Category Archives: Uncategorized
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 moreRain-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 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: 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: Insulation, Building Codes, Building Officials, Moisture Barrier, Monitor Style Buildings
- 4 comments
Rascally 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 morePermaColumns, Pole Barn Planning, and Insulating a Roof
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/15 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Columns, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium
- Tags: Glulaminated Column, Permacolumn, Insulation, Pole Barn Planning, Weather Resistant Barrier
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Post Frame Barndominium Exterior Wall
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/10 @ 8:00Post 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Barndominium
- Tags: Copper Naphthenate Solution, Roxul, International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 IECC, BIBS Insulation, 1" Rigid Insulation, Post Frame Construction, Cuprinol #10, Unfaced Batt Insulation, Weather Resistant Barrier
- 2 comments
Thoughts 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 moreFire Separation When Living With Large Animals
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/03 @ 8:00Fire Separation When Living With Large Animals While barndominiums and shop houses have become quite a rage, for years we have been providing fully engineered post frame buildings combining animals (most often horses) with living spaces (usually as a full or partial second floor). Along with this come some perhaps unexpected design considerations. Reader LISA […]
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: Building Contractor, Shouse, Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Building Comparisons, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Post Frame Construction, Stick Framing, Fully Engineered Post Frame Homes, Hansen Pole Buildings, Barndominium, Hansen Buildings Construction Manual, Shouse
- 1 comments
Looking 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: Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding
- Tags: Cladding, Shouse, Setbacks, Single Family Home, Planning Department, Fully Engineered Post Frame Construction, Barndominium, Post Frame Home
- No 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 moreFloored By A Barndominium Elevator
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/17 @ 8:00Recently I have penned a couple of articles about elevators (yes plural, we have two) in our Northeast South Dakota post frame shop/house. Certainly not every barndominium needs an elevator, but if you have more than one level, there is a better than fair chance someone with mobility challenges will be unable to access portions […]
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 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 moreLong-Span Truss Installation Guidance for Post-Frame
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/03 @ 8:00Long-Span Truss Installation Guidance for Post-Frame Originally published by: Construction Magazine Network(link is external) — January 18, 2021 The following article was produced and published by the source linked to above, who is solely responsible for its content. Hansen Pole Buildings, LLC is publishing this story to raise awareness of information publicly available online and […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Professional Engineer, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: "spaghetti Effect", Metal Plate Connected Wood Roof Trusses, Engineer, Strongbacking, Strong Back, Trusses, Sean Shields, Jim Vogt, Truss Plates, Long-span Wood Roof Trusses
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Barndominium 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: Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: I Joists, Web Stiffeners, OSB I-joist Webs, IRC, Wood Webs, Flanges, Joist Hangers, Rim Joists, Barndominium, Squash Blocks, Wood Beams, International Residential Code, Wood Cladding
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Wide Clearspan Barndominium Floors
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/19 @ 8:00Wide Clearspan Barndominium Floors Multi-story post frame barndominiums are embracing a great feature found in better stick framed homes – engineered prefabricated wood floor trusses. Loyal reader RICK in MONTICELLO writes: “First off, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in the blog and answering questions regarding post frame construction with us laymen! It is […]
Read moreSteeply Sloped Post Frame Roofs
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/14 @ 8:00With fully engineered post frame buildings becoming a popular barndominium design solution, future home owners are looking for more variety in their builds. Loyal reader KEITH in MADISON is one of these and writes: “Thanks very much for all the work you do to make this website such a treasure trove of information! Online, I […]
Read moreDon’t Let Valleys Get You Down
