]

Our Builder Has a Few Questions Not a surprising statement, as few stick frame (stud wall) builders are willing to learn a new structural system, and few post frame builders have actually erected barndominiums or shouses (shop/houses). I was a first group member (although willing to learn) and frankly lost my posterior financially erecting my […]

I Think I Have Made Some Errors! If you are a post frame building kit provider or a builder reading this article – please STOP SELLING ONLY ON A CHEAP PRICE. You are leaving dissatisfied clients in your wake and doing a disservice to our industry. Reader RICK in IDAHO writes: “Hello Sir! I think […]

Today’s blog comes from Don Howe, who is a retired sales executive but has a burning passion for barndominiums. Seven Reasons Why Your Next Barndominium Should Be Pole Frame Construction One of the first design details to consider when building a barndominium is the building process. Most barndominiums are built using a stud frame, steel […]

This week Mike the Pole Barn Guru discusses about insulation options, building plans for a back yard pavilion, and steel gauge for a “swing table.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are well on our way toward breaking ground. Our biggest concerns that we seem to keep going back to are these. We want a tight, […]

Reader TIM from INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN has a chilling challenge, he writes: “Fabulous site, congrats.  I have a 40×60 pole barn with 10ft ceiling to the bottom of the rafters.  Last year I put a 150k btu heater in to try and take the chill out a bit.  It didn’t work so well because […]

Unless someone reincarnates Nikola Tesla (and he is sane) chances are good energy costs are not going to decrease. Air sealing your post frame barndominium or shouse increases your comfort by reducing drafts and cycle time your heating and cooling systems are running. Air sealing your barndominium reduces humidity increasing comfort levels. A drafty barndominium […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about column height for an eight foot one inch interior ceiling, what size bi-fold door for a hangar, and specific boards for a splash plank. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: New at this. If I am building a pole barn house and want 8 ft 1 inch […]

Let’s close out the week with another installment of Ask the Pole Barn Guru! First up is a resolution to seal up a building, followed by assistance with compacted fill, and finally an alternative to spray foam to control condensation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I purchased a pole building from you last year and there […]

Thursday’s edition will tackle three more reader questions. First up is about how level a site must be before erecting a shop, second is about pole barn homes and the many options available, and third is a question about the best method to fix an issue left by a previous builder. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: […]

This week’s edition of Pole Barn Guru visits the topics of post and footing sizes, bookshelf girts for drywall, and non-vented soffits for building with spray foam insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am currently 68 but I built pole barns as a younger man the biggest being a hay barn 24′ eaves X 80 […]

Post Frame Home Zero Barrier Entry Over a Crawl Space Reader MARC in AUBURN writes: “I am asking what might be an odd question, but I need to ask it to see if it is even an option. Is it possible to build a post frame home with part of it having a concrete floor […]

Lets close out the week with a fifth installment of The Pole Barn Guru. Today he’ll answer questions about the best insulation for a building with steel roofing over a vapor barrier over plywood, potential issues installing spray foam, and a request for a floor plan example– we now have a third party provider of […]

We’ll continue this week with a third day of Bonus PBG’s! Today Mike take care of reader questions about adding “double doors” to the high side of a lean to, insulation to building in Climate Zone 4A with R-49, and the feasibility of building in Alaska. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi Mike, I am looking […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about use of dry-set brackets to existing slab, spray foam distorting metal, and a problem with drip when temperature is just right. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How thick does the edge of concrete need to be to support a pole barn if using the bolt on top […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the design of a shouse (shop house), a resolutions for condensation, and building trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi – We are looking into pole barn buildings however we’re clueless on where to start and how big we actually need it to be. My husband […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about use of Tyvek weather barrier, best size for overhead garage doors, and insulation for a slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, I was thinking of putting up a metal clad pole building and insulating it with R28 batt. Wondering your thoughts on adding Tyvek to the […]

Stick 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. […]

