Category Archives: Pole Barn Homes
Home Addition, Combo Building, and Moisture Barriers
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/02 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreResidential Building, I-Joist Purlins, and Post Proximity
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/19 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about whether or not Hansen can provide a residential building kit in their area, if Mike advises the use of I-Joists as purlins, and post proximity– how close can two posts be to each other? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you build residential buildings in the […]
Read moreChange 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 moreBuilding 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: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Building Department, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Ventilation, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Net Free Ventilation Area, Building Department, Seller, Post Frame Building, Purchaser, Plan Check Fees, Change Orders, Building Codes
- No comments
Arnold Missouri Bans Pole Building Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/02 @ 8:00Arnold Missouri Bans Pole Building Construction! Just a week ago I wrote asking my readers to assist in defeating a proposed restriction on post-frame (pole barn) homes in Madison County, Illinois. Some of you may have scoffed and done nothing, thinking it could never happen where you want to build. Arnold, Missouri is a town […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Apartments, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Apartment, Pole Building Apartment, Barndominiums, Arnold Missouri, Pole Buildings, Tony Krausz, Bryan Richison, Post Frame Construction, Arnold Missouri Planning Commission
- 1 comments
Contract Sales Tax and Financing
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/30 @ 8:00Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intend 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 moreProtect Your Right to Freedom of Choice
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/25 @ 8:00Today we take a momentary pause from contracts to protect your right to freedom of choice. Your first question is going to be, “Why should I care about what Madison County, IL does? Easy answer – because what one jurisdiction does, another is sure to follow, then another, then another. But I don’t care about […]
Read moreSpray Foam, Crawl Space Floors, and Column Sizes for Shed
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/21 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about spray foam application of a vapor barrier, finishing a crawl space floor, and to go with 3 ply or 4 ply columns– this is dependent upon many things. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: New Construction – Can spray foam insulation be spray over a vapor barrier […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Workshop Buildings, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Ventilation
- Tags: Crawl Space, Engineer Sealed Structural Plans, Insulation, Glulaminated Column, Spray Foam, Crawl Space Floors, Concrete Crawl Space, Condensation Control, Glulams
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Attic Truss Lofts, Wall Switch Heights, and A Shouse
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/14 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru responds to reader questions about an attic truss loft, whether or not wall switches and outlet heights are different for post frame, and building a shouse– garage with living space above (Shop/House). DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to have a loft in a 30 x 50 x 8 […]
Read moreA Crawl Space, Building Size Options, and An Addition
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/07 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses building a post frame building over a crawl space, whether one should build up or out, and if it is possible to build on to an existing building with a post frame structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When building a post frame on a crawl space with post […]
Read moreGood Fences Make Good Neighbors
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/04 @ 8:00Good Fences Make Good Neighbors Robert Frost’s 1914 poem Mending Wall began this proverb. Good fences do indeed help make good neighbors. A good fence is a line of mutual respect and understanding with minimal ambiguities. A good fence is a mutually-agreed upon boundary, with implied and explicit responsibilities for both sides to maintain and […]
Read moreRoof Insulation, Pole Barn Houses, and Adding Heat
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/31 @ 8:00Today 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 […]
Read moreIs Western SPF at $2000 Just Around the Corner?