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/13 @ 8:00When it comes to post frame barndominiums, rooflines run from simple gabled roofs, to complex designs including hips, valleys, reverse gables, etc. Basically, if you can imagine it, post frame can provide a design solution. Loyal reader (and my Facebook friend) RUSS in PIPERSVILLE writes: “Hello Mike. As we get a little further along with […]
Read moreHemp 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: Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Insulation, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Insulation, Fiberglass, Barndominium, HempWool, Hemp Fiber
- No comments
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 moreHow a Realtor Can Participate With Post-frame Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/31 @ 8:00Reader (and Realtor) JIM in NEW PALISTINE writes: “How can I participate in the post-frame industry as a Realtor? How do people develop their custom residential interior designs? How are residential pole barn projects coordinated A-Z? Okay, that was three. Can you help me, please?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: Post frame […]
Read moreTubular 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 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 moreQuestion About a Pole Building Under Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/16 @ 8:00If you are like me, when you hire a professional to do professional work, you expect them to be experts and to do things correctly. Few things in life upset me more than when a builder gives a client a great price and then cuts corners in order to make a profit. Facebooker CHRIS in […]
Read moreMust 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: 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, Building Contractor, Ventilation
- Tags: BIB Insulation, Integral Condensation Control, ADA Bathroom, Slab On Grade, Building Site Prep, Roll In Shower, Curb Appeal, Walk-in Pantry, Bandominium, Overhangs, Slope Of Site
- 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: 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, Building Contractor
- Tags: General Contractor, Blueprints, DIY Pole Buildings, 24" X 36" Blueprints, Step By Step Installation Manual, Construction Manual, Barndominium Plans
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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: 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: Condensation Control, House Wrap, Weather Resistant Barrier, Fiberglass Insulation, Faced Insulation, Metal Building Insulation
- 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: DIY Assembly, Three Hour Exterior Wall Fire Rating, Fire Retardant Treated Wood, Foundation Plans, Steel Cutting, Welding, Roofing Materials, Freight Charges, Concrete Brackets, Steel Strength To Weight Ratio
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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: 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, Ventilation, Budget
- Tags: Osb Sheathing, Stud Wall Frame, 5/8" CDX Plywood, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Plywood, Ice And Water Shield, Bookshelf Girts, Vertical Stud Walls, Stick Frame, Winch Boxes, Purlins And Ceiling Joists
- 2 comments
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: 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, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Crawl Space, General Contractor, Basement, Curb Appeal, Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty, Overhangs, DIY Pole Buildings, Barndominium, The Ultimate Post Frame Experience
- 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: Building Contractor, Ventilation, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Stud Wall Construction, Design Flexibility, Post Frame Construction, Greater Durability, Ceiling Insulation, Faster Assembly, Steel Frame Construction, Steel Frame Building
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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: Shouse, Building Department, Shouse, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons
- Tags: Galvanized G100, Galvanized G60, Corrosion Resistance, Galvalume Warranty, Galvanized Steel, IRC And IBC Substrate Requirements, Galvalume, Galvalume Steel
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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: Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Shouse, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Building Codes, International Building Code, Barndominiums, Moratorium, High Wind Building Codes, Steel Cladded Buildings, High Wind Events, Pole Buildings
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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: Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Inside Closure Strips, Air Sealing, R-14 Insulation, Weather Resistant Barrier, Self-adhesive Sealant Tape, Sill Gaskets, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, F, WRB, Vapor Barrier
- 4 comments
Blower 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 Structure, Pole Building Doors, Windows, Barndominium, Shouse, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: ACH50, Blower Door Testing, Energy Code Testing, Barndominium, HE, CFM, HERS Rater, International Energy Conservation Code, Indoor Air Quality, Air Leakage Metrics, Cubic Feet Of Air Per Minute
