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Looking for a Place for a New Barndominium

Looking 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 or two onto an already taxing home price!

I’m optimistic that we can pull off everything that’s needed and hopefully within the budget!

I’m doing the bulk of the research and found your site to be so packed with worthwhile information. I want to see what you’d be able to do for us to make this as seamless and headache free as possible?

I started looking for property and messaged the City Halls for the locations we want to see if they’d allow such a structure. Not sure how to handle the siding issue.

Inver Grove Heights, MN

Will consider it a single family home. Needs to meet setback, height and doesn’t exceed allowed impervious surface for the lot.

Exterior siding regulations require horizontal lap type siding or similar. Vertical siding like a pole barn is not acceptable material.

**** Is this even possible to meet this request or is there a way we can argue against it. Any knowledge you can offer would be so helpful****

Rosemount, MN

“The structure would function as a single family home, and therefore the exterior materials would need to be complementary to a residential structure (no metal siding, etc.). Additionally, the foundation would need to meet the building code requirements for frost footings. Also, the zoning code regulates the size of attached garages as follows: The footprint of an attached garage is a maximum of 1,000 square feet but can be increased up to a maximum of 1,500 square feet so long as the garage does not exceed 50 percent of the gross floor area of the principal building (garage and living area combined).”

Farmington, MN

*Considers this Agricultural that would need a minimum of 40 acres, what!!!

****Is this common and is there anything we can do to fight this so we get this under a single family home that we could put on a .25 acre plot?****”

Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds:

Thank you for reaching out to us and for your kind words.

Planning Departments are an extension of a jurisdiction’s ruling body (city council, county commissioners) and have basically power of life and death. They can dictate footprints, heights, setbacks, type of cladding (roofing and/or siding), and even colors. They ARE limited to ordinances written by their ruling body, so if you do not hear an answer you like, ask for a copy of their written ordinance. If they cannot produce one, then it does not exist and can be disregarded.

One beauty of fully engineered post frame construction is a broad variety of siding and/or roofing options are readily available.

Inver Grove Heights – exterior siding is within their realm of control. At www ighmn.gov go to “City Code” in the left hand menu list and click on it. Scroll down to Chapter 15, then 10-15-17. B.2 gives your options with steel being none of them.

Rosemont – you do not have to pour a concrete foundation to meet Code requirements for frost. You will have to insulate the perimeter of your building to at least four feet below grade, not a big deal and can be done with rigid insulation (this insulation is typical for any type of structure). If you erect a 3000 square foot (sft) building, as much as 1500 sft can be garage.

Farmington – you threw them off at “pole barn house”. You are building a fully engineered custom designed wood frame home. This should be allowable anywhere zoned for single family residences. You may have exterior appearance and footprint issues once they have gotten this into their heads as being a SFR (Single Family Residence).

You will find as you get farther away from Minneapolis and into county rather than city controlled areas, things tend to become more property owner friendly. You also might consider South Dakota as an option, as our Planning and Zoning restrictions are few and far between.

This entry was posted in Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding and tagged cladding, shouse, setbacks, single family home, planning department, fully engineered post frame construction, barndominium, Post Frame Home on April 9, 2026 by Rick Ochs.

Pole Barn Home Price, A Residential Kit in MN, and a Basement Foundation

Today readers “Ask the Guru” about the “guestimation” of a price for a 500 sq ft pole barn home, if Hansen can provide design and kit for a residence in MN, and if a post frame building can be built upon a basement foundation.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am interested in getting a simple 500 square foot pole barn residential home. In location of Lonedell, Missouri, Any guestimation on price? LORI in SAINT JAMES

DEAR LORI: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. Fully engineered post frame homes and barndominiums, modest tastes, DIY, budget roughly $75-85 per sft for conditioned spaces, $35 for all others. Does not include land, site prep, utilities, permits.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can your company engineer and supply materials for a residential building 36′ long by 42′ wide (trusses with 15″ rise and up to 6:12 pitch) plus a right angle extension for a garage. Objective is a building to fit onto a narrow lot with the main gable parallel with the street. Does that fit your 6′ and 12′ optimal cost effective building dimensions OK? Can that be delivered without excessive delivery cost in MN. I can create and snail mail a pencil drawing of the concept if needed. Feasibility of such a building will influence potential lot acquisition. I would just like a general observation about that type of structure before proceeding on a lot purchase. BRIAN in LE ROY

DEAR BRIAN: Hansen Pole Buildings has provided hundreds of fully engineered, custom designed post frame buildings and barndominiums to our clients in Minnesota. Your multiples of 6 and 12 for width and length should be optimal for being cost effective. Our wholesale distribution center is right along Minnesota’s West central border, making deliveries very convenient and affordable.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can Post and Beam homes be built on a basement foundation? DEBORAH in TROY

DEAR DEBORAH: Our fully engineered post frame homes can be built on full, partial or walk out basements of poured concrete, CMU (concrete block), ICFs (insulating concrete forms) and even Permanent Wood Foundations.

This entry was posted in floorplans, Footings, Budget, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Concrete and tagged pole barn pricing, pole barn delivery, post frame foundation, Post Frame Home, Pole barn home, post frame engineering, post frame basement on March 18, 2026 by Rick Ochs.

Vapor Barrier, Adding Pole Barn Home, and How Many Bedrooms

Today’s “Ask the Guru” answers reader questions about adding a vapor barrier between a ceiling and attic, adding a pole barn to a manufactured home, and how many bedrooms can fit into a barndominium.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, my concern/ question is vapor barrier between my steel ceiling and attic before insulation “fiberglass”. I have a 40/64/16. Walls are closed cell 2-3 inches. My builder put my steel ceiling up and not even thinking of insulation process at that time. My roof is steel with drip stop. Vented by soffit and ridge vent. Reading a lot of mixed answers I’m asking did/do I need a vapor barrier between bottom truss and steel ceiling before fiberglass or will have bigger issues down the road. It will be heated at all times for Michigan cold months from late October till April roughly. If it does need it how do I go about it now. Thanks. COREY in RIVERDALE

DEAR COREY: You are not alone in not considering insulation prior to building. Sadly, few builders or providers will have this sort of discussion with you – they are looking for a quick sale, rather than helping clients avoid having to reach out to me for answer and solutions (some of them being costly).

Yours is an easy one (and free) – no.

With closed cell insulation in your walls, if you were to have a ceiling vapor barrier, expect to have to mechanically dehumidify or be prepared for condensation, mold and mildew issues. Here is some extended reading for you: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2023/01/does-my-pole-barn-need-a-vapor-barrier/

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I have a manufactured home that has been bricked in all around can I add a Pole Barn Home onto it? EDWARD in TENNILLE

DEAR EDWARD: Most states do not allow for manufactured homes to be structurally attached to, due to load transfer concerns. However, this does not preclude a free-standing pole barn home from being abutted to it with non-structural attachments. Please email specifics of your proposed addition and photos of your existing home to our Design Team Manager – Caleb@HansenPoleBuildings.com or call 1.866.200.9657 for immediate service.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How many bedrooms will fit in your largest residential barndominium. Thinking about using it as a dorm-type or assisted living. PHILLIP

DEAR PHILLIP: Allowing for hallways, bathrooms, etc., on a single level you should be able to have several hundred bedrooms. We can provide up to four stories with fire suppression sprinklers, so in theory, well over a thousand bedrooms.

This entry was posted in Building Department, Pole Barn Homes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Ventilation, floorplans, Building Interior, Insulation, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design and tagged Post Frame Home, vapor barrier, post frame addition, condensation, Ventilation, post frame bedrooms, floor plans on November 5, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

Help, I am Going Crazy! Building a Pole Barn House

Help, I am Going Crazy!

Reader DIRK in SPANISH FORK writes:

“I am planning to build a pole barn house. I get so confused with the different methods of doing things and the pros and cons of each. I plan to pour concrete piers with a post bracket. Not sure if a 6×6 post or 3 ply 2×6 is better? Maybe this is determined by the way trusses attach. My longest span is 50 ft on 10 ft o.c. If I need double trusses then I might not be able to sandwich the trusses between 2x6s on the laminated column unless i put four 2x6s. I have seen double trusses sitting in a notch. As far as the exterior walls I am not sure what method is better. Bookshelf/Commercial or Girts on outside and inside? Do I need sheathing on the exterior if I am doing a stone wainscot and LP type siding? Air/Water barrier details and how and where to install? Help me! I am going crazy!”

Help is on its way – so no need to go crazy!

Your best column is going to be a glulam, hands down.

Solid sawn columns (e.g. a 6×6) are unlikely to be found kiln dried. This means they are going to be prone to warp, check and twist as they dry.

Strength: bending strength is a product of Sm (Section modulus – depth squared x width divided by six) multiplied by Fb (Fiberstress in bending). Sm for a 6×6 is 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 / 6 = 27.729. Fb for #2 DFL (Douglas Fir-Larch) posts and timbers is 750.

27.729 x 750 = 20,796.75

If nailing together three 2×6 #2 DFL Sm = 3 x 1.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 / 6 = 22.6875 Fb for #2 DFL 2×6 is 1170 and 3 members together gets a repetitive member increase of 15%

22.6875 x 1170 x 1.15 = 30,526

Our 3 ply glu-lams have a Sm of 18.058. Take this value times 3000 = 54,173 or 177% of three 2×6 nailed up.

Nailed up columns have some of their own challenges, they are very flexible in weak axis bending (pushing against the 5-1/2″ face). If nails shorter than 4-1/2″ are used and members are nailed from each side, more force is transmitted to the center of the three plies. In testing to failure, this center member fails prematurely nearly every time. As these members still act independent from each other, they are still prone to warp and twist.

You really want to use doubled (2 ply) trusses. A true double truss system, such as used by Hansen Pole Buildings, features trusses physically attached face-to-face by means of mechanical connectors (structural screws). This allows for two members to actually load share, reducing probabilities of one weak single truss failing and pulling a roof system down with it. It also minimizes need for lateral bracing.

Trusses should be set into a notch cut into one side of the column. Trying to utilize a center notch makes setting trusses exceedingly difficult and requires heavy equipment.

Bookshelf girts are really your best design solution. An externally mounted wall girt, on 10 foot bays, deflects too much to adequately support your siding choices. Bookshelf girts are far stiffer against wind loads, provide a deep insulation cavity and allow for a single member to be used.

Your stone wainscot will require sheathing and I would not personally install LP siding without sheathing. An Omnidirectional water resistant barrier should be placed on exterior side of your sheathing (under siding).

Please reach out to me any time with questions. My goal is to assist clients in getting structurally sound buildings they will love forever.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Budget, Columns and tagged pole barn house, Post Frame Home, glulam, trusses, glulaminated columns, wainscot, girts on August 19, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

A Residence in GA, Building in Stages, and “Barn Door Type” Coverings

This Wednesday, the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a residential structure in Gainesville, Hall county, Georgia, the best cost saving method for building in stages, and the use of “barn door type” coverings for windows in a remote Colorado cabin.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I build a residential pole barn in Gainesville, Hall county, Georgia? ROCHELLE in GAINESVILLE

DEAR ROCHELLE: Fully engineered post frame (pole barn) homes are 100% structurally code conforming buildings and as such may be constructed in any jurisdiction in America. Your county Planning Department, may have specific restrictions as to choices of siding and roofing materials and in some instances even exterior color choices. You can email Interim Director of Development Services Barry Shaw rochellebivens@gmail.com to find out if any such restrictions apply to your property.

This reading should prove helpful: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/01/your-barndominiums-planning-department/

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to build an enclosed pole barn building but would like to do it in stages to afford the construction by starting with just the pole barn on dirt, then later adding the cement floor, walls and doors. Is this possible? Can I provide the county the entire project plans and still build it in stages? I do not believe I can afford to build it all at once. I would like the building to be approximately 30×40 with a covered exterior open air front section at the roll up door entrance, like an oversized car port before entering the enclosed portion of the building. I attached an example of something similar to what I would like the final building to look like. Thank you for your help. WAYNE in LAKELAND

DEAR WAYNE: Stage one should be to construct the roof, along with enclosing walls where they are later planned to be. This will be roughly same investment as building just a roof, due to ability of walls to transfer wind shear loads to ground minimizing column sizes as well as concrete needed. We can engineer with openings for your future doors and concrete floor can be added at a later date. Keep in mind, your county will usually only keep a building permit open for a finite amount of time (although call for progress inspections every four to six months can sometimes circumvent this) and you will be unable to obtain an occupancy permit until all work has been completed.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello – our Hansen building will be located deep in the Rockies. We will have two windows on the lower level but would like to ensure that no one can break the windows and enter our remote cabin. Do you sell “barn door type” coverings or shutters that can be closed over the windows and locked from the inside to enhance security? TONY in LEADVILLE

DEAR TONY: First, thank you for your investment in a new Hansen Pole Building, very much appreciated. We do not offer any such shutters, as there are a plethora of options available online and they can be found by a Google search. Please remember to share lots of progress (and of course when completed) photos with us.

This entry was posted in Building Interior, Budget, Lumber, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Post Frame Home, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, floorplans, Windows, Concrete and tagged build in stages, window covers, code conforming pole buildings, shutters, Post Frame Home, pole barn residence, enclosed pole barn on June 25, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

Pole Barn House Planning, Financing for a Shouse, and Notching a Glulam

This Wednesday readers of “Ask the Guru” are advised in areas of planning for a pole barn house, VA financing for a duplex or shouse, and the best method of notching a glulam for truss support.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you send me some images and quotes for pole barn houses for 7,000? TAMARRA in INTERLACHEN

DEAR TAMARRA: While every building we provide is customized to best meet our client’s wants and needs, we do have numerous representative floor plans available: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/gallery/floor-plans/

Fully engineered post frame homes and barndominiums, modest tastes, DIY, budget roughly $75-85 per sft for conditioned spaces, $35 for all others. Does not include land, site prep, utilities, permits.