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/28 @ 8:00Is Western SPF at $2000 Just Around the Corner? Originally Published by: Russ Taylor Global by Russ Taylor, President — May 4, 2021 In late July 2020 I wrote an article in the WOOD MARKETS Monthly Report (my last-ever editorial) where I posed the question if W-SPF 2×4 #2&Better Random Lengths (FOB BC Mill) lumber could achieve the US$1,000/Mbf threshold […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Buildings History, Trusses, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse
- Tags: Russ Taylor, Wood Markets Monthly Report, W-SPF, Logistics Providers, British Columbia Lumber Industry, Pine Beetle Epidemic, Layman's Lumber Guide, Russ Taylor Global
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Concrete Slabs on Grade for Cold Climates
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/26 @ 8:00Concrete Slabs on Grade for Cold Climates My lovely bride and I have a shouse (shop/house) in Northeast South Dakota, where it can tend to get chilly in Winter. Reader TERRI in DULUTH is in a similar situation and writes: “What type of slab for cold climates do you recommend?” Well Terri, thank you for […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn holes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Concrete, Footings
- Tags: Building Site Preparation, Insulation Minimum R-Values, Engineered Building Plans, Ask The Pole Barn Guru, Site Preparation, International Energy Conservation Code, IECC, Climate Zone
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Foam Boards, Foundations, and Rat Walls
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/24 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding kraft-backed insulation to rigid foam boards, if posts go in the ground or a foundation system, and if a pole building needs a “rat wall” poured. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an existing pole barn, the front portion being 30×30 with 11′ walls. The […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium
- Tags: Bracket Mounted Posts, Rigid Foam Insulation, Post Frame Foundation, Bracket Mounted Columns, Wet Set Brackets, Foam Boards, Kraft Backed Insulation, Rat Wall
- 2 comments
Post Frame Homes
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/21 @ 8:00Post Frame Homes – Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You After providing or building post frame (pole) buildings for over 40 years, one might think there would be very few things coming as a surprise to me. Well…..SURPRISE! Barndominiums and shop houses are no surprise to me at all. I first built one for […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Shouse, Building Contractor, Shouse, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium
- Tags: Building Contractor, Spiral Staircase, Bonus Room, Lake Havasu, Barndominium, Attic Trusses, Post Frame Home
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What Surging Lumber Prices Have Done to Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/19 @ 8:00What Surging Lumber Prices Have Done to Barndominiums Based upon NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) data from April 26, 2021 According to NAHB’s latest estimates, a year of rising softwood lumber has added $35,872 to an average new single-family home’s price. These estimates are based on softwood lumber used directly and embodied in products going into […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Building Contractor, Trusses, Alternate Siding, Budget, Porches
- Tags: Builder Practices Survey, Home Innovation Research Labs, Random Lengths, Annual Wholesale Trade Tables, National Association Of Home Builders
- 3 comments
UC-4B Treated Columns, A Connecting Structure, and Custom Options
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/17 @ 7:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about UC-4B treated columns, advice to connect a new structure to existing building, and if one can customize a monitor style building to eliminate pony wall. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are considering residential post frame construction in southeast Ohio. I’m concerned about wood posts in […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Flashing, Monitor Building, Custom Building, Expandable Closures, Treated Posts, Building Addition, Pressure Preservative Treated Columns, UC-4B, EmSeal
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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 moreNot Quite an Acme Hole Kit
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/12 @ 8:00Not quite an Acme Hole Kit I grew up in an era where we (as children) could watch cartoons such as Road Runner and not immediately go out and try antics as pictured on our screens. Somehow our generation understood this and used common sense. One of my favorites is Acme’s “Hole Kit” where a […]
Read moreRoof Sheeting, Blueprints, and Condensation Control
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/10 @ 8:00Today 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Blueprints, Roof Sheeting, Monitor Buildings, Insulation, Tar Paper, Condensation, Roof Dead Load
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Rain-screen Siding for Post Frame Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/06 @ 8:00Horizontal exterior sidings like wood clapboards, vinyl, and fiber cement have traditionally been nailed directly to underlying sheathing, typically over a water-resistant underlayment of asphalt felt or some sort of housewrap. This is still common practice, but over the past few decades, a more labor-intensive technique known as rain-screen siding has been steadily gaining ground. […]
Read morePole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Home Financing, and Insulation Assistance
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/03 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreTexas Post Frame Barndominium Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/23 @ 8:00Reader 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Ventilation, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Weather Resistant Barrier, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Insulation, Climate Zone 3A, Ridge Exhaust, Open Cell Spray Foam, Stone Wool Insulation, Integral Condensation Control, Dead Attic Space, Eave Ventilation
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Pole Barn Homes
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/21 @ 8:00Pole Barn Homes: Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Post-Frame Construction Today’s guest blogger is Esther Williams, She specializes in Real Estate & Home improvement content, and wants to share her knowledge of creative interior designing ideas with those who are passionate about it. She’s also finishing her MA in journalism studies, dreams about […]
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 moreRepurpose – From Pole Barn to Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/14 @ 8:00Reader LAUREN in THORNVILLE has an existing pole barn and writes: “Hello! We have an existing 40×64 post frame construction pole barn that is 16′ high at the eaves/trusses and 20′ total height. It has siding and half of the space has 6 inch poured concrete. We would like to turn this into a one […]
Read moreHow Tall Are Barn Homes?
