Tag Archives: pole barn photos

Building Over a Basement, an OHD Modification, and Interior Photos?

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building over a basement, an OHD modification, and interior photos of one of our buildings?

Engineer sealed pole barnDEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I order a pole barn knowing that it will be built over a basement will the plans show how to install the floor or do I have to figure that out myself? I would really like the answer quickly if possible. Thank you. MARYJANE in MANZANOLA

 

DEAR MARYJANE: Our third-party engineer sealed plans include connections of all members we supply in your complete post frame building kit package. This would include how floor would be attached to your basement walls.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 18’s by 10’ tall sectional door and need to add a section to be at least 11’-6” tall for a new camper to fit. Trying to find a garage door contractor that can do the modification on the door. I will raise the header and cut the barn metal to fit new section myself. Just wondering if you have a recommendation on a contractor or an opinion. Thanks. RALPH in RAY TOWNSHIP

DEAR RALPH: Before doing a structural remodel of your building, it would be prudent to discuss it with your RDP (Registered Design Professional – engineer or architect) who produced your building’s original design. Making structural changes without their approval could result in voiding any warranty and, at worst, a collapse – just isn’t worth it.

Each sectional door manufacturer has a slightly different panel design. You will need to ascertain whom manufactured your door, then contact them and ask for a referral to dealers closest to you.

As for contractor recommendations, I just will not make them, as if there is a challenge in dealing with them for any reason, chances are I will get blamed – even if I were to tell you to vet them thoroughly.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How much is the pole barn shown on the front of this website. Do you, have any interior pictures? https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/uploads/img_0_5c9bda48b8f54.png

RHONDA in WAVERLY

DEAR WANDA: Thank you very much for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. As pictured, this building is $39,999. As we furnish only complete post frame building kit packages, rarely do we have interior photos, however you can configure interior walls wherever you desire, to best meet your particular needs.

 

Pole Building Pictures: Say Cheese!

Happy CustomerTaking frequent pictures of a new pole building under construction on is something which just does not happen on a routine basis. These pictures could easily save a world of grief.  I personally believe building owners and contractors should be taking pictures more often than what I usually find is being done.

A picture does say a thousand words if not more and I feel all would benefit as a result of routine picture taking.  It’s amazing what is seen when photos are reviewed.

Just today I was looking at photos posted on an online forum by a proud new pole building owner. From the photos, I was able to determine the contractor had installed the reflective roof insulation the “wrong” direction. The reflective aluminum side should have been up towards the roof steel, the white facing down, but he installed it the other way around. So much for the sun being reflected off the roof by the now “white” side of what should have been the silver “reflective” vapor barrier. On the 24 foot width building with prefabricated wood roof trusses spaced every four feet, the lateral bottom chord bracing is entirely missing. For this span, with single trusses, there should have been at least two rows of bracing installed.

For DIY clients, sharing daily progress photos with the pole building kit package provider may allow what might otherwise become a crucial error to be discovered, before it is too late to be easily corrected.

Hiring a builder? Take lots of photos. In the event something goes wrong, whether structural (as in the case of the bracing above) or functional, the pole building pictures give evidence, if needed.

What kind of camera should be used?

First off, a camera which zooms, is durable, weatherproof and has a built in flash is tops in my opinion.  The new digital age has given us the ability to take as many photos as we want to without the expense and delays of film.  In addition, the point and shoot cameras with at least 16 megapixels provide fantastic detail.

I find myself taking pole building pictures with my phone but smart phones simply lack the power and capability of a point and shoot or DSLR.  Don’t take me wrong, there are plenty of great phones out there with outstanding cameras.  But a “real” camera gives better clarity when used and offers more options for flash.  Many people take pole building pictures with their phones and the pictures just stay there until they get deleted.

Despite giving “how to take a good photo” instructions to many clients, it’s amazing the number of poor pictures we get.  Most of what it takes to get a decent picture, is very simple.  First, don’t take pictures on a sunny day.  People see the sun out and instantly run to grab their camera and take photos of their pole building.  If it has steel siding and/or roofing, the sun glints off the steel and casts shadows which “color” the steel in unbecoming shades of gray and black.  Piles of garbage or construction scraps often sit around the building or at best, in a garbage can…smack in the middle of the picture.  Move those vehicles out of the way!  You may love your pickup, but it’s blocking the view of the building. Finally, take several pictures from all angles.  You never know by adjusting where you stand to take the photo, might get that immoveable tree or power pole out of the picture enough so the true beauty of your new pole building can be seen.

Most importantly, for people like me, we live vicariously through our clients. I so enjoy seeing the progress being made.  And the absolute best is seeing the smiling faces in front of the newly completed pole building!