Hire a General Contractor and expect to invest double or even triple these amounts.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello! My husband and I are trying to buy our first home using our VA all in one construction loan or something like that. We are very new to this and are still in the early stages of research. We won’t be submitting an actual credit hit until the end of July (waiting on some things to better our credit once its gone and saving for down payment as well). We are wanting to do this with my sister and brother in law. We all have over 620 credit scores and are looking to build a two story barndo that connects to a 2 car shop and on the other side of that is another barndo the same as the first side. We are trying to do a duplex style but connected by a garage/shop. With a wrap around porch. Is this even possible?? What budget am I looking at and your honest opinion. Thank you so much!! TAYLOR in BURKBURNETT

DEAR TAYLOR: VA loans can be challenging and they typically force you to hire only an approved General Contractor – meaning you will pay a premium.

This information should prove helpful: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2021/02/a-shortlist-for-smooth-barndominium-sailing/

You design idea is totally possible. Fully engineered post frame homes and barndominiums, modest tastes, DIY, budget roughly $75-85 per sft for conditioned spaces, $35 for all others. Does not include land, site prep, utilities, permits. Hire a General Contractor, expect to pay double or triple these amounts.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the best way to cut the middle 2×6 out of a 3 ply nail/ glued column? I want to sandwich my truss between ply 1 and 3. AUSTIN in OTSEGO

DEAR AUSTIN: Hopefully you are not planning upon using a nail/glued column.

Why?

Ignore any glue – it is merely construction adhesive and is not capable of adequately transferring shear loads between plies.

As nails are used from each outer ply, into center ply, center ply ends up with double number of nails, as well as then carrying twice as much load as each individual ply. When we tested these in a university wood products lab center ply failed in over 96% of tested members!

I would highly recommend using only true glulaminated columns (please read more here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2024/11/new-hansen-pole-building-roof-supporting-columns/).

Back to your question. Our engineers are going to specify a notch from one side of each truss bearing column. It is nearly impossible to notch out a center member of a laminated column (while it can be done, expect to invest an overly large amount of time and probably some choice language). From a structural aspect, there is really not a benefit.

This entry was posted in Budget, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses and tagged pole barn financing, va loan, glulam notch, Post Frame Home, shouse, post frame costs, post frame house planning on June 4, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

Vapor Barrier, Gothic Arch Truss Design, and a Lean-To Addition

This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses the need for a vapor barrier as well as some framing recommendations in a future build, the possibility of a Gothic Arch truss design with glulaminated columns, and the addition of a “lean-to” to a 2016 Hansen Building.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello Mike, Our monitor style home has been designed by your staff and we are putting together financing and logistics details edging closer to ordering our materials package. Still a bunch of questions to ask of the Guru. We will be using an AIB under the steel siding with rockwool insulation in the cavities. I believe we will need a vapor barrier on the inside. I will be working alone on a lot of this construction and don’t look forward to wrestling with plastic sheeting for our vapor barrier. I would like to use a rigid insulation board such as r-tech or r-max with taped seams to accomplish this. I’m thinking it will much easier to seal electrical boxes and such with something rigid. What’s your take on this approach? Do you feel it is a safe and effective way to accomplish this? Thanks as always for your great information! RUSS in TILGHMAN

DEAR RUSS: Yes, you will need a vapor barrier on inside. I have suggested this very same solution more than once, as it looks like both reasonable to install and a way to minimize thermal transfer. I would recommend windows and door openings in commercially girted walls be framed out with one dimension larger members (2×10 rather than 2×8) and use 2 inch insulation boards, for ease of attaching finish trims on interior. You might also want to go with 2×8 treated bottom plates, for this very same reason. Insulation boards can be taped to these one size larger members.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Looking to use laminated Gothic arch design trusses, 4 foot on center anchored to 1st floor continuous floor trusses 16 inch on center with two rows of support beams at 12 foot under floor trusses. 2nd floor planning on recreation and residential area. Need to have plans drawn up to meet codes. Would this style post framing be sufficient for truss kick out using a truss bass shoe and steel gusset plate at ridge? Possibly add some knee walls at 1st floor framing for added support. Help me out, kinda designing on my own until I get prints. Thanks, ROGER in SOUTH HAVEN

DEAR ROGER: At one time I had actually acquired a set of plans for an old Gothic arch design. Tried to get them to engineer out and regardless of what lumber was used, could never get them to work. It might be possible to have glulams made to conform to your arch form, however I fear it would be phenomenally expensive. Should you be determined to follow this path, I would recommend you reach out to Travis at MSS Engineering (260)267-7414. He is registered in Michigan, and if anyone can make it work, it would be him. Best of success in your endeavor.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I purchased a 24′ x 36′ pole barn from Hansen in 2016. I has an 8′ lean-to on one eave side making its total dimensions 32 x 36. I would like to add a 10′ enclosed lean-to on the other eave side. Since my building is one of yours, can you design and price it with the same siding colors and account for snow load and the pitch of the new roof? KEVIN in FORT WAYNE

DEAR KEVIN: Absolutely we can assist you with this. One of our Building Designers will be reaching out to you Monday to discuss further. If you have enough available space, you may want to consider coming out 12 feet, as your investment will be very similar.

This entry was posted in Building Styles and Designs, Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Trusses, Building Interior, Insulation, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Sheds, Pole Barn Design and tagged Post Frame Home, insulation, lean-to addition, vapor barrier, glulaminated columns, gothic arch truss, lean-to on March 26, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

Bonus Ask the Guru: Repeat Client, Wet-Set Brackets, and Knee Braces

Today’s blog is a bonus Ask the Guru, where the PBG answers reader questions from a repeat client about converting a stick frame plan to post and beam, a multiple tenant building built on a ledge site using wet-set brackets, and the need for knee braces on a “stick built pole barn.”

DEAR POLE BARN GURU:

Good Morning Mike, You may remember that I purchased a 30×36 pole barn kit in 2022, and had a really good experience with Hansen. We’re planning to build our house on the same property, and I have questions: We plan to modify this house plan to fit the site: https://www.houseplans.net/floorplans/96300579/lake-front-plan-3017-square-feet-2-4-bedrooms-2-bathrooms. Our site has over 6 feet of slope from front to rear with great views out the back windows. The site cries out for at least the back of the house to have a walk-out basement, but we don’t want a full basement, so most of the house would be on conventional crawl space foundation. The plans call for stick-built, but I see potential for post-beam construction using laminated columns. My question is, can we save enough money doing post-beam and commercial girts to overcome the other hurdles involved? The hurdles I see are finding a suitable contractor to build such a complicated post-beam since it’s limited to pole barns around here. And I expect to finance about half the cost, and I wonder if I’ll have skepticism at the bank. In any case, I’ll be needing some really long deck columns, and I wonder if you’d like to supply those?

Thanks, and I still love my Hansen building. ANDY in OXFORD

DEAR ANDY: You remain as one of my all-time favorite clients!

You would not have to pour a conventional crawl space, we can provide it in post frame and if you have enough grade change, can provide a permanent wood foundation, between columns, for portions with either a crawl space or a walkout basement.

Since you last built, we have added our own wholesale lumberyard and truss manufacturing facility, so we can provide some amazingly high quality materials, at competitive pricing. We can also provide glulaminated columns up to 52 feet long. We also are developing an extensive independent builder network, so we may be able to assist you with a contractor as well.

While post frame itself will run around 10% less than stick above ground, you will save thousands (if not tens) of dollars in concrete and forming costs. As to financing – you are building a custom designed, wood frame home. Lenders only seem to be baffled if you mention the term “barndominium”.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We want to put up a commercial building with multiple tenant spaces approximately 50′ x 150′. Our improves will be completed the first week of March. We’re currently getting a price on a red iron building but are afraid it’s way out of our price range. My question is our side has a great deal of ledge, some will blasted to a depth of 4′ to allow us to install utilities. Can a post frame building be built on ledge? Thank you TED in HARWINTON

DEAR TED: Post frame buildings can be built upon ledge. By using a concrete pier foundation, with wet set brackets, piers unable to be dug to frost depth, can be pinned to your bedrock with epoxied in rebars (depending upon depth of soil to ledge, rebars may not even be needed). Without question, this has to be a much more affordable design solution than trying to engineer a foundation for a red iron building.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are having a 42x80x18 stick built pole barn being built this summer and I was wondering about the knee braces are they or are they not needed? Especially if it is a stick built on a concrete foundation. The barn will be running in a east to west direction with a 24×16 overhead door on the west side. Does it matter if there is or is not a metal ceiling put into the barn? We will also have a 2 foot overhang on all sides. M in OLBERDING

DEAR M: Stick built buildings are not pole barns. By Code, stick frame buildings with walls over 12′ high, truss spans over 36′ or lengths over 60′ must be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer. Your engineer will determine if knee braces are required or not. I would recommend you consider an actual post frame building, as it will be more economical.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Concrete, Footings, Building Interior, Budget, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Constructing a Pole Building and tagged Post Frame Home, wet set brackets, repeat client, stick frame to post frame, ledge build, knee braces on March 13, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

To Double-Up Trusses, Existing Bracket Use, and Ceiling Insulation

This Wednesday the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about the need to double up trusses on a 24×36 with 2×6 trusses 12′ OC, use of existing brackets in a stem wall for a post frame home, and best method of ceiling insulation with “double bubble” on roof.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Building pole barn 24’x36′ with 2″x6″ trusses 12′ OC. Do I need to double up the trusses or will a single do? GARY in KANAB

DEAR GARY: While it may be possible to have single trusses designed to support loads adequately on 12 foot centers, we have always utilized a double truss system for interior clear spans, with a single truss on each end.

Why? To begin with, probability of two trusses, physically connected to each other, having an exact identical weak point would be infinitesimally small. This sort of redundancy minimizes possibilities of a failure, even with loads far in excess of original design. Double trusses also require far less bracing than do single trusses.

If you have not yet ordered your building, our team would certainly like to discuss it further, as we have provided hundreds of fully engineered post-frame buildings to our clients in Utah.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: There is an existing stem wall foundation (only a few years old) on the property we recently purchased. Obviously we would like to utilize the existing stem wall. It seems as if it was built with a post frame building in mind because there are brackets already anchored in. The stem wall is a 50×70 foot rectangle, though we do not want to build a 3500 sqf home. Can we build a post frame home on part of the stem wall (utilizing the unused portions as a porch perhaps?) and would this approach even make sense? ANDY in BURLEY

DEAR ANDY: Like you, I hate to waste anything seemingly of value. It may very well be possible to utilize your existing foundation – provided it passed previous inspections from your Building Department. If not, it may be necessary to have a local engineer do an inspection to determine adequacy. From our end, we would need to know specifics of existing brackets (as well as their spacing), as they may be inadequate to attach to.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 30 x 40 pole barn I use for a shop and office with double bubble insulation between the purlins and the steel roof. The roof pitch is 4:12 and ceilings are 12′ high. I would like to use blown in cellulose over a steel panel ceiling. Do I need a vapor barrier between the cellulose and the coated steel ceiling panels if I maintain good air flow between the eave vents and the ridge vent? Thanks in advance for the advice. DENNIS in WASHINGTON

DEAR DENNIS: Fire retardant chemicals in cellulose insulation react negatively with steel, if any moisture happens to become present. Due to this, and cellulose being relatively heavy, you might want to consider blown in fiberglass (although difficult to find, granulated Rockwool would be an even better choice, as it is unaffected by moisture). If you do determine cellulose is your best fit, you will want to have a vapor barrier to keep it out of contact with your steel ceiling panels.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Questions, Roofing Materials, Trusses, Barndominium, Ventilation, Building Interior, Budget, Columns and tagged Post Frame Home, Stem wall, brackets, double truss design, ceiling insulation on March 12, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

Interior Framing, Design and Price, and a Pole Barn Carport

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about interior framing for residential homes, costs for the design of a 3-4 bedroom home, and building a pole barn carport for vehicles and equipment.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you provide interior framing for a residential home? SYDNEY in MILES CITY

DEAR SYDNEY: Our mission is to provide everything you need to be ‘dried in’ and structurally complete. This would include any raised wood floors (over basements, crawl spaces, second or even third floors, as well as stairs). We can provide materials for non-structural interior walls, however our ultra-high grade lumber is going to be over-kill for both needed quality, as well as price. History also tells us, these materials (as they are used last on a job site) tend to be stored poorly and/or grow legs and walk off (or get used for other than their original purpose). Your Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer can discuss this further with you.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, My wife and I would need a 3 bedroom 2 bath home. We would like a 4 bedroom or 3 bedroom with an office if possible. What would I be looking at for design and price on that? CHAD in BUCKLEY

DEAR CHAD: As far as custom floor plans, our designs start at $695 and we will credit you back this amount, in full, should you order your building from us. Please see #3 here for more thoughts on design: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2021/02/a-shortlist-for-smooth-barndominium-sailing/

On your overall cost, our clients are reporting fully engineered post frame homes and barndominiums, modest tastes, DIY, budget roughly $75-85 per sft for conditioned spaces, $35 for all others. Does not include land, site prep, utilities, permits.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to build a pole barn carport with solar PV. Specifically, I want to build the carport:- to be 60′ Long x 30′ wide x 12′ high- to use steel gable trusses- for the posts to be 12′ apart to easily pull through an ag tractor and mower, boat, trailer, etc..- that would mean 5 “stalls” about 12′ wide and 30′ long. I have been told the posts should only be 8′ or 10′ apart or the purlins will sag. Given that I also want to add PV on the roof, that makes it more of a concern. I was thinking maybe to use a header board and add another truss in between the poles connected to the header board. That would make the span distance 6′ instead of 12′. But the steel trusses all look like at least 2′ deep and would stick out below when connected to a 2×12″ header board. Another solution might be to use 2×8 purlins instead of the typical 2x6s. What are your thoughts on this? STEPHEN in FREDERICKSBURG

DEAR STEPHEN: A caution – a great majority of steel gable trusses are of questionable design and manufacture, one of my friends just had a collapse of his roof in Kentucky due to his steel trusses failing under just a few inches of snow!