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/07 @ 8:00Reader CAROLYN in INDIANAPOLIS writes: “How tall are barn homes? I didn’t know what height to put in…I like tall ceilings …also do u build the homes also?” Fully engineered post frame homes and barndominiums (barn homes) are beautiful because they only limit your heights under Building Codes to three stories and a 40 foot […]
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: Trusses, Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Building Codes, Building Officials, Moisture Barrier, Monitor Style Buildings, Insulation
- 4 comments
Condensation Control, Mother/Daughter Addition, and Vapor Barrier for Roof
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/22 @ 8:00Today 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 […]
Read moreRascally Rodents
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/19 @ 8:00Rascally Rodents Rodents, such as rats and house mice cause serious damage to structures of barndominiums, shop/houses and other buildings. These rascally rodents can cause grief with any structural system – not just post frame buildings. While rodents are notorious for their consumption and contamination of feed, rodent damage to insulation raises heating and cooling […]
Read moreThoughts When Considering Building a Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/05 @ 8:00Thoughts When Considering Building a Barndominium If you are reading this, you are probably somewhere between, “Living in a barndominium would be really cool” and “I wish I would have done…..” This is not meant to be a 100% comprehensive list, but may give some food for thought. The Importance of Location When it comes […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Lofts, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Shouse
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Barndominium Building on Solid Ground
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/04 @ 8:00For many, a new barndominium is looked upon as being a ‘forever’ home. This is an opportunity to have a floor plan custom crafted to meet all sorts of family wants and needs – whether it is a huge country kitchen or shop space big enough to house a fleet of classic vehicles. It is […]
Read moreBlog 2000
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/23 @ 8:002000 Thank you to loyal readers who have made this blog a success – today marks 2000 blog articles written and shared! It could not have been done without your continued support and encouragement. Back in December 2015, I shared a milestone of reaching 1000 articles, and thought it was a very big number (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/12/1000/). […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Comparisons, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Shouse, Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Hansen Buildings Construction Manual, Shouse, Post Frame Construction, Stick Framing, Fully Engineered Post Frame Homes, Hansen Pole Buildings, Barndominium
- 1 comments
Market News: OSB Shortage
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/18 @ 8:00Market News: Oriented Strandboard Shortages We are now living in a world of COVID induced product shortages – from commodities such as toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products to simple things such as McCormick Thick and Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Mix. When it comes to building products, it is not unheard of to have to […]
Read moreA Shortlist for Smooth Barndominium Sailing
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/16 @ 8:00Every builder worth his or her salt is busy right now – there is a far greater demand for builders, than there are builders to fill needs. This makes builder’s time extremely valuable. There are some things you can do to make for smooth sailing when shopping for and/or dealing with contractors. #1 Have a […]
Read moreBarndominium Electrical Outlets
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/12 @ 8:00Barndominium Electrical Outlets No matter how many electrical outlets I plan for, it feels as if there were never enough where I really need them. There are some basic minimum rules, however when planning your barndominium or shop/house – think about places you might need more than these requirements. It is much easier to have […]
Read moreAdvanTech®
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/09 @ 8:00AdvanTech® Christina reached out to me on social networking and asked: “Hello, always look forward to your advice and I ran across something I didn’t find on the Hansen website. AdvanTech flooring as an alternative to OSB or plywood. Thoughts?” While I have successfully utilized AdvanTech subflooring myself, rather than reinventing a wheel, today’s expert […]
Read moreBuilding Code, “Barndos”, and Barn Doors
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/08 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about which building code applies to a residential “pole barn,” a “Barndo” for Betty, and stall doors for a horse barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Planning to build in Fremont County, CO. This will be a 2 bedroom residential cabin at 9400 ft. Which building code […]
Read moreFull Size Elevator for Judy