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Blower Door Testing Your New Barndominium Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/22 @ 8:00Blower Door Testing Your New Barndominium You only get one chance to put together your barndominium, shouse or post frame home envelope correctly. Once you conceal it with siding and shielding, it’s nearly impossible to fix. So, by not focusing on this crucial building process aspect, you’re ultimately creating a path to a leaky barndominium. […]
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Vehicle Lifts for Post Frame Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/21 @ 8:00A trending garage accessory is an addition of a garage vehicle lift. Vehicle lifts provide many benefits for your post frame garage or shop than just being able to work on your vehicle. A vehicle lift for your garage is exactly what it sounds like, it will elevate your vehicle so you can either work on […]
Read moreBusting 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 Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Shouse, Budget
- Tags: Footers, Post Frame Barndominium, Concrete Footers, Construction Loan, Concrete Piers, Double Trusses, Building Code Compliant, Steel Brackets, Barndominium
- 2 comments
Site 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 moreAvoid Being Driven Crazy With Barndominium Questions Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/07 @ 8:00Avoiding Being Driven Crazy With Barndominium Questions Part I Loyal reader and client GREG in KENTWOOD is planning his new post frame barndominium home and has questions no one else will answer. Mike’s answers are in italics. Mike, Good morning, I hope all is well with you. I have some questions that I would like […]
Read morePost Frame Shouse Column Options
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/30 @ 8:00Post Frame Shouse Column Options – Risk vs. Reward Loyal readers will recall a recent post involving GREG in KENTWOOD (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/09/dont-want-pressure-treated-columns-in-the-ground/). Our discussion continues and I share below: “Mike, Thanks for the quick response. If I was a sane man, not sure I am, if properly pressure treated lumber will last a few generations, why […]
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 moreKitchens for the Handicapped
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/15 @ 8:00Today’s blog courtesy of J.A. Hansen, co-owner of Hansen Buildings OK, Mike the Pole Barn Guru asked me to write about kitchens, so here goes. Seven years ago (give or take a couple) Mike and I got the new custom made cupboards for our kitchen and there were LOTS of cupboards. When my four sons […]
Read more- Categories: About The Pole Barn Guru, Barndominium, Shouse, Uncategorized
- Tags: Aisleway, Aisleway Size, Barndominium, Kitchen Island, Power Wheelchair
- 4 comments
Integral Condensation Control
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/03 @ 8:00With steel roofing for barndominiums, shouses and post frame (pole) buildings comes condensation. When atmospheric conditions (in this case temperature and humidity) reach dew point, air’s vapor is able to condense to objects colder than surrounding air temperature. Once vapor condensing occurs, droplets are formed on cool surfaces. This is partly why warming a vehicle’s […]
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: Building Styles and Designs, Shouse, Building Department, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Manistee City Planning Commission, Pole Barn, Planning Department, Barndominium, International Residential Code, Shouse
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Why You Should Install Post Frame Roofing Before the Walls
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/19 @ 8:00Over roughly 40 years of post frame construction, I have seen photos of one or two (or perhaps thousands) of post frame buildings under construction. I can pretty well tell from these photos if those doing assembly are (or were) stick builders. I grew up as a framing contractor’s son (and later working for dad […]
Read more2021 IRC and IBC Adopt Improved Water Vapor Retarder Requirements Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/18 @ 8:00Please see Friday’s blog for Part I of this two part blog. FIGURE 1. New Vapor Retarder Provisions for the 2021 I-Codes (IRC shown) NOTE: For more options and an automated means of compliance, refer to http://www.appliedbuildingtech.com/rr/1701-01(link is external) and the wall calculators found at www.continuousinsulation.org(link is external). Improved Vapor Retarder Requirements Part II Some of the most significant […]
Read moreA 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 more2021 IBC and IRC Adopt Improved Vapor Retarder Requirements Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/14 @ 8:002021 IBC and IRC Adopt Improved Vapor Retarder Requirements Part I Originally published by the following source: SBC Magazine — July 29, 2020 by Jay H. Crandell, P.E., ARES/ABTG This article addresses advancements to the water vapor retarder provisions of the 2021 IBC and IRC. It is also related to properly coordinating the use of cavity and continuous […]