We provide fully engineered post frame buildings every day with columns and prefabricated wood trusses every 12 feet. This immediately simplifies your proposed end resultant, eliminates need for headers (truss carriers) between columns and our 2×6 2400msr roof purlins, recessed between trusses, will easily support your roof with solar panels, without eye perceptible “sag” (deflection).

This entry was posted in Columns, RV Storage, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Boat Storage, Constructing a Pole Building, Boat Storage, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Building Interior, floorplans, Budget and tagged design and price, floor plans, 3-4 bedroom home, Post Frame Home, carport, framing lumber, interior framing on March 5, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

A Riding Arena, a Post Frame Home, and Hot Weather Builds

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about the engineering of a round pen riding arena for equine use, if a pole barn can be used for a home, and how well post frame would do in a hot weather climate like Las Vegas, NV.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: A friend of mine runs a non-profit equine therapy business for veterans and first responders. He was operating out of one facility but had some issues with a couple people and decided to move his operation. His new area was donated by a couple and they do not have an indoor riding arena like they used to have. To remedy this my friend is building a 60′ diameter indoor riding arena, it’s basically a round pen. He is building it much like the Equi-cover round pen from Equine Concepts. He has asked me to figure out the roof truss dimensions from looking at the Equi-cover round pen instructions. This kit is galvanized tubing and uses a plastic coated fabric cover, like a giant party tent, as its roof. The pdf he sent me is the installation guide so it’s not even like it is a specific model that is made for snowload etc. They have the posts dug and put up out of 4 x 4 posts 13′ high. I am at a loss because 2 x 6 and 2 x 4 wood from the lumber store to mimic these roof trusses on a design I am not familiar with and that I don’t even know if it is capable of carrying the snowload is sketchy. We are at a 40pound per square foot snow load where he is in Hilton, NY. I want to help him out but I now just trying to “copy” this design is not appropriate because it was designed in steel. I was wondering if I could get your help/opinion. I know he is doing this all on donations so I am trying to provide help but I am not a structural engineer and my gut is telling me copying this truss in wood is bad news and I don’t want anyone to get hurt. Thanks, RYAN in FARMINGTON

DEAR RYAN: My gut and your gut are in agreement here. Unless this kit came complete with steel trusses as part of a system designed to support your 40 pounds-per-square foot snow load I think your buddy has a white elephant on his hands. Our clients wanting round pens would typically erect a 60 foot square post frame building and use panels to create an interior ’round’ space. This assures them of an engineered structure capable of handling appropriately snow and wind loads. There might be a solution to what your buddy has, but it is not going to come cheap and should start with hiring a Registered Professional Engineer.

Best of success with this.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I use a pole barn as a residence? JAMIE in KENT

DEAR JAMIE: Absolutely! We have provided hundreds upon hundreds of residential post frame (pole barn) buildings.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do these withstand the hot weather in Las Vegas NV. Have you sold one in this area or know of a contractor that you have worked with if so. PAUL in LAS VEGAS

DEAR PAUL: Whether tremendously hot or bitterly cold, post frame buildings are likely your best design solution. We have several buildings in Clark County and surrounding areas, including your local zoo’s giraffe barn! Chances are we can assist you in finding a building erector as well.

This entry was posted in Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Shouse, Rebuilding Structures, floorplans, Building Interior, Budget and tagged Las Vegas, snow load, NV, Post Frame Home, riding arena, shouse, round pen, hot weather on February 12, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

A Christmas Message

A Christmas Message

This was just too heart warming to not share.

Mike,

Merry Christmas to you and to all your family and co-workers. THANK YOU for all the wise words (not just about buildings) you publish as the Guru.

Hardly a day goes by that I don’t check your blog after 8 am. even on the days you don’t regularly post, for the latest on post-frame buildings or whatever else you want to say.

Now that I approach my 86th birthday, I don’t have the strength or flexibility to be a DIY’er like I was 5 years ago before learning about post-frame and put a modular on top of a permanent wood foundation basement. I was my own GC and did quite a bit of the electrical and plumbing and Pex-Al-Pex in basement floor hydronic supplied by on-demand Takagi.

Since my teen years I have been thinking about buildings and dreaming about doing one that was more affordable than most. I thought they were mostly realized. (I think I missed my true calling, but the other three careers I did were good, too.)

But then I learned about post-frame and Hansen and my long-time hope to find a way for even more affordable housing and high efficiency was rekindled. My dream is not for plush mansions, but places for struggling young families or retirees with vintage too-large houses and limited resources to move to cost efficient and very livable smaller homes in small towns. Most small towns have plenty of build-able land and reasonable cost.

Today, I am in generally good health I think I could be my own GC for a small town post frame house, but my wife opposes doing it here in LeRoy MN, thinking she would like to move to a warmer place. So, now I dream and you are a constant companion in those dreams.

I might have passed along a ‘post-frame by Hansen’ spark to my grand daughter (BS Mech Eng – WashU – St Louis) and her field geologist (seasonal gold hunter in the far north) husband in Colorado. The are both environmental and Christian stewards so there is a lot about post-frame for them to consider. They are both very pragmatic and DIY minded.

Thank you, BRIAN in LEROY

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Structure, Budget, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Uncategorized, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Building Styles and Designs, floorplans, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning and tagged Christmas message, affordable housing, post frame building, Post Frame Home, cost efficient on December 31, 2024 by Rick Ochs.

Effects of Snow and Wind Loading on Building Cost

Effects of Snow and Wind Loading on Building Cost

My premise, with clients, has always been I wanted their building (in an event of a catastrophic event) to be last one standing. This resulted in my clients often ordering above minimum code requirements for snow and wind loading.

My curiosity taking advantage of my available time, I decided to take a closer looking into effects of snow and wind loading on building costs.

In our example building – I will take it to an extreme and use a 42 foot-clearspan width, 60 foot length and 20 foot wall height. For most people, this will be more than sufficient to have two full stories in some or all.

Other features I included were:

All colored 29 gauge steel roofing and siding fastened with powder coated diaphragm screws 18” enclosed overhangs
Vented eaves and ridge
Drywall ready – ceiling loaded trusses with ceiling joists, commercial bookshelf wall girts
Integral Condensation Control (Dripstop/Condenstop) factory applied to roof steel Omnidirectional Housewrap
3000f Glulaminated Columns
2400f MSR wall girts, roof purlins and ceiling joists
All framing fastened with Simpson Structural Screws
Prefabricated roof trusses
Engineering
Delivery

With minimal roof loading (20 pounds per square foot ground snow load) and wind speed (110 miles per hour and Exposure B ) $36,365 (Read my ‘cliff notes’ for understanding wind exposure here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2022/06/wind-exposure-and-confusion-part-iii/)

Change to Exposure C for wind added one (1) cent per square foot. Increase design wind speed to 140 mph and Exposure C was 43 cents per square foot above basic price. This translates to an under 3% increase in investment – even though wind force being resisted was nearly DOUBLE!

I also took very same footprint, decreased eave height to 10’ and when wind went from 110 mph Exposure B to 140 mph Exposure C, investment increase was LESS THAN ½%

How about snow? (loads listed are Ground Snow Loads or Pg):

25 added 0.4%
30 added 0.8%
35 added 1.8%
40 added 3.4% (considering snow load is DOUBLED at this point)

Even TRIPLING snow load to 60 psf adds only 8.1%

We only want your new post frame building to be built once, so why not consider having it engineered to support just a little (or even a lot) extra. Protect yourself, your loved ones and your valuable possessions. When a ‘once in 500 year’ storm rolls through – you will be ready! Read more about 500 year storms here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/11/500-year-storm/

This entry was posted in Constructing a Pole Building, Columns, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Post Frame Home, Trusses, Barndominium, Concrete, Footings, Budget, Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Professional Engineer and tagged snow loads, Post Frame Home, post frame design, post frame building costs, wind loads on December 10, 2024 by Rick Ochs.

Adding Insulation, Financing, and Adding a Ceiling

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about options for insulation of an existing steel building, financing options for a post frame home, and adding a ceiling to an existing barn.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a preexisting steel building with no insulation. I am looking for affordable methods to insulate the building in our climate. There are swings in humidity and temperature as well as a fairly long winter. The tin is attached to Perkins that are 24′ on center. The distance between the red structural frame varies from almost 7′ to 10′ PETER in MINNEAPOLIS

DEAR PETER: You really only have two realistic options and both involve closed cell spray foam.

Your building is in Climate Zone 6. In order to prevent condensation, 35% or more of your insulation should be closed cell spray foam applied directly to steel siding and roofing. You can go all closed cell, however your will find this to be painfully expensive. By using spray foam against the steel, then filling your cavity with Rockwool batts, you can reduce costs without compromising performance.

For your roof R-60, this could be done with 3″ of closed cell plus R-39 of batts. Walls, you could go R-20 (basically 3″) of closed cell and be done with it. For mixed systems, you can do R-10 of closed cell (1-1/2″) along with R-15 batts.

You should also plan upon having to mechanically dehumidify your space.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. Looking to build a barndo home in north Georgia. I’m looking for financing the structure. Do you guys offer financing at Hansen? If so, does this include the concrete pad/foundation? Thank you for your time! BRIANNA in DALTON

DEAR BRIANNA: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. In answer to your questions – yes we have financing available and it can be used for more than just what we provide. www.HansenPoleBuildings.com/financing/

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Have a 40×60 barn trusses have 2×8 top and bottom chord set on 10 ft centers live I deep so Illinois. Question is how is best way to frame in ceiling to put up metal might put small amount of cellulose blown it do not care which direction metal runs. Thanks in advance ROBERT in VIENNA

DEAR ROBERT: Most “barn” trusses are not designed to support a ceiling. You will want to look on your building’s engineered truss drawings for the BCDL (Bottom Chord Dead Load). If it is a value less than five (5) psf, then a ceiling should probably not be installed. If it is five or more, then you should add framing joist hung between bottom chords to properly support a steel ceiling. In all likelihood, 2×6 #2 and better every four feet should prove adequate. Avoid using cellulose insulation, as it is heavy and has chemicals in it that can react negatively with steel.

This entry was posted in Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Trusses, Ventilation, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior, Budget and tagged spray foam insulation, Post Frame Home, insulation, post frame financing, ceilings, ceilng joists on December 4, 2024 by Rick Ochs.

ADU’s, Best Insulation, and a Post Frame Home

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building an attached ADU (additional dwelling unit) with a shared wall, the Guru’s thoughts on the best option to insulate a space, and whether specific design choices are possible in a post frame home.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are planning to build a shop with an attached ADU (additional dwelling unit) for my mother to live in. Can the ADU with a monolithic slab share a wall with a pole-barn, that will also have a slab floor? CARL in SHERIDAN

DEAR CARL: Certainly can. Unless the shop is no more than 1000 square feet, you will have to have no less than a one-hour fire separation between them. This can easily be accomplished with each side of wall having 5/8″ Type X gypsum wallboard applied. Both shop and ADU can and should be post frame (pole barn) constructed.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My concerns are best insulation since this is a metal exterior, attic insulation blown in cellulose, will have drywall in house, attached garage metal flat ceiling, vapor barrier above metal ceiling? Thanks. VICTOR in CHRISMAN

DEAR VICTOR: I think you will find a general consensus as to closed cell spray foam applied directly to steel roofing and siding as being “the best”. In my humble opinion, it is most effective in Climate Zones 3 and under when entire building shell is being encapsulated by it. It also comes with a very pricey initial investment.

With this said, your requirements where you are (Climate Zone 4) are for R-49 in ceilings, R-20 in walls.

If this was my own building, this is what I would do:

Walls (from out-to-in): Steel siding; Omnidirectional Housewrap meeting ASTM E2273 drainage efficiency requirements; Commercial bookshelf girts; R-30 Rockwool Comfort batts; Wel lsealed interior vapor barrier.

Ceiling: Raised heel trusses to allow full depth of insulation from wall-to-wall; Integral Condensation Control factory applied to roof steel; vent eaves and ridge in proper proportion; blow in R-60 fiberglass or granulated Rockwool directly above your ceiling finish. I am not a fan of cellulose over a steel ceiling as chemicals in it (if it gets damp at all) will react with steel to prematurely deteriorate it.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My wife and I are looking at post-frame for our next house and we don’t need a full second story, so we’re considering a loft/one-and-a-half story setup because we also want traditional gabled dormers. We really like the looks of cottage style architecture and want a roof that is somewhere in the ballpark of 9/12 or 10/12, but want to take advantage of the cost savings that post-frame. It’s my understanding from reading other posts that the minimum eave height for two story post-frame houses with 8ft ceilings is ~19ft. What would the minimum eave height for a loft/one-and-a-half story be, and about how much would doing this (for the purposes of adding functional dormers) inflate the cost of a similar size building? NIK in CLEVELAND

DEAR NIK: Post frame construction will prove to be your most economical permanent structure, so you have made an excellent choice. With your preferred roof slope, it is possible you might be able to have an eave height a low as 10 feet, if you want an eight foot high finished ceiling below. One of our Building Designers will be reaching out to you to further discuss your wants and needs and can work with you to create a firm budget.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Heating, Building Department, Post Frame Home, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, floorplans, Building Interior, Budget, Columns and tagged ADU addition, Post Frame Home, insulation, spray foam, rockwool insulation, ADU, engineered post frame home, additional dwelling unit on November 27, 2024 by Rick Ochs.