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/05 @ 8:00Raising Judy Disclaimer: This article has nothing to do with Coen Brothers’ 1987 film Raising Arizona (starring my lovely bride’s favorite Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter). Yesterday’s story left Judy crammed into a pneumatic elevator tube on an airplane transfer chair. It wasn’t long before we had to arrive at a better (and safer) solution. […]
Read morePneumatic Vacuum Elevators for Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/04 @ 8:00Thank you to my friend John Lyle who encouraged me to write about elevators. As a child, I was fascinated by going through bank drive thrus with our mother as she made bank deposits. Why? Because Mother could fill up a clear plastic cylinder with her deposit, push a button and it was whisked away […]
Read moreBarndominium on Expansive Soils
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/29 @ 8:00Post Frame Barndominium Building on Expansive Soils. When I was a 1990’s post frame building contractor we trained our sales team to be diligent in looking at soil cuts near where our potential clients were considering erecting new post frame buildings. These cuts could tell us much about what was happening below the surface and […]
Read moreWood I-Joists for Your Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/21 @ 8:00With many barndominiums being multi-storied, or at least having lofts or mezzanines, there are several methods of structural support. These would include dimensional lumber, wood trusses and I-joists. In our own post frame barndominium, we utilized I-joists as rafters for both side sheds. They are also floor joists for my lovely bride’s mezzanine sewing loft […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: IRC, Wood Webs, Flanges, Joist Hangers, Rim Joists, Barndominium, Squash Blocks, Wood Beams, International Residential Code, Wood Cladding, I Joists, Web Stiffeners, OSB I-joist Webs
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Hemp Based Barndominium Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/05 @ 8:00I 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Planning, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Insulation
- Tags: HempWool, Hemp Fiber, Insulation, Fiberglass, Barndominium
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Shouse Dimensions, UK Plans, and Chance of Tear-out
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/04 @ 8:00Kicking off 2021 Mike answers reader questions about standard dimensions of a shouse, pole barn plans in the UK, and the chances a building official will force buyer of a converted building to remove non-permitted work. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Was wondering if there are standard lengths/widths, such as 30 x 40 vs 36 x […]
Read moreAvoid These 4 Mistakes in Your Post Frame Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/29 @ 8:00Avoid These 4 Mistakes In Your Post Frame Building Today’s guest blogger is Katherine Rundell, a construction writer and editor at Assignment Help and College Paper Writing Service. She is also a contributing writer at Buy Essays. As a professional writer, she coaches college students on how to write in various fields. Yes, buyer’s remorse […]
Read morePost Rot Concerns, Floor Plan Adaptation, and a Net Zero House
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/28 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Footings, Building Interior, Columns, Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Floorplans, Net Zero Home, Post Frame Home Mechanicals, Floor Plans, Post Frame House, Pot Rot, Quick Crete
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Tubular Skylights for Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/24 @ 8:00Tube Skylights for Barndominiums Reader EMANUAL in SPRINGDALE writes: “Read your article about skylights, but what about Tube skylights?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru says: Bringing natural light into a post frame building is a relatively easy prospect, provided the room is adjacent to at least one exterior wall. Windows and glass doors have been […]
Read moreHow Much is the White Gambrel Barn?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/23 @ 8:00How Much is the White Gambrel Barn? Reader ALLISON in SALIDA writes: “I’m wondering what it would cost to build the large white gambrel style barn that’s on your website. Thanks!” This building has been featured in places like covers of NFBA’s post frame building design manual and Rural Builder magazine. It is truly a […]
Read moreWind Damage, Screw Piles, and Building on Stilts
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/21 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about repairing or replacing a wind damaged structure with help of a Registered Design Professional, the use if Screw Piles instead of embedded columns, and an inquiry about a post frame structure for home and shop built on “stilts.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I own a pole […]
Read moreDoesn’t Like Idea of Concrete Slab on Grade Foundation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/17 @ 8:00Doesn’t Like Idea of a Concrete Slab Foundation Loyal reader ASHLEY in KELSO writes: “I will be building in southwest Washington – Cowlitz County. We are wanting around a 2800 square foot home. I do not like the idea of a concrete slab “foundation”, we are going with crawl space (I read your blog on […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium, Building Contractor, Concrete, Footings, Pole Barn Questions, Budget, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Crawl Space, Post Frame Building, Slab On Grade Foundation, Cowlitz County, General Contractor, Subcontractors, Stick Built Building