Read moreVA Loans for a Pole Barn Residence
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/13 @ 8:00VA Loans for a Pole Barn Residence Reader MATTHEW in BIRMINGHAM writes: “Can I use the VA loan to buy a pole barn residence?” I reached out to Amanda (Hansen Pole Buildings’ “Wizardress of Financing”) for answers. She responded, “I honestly have no idea how VA loans work. New Century Bank (https://www.newcenturybankna.com/) may possibly offer […]
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- Tags: VA Loans, New Century Bank, VA Construction Loan
- 2 comments
A Dog Trot Post Frame Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/12 @ 8:00A Dog Trot Post Frame Home Welcome back! If you missed yesterday’s installment, you will want to flip a page back, otherwise this will not make sense! Thank you Jim for your kind words – so much to write about and so little time 🙂 I do endeavor to provide to anyone who wants to […]
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- Tags: Dog Trot, Breezeway, Blower Test, Column Uplift, Screw Tie Downs, Elevation Drawings, Crawl Space, Dog Trot Style Building
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Planning for a Dogtrot Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/11 @ 8:00Planning for a Dogtrot Barndominium Reader JIM in HOLIDAY writes: Dear sir, I have scoured your site as best I can in the past few weeks and I only see one very brief mention on the “Blower Door Test” and some other articles on elevated wood flooring. These are the two main issues I am […]
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- Tags: Gazebo, Barndominium, Septic System, Dogtrot Building, Dogtrot Barndominium, FEMA, Blower Door Test, Quonset Hut, General Contractor
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Can We Do This?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/07 @ 8:00Can we do this? Engineered post frame building construction allows for nearly any situation a client can imagine to be achieved structurally. As some of you long-time loyal readers may have read – “You are only limited by your imagination, budget and available space”. Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Doug has a client who contracted with […]
Read more- Categories: Uncategorized
- Tags: Roof Slope, International Residential Code, Warranty, Reverse Gable, 3/12 Roof Slope, Shed Style Roof, Butyl Sealant
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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: Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Building Department
- Tags: Stick Built, Ceiling Angle, 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
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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 Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Lumber, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru
- Tags: Balloon Framing, Triple Decker Building, Platform Framing, Stick Built Construction, George Washington Snow, Hoosier Solon Robinson, Sill Plate, Chicago Construction, Stick 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: About The Pole Barn Guru, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Soil Bearing Pressure, Sandy Soil, Medium Soil Bearing Pressure, Clay Soil, Limestone, Granite, Clam Shells Digger, Caliche Rock, Prefabricated Roof Truss
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Working 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 moreBarndominium Subcontractor Bids
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/29 @ 8:00Barndominium construction bids are very important. Be diligent! For each contracting or subcontracting job for your barndominium, get bids or estimates from at least three contractors. Make sure bids are for similar work and be sure job specifications are identical. Never accept a bid “by the hour.” It doesn’t work. Remember Murphy’s Law; “If you […]
Read moreHow to Find Barndominium Subcontractors
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/28 @ 8:00How to Find Barndominium Subcontractors As a new barndominium General Contractor, you will need to line up subcontractors (subs) to do work you cannot or will not do. But, how does one go about finding these subs? My first call is to my nearest Home Builders Association (find them here https://www.nahb.org/NAHB-Community/Directories/Local-Associations). If unable to find […]
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: Insulation, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, 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
- Tags: Subs, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Attorney, Surveyor, Loan Officer, Grading And Excavation Contractor, Septic System, Electrician, Building Designer, Plumber, Subcontractor, Drywall Contractor, Structural Engineer, Contractor Registration, Painter
- 1 comments
Where Future Barndominium Owners Come From
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/22 @ 8:00Where Future Barndominium Owners Come From Mid-1650s, European rivals like England and France were busy dividing up a New World in North America. France settled much of modern day Quebec in Canada, and England initially settled mid-Atlantic colonies. English and French didn’t have much in common, and they were bitter rivals. But one thing they […]