Together in One Room, Existing Post Use, and Prices Projected

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the design of a small living space with everything together in one room, whether or not one can use existing posts that are still standing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and a reader asks why we don’t post prices of past projects on our website.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want a 1 room with very small sitting area, a bed area a kitchen very small and a walk in shower toilet and water basin all together in one room. LISA in ALMA

DEAR LISA: Our Design Team can certainly craft a building solution to best meet your wants and needs. Please reach out to Megan on her direct line: 605.432.8987 on Monday to discuss further.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I lost my house in the Florida big bend due to Storm Surge from Helene. My house was on 8×8 posts on 8 foot centers. The house is gone but posts are still standing. They are 10 feet high. My question can I install the pole barn on my existing posts. The dimensions are basically 32′ by 32′ and again are 10 feet high. If so what do I need to do to give it as much strength as possible. Thanks, RICHARD in PERRY

DEAR RICHARD: Sorry for your loss of your home, has to have been devastating. Could and should are our operative words here. I first experienced stilt houses when visiting Kitty Hawk (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/11/kitty-hawk/). As you have experienced first-hand what happens when a “hinge” point is created between columns and home above, even though you could use your existing columns, I would strongly encourage their being removed and replaced with columns long enough to run full height up to eave line. If your now gone home had been engineered this way, it is highly unlikely we would be having this exchange today. Our Design Team can work with you to craft a new home, able to withstand even storms like Helene.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Looking at your project # and photos, why can’t you have prices of how much these costed customers/projected. I don’t really care to speak to someone as I’m preparing my first pole barn project but I want to get an idea of what I want to install on our property. Very frustrating and I’ve found one builder who proves are listed making my purchase 10x easier to plan for… RICHARD in SPOKANE

DEAR RICHARD: Our intent is certainly not to frustrate. We could post what our clients paid at time they ordered, however those prices would only be reflective of material costs at one particular point in time. During COVID prices escalated dramatically and have since eased, so brief snippets from before or during would not give you an accurate price. We also provide buildings in all 50 states – so design loads can vary greatly. We have engineered for design wind speeds in excess of 200mph, buildings with full exposure to winds off large bodies of water and snow loads over 400psf. Outside of all of these, since we opened our wholesale lumber business and prefabricated wood truss facility this year, our materials costs have dropped exponentially, however shipping to Iowa is going to be less costly than shipping to Washington (as an example).

Our Building Design team will happily provide you with an exact and current price for your location. All we need is for you to please email our Project number, site address and best contact number to our Design Studio Manager Caleb@HansenPoleBuildings.com 1.866.200.9657 Thank you.

This entry was posted in Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Cabin, Concrete, Barndominium, Footings, Rebuilding Structures, floorplans, Building Interior, Budget and tagged Post Frame Home, free quotes, stilt house, post frame pricing, one room living on October 23, 2024 by Rick Ochs.

a BONUS PBG for Monday May, 20th — A DIY solution, a Clear Span, and a Crawl Space.

a BONUS PBG for Monday May, 20th — A DIY solution, a Clear Span, and a Crawl Space.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi we are looking for something to live in that we can put together ourselves possibly convert to a living space unless you have something that is affordable that is already residential use. We are buying property around the Punta Gorda FL area and we would like to purchase something to place on our property. We have about 25 grand to work with us that doable? NESSA in PUNTA

GORDA DEAR NESSA: While 25 grand will get you a small building shell, engineered to meet residential requirements, you might want to investigate our financing options (www.HansenPoleBuildings.com/financing) to allow you to get closer (or meet) your end goals.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking to build a 24×32 pole barn. On one side i will have a 10×24 lean to. The lean to would be closed exterior wall and open to the inside of the main building. My question is, would it be possible to clear span the 24′ opening from the main building to the lean to with no center posts. That LVL header beam would support roof trusses 4′ oc and the rafters for the lean to. Where I live we have a snow load of 35. I was thinking that a 2ply minimum of 1.75″x18″ would be capable of supporting the load. I cannot find any calculators to support that with facts. BYRON in OSCEOLA

DEAR BYRON: While it would be possible, there are easier and less costly ways to achieve your goal. If your proposed building will have trusses spanning 24′, just extend roofline out to make building 24′ x 42′. If trusses will span 32′ direction, use 42′ trusses. Either of these will now allow for full headroom throughout your structure. Placing trusses every four feet on headers, is actually a very inefficient way to build. We can engineer to eliminate those truss carriers completely.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I wanted to see if it is possible to build a post frame building on a crawl space foundation. I want to build the crawl space foundation to be able to add on later if need be and to run everything under the building to keep from any chance of burst lines in the ceiling. The crawl space will be insulated and have a plastic waterproof barrier to prevent moisture. I have added a picture of what I am thinking on the crawl space. STEVEN in BERTRAM

DEAR STEVEN: Yes, it is very possible to build a fully engineered post frame building on a crawl space. Best news – it does not have to be poured concrete. We can engineer your new building utilizing a permanent wood foundation between columns, in order to keep your building from being overly tall.

This entry was posted in Lofts, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Building Styles and Designs, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, floorplans, Trusses, Budget, Columns and tagged LVL lumber, post frame crawl space, Post Frame Home, crawl space, post frame DIY, clear span truss on May 20, 2024 by Rick Ochs.

A Wood Frame Basement, Inside Dimensions, and Steel vs Wood

This week the Pole Barn Guru about building a wood frame basement with “daylight space,” the inside dimensions of a 40′ x 80′ structure, and a debate between steel vs wood construction.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’d like to build a post frame building with a daylight basement space. I’d been researching permanent wood foundations and thought I could likely do the same using the post frame method instead of stick building basement walls. If properly engineered and waterproofed according to the wood foundation folks, do you see any reason why this couldn’t or shouldn’t be done this way? The first-floor walls would be about 4 feet below grade except at the garage entry at grade. The site is level but the street slopes down to allow the grades to work out. In this condition would you use a shallow post footing or wet set a bracket? I like the idea of minimizing the concrete, especially the footings and stem walls of conventional stick framing. ROB in PORTLAND

DEAR ROB: We are actually going to be inventorying 2×6 and 2×8 #1 SYP treated to FDN requirements in just a few months – one reason being exactly for cases like yours. To minimize concrete required, once site has been graded to level, glulam columns would be embedded with a concrete bottom collar (roughly 18″ deep of concrete), with balance of hole backfilled with compactible fill to grade. Permanent wood foundation walls would then be placed between columns on top of gravel.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I build a 40′ x 80′ pole barn as a home, what would the interior dimensions be? FRANK in STERLING

DEAR FRANK: When your new Hansen Pole Buildings’ barndominium is all framed up ready for interior finish, inside dimensions will be 39′ 0-1/2″ x 79′ 0-1/2″ assuming a single story and fairly typical climactic loads.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a 30X50x14 Pole building. I am stuck on a couple things. Steel vs wood and thickness of the concrete. I will be putting in radiant heat and also plan of having an auto / truck lift in the building. Another reason I am thinking of steel is an overhead chain hoist. Thank you for your help and time. ROB in BEAVER FALLS

DEAR ROB: Steel vs. wood – if this is about how your building will be structurally framed, prefabricated wood roof trusses can be engineered to support any sort of concentrated load you may be considering – we just need to know in advance how much weight and where load will be picked up from (steel frame needs this information as well – just because it is steel, does not mean one can arbitrarily hang greater loads from it). In order to achieve greatest value for your heating dollars – wood trusses allow for you to have a ceiling you can insulate above, rather than having to heat air space far above where you actually need it to be comfortable. Concrete thickness – your lift provider can advise as to what thickness of concrete will be necessary to support their equipment. Keep in mind – slab only needs to be made thicker where lift will be positioned, so it isn’t like your will have to make entire floor thicker. You can easily ‘step’ your under slab insulation down where concrete needs to be thicker.

This entry was posted in Concrete, floorplans, Footings, Building Interior, Budget, Columns, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Heating, Barndominium, Trusses and tagged wood frame basement, steel vs wood framing, treated columns, Post Frame Home, wood trusses, post frame basement on May 1, 2024 by admin.

Fill to Grade, XPS Between Steel and Framing, and a Post Frame Home

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru advises readers on adding 6″ fill to the site and the affect it would have on columns, the use of XPS insulation between the steel and framing of the building, and some thoughts on building a 3 bedroom, two bath house.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, The site I am looking to build a pole barn had to be filled to bring the area up to a level grade. The depth of the fill is about 6′ at the deepest point. How does this impact the setting of the post? CRAIG in EAST WATERBORO

DEAR CRAIG: Provided fill was mechanically compacted to no less than 90% of a Modified Proctor Density in lifts no greater than six inches, it can be treated as native soil. If proper compaction was not achieved, then columns should be lengthened in order to provide full embedment into undisturbed soil beneath fill.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: So I was going to place 2 layers of 1″ xps foam under my metal on the walls and roof of my pole barn. So it would be, purlins 2 1inch of xps and then my metal, is this a good or bad idea? Thanks BJ in JACKSON

DEAR BJ: Absolutely a bad idea. Pole barns “work” (e.g. stay standing) due to shear strength of steel sheeting (or OSB, plywood, etc., if used). When you place insulation boards between steel and framing, you are severely impacting ability of steel to carry those loads, as steel can shift slightly under wind loads. Eventually this will cause screw shank deformation (would take some very long screws), as well as slotting under screw gaskets, creating leaking (provided building doesn’t just fail first). If you really want to use XPS sheets, cut them to fit snugly between purlins and girts, taping all edges to achieve a tight seal.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to think of something for my 2 boys and I. One story 3 bed 2 bath. Living room dining room kitchen, laundry room with walk in closets. About what size would you recommend? SHANNON in KIPTON

DEAR SHANNON: In order to determine best size for any particular client, I encourage them (and you) to utilize links found at #3 in this article https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2021/02/a-shortlist-for-smooth-barndominium-sailing/ This will assist you to work towards your ideal dream home, within budget.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Building Siding, floorplans, Footings, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Uncategorized, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design and tagged insulation, XPS, fill to grade, barndominium, Post Frame Home, fill, site prep, column depth on January 10, 2024 by admin.

Rafter Size, Lean-to on Slab, and “Barndominium?”

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles questions regarding rafter size for a lean-to addition, adding a Lean-to to an existing building on a monolithic slab, and “the difference between a pole barn home and a barndominium?”

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a lean-to on an existing pole barn. It is 32′ long and it will be 14′ wide on a 3/12 pitch The posts are 8 ft on center. My question is what size rafter do I need to span 14′ at 8′ on center with 2×4 purlins on edge? Thanks. MICHAEL in LIZTON

DEAR MICHAEL: A caution – if your shed roof ties in at any height other than exactly at eave, or is not at same slope as existing roof, you have a snow slide off/drift load to contend with and are best to engage an engineer to account for this extra loading. An exception would be if you have a snow retention system on your existing roof. Assuming above is not an issue, please read on. As I do not know your loads, you can fill in blanks in this formula to find out: (roof live load + roof dead load) x spacing (in your instance 96″) x span in feet squared (14′ squared for you). Divide this answer by: 8 x Rafter Section Modulus x Fb (fiberstress in bending of lumber proposed to be used) x 1.15 (duration of load for snow) If your result is 1.0 or less, then you are golden. Section Modulus is depth of member squared x width of member divided by 6 Example : 2×12 = 11.25″^2 x 1.5″ / 6 = 31.64 Fb for #2 grade Southern Pine will be 2×8 = 925; 2×10 = 800; 2×12 = 750

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I build a pole lean-to and attach it to my shop that is built on a monolithic slab? I did not intent to put a concrete floor in the lean-to. Can I do this without pouring a foundation for the lean-to? The Lean-To will be 50′ by 16′ with metal sides and roof. Thank you. GLEN in HYSHAM

DEAR GLEN: Maybe, provided your existing building footings are adequate to support weight you will be adding. Easiest and safest way is to set a row of columns directly alongside existing building wall, so you can treat new structure as being self-supporting. You will not have to pour a foundation, you can auger holes, place UC-4B pressure treated columns in holes, then backfill bottom 16-18″ with premix concrete to create a bottom collar. If your new lean-to has a pitch break, or is lower than main roof on high side, you do need to account for weight of slide off/drifting snow onto it. This can be avoided, by installing a snow retention system on your existing roof.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the difference between a pole barn home and a barndominium? SHARON in WESTCLIFFE

DEAR SHARON: Barndominium is pretty much a made-up term, with no recognized or official description. For sake of discussion, any pole barn (technically post frame) home would be a barndominium, while barndominiums could also be other structural systems with a ‘barn like’ look and most often steel roofing and siding.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete, Footings, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions and tagged Post Frame Home, slab, Pole barn home, monolithic slab, Rafter, rafter size, barndominium, lean-to on November 8, 2023 by admin.