- No comments
Hardi-Plank Siding, Adding a Loft, and Blower Testing
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/11 @ 8:00Closing out the week with one more group of questions for the Pole Barn Guru. Today Mike answers questions about using Hardiplank on a pole building, the addition of a loft to an existing building, and performing a blower test for air leaks. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are going to purchase an older house […]
Read more- Categories: Lofts, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation, Alternate Siding, Building Interior, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Siding Options, Energy Efficiency, Loft, Blower Test, Building Permit, Hardiplank, Engineering Loft
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Must Do’s for a Worry Free Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/08 @ 8:00My 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Building Contractor, Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Overhangs, Post Frame Home, Roofing Materials, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Walk-in Pantry, Bandominium, Overhangs, Slope Of Site, BIB Insulation, Integral Condensation Control, ADA Bathroom, Slab On Grade, Building Site Prep, Roll In Shower, Curb Appeal
- 2 comments
Build on a Slope, Joist Hangers, and the Future of Post Frame
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/07 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building on a slope with use of embedded columns or brackets on piers, the proper installation of joist hangers, and the Guru’s vision of the future of post frame construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Because of the 16% slope, I will be using concrete piers & […]
Read moreDo You, or Anyone Else You Trust, Build In or Near (fill in the blank)?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/04 @ 8:00This question was put forth by reader TARILYNN in FREEDOM. It (or a similar variant) also gets posted roughly 10 to 20 times daily in various social media groups. I spent most of a decade as a registered General Contractor in multiple states. At times we would have as many as 35 crews erecting buildings […]
Read more- Categories: Building Contractor, Pole Barn Homes, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Barndominium, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Step By Step Installation Manual, Construction Manual, Barndominium Plans, General Contractor, Blueprints, DIY Pole Buildings, 24" X 36" Blueprints
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How 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: Pole Building Siding, Shouse, 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
- Tags: Fiberglass Insulation, Faced Insulation, Metal Building Insulation, Condensation Control, House Wrap, Weather Resistant Barrier
- No comments
If You Think Red Iron Buildings Are Great
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/02 @ 8:00If You Thought Red Iron Buildings Are Great Loyal readers, please join me in reaching way back to yesterday’s article espousing great benefits of PEMBs (Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings) aka “red iron” or “bolt up” buildings. If you are planning a new barndominium, shouse (shop/house), shop, etc., and have decided a PEMB is your one and […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding
- Tags: Welding, Roofing Materials, Freight Charges, Concrete Brackets, Steel Strength To Weight Ratio, DIY Assembly, Three Hour Exterior Wall Fire Rating, Fire Retardant Treated Wood, Foundation Plans, Steel Cutting
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Textrafine Insulation, New Steel on Old Steel, and a Residential Conversion
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/30 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreAnswers for Brian’s Barndominium Builder
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/27 @ 8:00Answers 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Budget, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Shouse
- Tags: Vertical Stud Walls, Stick Frame, Winch Boxes, Purlins And Ceiling Joists, Osb Sheathing, Stud Wall Frame, 5/8" CDX Plywood, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Plywood, Ice And Water Shield, Bookshelf Girts
- 2 comments
Designing a Dream Barndominium Loft
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/24 @ 8:00Designing a Dream Barndominium Loft Reader BRIAN in PETOSKY writes: “ Hi Mike, Mindi told me to email you my lofted floor question for our project. To avoid messing with truss-support floors, we were planning to build a full 26×60 main barn with scissor trusses the full length. Then on one end, we would make […]
Read moreA “Man Cave,” A Quote Request, and Snow Loads
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/16 @ 8:00This Monday’s PBG discusses a “Man Cave” designed with SIP panels, a quote request from Texas, and what our snow loads are for our buildings. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Considering a monitor style pole building with RV storage in center and living quarters on one side (loft in rear of building only) When RV is […]