Read moreSteel 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: Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Building Department, Roofing Materials, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Plywood Decking, Solid Decking, IBC 2012, Dead Loads, Deck Requirements, Roof Sheathing, OSB Decking, Building Inspector, 30# Asphalt Impregnated Paper, 30# Felt, Metal Roof Panels
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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: Shouse, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Sheds, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Roofing, Financing, Shouse, Standing Seam Roofing, Pole Building Plans
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Barndominium High R-Value Overhead Doors Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/15 @ 8:00Continuing the discussion of high R-values in overhead doors from yesterday’s Part I: Are reported R-values even accurate? There’s another potential problem with R-values reported by garage-door manufacturers: even if one accepts advertised R-values represent center-of-panel values rather than whole-door values, these numbers are still higher than most insulation experts believe are possible. Several manufacturers report […]
Read moreBarndominium High R-Value Overhead Doors Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/14 @ 12:00Barndominium High R-value Overhead Doors When my lovely bride and I had our post frame building shouse (shop house aka barndominium) constructed, energy efficiency was important for us. Then Hansen Pole Buildings was ordering our overhead doors through my friend David Vance, owner of Rainer Building Products in Western Washington. I approached David with our […]
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 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 moreKynar paint for Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/01 @ 8:00Kynar Paint for Barndominiums Many potential barndominium owners are looking to get the greatest value for their investment and many see this as their ‘forever’ home. If you fall into this category, I would highly recommend exploring Kynar® painted steel. I could extol aesthetic reasons to use Kynar painted steel for longer than anyone would […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: McElroy Metal, Kynar Paint, Fluropan, Kynar, SMP Paint, PVDF Paint
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Tim Carter Explains Ideal Two Car Garage Dimensions
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/30 @ 8:00Tim Carter is best known for his weekly syndicated “Ask The Builder” column. You can read more about Tim here: https://www.askthebuilder.com/tim-carter-autobiography/ Q. I can’t tell you how many thousands of dollars I’ve spent on remote storage facility fees. I want to put all my stuff on my own land in a dream garage. I realize a […]
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
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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. […]
Read moreRick’s Cabin Dominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/11 @ 8:00Rick’s Cabin-dominium Many of you loyal readers have followed Rick Carr’s journey towards having a finished post frame cabin-dominium. For those of you who have missed out, here are earlier articles chronicling his progress: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/03/development-of-my-cabin-plans/ https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/03/participating-in-ricks-post-frame-cabin-planning/ Rick’s project caught some eyes beyond our everyday readership. Editors of “Garage-Carport-Shed Builder” magazine became enamored of Rick and […]
Read moreBarndominium Drywall Cracks
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/09 @ 8:00You have just moved into your beautiful new barndominium, shouse or post frame home. Your drywall was painted and looked perfect for months and then you start to see seams cracking and screw heads popping through. Our first inclination is to blame whoever installed it. It is possible drywall was installed incorrectly leading to screw […]
Read moreA Shouse, Adding Tin to Block Siding, and Truss Carriers
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/08 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles the subjects of building a shouse with RV storage, how to add tin to block siding, and truss carriers vs notched posts. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning! My wife and are currently going to market with our home in Lakeville and are considering our next steps. We […]
Read moreBarndominium Contractor
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/05 @ 8:00How to Have a Fair Relationship With Your Barndominium Contractor I have been a contractor and I have hired contractors. As much as you might wish to believe it will not be so, contractors can be a source of stress and anxiety. They can be masters at squeezing out profits, while putting in minimal efforts. […]
Read moreThings to Complete Before Going to a Barndominium Lender