Additional Guidance, Steel Trusses, and Kit Inclusions

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about guidance of adding to an existing structure, the practical use of light steel trusses for a pole barn home, what components are included in a Hansen Pole Building kit.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If purchasing a kit from Hansen with installation instructions. Assuming it’s a custom kit that is intended to be an addition like a new garage, would you provide guidance as to how to complete the marrying of the new structure with the existing? EVAN in HORICON

DEAR EVAN: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. Every building we provide is custom designed to meet our client’s wants and needs, as well as being fully engineered for your specific climactic conditions. Yes, we will provide assistance in joining your new building to your existing. Please keep in mind, because we did not design or provide your existing building, our addition will be designed to be totally self-supporting

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We like the look of the pole barn ceiling, we like the look of the steel trusses. We want to build an open ceiling, open ductwork, residential pole barn home. Are the same trusses used in a residential the same or are they structurally larger? TAMMY in EASTPOINT

DEAR TAMMY: Very few of these light-gauge welded up steel trusses are fabricated to meet mandated Building Code requirements for quality assurance, as they do not have random third-party inspections. Further, they are typically not fabricated by certified welders. You can achieve a very similar look, using parallel chord wood scissor trusses. Prefabricated metal-connector plated wood trusses are subjected to rigorous quality controls, both daily in-house and quarterly by a certified third-party.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is all included in your kits? Just the frame, or siding, roofing etc.? JOHN in SPOKANE

DEAR JOHN: Your new Hansen post-frame building kit includes full multi-page 24” x 36” engineer sealed structural blueprints detailing location and attachment of every piece (as well as suitable for obtaining Building Permits), all lumber, trusses, roofing, siding, doors, windows, etc., to provide a complete ‘dried-in’ shell. Any raised wood floors (lofts, mezzanines, second or third floors) and applicable stairs. Our industry’s best, fully illustrated, step-by-step installation manual, and unlimited technical support from people who have actually built post frame buildings. Even better – it includes our industry leading Limited Lifetime Structural warranty!

This entry was posted in Trusses, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Building How To Guides, floorplans, Pole Barn Planning and tagged technical support, steel trusses, engineered building plans, Post Frame Home, post frame addition on September 13, 2023 by admin.

Notching Columns, Use of Winch Box, and Financing

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the best way to notch columns to support a header, nailing truss pairs when using a winch box, and financing of a post frame home.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I need to cut a 1/4″ out of my posts for the headers to set in a 2-ply design, one exterior one interior to the post. What’s the best way to accomplish this? Before the posts are set or in the air after they are standing? DAN in WEST HARRISON

DEAR DAN: I surmise your headers (aka truss carriers) are LVLs. While I personally prefer to place ganged two-ply trusses directly into notches in columns, in cases where truss carriers are used, I like to see them fully notched into columns, rather than having to rely upon connectors (whether nails, bolts or a combination) to resist gravitational (snow and dead) loads. Fully notching in interior carrier, also provides for an interior surface where no members project inside plane of columns, making for ease of adding an interior finish. In either case, I would cut my notches in only after columns have been raised and set. This assures me bottoms of all notches are at an exact height.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I plan to use 4 winch boxes to lift full truss bays.

If raising double trusses as full bays, the interior double trusses cannot be nailed together, face to face, until the adjacent bay has been lifted, correct? In other words, you can’t raise the double truss on the ground if the goal is to install all purlins on the ground in all bays?

If raising trusses as full truss bays, it would seem 1 bay cannot be lifted this way, due to the need to have end wall/gable trusses needing to be flush to outside edge of building, correct?

Distance from end truss outside face to end truss outside face is identical to building length.

It would seem as though column notches can be on the same side in all bays except 1, due to the end wall trusses needing to be notched on the outside to be flush with outside building edge (which would make the end wall notches face in opposite directions). Is this correct? MATT in SPOKANE

DEAR MATT: Our engineered building plans show first pair of trusses in from each endwall to be oriented on side of columns towards endwall. This allows for each end bay to be winched up in their entirety with all purlins in place other than eave strut and fascia. Purlins for middle bay of a three bay building will need to be thrown up by hand.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Financing are we able to treat this like a regular home construction for mortgage purposes? Can we include it in our mortgage? If so, how does it work? If not, do you offer financing? Is the pricing for the kit only materials and all the electrical, plumbing, kitchen cabinets, lights, etc all additional? If we can finance in our mortgage how do we add all these costs also? MICHELLE in YORK

DEAR MICHELLE: Amanda (Hansen Pole Buildings’ financing wizardress) received a notification from you filling out our finance questionnaire; however, was waiting to get back to you until your quote was complete so we would have a better idea of how much you would need to borrow.

To answer your questions, you would need to speak with whoever holds your mortgage about whether or not you can include this with your mortgage. Every bank is different and some banks won’t even give loans for post frame construction like what we sell. We have a few different finance options; some like a regular mortgage, some just a personal loan, and another a home improvement loan (considered a second mortgage).

Our kits include materials for your building structure only. Our finance options do allow you to include electrical, plumbing, etc. Whether you can, or how to finance those things in your mortgage or not I unfortunately can’t answer. You would need to speak with your mortgage lender.

This entry was posted in Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Post Frame Home and tagged winch box, LVL, notching columns, truss lift, pole barn financing, 2 ply trusses, truss carriers, Post Frame Home on August 16, 2023 by admin.

Engineer Drawings, Build on a Basement, and an ADU

This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about engineering drawings for a house– from a building inspector in Michigan, whether or not a post frame structure can be mounted on a basement, and if an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) can be constructed with post frame.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking for engineering drawings for a pole structure that will be used for a house. This would include foundation drawings, and all other drawings that show that it conforms to the international building standards. All load calculations would be needed. stamped engineering drawings would be required. I am a building inspector for Williams township, Michigan. LESLIE in AUBURN

DEAR LESLIE: Thank you for your interest. Every post frame building Hansen Pole Buildings provides is fully engineered to meet applicable structural portions of the International Residential and/or Building Codes, as applicable. All components and connections, including foundations, are checked and verified for structural adequacy. Besides full-sized (24″ x 36″), site specific, multi-page engineer sealed plans showing each piece and how it is attached, you also receive engineer sealed verifying calculations.

With each building investment comes our 500+ page step-by-step Construction Manual and unlimited technical support provided by team members who have actually constructed post frame buildings.

A member of our Building Design team will be reaching out to you to further discuss your post frame building needs.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can a pole barn home be mounted on a basement? I assume there is no floor so how does one put a floor over a basement in pole barn home? Another question, if the barn is not finished inside, does it really cost less to have a finished house to move into? GWYN in CLINTON

DEAR GLYN: Post frame (pole barn) homes can easily be engineered to ICC ESR approved wet-set bracket mount to poured concrete, CMU (concrete masonry unit) blocks, ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) blocks or integrated into permanent wood foundations.

For extended reading on wet-set brackets https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/05/sturdi-wall-plus-concrete-brackets/
Floors over basements are no different structurally than stick-built homes and can be either beams and joists, or engineered wood floor trusses. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/01/floor-trusses-for-barndominiums/
While much of post-frame’s cost savings are due to foundation savings, fully engineered post frame buildings are very material efficient and DIY friendly (not to mention less costly to super insulate). This makes post-frame an ideal design solution for cost conscious future homeowners.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can a pole barn be used to create a backyard ADU (accessory dwelling unit)? My city allows them with rules and specifically said hoped to use modular to decrease construction noise but it seems that this might be a similar decrease in noise. However the issue is size I need it to be 400 which is the current minimum my house is 700 so my backyard is around 40×60. I would actually prefer a two story which could then have a smaller footprint perhaps 250-300 sq ft on each level with a simple porch lift between with an exterior staircase as back up and fire escape, or a two car garage with the ADU as the second floor. The ADU would become my home as I need a wheelchair accessible space. thank you. KRISTINE in GRAND RAPIDS

DEAR KRISTINE: Yes, a fully engineered post frame (pole barn) building would likely be an ideal design solution for an ADU. Our experienced American floor plans specialists can assist with a design to best meet with your needs.

For more information: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/post-frame-floor-plans/

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning and tagged engineering, Post Frame Home, Engineer drawings, post frame over basement, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit on May 24, 2023 by admin.

Wall Height and Footing size, Builders, and Post Frame Home Kits

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about footing size for a twenty foot wall height, finding a builder for a post frame buildings, and if Hansen provides post frame home kits.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you achieve wall heights of 20 feet and if so what kind of footing requirement do you need for walls that tall? KURT in DEER PARK

DEAR KURT: Our fully engineered post frame buildings can have sidewall eave heights up to 40′ (50′ with fire suppression sprinklers). Footing depth and diameter will be determined by our engineers based upon soil bearing capacity, column spacing, design wind speed and exposure, wall and roof heights, snow loads, dead loads and if there is a second floor or mezzanine(s).

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am having problems finding anyone to work in this city. I am looking for engineering plans for a couple pole barn buildings I want to build. I am building in two phases starting with a cover bridge (not functional it is over a culvert) 20′ x24′ and a garage 24’x36′. Both buildings are 8″x8″x16′ post and metal trusses and roof. The garage will have a concrete floor and 2″x6″ studs that are 16″ on center. I also have a prefab 14’x40′ work shed. The pole barn house was to be phase II. I went to the county (Horry) to start the permit process and was informed that I could not get a permit for the shed or garage until the residence was built. I am thinking of calling the garage a residence to get around the wait because I am late in the loan process. Help! WALTER in MYRTLE BEACH

DEAR WALTER: Seemingly everyone who wants to work, is busy working – everywhere, not just in your city. Our engineers will only provide plans for post frame buildings provided by us, as they cannot ensure materials specified will actually be provided otherwise. We do not use or specify steel trusses, as very few are adequately third-party inspected or fabricated by certified welders. If you call your garage a residence, it may be impossible to later build another residence on your same property.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you have home kits? JEREMY in GARRETTSVILLE

DEAR JEREMY: Absolutely we do!
www.HansenPoleBuildings.com is America’s leader in providing fully engineered, 100% custom designed, post frame building and barndominium kits, with multiple buildings in all 50 states. Your deliveries come from one or more of our thousands of shipping locations across the country (minimizing delivery costs) – so chances are excellent we are ‘close’ to you (as well as supporting your local economy)!

Your new building kit is designed for the average physically capable person, who can and will read and follow instructions, to successfully construct your own beautiful building shell, without extensive prior construction knowledge (and most of our clients do DIY – saving tens of thousands of dollars). We’ve had clients ranging from septuagenarians to fathers bonding with their teenage daughters erect their own buildings, so chances are – you can as well!

Your new building investment includes full multi-page 24” x 36” structural blueprints detailing the location and attachment of every piece (as well as suitable for obtaining Building Permits), the industry’s best, fully illustrated, step-by-step installation manual, and unlimited technical support from people who have actually built post frame buildings. Even better – it includes our industry leading Limited Lifetime Structural warranty!

We would appreciate the opportunity to participate in your new home. Please email your building floor plans and elevation drawings (even if rough or just photos), site address and best contact number to our Design Studio Manager Caleb@HansenPoleBuildings.com 1(866)200-9657 Thank you.

Don’t have floor plans yet? Hansen Pole Buildings can help! http://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/post-frame-floor-plans/

This entry was posted in Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, floorplans, Footings, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions and tagged barndominium plans, pole barn builders, post frame wall heights, post frame footing size, post frame permit, Post Frame Home on January 25, 2023 by admin.

Personal Storage, Additional Height, and Floor Plans

This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses a concern about personal items being ruined by storing them in an unfinished pole building, the need for an additional two feet of interior height, and floor plans for designing a post frame home.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello- not sure if you can answer this but hoping so. We have opportunity to rent a 20’x40′ portion of a pole barn building. The rent is very reasonable to we are considering moving all the contents of 3 storage units into this building, including small remodeling business with tools and materials. Question, it’s a brand new pole building, but the owner has not enclosed the soffit at the top. Will our stuff take get ruined in there? Moisture, hot and cold temperatures, mice, etc. Thinking it’s not an ideal place to put our furniture but wanted to ask a pole barn specialist. It’s such a good deal but I don’t want our belongings to get ruined. Thank you in advance for your opinion. DONNA in SUSSEX COUNTY

DEAR DONNA: Unless this unit is as close to completely sealed as possible (other than properly screened or very tiny openings venting) you should be prepared for all sorts of small critters and insects to be joining your valuable goods. My other concerns would be first as to if there is a well sealed vapor barrier under this building’s slab on grade. If not, there will be moisture coming through into your unit. Secondly – what sort of provision has been made to prevent condensation from occurring on underside of roof steel?

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 40′ x 50′ x10′ pole barn, I need another 2′ in height, minimum. What is the best way to handle it? Thanks for your time JERRY in FRANKFORT

DEAR JERRY: There is only one correct way to achieve this – hire a Registered Professional Engineer who can design a structurally sound method to get to your end goal. Any other recommendation could likely result in a collapse.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey Mike, we are planning to build a 40×60 pole barn home with the rear 20×60 portion being a second story. The main use of this space will be a 20×20 loft in the center of the building above the kitchen, with the remaining space being storage. We are trying to figure out what a necessary side wall/eave height will have to be for this second story loft with a 4/12 pitch roof. We don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of headroom upstairs since it will be a playroom for the kids. Could you help us with this? Also, this is assuming that we have an 8’ kitchen ceiling underneath. Thanks! NATE in TULSA

DEAR NATE: Thank you for reaching out to me. In most instances it will be less expensive to add more square footage on main level than to create a partial loft space (not to mention no space wasted due to stairs). Here is a guide to creating appropriate eave heights: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/05/how-tall-should-my-eave-height-be-for-two-stories/.

I would recommend you take advantage of our very affordable floor plan service in order to assist you in creation of your ideal dream floor plan: http://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/post-frame-floor-plans/

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Building Styles and Designs, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Ventilation, Shouse, Rebuilding Structures, Shouse, Building Interior, floorplans, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions and tagged Post Frame Home, post frame house, registered design professional, pole barn storage, floor plans, personal storage, Interior Height on May 4, 2022 by admin.