Read moreWhat 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 Colors, Barndominium, Building Interior, Shouse, About The Pole Barn Guru, Budget, Building Overhangs, Professional Engineer, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding, Post Frame Home
- Tags: Curb Appeal, Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty, Overhangs, DIY Pole Buildings, Barndominium, The Ultimate Post Frame Experience, Crawl Space, General Contractor, Basement
- 2 comments
Floor Trusses, Plywood Floor, and Post Frame Conversion
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/09 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building to FEMA Flood Code for a raised wood floor, use of a plywood floor instead of concrete pad, and finding a certified engineer to help with conversion of pole barn to a home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have to build according to the current […]
Read moreSeven Reasons Why Your Next Barndominium Should Be Pole Frame Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/05 @ 8:00Today’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 […]
Read more- Categories: Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Ventilation
- Tags: Ceiling Insulation, Faster Assembly, Steel Frame Construction, Steel Frame Building, Stud Wall Construction, Design Flexibility, Post Frame Construction, Greater Durability
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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: Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Shouse, Building Department, Shouse, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Galvanized G60, Corrosion Resistance, Galvalume Warranty, Galvanized Steel, IRC And IBC Substrate Requirements, Galvalume, Galvalume Steel, Galvanized G100
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Insulation Options, Building Plans, and a Swing Table
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/02 @ 8:00This 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, […]
Read moreArnold 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: Barndominium, Shouse, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Barndominiums, Moratorium, High Wind Building Codes, Steel Cladded Buildings, High Wind Events, Pole Buildings, Building Codes, International Building Code
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Air Sealing Your Post Frame Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/27 @ 8:00Unless 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Self-adhesive Sealant Tape, Sill Gaskets, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, F, WRB, Vapor Barrier, Inside Closure Strips, Air Sealing, R-14 Insulation, Weather Resistant Barrier
- 4 comments
Busting Post Frame Barndominium Myths
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/20 @ 8:00Busting Post Frame Barndominium Myths Yep, I have been web surfing again and I came across a stick frame building contractor’s website who obviously either doesn’t understand fully engineered post frame construction, or just frankly doesn’t care to add it to his arsenal of design solutions. My comments are in italics. MYTH #1. MOST BANKS WON’T […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Shouse, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Footers, Post Frame Barndominium, Concrete Footers, Construction Loan, Concrete Piers, Double Trusses, Building Code Compliant, Steel Brackets, Barndominium
- 2 comments
Column Height, a Hangar Door, and Splash Plank Boards
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/19 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreSite Prep,
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/15 @ 8:00Thursday’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: […]
Read moreFloor Plan Ideas, An “L” Shaped Building, and Floor Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/05 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole barn Guru answers questions about floor plan ideas for a monitor style building, plans for a “Zen Den” or “Party Barn” in an L shape, and whether or not it is worth adding reflective radian barrier under slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am wondering if you have any floor […]
Read morePost Frame Home Zero Barrier Entry Over a Crawl Space
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/02 @ 8:00Post 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Building Drainage
- Tags: Post Frame Home, Crawl Space, Zero Barrier Entry, Wood Foundation Walls, All-weather Wood Foundations, Treated Wood Foundations, Treated Wood Foundation
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A Future House, Eave Height, and Pricing for Horse Arena
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/28 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about an ideal pole barn to convert into a house, the height of the exterior wall with an 11′ interior ceiling height, how clear span affects the costs of a horse arena. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good Morning, We just put in an offer on land in […]
Read moreDouble Doors, Insulation, and an Alaska Project?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/24 @ 8:00We’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 […]
Read morePole Barn Guru Wednesday!