Welcome – you are maybe here because you have followed my biggest money saving tip in building a new barndominium, you are acting as your own General Contractor. If you are not yet convinced, please take a brief pause to jump back to: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/02/does-my-barndominium-need-a-turn-key-general-contractor/. There are those who have time and patience (or skills) to […]

Reader BRANDON in WICHITA writes: “Hello Mike!  I am in the engineering field and we are just about to put up a personal climate controlled post frame building.  I have followed many of the teachings of Dr. Lstiburek on wall and roof assemblies.  I also enjoy your very detailed write ups.  I am conflicted in […]

Today’s BONUS Round of PBG discusses backfill compaction, finding an engineer to draw blueprints for a building of reclaimed wood, and the ins and outs of insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have 18” diameter x 60” deep pits for 6×6 posts. My backfill material and method is ¾”less gravel with every 8” compacted. But how to […]

Fishing Cabin Insulation Blog-Compliments to Rick Carr in sharing this post on how he insulated his fishing cabin.  My insulation challenges are a little unique due to having an above ground crawl space, radiant floor heating above the sub floor, 2×8 and 2×10 walls and having a partial attic area (over the bedrooms) with the […]

How to Install Bookshelf Girts for Insulation Reader SEAN in CAMAS writes: “Please help! I have plans for a 48x60x16 pole barn here in the NW. I helped build a pole barn when I was in my teens and I think mostly for my young back and ability to swing a hammer. However I am […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building on a slab or with a crawl space, insulation for a shop, and if a person is able to build near a leach field. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I appreciate the building technology used when building a residential pole barn. I am not yet […]

Isolating Heated and Unheated Barndominium Concrete Floors Loyal reader MIKE in COUPEVILLE writes: “I see you recently posted a detailed drawing on insulating the perimeter of a pole barn, very helpful.  https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/03/meeting-barndominium-slab-requirements/ I’m currently looking at purchasing a large pole barn, it will be 84’x42′ with posts 12′ apart.  I plan to make 2 of […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building a garage apartment aka a “Shouse,” how to address a moisture problem, and the best way to add insulation to a ceiling. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I design a garage apartment pole barn? JAY in HINTSVILLE DEAR JAY: You may not have this ability however we […]

Reader RENE in MICHIGAN is one of a growing tide of Americans looking to build a barndominium. She writes: “I would like to build a barn with living quarters but I do have unanswered questions! My property is in Riverside WA 98849 and therefore the first question is whether you service this area? I have […]

Loyal reader STEPHEN in AUSTIN writes: “Mike –  I am so thankful for all the info you and your company have provided over the years. Your experience and knowledge have helped so many.  I especially love your promotion of bookshelf girts.  Every time I see a building framed within a building, I ask why?  Bookshelf […]

Creating Extra Work In Barndominium Framing A supposed downside of post frame (pole barn) buildings for barndominiums is having to frame a wall inside of an exterior wall in order to create an insulation cavity and a way to support interior finishes. This myth is created and propagated by post frame kit suppliers and post […]

Spray Foam Insulation and Steel Roofing and Siding  Energy efficiency is a hot (pun intended) for steel roofed and/or sided post frame buildings, especially with a rise in popularity of barndominiums and shouses. Spray foam insulation systems have been a product of choice to achieve highly efficient building envelopes. Of course with this, have come […]

We are in an era where climate control of brand new post frame buildings is extremely common. It is also much easier to insulate (or plan for it) at time of construction, rather than having to go back and do it afterwards.  For new post frame buildings, here is my Ultimate Guide to Post Frame […]

Stilt Home Barndominium For many challenging building sites (those with grade change, in flood zones or close to oceans or seas) stilt homes are a viable and practical design solution for barndominiums. Reader DAVID in EMINENCE writes: “We are planning to build in southern Missouri a 30′ x 36′ x10′ post frame home on a […]

Fire 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 […]