Condensation, Floor Plans, and Planning a House

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru discusses condensation issues in a metal pole barn a reader would like to convert to livable space, floor plans for a new post frame residence, and the steps to take to plan and build a new post frame house.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I just purchased a property with a metal pole barn on it. It has a concrete floor and is not insulated. I want to finish part of it off to make living space. Currently condensation will form on the bottom of the roof and I obviously can’t have that over my living space. Planning to frame out the portion I’ll use for living space, install kraft faced batt insulation and then drywall over that. Not planning on any additional vapor barrier on walls. Once I build the ceiling I plan on using blown insulation. How do I address the condensation/moisture issue from the roof in the most economical way possible and do I need anything additional on the walls? The cement floor seems dry enough but I don’t know if there is a vapor barrier underneath, how can I know if it’s dry enough and if it’s not what should I do? Thanks so much!! MARK in UNDERWOOD

DEAR MARK: You can easily check your concrete slab for a vapor barrier – place a wrench on floor overnight, next morning remove wrench and if a dark spot is seen where wrench was placed, you have no vapor barrier. If so, seal slab with a high quality sealant (here is an example https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/11/siloxa-tek-8505-concrete-sealant/).
For you roof, best solution is two inches of closed cell spray foam applied directly to underside of your roof steel. If you create any dead attic spaces, make certain they are well ventilated, ideally at eave and ridge.

On exterior walls, since you have no Weather Resistant Barrier (Tyvek or similar), I would recommend using rock or mineral wool insulation (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2013/03/roxul-insulation/) as it is unaffected by moisture. Install a well-sealed clear poly vapor barrier between wall framing and drywall.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you do 6 bedroom Barndo’s? I’m looking for a 6 bed, 4 bath barndominum floor plan. I have an idea of what I like in my head but 6 bedrooms one story are difficult. HEATHER in CLEBURNE

DEAR HEATHER: We can provide any number or bedrooms and bathrooms, as every barndominium Hansen Pole Buildings provides is 100% custom designed to best meet the wants and needs of our clients and their loved ones. Please see #3 here to assist in determining needed spaces and approximate sizes, and to have professional floor plans and elevation drawings produced affordably.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to build a 20 foot wide x 40 foot long pole barn house in Fredericktown, Ohio. Do you know if the local building department would give a permit for a residential pole barn house, & what are the steps to obtaining that permit, who to call, & etc.? I’m at the beginning of that building process & would like to begin this summer. Thanks. RENEE in MOUNT VERNON

DEAR RENEE: Here is some information you may find useful in getting started: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2021/02/a-shortlist-for-smooth-barndominium-sailing/
You will need to contact your local Planning and Zoning office to begin with. You can look up appropriate office (depending upon your actual Township/Village/City) at www.KnoxRegionalPlanning.com. This should get you what you need to know from them: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/01/your-barndominiums-planning-department/
Many jurisdictions do have minimum square footage requirements for dwelling, so you may be forced into more than your desired 800 square feet. You may also want to investigate building 24′ x 36′ as it is more efficient for materials usage.

If anyone tells you a fully engineered post frame home cannot be erected in their jurisdiction, get from them a copy of any approved ordinance to confirm (usually there is not one) and if it does exist, get it to me and I will go battle for you for free (I win 99% of these).

In many smaller communities, Planning, Zoning and Building Departments are a “one stop shop”. Here is what we will need from your Building Department: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/08/building-department-checklist-part-i/ and https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/08/building-department-checklist-2020-part-ii/

This entry was posted in Building Styles and Designs, Building Department, Post Frame Home, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, floorplans, Ventilation, Concrete, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design and tagged Post Frame Home, shouse, vapor barrier, condensation, barndominium plans, Building permit, post frame floor plans, post frame building permit, moisture barrier on March 23, 2022 by admin.

A Walk-Out, A Shouse, and Spray Foam Insulation

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about the possibility of Hansen designing a walk-out basement, building a Shouse, and a consideration of spray foam insulation.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you do walkout basement? DIANE in WARRENTON

DEAR DIANE: Absolutely we can provide your barndominium with a walkout (daylight) basement: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/02/barndominium-on-a-daylight-basement/
We have also developed the technology to incorporate a Permanent Wood Foundation between columns on sides where you are cutting in. This greatly reduces amount of required concrete, saving you money!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have been dreaming of a 56 x 32 work shop at my home. I have the urge to build a 2 story structure with the lower floor having a 16 foot wall height so a lift can be use as well as a car stacker. the upper floor could be an 8 – 10 foot wall height being used for storage and wood working and maybe a man cave type room. Is such a monstrosity buildable…can you help me with this? Thank you for your time, GEOFF in RAPID CITY

DEAR GEOFF: This can totally be done – my own personal shouse (shop/house) has a 16′ ceiling downstairs, and upper level clearspans 48′ across so there are no columns to negotiate. Storage and wood working can be heavy, plus you have the efforts of having to move materials in and out far above ground. Provided you have space on your property, you would be far ahead to put all of this space on one level – access will be easier, you won’t burn up space to stairs, etc.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking to build a garage/workshop for year round use, so I am considering foam insulation.
I am leaning towards 2″ closed cell foam, then a 2×4 wall with batt material so there is no direct transfer of heat/cold.
I read that almost everyone recommends house wrap under the metal walls then spray foam in case a section of metal wall needs to be replaced in the future.
My question is: Should I also include house wrap for the roof in getting my estimated cost? Will the spray foam stick to the roof wrap or should it be applied directly to the metal?

Thank you for helping me with this, BILL in OAKDALE

DEAR BILL: is a great product and is best applied when sprayed directly onto steel roofing and siding. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/04/spray-foam-insulation-3/

Steel with closed cell spray foam directly applied would have to take one monstrous hit to be damaged – enough so as you are probably replacing far more than just the panel and should be filing an insurance claim.

In your climate zone, this is what I would typically recommend:

ROOF: Order steel roofing with an Integral Condensation Control factory applied. Order roof trusses with 22″ raised heels, blow in R-60 fiberglass on top of ceiling. Enclosed vented soffits and vented ridge

WALLS: Weather Resistant Barrier between framing and wall steel, bookshelf wall girts, minimum R-20 unfaced batts (I prefer rock wool), well sealed R-5 rigid insulation on interior

SLAB: Perimeter R-10 rigid insulation down 4′ (or 2′ down, then out from building to follow Shallow Frost Protected Foundation requirements).

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Ventilation, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes and tagged Post Frame Home, shouse, spray foam, shop house, walkout basement, heated shop on January 12, 2022 by admin.

Framing Loads, Footing Pads, and a Pole Barn Home

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru kicks off 2022 with reader questions about framing loads using heavy duty steel roof trusses, a stone siding wainscot, and lap siding. Mike then addresses questions about footing pads, and finally creating a pole barn home.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning to build a pole barn 36×40 on 10’ centers with heavy duty steel roof trusses on 6×6 posts. The wall height will be 10’ and I would like to have 3’ faux stone for siding at the bottom with the rest of the siding hardi plank cement board. Would the weight be too much for a traditional pole barn style framing? NICK in CROSBY

DEAR NICK: Unless you are using some sort of heavier duty steel roof trusses much more significant than typical welded up ones, they are generally not capable of carrying any sort of a roof snow load – it won’t make any difference in Texas, but would further North.

It is likely your building’s engineer will require wall girts bookshelf style in order to make them stiff enough to meet Code deflection criteria for deflection (walls have to be much stiffer when using sidings other than steel). He or she should also be verifying diameter of footings under each column will be sufficient to support weight being added. You are making a significant investment here, I would hate to see your hard earned dollars go for naught due to under engineering.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: You all have an article on the use of Footing Pads. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/05/footingpad/
Are you all having luck with these? Concrete is a little sky high right now. Just trying to find people / companies that have utilized these and the pros and the cons! FRAN in NORMAN

DEAR FRAN: Our engineers typically detail bottom of roof supporting column holes with an eight inch thick concrete footing mono poured with 10 inches of concrete up each side of columns, resulting in a total depth of pour of 18 inches.

With a 24 inch diameter hole (largest size footing pads are manufactures in), this pour would take 4.71 cubic feet of concrete (just under 1/5th of a yard), ignore amount of concrete displaced by column itself. At $200 per yard, this would equate to under $40 per hole. To compare, a 24 inch diameter Footing Pad sells for $64.99, making poured concrete both less expensive as well as a design solution capable of resisting column uplift.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have single “shed roof” plans that I want to use on my owned Washington state property, although I do not have an architect. I have attached a drawing of the home. Is it possible to work with Hansen to create a pole barn home. I want to use metal roofing and siding. Thank you STACIE in LEAVENWORTH

DEAR STACIE: In most instances, homes do not require an architect’s investment. Our team can work with you to customize and/or tweak drawings you have sent to best meet your wants and needs.

Here are some considerations:

Plan tips to consider:

Direction of access – driveways are not cheap and shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
Curb appeal – what will people see when they drive up? This may not be important to you, however some day someone will try to resell your barndominium.

Is there an appealing view?

North-south alignment – place no or few windows on north walls, but lots of windows on south wall. Roof overhangs on south wall should provide shade to windows from mid-day summer sun.

Is there a slope on your building site?

Work from inside out – do not try to fit your wants and needs within a pre-ordained box just because someone said using a “standard” size might be cheaper. Differences in dimensions from “standard” are pennies per square foot, not dollars.

With all of this in mind, order your custom designed floor plans here: http://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/post-frame-floor-plans/?fbclid=IwAR2ta5IFSxrltv5eAyBVmg-JUsoPfy9hbWtP86svOTPfG1q5pGmfhA7yd5Q

Our team will be reaching out to you as well.

This entry was posted in Concrete Cookie, Footings, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Trusses, Barndominium, Concrete and tagged footing pads, steel trusses, footings, concrete collars, Post Frame Home, trusses, framing loads on January 5, 2022 by admin.

Storage Barn to Dwelling

Storage Barn to Dwelling

Reader JD in FAIRPLAY writes:

“I have read over your blogs & my head is spinning. However, you obviously know your stuff. My question is this, do you have a trusted company or guy who can help me design & build a 30x60x16 RV garage that will meet the requirements of my county, Anderson County SC, to be converted into a human dwelling in the future? I own the land. There are no zoning issues as the property is unzoned & can be used for anything, providing the structure meets county guidelines. I currently have a permit from the county to construct a “storage barn” of these dimensions with concrete floor. However, I don’t want to proceed, only to find out later that what I want to do can’t be done due to an over site I made in the design, construction process. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.”

You will want to have your building engineered (as in engineer sealed plans specific to your building, on your site) for Risk Category II and R-3 (residential) occupancy.

Your new post frame building kit from Hansen Pole Buildings is designed for the average physically capable person, who can and will read and follow instructions, to successfully construct your own beautiful building shell (and most of our clients do DIY – saving tens of thousands of dollars). We’ve had clients ranging from septuagenarians to fathers bonding with their teenage daughters erect their own buildings, so chances are – you can as well!

Your new building investment includes full multi-page 24” x 36” structural blueprints detailing the location and attachment of every piece (as well as suitable for obtaining Building Permits), the industry’s best, fully illustrated, step-by-step installation manual, and unlimited technical support from people who have actually built post frame buildings. Even better – it includes our industry leading Limited Lifetime Structural warranty!

Currently (and for the foreseeable future) there is a nationwide shortage of building erectors. Most high quality erectors are booked out into 2023. We would strongly encourage you to consider erecting your own building shell.

For those without the time or inclination, we have an extensive independent Builder Network covering the contiguous 48 states (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/find-a-builder/). We can assist you in getting erection labor pricing as well as introducing you to potential builders.

A CAUTION in regards to ANY erector: If an erector tells you they can begin quickly it is generally either a big red flag, or you are being price gouged. ALWAYS THOROUGHLY VET ANY CONTRACTOR https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/04/vetting-building-contractor/

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Uncategorized, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions, Shouse and tagged storage barn, dwelling, concrete floor, Anderson County, Building permit, barndominium, Post Frame Home, DIY pole buildings on December 14, 2021 by admin.

Hand Winches, Mono Trusses, and a Post Frame Home

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of hand winches to raise trusses, how to secure mono trusses built from complete trusses – DON’T- and the costs to build a small post frame home.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m curious of the stability of wet set brackets during raising our roof sections. We build our roof bays on the ground with purlins installed then use hand winches mounted to our columns with a pulley at the top. All our columns are embedded in the ground. Would wet-set brackets be stable enough for us to still winch up our truss bays with purlins attached? BRANDON in SNEEDVILLE

DEAR BRANDON: Provided your wet set brackets’ concrete piers have been properly sized by your building’s engineer to resist gravity, overturning and uplift loads there should be no issues with winching up your truss bays.

For extended reading on winch boxes, please see: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/09/diy-post-frame-construction-and-winch-boxes/

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am separating full trusses, 26 ft., 5/12, and making 10 mono trusses. I am using them to make a lean-to to my pole barn. I plan to attach them to the poles/posts, what hardware would you use to hang the bottom cord and top cord (and anything in between) to the side of the pole barn? Thank you! TOM in HASTINGS

DEAR TOM: First problem is splitting those gabled trusses down their centers will not make for two structurally sound monoslope trusses and they should not be used without an engineered repair. As to attaching these to your main building columns (once they are repaired), this should be designed by a Registered Professional engineer, ideally whomever engineered your original building, as they should also be verifying adequacy of your existing building columns and their footings to properly carry loads added by this lean-to.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am interested in a smaller pole barn house…around 1200 sq. ft. I would prefer to have a two-story or at least a good sized loft. i wanted a concrete slab…the floors acid washed. Is this possible with a $50,000 budget? DYANN I THEODOSIA

DEAR DYANN: Turnkey living spaces, with modest tastes, currently average around $130 per square foot. If you DIY everything, you can probably cut this in half. If your overall footprint is 1200 square feet, you need to add to this any second floor, loft or mezzanine area. In answer to your question – your $50,000 budget is sadly just not going to make it. Good news is – with interest rates hovering at 3%, it does make borrowing to build very affordable.