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/23 @ 8:00Bonus Wednesday! The Pole Barn Guru has been inundated with questions. Let’s answer a few more. Move a hay barn? Building a Shouse, and the answer to “What all is in the pole barn kit?” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I may move my 40 x 60 hay barn, wooden trusses, 6 x 6 poles. How […]
Read moreDon’t Want Pressure Treated Columns in the Ground?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/18 @ 8:00Loyal reader GREG in KENTWOOD writes: “We plan to build a house next summer with basically (2) – 40’x60’ units connected at 90°, wife is still in the planning stage, 2 story. I feel that me and my sons should be able to erect a kit with directions from the supplier and tips. I like […]
Read moreSmall Pole Barns, Timber Screws for Purlins, and Turnkey Homes
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/14 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about what the smallest sized barn can be built, certifications for timber screws, and prices for “turn key” homes in Iowa. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you build barns that are smaller than 24’ wide?? I want a 20×20 barn/shed DAVID in MILAN DEAR DAVID: We have provided […]
Read moreTop Chord Repair, Little Voices, and Building Use
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/31 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru tackles questions about repairing a rotted top chord of an existing truss, a little voice in a contractor’s head, and the use of an existing building on newly purchased parcel. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When we bought our property the pole barn on it already had a rotting roof with […]
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: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Plywood, Post Frame Building, Stick Built, Registered Design Professional, Furred Down Ceiling, Girts, Purlins, Tyvek, Spray Foam Insulation, Weather Resistant Barriers, OSB
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Struggles 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: Manistee City Planning Commission, Pole Barn, Planning Department, Barndominium, International Residential Code, Shouse
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A Shouse, Eliminating Condensation, and Building Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/17 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreTyvek Weather Barrier, Overhead Door Sizes, and Slab Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/10 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreStick 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: Building Contractor, 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
- 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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Stick Framing?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/05 @ 8:00Stick Framing? A continuing debate, in picking a structural system for a new barndominium, is what is going to be best? Due to years of conditioning, many assume a traditional wood framed, stick built barndominium, assembled on site is what will be right. Granted, stick built houses, with traditional wood framing, are by far America’s […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Lumber, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Stick Built Construction, George Washington Snow, Hoosier Solon Robinson, Sill Plate, Chicago Construction, Stick Framing, Balloon Framing, Triple Decker Building, Platform Framing
- 2 comments
How Long Will it Take to Erect My Post Frame Building?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/04 @ 8:00How Long Will It Take to Erect My Post Frame Building? This is a popular question posed not only by many potential building owners who are considering doing work themselves, but also by contractors who are considering erecting a building for others. Before any question of construction time can be addressed, let’s eliminate one crucial […]
Read more- Categories: Building Contractor, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions, About The Pole Barn Guru, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Clay Soil, Limestone, Granite, Clam Shells Digger, Caliche Rock, Prefabricated Roof Truss, Soil Bearing Pressure, Sandy Soil, Medium Soil Bearing Pressure
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Cost of a Pole Barn Home, Metal Trusses, and Rafter Connections
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/03 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about he cost of a pole barn home, the possible life span of metal trusses, and connecting wing trusses or rafters to posts on a “monitor” style building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to build a small pole barn home for $100K or less? KERI […]
Read moreWorking With Your Barndominium Subs
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/30 @ 8:00Working With Your Barndominium Subs If you get along well with everyone at all times, you may not need to read this article. But if you occasionally run into conflicts, read them carefully. Sometimes the fault may be yours. At this point you’ve selected your subcontractors. You’ve checked them out and are satisfied they are […]