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/03 @ 8:00Folks who are contemplating building a barndominium come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as financial positions. Some are at or near an end to their working careers and are downsizing, selling or have sold a long term family home and have equity to be used for their last home. Others are […]
Read moreNot Your Average Kitchen in a Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/27 @ 8:00Not Your Average Kitchen in a Barndominium When my lovely bride Judy first came up with an idea to construct our now shouse (shop/house) gambrel building 15 years ago, it was not with a thought as to it becoming a barndominium. Indeed, it was to be a place to have offices along one side and […]
Read moreIsolating Heated and Unheated Barndominium Concrete Floors
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/22 @ 8:00Isolating 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Pole Barn Heating, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete
- Tags: Radiant Heat, Pex-Al-Pex Tubing, Concrete Slab Insulation, Concrete Zone Heating, Rigid Insulation, Concrete Slab
- 1 comments
How Tall Should My Eave Height Be for Two Stories?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/20 @ 8:00How Tall Should My Eave Height Be for Two Stories? I have learned a couple of things in 40 years of post frame building construction. One amongst these is – most people are dimensionally challenged (no offense intended). As much as some folks would like to believe, you cannot legitimately put two full height finished […]
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 moreIs This Floor Plan Doable as a Post Frame Barndominium Kit?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/13 @ 8:00Is This Floor Plan Doable as a Post Frame Barndominium Kit? This question was posed by Reader TIFFANY in HOPKINSVILLE. My answer is yes. Whether an existing floor plan or a custom design – virtually anything you can imagine, can be converted to a post frame barndominium kit, provided it is possible to do structurally […]
Read moreWhole House Barndominium Fans
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/12 @ 8:00Whole House Barndominium Fans Apparently when it comes to barndominiums, there is a limitless number of subjects to cover! Reader CAROLYN in CLEVELAND writes: “We would like to build a post frame home but I would like to have a whole house fan to cut down on cooling costs. Most barndos we see under construction […]
Read moreBest Barndominium Steel Roofing and Siding in Coastal Areas
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/08 @ 8:00If you are one of many looking to install steel roofing and/or siding on your new barndominium, shouse (shop/house) or post frame home, understanding differences between galvanized and galvalume is essential to getting top performance you expect from your new steel roofing or siding.. In most residential steel roofing applications including near-coastal areas — beach […]
Read moreA Garage Apartment, A Moisture Problem, and Insulating a Ceiling
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/04 @ 8:00Today’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 […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Pole Barn Apartments, Shouse, Insulation, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Insulation, Condensation, Spray Foam, Foam Boards, Moisture, Shouse, Garage Apartment
- 2 comments
My New Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/30 @ 8:00Reader 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building Comparisons, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Metal Buildings, Pre-engineered Metal Buildings, PEMB Building, Wood Construction, Post Frame Insulation
- 2 comments
Low E Barndominium Windows
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/28 @ 8:00Being a life-long baseball fan, my first introduction to “Low e”, was former Mariner, Ranger, Angel, Indian, Blue Jay and Tiger relief pitcher Mark Lowe, who could chuck a rock as high as 101 miles per hour! OK, not so funny, but it does illustrate how little I (and most people) knew or understand about […]
Read moreA Model Post Frame Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/21 @ 8:00Reader JEFF writes: “I read the blog, even the comments, for about 3 hours in total now- and the writer sure has some good things to say (and imo is usually on the correct side of the flame wars, from a layman-to-pole-buildings but PhD chemical engineers’ perspective). I’ve been involved in spec’ing out details of […]
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- Tags: Scale Model, 3D Flow Fields
- 5 comments
How Roof is Done, “Logs” for Kits, and Two-Story “Shoffice”(?)
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/13 @ 8:00This Monday, Mike the Pole Barn Guru discusses the ins and outs of a roof, lumber provided with the Kit, and if we can offer a two story shed/office (“Shoffice”?). DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How is the roof done? Do you use screws or nails? Is the frame wood or steel? MARY in MT. PLEASANT […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Lofts, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Shouse, Roofing Materials, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Roof Steel, Fasteners, Screws, Alternative Roofing, Shouse, Roof, Logs, Lumber, Shop Office
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