This entry was posted in Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes and tagged Post Frame Home, mono-truss, hand winch, raising trusses, winch box, engineered trusses, post frame costs on October 4, 2021 by admin.

Raised Floor in Flood Area, Drywall Framing, and Water in Holes

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about post frame with a raised floor use in a flood area, framing for drywall in a post frame house, and post holes full of water could be bigger soil issue.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you have a kit that can be used in a flood area to raise floor about 10 feet. RAY in HOUSTON

DEAR RAY: Yes we do – they are stilt houses and have to be custom engineered for each individual circumstance. Rear more here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2017/09/stilt-houses/

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We’re considering post frame construction for our residence. I’m sill researching and learning. One big question I have is: why does is seem like most people are putting stud walls against the exterior walls of the structure? Are the existing walls not sound enough to support the weight of drywall or wood finishing? Is it necessary for running plumbing/electrical? Is it overkill? WILL in ISLANDTON

DEAR WILL: Congratulations upon considering post frame construction as your structural design solution. Sadly, most kit providers and builders are selling building shells based upon cheapest price, rather than meeting their client’s needs. With this low price, most often comes what is known as externally mounted wall girts – wall framing to support siding being attached wide face to wind on outside of columns. While this is quick, easy and takes little thought, it rarely meets Building Code requirements for meeting deflection criteria. There is a way to solve wall framing to be a one step process – bookshelf wall girts every 24 inches. This creates a very stiff wall structurally, provides an insulation cavity and requires no extra framing to add interior finishes.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Holes for barn posts were full of water. Installed drain tile and water ran off. Now the post holes are very soft and I don’t believe they will support the structure. Ideas? STEVE in Michigan

DEAR STEVE: If you place a 2×4 vertically in a hole and push downward on it and it just keeps sinking, you have a challenge going on. Your best solution then is going to be to hire a geotechnical engineer to visit your site and do a determination of how to adequately support your building based upon actual soil conditions. It may be able to be solved by use of larger diameter footings, or use of rebar within your slab (tied to columns), piers down to solid bedrock or some combination of these. Your building will only be as strong as your foundation, so this is not a place to mess around or guess.

Should your 2×4 above only go down a few inches, then you only need to remove loose soil at bottom of holes and pour concrete pads as indicated on your engineer sealed plans.

This entry was posted in Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn holes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Post Frame Home, Footings, Building Drainage and tagged raised floor, stilt house, concrete collars, Post Frame Home, post holes, drywall ready, commercial bookshelf girts on August 16, 2021 by admin.

Insulation Costs, A Pole Barn Home, and Wall Steel Options

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding insulation to a quote, a quote for a pole barn home, and the use of standing seam steel on exterior walls.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in Jim Thorpe, PA and have ordered a 20×24 Pole Building. The quote didn’t include insulation. So I asked for a separate quote. The quote included the following:

Openings
(1) Ceiling Liner access door insulated White $275
Insulation
Wall: R-21 w/Liner
Roof: R-38 w/Ceiling Liner
$5,808
$2,323

They don’t include the materials used, so I can’t research the materials cost. But does this sound like a reasonable quote? Seems high, but this is my first pole building. Maybe material cost is like lumber, UP UP UP…?

Can you give me your opinion or shed (no pun intended) any light on this? Thanks so much! ROBERT

DEAR ROBERT: Without knowing your building height, number and dimensions of windows and doors and how your building is proposed to be framed (without any liner), it is impossible to determine if this is or is not reasonable. Keep in mind, probably roughly half of this price is due to your provider’s overhead, profit and labor, so if you are handy at all, you might want to consider doing this work yourself.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Looking for a pole barn home.
Wish List:
Ranch Style
3 bedroom 2 bath
1 craft-hobby room
Overhang porch
Attached 2 car garage
Can this be designed and priced?
JOLENE in DUBUQUE

DEAR JOLENE: Yes, it can be both designed and priced.

First Step is the design phase:

Have professional floor plans and elevation drawings done before pestering a builder. Very few builders are professional designers or architects – expecting them to be is unrealistic.

If you do not own the dirt, it is impossible to craft a barndominium plan to best fit with your building site.

Some plan tips to consider:

Is there an appealing view?

North-south alignment – place no or few windows on north walls, but lots of windows on south wall. Roof overhangs on south wall should provide shade to windows from mid-day summer sun.

Is there a slope on your building site?

Work from inside out – do not try to fit your wants and needs within a preordained box just because someone said using a “standard” size might be cheaper. Differences in dimensions from “standard” are pennies per square foot, not dollars.

Popular home spaces and sizes need to be determined:

Room in a Barndominium

With all of this in mind, order our custom designed floor plans here: http://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/post-frame-floor-plans/?fbclid=IwAR2ta5IFSxrltv5eAyBVmg-JUsoPfy9hbWtP86svOTPfG1q5pGmfhA7yd5Q

Once your floor plans and elevation drawings have been completed, we can then give you an exact price.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, my question is, can the standing seam roofing material you show in your building catalog be use for siding? RICH in MARYVILLE

DEAR RICH: Absolutely, however it would need to be applied over 5/8″ CDX plywood as it is non-structural. Small world – my oldest son and his family lived in Maryville for many years, his mother and I helped build a post frame garage with a mother-in-law apartment above it in their backyard.

This entry was posted in Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Alternate Siding, Budget and tagged pole barn house, Post Frame Home, building quotes, insulation, steel siding, standing seam steel on August 9, 2021 by admin.

Residential Building, I-Joist Purlins, and Post Proximity

This 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 greater Fort Wayne, IN area? BRIAN in FORT WAYNE

DEAR BRIAN: Hansen Pole Buildings provides fully engineered, custom designed post frame buildings, with multiple buildings in all 50 states (including roughly a hundred of them in Indiana). We ship from over 4000 locations – so chances are we are ‘close’ to you! Your new building will be designed for an average physically capable person who can and will read instructions to successfully construct your own beautiful buildings (and many of our clients do DIY). Your building will come with full 24” x 36” structural blueprints detailing the location and attachment of every piece (suitable for obtaining Building Permits), a 500 page fully illustrated step-by-step installation manual, as well as unlimited technical support from people who have actually built buildings. For those without the time or inclination, we have an extensive independent Builder Network covering the contiguous 48 states. We can assist you in getting erection labor pricing as well as introducing you to potential builders. We would appreciate the opportunity to participate in your new home. Please email your building plans, site address and best contact number to our Design Studio Manager caleb@hansenpolebuildings.com or dial (866)200-9657 for immediate assistance.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’ve read your reasonings and seen your snippets of engineering drawings that spec 2x purlins hanging between trusses. I’m wondering if now that I-joists are becoming so popular for residential use, if you’ve ever tried to use them as purlins. A 9.5″ I-joist would allow for 8″ of mixed closed and open cell spray foam, and a bottom flange of 1.5″ for light fixtures, wiring, etc. And I think I-joists would be lighter than 2x10s (and in this economy maybe even cost less!).
Thank you,
Thinking About A Hansen Handsome Barndominium, Or more accurately, GUY in JOHNSON CITY

DEAR GUY: I’ve used engineered floor trusses for roof purlins, but never I-joists. While I do not personally like them for floors (I find them bouncy), they do work as a replacement for dimensional lumber joists and rafters. I-joists are fairly strong when loads are applied directly perpendicular, however they are not strong in weak axis bending (e.g. loads applied when they are rotated from vertical). While they might work as roof purlins, it would take a significant amount of blocking and/or bracing plus some healthy engineering analysis in order to design a system to restrain them from buckling.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How close can the posts actually be to each other? Are there physical limitations to drilling two holes 12 inches apart? The reason I ask is I want to build a garage that mirrors the garage on my house, and the first 9 foot wide door is 25 inches from a corner and the spacing between the two doors is only 15 inches, rough opening to rough opening. Does one just dig a hole large enough for both posts? Or should two holes be drilled that overlap? SCOTT in BROOKSTON

DEAR SCOTT: Two posts can actually be in direct contact with each other, if necessary to support things like door openings. When two columns are close together, it is usually easiest to end up digging what resembles a trench, rather than a larger diameter hole (effectively drilling two overlapping holes).

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Interior, Columns, Pole Barn Homes and tagged Post Frame Home, post holes, residential pole barn, R-3, I-joist, I-joist purlin, post spacing, torsional ridgidity on July 19, 2021 by admin.

Protect Your Right to Freedom of Choice

Today 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 post- frame homes or a pole barn house!

If you think this will stop at just post-frame, I have some ocean front property in Arizona for sale on the cheap!

This is from a June 23 story in “The Telegraph” (you can email the author at SCousins@thetelegraph.com):

“Madison County is considering a minor change in zoning codes dealing with pole barn houses.

On Tuesday, a petition for text amendments to Madison County zoning ordinances to tighten requirements for “pole barn houses” in agricultural areas was presented to the Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals.

Current ordinances require 2 acres to build the homes. If approved, the change would require 5 acres.

The county routinely reviews zoning codes and makes amendments every year or so to reflect changes in state or local laws and to correct any mistakes. The last time that was done was in 2019.”

In response I sent this email to zoning@co.madison.il.us and asked for it to be directed to the Zoning Board of Appeals (chairperson is a Mr. Metzler):

“I respectfully submit, for your consideration, the following:

Fully engineered post-frame buildings (pole barn houses in this article) can be entirely Code conforming structural systems. There may be a thought pole barn houses are ‘unsightly’ to some, due to being most often sided with roll formed steel panels. Post frame buildings can have any roofing and/or siding materials found on other structural systems, such as stud wall (stick frame). Sidings can include wood, vinyl, masonry, stucco, the possibilities being endless. To place a restriction only upon one structural system, rather than all systems universally could be seen as prejudicial, as well as a restriction of free trade and Interstate Commerce.

Rather than taking the proposed approach, I would offer up for consideration allowing for any engineered and Code conforming structural system to be used for a dwelling in any allowable zone, with the caveat of placing restrictions instead upon what materials may be used to clad said systems. If the true objection is to vertical steel siding, unpainted galvanized steel cladding, or even particular color(s) or combinations, then state as such and make it universal on any fully engineered structural system.

As it now stands, one could erect a stick framed home, and cover it with steel cladding, whereas it would appear from the street to be a “pole barn house”, yet it would be conforming.”

I implore you to take a few minutes from your busy day and email Madison County’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Mr. Cousins at The Telegraph to assist in defeating this onerous proposal.

Madison County’s Zoning Board of Appeals meets next Tuesday, so please do not delay as time is of the essence.

I thank you, in advance, for your consideration. Please share this with your friends.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning and tagged pole barn house, barndominium, Post Frame Home, freedom of choice, The Telegraph, Madison County, Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals, pole building on June 25, 2021 by admin.

Attic Truss Lofts, Wall Switch Heights, and A Shouse

Today 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 pole barn with a 6/12 pitch using attic trusses? If the pole barn had 10′ side walls instead of 8′, how do you create the floor for the loft and still maintain only 8′ interior walls? WANDA in GAYLORD

DEAR WANDA: At a 6/12 roof slope a 30 foot span truss only increases in height by 90″ (7’6″) making overall building height with a 10 foot eave 17’6″. Even if your attic trusses were to have bottom of truss set at 8′ 4-5/8″ (perfect height for a finished 8′ ceiling) your bonus room would be very small and have limited headroom. If you wish to pursue this route, I would recommend an increase in roof slope to at least 8/12.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In Michigan, is the code for the height of wall switches and outlets the same for pole barns as it is in a home? GARREY in ROMULUS

DEAR GARREY: Regardless of state and type of structural system, electrical codes remain the same.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We want to put up a garage with living space above, 40 x 33 ish. but we have to have a cement basement foundation as it is 4′ into a hill. Can we have do this with this kind of construction? We had a design for stick construction but it is too expensive. Thanks! TINA in UNDERWOOD

DEAR TINA: Fully engineered post frame, PEMB and weld up barndominiums CAN be more affordable than stick frame. But, they are not going to be 10-50% less. Think about it – your only differences are in structural systems, all of your electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, interior finishes, fixtures, cabinets, floor coverings, etc., are going to be identical investments no matter what structural system is chosen.

Your fully engineered post frame building can be designed quite readily with columns bracket mounted to poured concrete or ICF foundation walls, however you may find it more practical to utilize a Permanent Wood Foundation wall between columns where your site forces you to excavate.

This entry was posted in Building Styles and Designs, Pole Building How To Guides, Trusses, Building Interior, Lofts, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions and tagged attic truss loft, attic truss, 6/12 pitch, electrical switch height, house above garage, Post Frame Home, shouse on June 14, 2021 by admin.

Post Frame Homes

Post 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 myself in Northwest Washington State more than 25 years ago (although I suppose we could dial this back to even 1990). This ‘dial back’ was on steeply sloping property where my grandparents had their lake cabin (previously having belonged to my maternal grandfather’s parents since 1937). An aging two-car Model T garage set on cedar posts was showing not only signs of age, but was dimensionally impractical for modern sized vehicles.

My solution then was to tear the old garage down to its elevated floor, build a new post frame building around it, then drop the old floor out. Being as this new, larger footprint (22’ x 24’) garage was on 4 feet of grade change, I was able to construct a 16’ x 22’ studio apartment below it and by using bonus room attic trusses (and a spiral staircase in one corner) was able to have a 10’ x 24’ office space above!

Both of these buildings were on a 60’ x 225’ lot, in the midst of dwellings on both sides. Being as we were located in a forest, it didn’t feel like we had homes right on top of our neighbors.