Read moreSubcontractors for Your Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/24 @ 8:00Welcome – 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Building Contractor, Building Interior, Shouse, Lumber, Budget, Insulation, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Real Estate Attorney, Surveyor, Loan Officer, Grading And Excavation Contractor, Septic System, Electrician, Building Designer, Plumber, Subcontractor, Drywall Contractor, Structural Engineer, Contractor Registration, Painter, Subs, Real Estate Agent
- 1 comments
Financing a Shouse, Drawings, and Roofing advice
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/20 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about financing a Shouse, a timeline for plans to build a large pole barn, advice for roofing with standing seam steel. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are in the process of selling our home and buying a piece of property to build on. We want to build […]
Read more- Categories: Sheds, Pole Barn Homes, Shouse, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Pole Building Plans, Roofing, Financing, Shouse, Standing Seam Roofing
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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: Pole Barn Planning, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Lofts, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Barndominium
- Tags: Shouse, House Loft, Habitable Space, Minimum Height Code, Barndominium, Pole Building Home, International Residential Code, Pole Barn Home, Loft
- 1 comments
Connecting Structures, Help with Connections, and a New Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/13 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about connecting structures, connections for a DIY project, and help with information to build a new home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the easiest way to connect 30x50x16 to 30x50x16? JACK in CARDWELL DEAR JACK: Connected end-to-end will be easiest. Your overall “new building” will need to be […]
Read morePlanning Interior Accessibility in Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/09 @ 8:00Good Morning! This is Mike the Pole Barn Guru’s wife filling in for him as he takes a couple of well deserved days off from writing. Not too long ago Mike wrote a blog discussing how to plan the interior of your new barndominium or shouse (shop/house). He had some good ideas but there are […]
Read moreBarndominium Building on Expansive Soils
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/08 @ 8:00Barndominium Building on Expansive Soils Expansive soils in many United States areas pose a significant hazard to foundations for barndominiums. Swelling clays derived from residual soils can exert uplift pressures of as much as 5,500 PSF (pounds per square foot) and can do considerable damage to barndominiums, shouses and post frame homes. Insurance companies pay […]
Read moreWhat Features Should Your Barndominium Have?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/07 @ 8:00What Features Should Your Modern Barndominium Have? Seemingly there are a million and one things to consider when planning for your new barndominium. Hopefully, somewhere buried in your lists, are features your new home should have in order to make it appealing to future buyers (although this may be your ‘forever’ home – sadly to […]
Read moreSafely Erecting Post Frame Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/03 @ 8:00Safely Erecting Post Frame Buildings Most post frame buildings can be easily erected DIY (do it yourself) by an average physically capable person who can and will read instructions. In fact, most DIY post frame buildings turn out far nicer (in quality of workmanship) than those done by professional builders – because as a building […]
Read moreBarndominium Features Worth Having?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/02 @ 8:00Barndominium Features Worth Having? New barndominium owners often assume any upgraded features will make their place more valuable. While it is true upgraded kitchen features, a carriage style garage door, or real wood floors may add value and make your home more desirable for resale, there are other projects providing very little return. Here are […]
Read moreConcrete Piers, RV Carport, a Wedding Venue
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/29 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building with concrete piers, design of storage for an RV, and how wide a venue for weddings can be built. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I will start with the biggest question I have. Can you design a Pole Barn building 40x60x14 Gable roof 5/12 to be […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Footings, Pole Barn Homes, Venues, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Concrete Piers, RV Shed, Open Carport
- No comments
How to Avoid Your Barndominium Being Kicked to the Curb
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/23 @ 8:00How to Avoid Your Barndominium Being Kicked to the Curb Welcome back from last Thursday! When it comes to resale value, you want your barndominium’s curb appeal to add to value, not kick you to the curb. There are things you can do during design and build phases to improve appeal and good news is, […]
Read moreWhy Curb Appeal is Crucial for Your New Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/18 @ 8:00I have had people try to convince me curb appeal for their new barndominium is not important. Their reason has ranged from, “I am never going to sell this house” to “It is far into a forest no one will ever see it”. A shocking reality – some day, someone will be selling your barndominium. […]
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