Now, back to our photo….

When our client approached us about a post frame home on Lake Havasu, I really didn’t envision it being located tight amongst other homes. Most of our barndominium clients enjoy open space where they can avoid bumping elbows with their neighbors. It wasn’t until this particular client forwarded to us progress photos of their build when I had an ah-ha moment!

This client is building in a neighborhood!

Our client is providing their own tile roofing and applying stucco to their building’s exterior. When all is said and done, no one will be wiser to this being a post frame home, unless they happened to watch it being built.

While post frame barndominiums are renowned for their flexibility of design, I can see some astute building contractors realizing foundation cost savings and speed of erection making for a practical solution for most any neighborhood.

This entry was posted in Shouse, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Shouse, Building Contractor and tagged building contractor, spiral staircase, bonus room, Lake Havasu, barndominium, attic trusses, Post Frame Home on May 21, 2021 by admin.

How Tall Are Barn Homes?

Reader 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 wall height (add another story and 10 feet for having fire suppression sprinklers – a good idea anyhow). My lovely bride and I live in a post frame home with a 44 foot overall height (and a cupola on top of it). Although this article is written for two story homes it may prove helpful: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/05/how-tall-should-my-eave-height-be-for-two-stories/.

Ideally ceiling height measures when framed should be an extra 1-1/8″ taller than your actual finished ceiling (e.g. 10′ 1-1/8″ for 10′ finished). 10′ ceilings have become very popular as well – “my” Vikings bathroom (yes has Vikings’ colors and stuff all over it). 10′ is also cost effective if batt wall insulation is used and drywall can be often purchased in 4′ x 10′ sheets. Our living room ceiling is 16′ as my wife likes her tall Christmas tree, she leaves it up all year long!

This article may also prove helpful to you https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2021/02/a-shortlist-for-smooth-barndominium-sailing/.

www.HansenPoleBuildings.com provides fully engineered, custom designed post frame buildings, with multiple buildings in all 50 states. We ship from over 4000 locations – so chances are we are ‘close’ to you! Your new building will be designed for an average physically capable person who can and will read instructions to successfully construct your own beautiful building (and many of our clients do DIY).

Your building will come with full 24” x 36” structural blueprints detailing the location and attachment of every piece (suitable for obtaining Building Permits), a 500 page fully illustrated step-by-step installation manual, as well as unlimited technical support from people who have actually built buildings.

For those without the time or inclination, we have an extensive independent Builder Network covering the contiguous 48 states. We can assist you in getting erection labor pricing as well as introducing you to potential builders.

We would appreciate the opportunity to participate in your new home. Once you have them, please email your building plans, site address and best contact number to our Design Studio Manager caleb@hansenpolebuildings.com (866)200-9657 Thank you.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor and tagged barndominium, custom designed pole buildings, Post Frame Home, ceiling height, builders, blueprints on April 7, 2021 by admin.

Looking 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 or two onto an already taxing home price!

I’m optimistic that we can pull off everything that’s needed and hopefully within the budget!

I started looking for property and messaged the City Halls for the locations we want to see if they’d allow such a structure. Not sure how to handle the siding issue.

Inver Grove Heights, MN

Will consider it a single family home. Needs to meet setback, height and doesn’t exceed allowed impervious surface for the lot.

Exterior siding regulations require horizontal lap type siding or similar. Vertical siding like a pole barn is not acceptable material.

**** Is this even possible to meet this request or is there a way we can argue against it. Any knowledge you can offer would be so helpful****

Rosemount, MN

Farmington, MN

*Considers this Agricultural that would need a minimum of 40 acres, what!!!

****Is this common and is there anything we can do to fight this so we get this under a single family home that we could put on a .25 acre plot?****”

Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds:

Thank you for reaching out to us and for your kind words.

Planning Departments are an extension of a jurisdiction’s ruling body (city council, county commissioners) and have basically power of life and death. They can dictate footprints, heights, setbacks, type of cladding (roofing and/or siding), and even colors. They ARE limited to ordinances written by their ruling body, so if you do not hear an answer you like, ask for a copy of their written ordinance. If they cannot produce one, then it does not exist and can be disregarded.

One beauty of fully engineered post frame construction is a broad variety of siding and/or roofing options are readily available.

Inver Grove Heights – exterior siding is within their realm of control. At www ighmn.gov go to “City Code” in the left hand menu list and click on it. Scroll down to Chapter 15, then 10-15-17. B.2 gives your options with steel being none of them.

Rosemont – you do not have to pour a concrete foundation to meet Code requirements for frost. You will have to insulate the perimeter of your building to at least four feet below grade, not a big deal and can be done with rigid insulation (this insulation is typical for any type of structure). If you erect a 3000 square foot (sft) building, as much as 1500 sft can be garage.

Farmington – you threw them off at “pole barn house”. You are building a fully engineered custom designed wood frame home. This should be allowable anywhere zoned for single family residences. You may have exterior appearance and footprint issues once they have gotten this into their heads as being a SFR (Single Family Residence).

You will find as you get farther away from Minneapolis and into county rather than city controlled areas, things tend to become more property owner friendly. You also might consider South Dakota as an option, as our Planning and Zoning restrictions are few and far between.

This entry was posted in Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding and tagged barndominium, Post Frame Home, cladding, shouse, setbacks, single family home, planning department, fully engineered post frame construction on February 19, 2021 by admin.

Post Frame Home Zero Barrier Entry Over a Crawl Space

Reader MARC in AUBURN writes:

“I am asking what might be an odd question, but I need to ask it to see if it is even an option.

Is it possible to build a post frame home with part of it having a concrete floor (garage area) and the other part be built on a raised wood joist subfloor spring that I have a 4 foot crawl. The trick is, I want zero barrier entry so the sub floor and the garage floor would need to be level. Same with porches, etc. is this doable without building an actual foundation wall around the home section? I want to avoid traditional foundations and want to rely on the superior properties of a properly engineered and constructed post frame building. Am I better off just going all slab without a crawl?

Thank you!”

Not an odd question at all and yes it is an option. I (and my knees) personally prefer to live on wood floors, rather than concrete. Our household also relates to zero barrier entry as my lovely bride Judy is a paraplegic confined to a wheelchair.

We can design your living space using permanent wood foundation walls between roof supporting pressure preservative treated columns.

Treated wood foundations are load-bearing, pressure-treated wood framed walls, used below grade to support light frame construction. Treated wood foundations are commonly called Permanent Wood Foundations or All-Weather Wood Foundations. Since being developed in the 1960s, this unique building system has proven to be a durable building system in thousands of physical applications. Treated wood foundations have undergone extensive research, analysis, and testing by several highly respected building construction industry organizations. They have been approved for use by model building codes, federal agencies, and by lending, warranty and insurance institutions. A treated wood foundation, when installed, waterproofed, and drained properly, and used in conjunction with other waterproof materials, is a viable alternative to poured concrete or concrete block foundations. When I added onto my home near Spokane, Washington 30 years ago, I utilized pressure preservative treated wood as a foundation around an irregular crawl space supporting two floors and cantilevered decks above. It has performed admirably, even in a severe lakefront environment.

Treated wood foundations are built on most types of soils (Group I – III), with an exception of unsatisfactory soils (Group IV) as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Group IV soils typically have over 40% clay, less than 50% sand and may have a high shrink-swell potential. Similar to conventional foundation systems, sites should be cleared of organic material and top soil prior to work onset. Crawl space is then excavated, and a footing is placed on undisturbed soil below frost line. Footings under a treated wood foundation wall can be made of poured concrete or a wood footing plate on top of granular fill. In my case, I used a poured concrete footing, however in your instance, since vertically carried loads would be minimal, gravel should prove more than sufficient. as footing size is engineered based on foundation wall loads. Adequate, unobstructed drainage around a treated wood foundation is achieved by having continuous granular fill on building sides and underneath structure. Granular material can be up to 1/2 inch crushed stone, 3/4 inch gravel or 1/16 inch sand depending on where it is intended to be used. All granular material should be clean and free of silt, clay and organic material, and be covered with a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Sump pumps, perimeter drains, and dry wells may be used under your crawl space floor and around the exterior to promote drainage. Storm water control including gutters, downspouts, splash blocks and drainpipes, in addition to a properly sloped finish grade, is also important to direct water away from the structure.

Materials used to construct treated wood foundations include: plywood, preservative treated lumber, fasteners, termite protection (where appropriate), a moisture barrier, sealing, and insulation. All framing lumber below grade in a treated wood foundation is required to be pressure treated with preservatives in accordance with the American Wood Preservers’ Association (AWPA) Standard C22, “Lumber and Plywood for Permanent Wood Foundations – Preservative Treatment by Pressure Processes.” An important consideration when building a treated wood foundation is the metal used in the fasteners. Due to the high levels of copper in wood preservatives, fasteners are required to be a corrosion-resistant. Type 304 or 316 stainless steel nails are recommended.

An essential part of a treated wood foundation system is moisture and termite protection. In addition to a 6-mil polyethylene sheet wrapped around exterior plywood sheathing, all sheathing joints must be caulked with a high-performance acrylic latex or polyurethane caulk. Preservative treated wood eliminates termites from crawl space framing, because termites cannot penetrate it; however, additional steps should be taken to protect untreated floors above.

Several advantages make treated wood foundations an attractive option. Construction of a treated wood foundation is simple to erect, in comparison to concrete foundations. Treated wood foundations also offer advantages over concrete foundations such as an ability to install insulation between studs, affording a higher R-Value in comparison to uninsulated concrete foundation walls, leading to greater energy efficiency.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Building Drainage, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru and tagged zero barrier entry, wood foundation walls, all-weather wood foundations, treated wood foundations, treated wood foundation, Post Frame Home, crawl space on October 2, 2020 by admin.

Connecting Structures, Help with Connections, and a New Home

Today’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 evaluated by an engineer for structural integrity as a unit, unless a wall of adequate strength remains between these two sections. When you create a long, narrow, tall building wind shear loads can create some structural challenges.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We have made a deposit to Steel Commander for a 40X100 residential structure. What would be the cost for you to supply me a full detail of all the connection points? We plan on assembling the building ourselves as I have a background in welding and fabricating and pretty confident we can successfully do this……………..your thoughts? DAVE in OXFORD

DEAR DAVE: In my humble opinion, any building supplier who is not providing complete step-by-step installation instructions, knowing they are selling to a DIYer, is doing a terrible disservice. My expertise is in post frame buildings, so I am afraid I won’t be much help.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My wife and I are in the market for a new home and we were considering a pole barn house but don’t know where to begin, Any information would be greatly appreciated, thanks. SHAWN

DEAR SHAWN: This article has numerous links in it and should prove helpful in getting you started on your exciting new journey! https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/10/show-me-your-barndominium-plans-please/

This entry was posted in Building Styles and Designs, Constructing a Pole Building, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions and tagged Post Frame Home, Residence, connecting buildings, connections on July 13, 2020 by admin.

Planning Interior Accessibility in Barndominiums

Good 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 a few things I’d like to add. In discussing kitchen ideas he mentioned having two dishwashers (they rotate and keep even the pots and pans from having to be scrubbed by hand). Also his idea of having two microwaves works out wonderfully. We can both reheat leftovers in our “His and Hers” microwaves giving us time to eat together and no waiting.

Another thing we did in building our cabinets was to put the dishwashers on a wood pedestal by the seating for the bar area. Dishes are easier to add or remove at that height for both Mike and myself. I’m in a tall power wheelchair so access to appliances is paramount for me.

As an aside, Mike may have mentioned I was in a motorcycle accident almost five years ago, leaving me paralyzed from the chest down. But there’s nothing wrong with my arms or my brain so I try to be as independent as possible. The all fridge/all freezer combo is also on a pedestal a foot off the floor. Easier for Mike to access items from the top shelves as he is 6’5″. That way I can access the bottom two shelves and the drawers, as well as the door compartments.

The part I wish to add about access in the kitchen or anywhere in the home is widths for getting around in a wheelchair. You never know when someone in your household may have to use crutches, a walker or sad to say, a wheelchair.
When we built our two story barndominium, I was normal. We had our kitchen, bath and bedroom custom cabinets installed before my accident. It’s amazing how wonderful these changes to what people usually design has worked out to my ease of access and comfort.

The aisleways between an island or peninsula should also be plenty wide for two people working in a kitchen at the same time. Again, without knowing we’d need more width between counters and appliances, we designed the kitchen with 52″ between the kitchen sink and island. We used a full 5′ between the island and fridge/freezer area due to the doors possibly being open when the other one of want’s to get by. Both allow Mike and I to be working in the kitchen at the same time and he can zip around my chair if need be.

I’ll touch on a few areas in the home where a handicapped person can function easier if planning ahead for that unforeseen circumstance. These changes also allow you to entertain handicapped or physically challenged persons in your home.
In bedrooms leave a good width all around your bed. We have 5′ on all three sides which is just about right. My desk I’m writing on is up on 8″ wooden blocks so my wheelchair fits neatly within the chair hole. We left a good space between the bed and the outer wall, as we had planned for a circular stairway up to a third level loft area that looks down on the bedroom. Thankfully we never got around to putting in that stairs and instead, we have an electric lift which takes me up to my “lady lair”. I can leave my sewing and craft projects out all the time and don’t have to rush to clear off a dining room table once visitors come to our home.
The bathroom. We have a true roll-in shower. No lip to roll over like one might find in a hotel bathroom. The tile is sloped just right for the water to roll off into the drain. We do use a shower curtain to prevent the spray from going all over the vanity area and bathroom door. The bathroom doubles as a laundry area with washer/dryer at one end. These are also up on drawer pedestals. I love having them next to the bathroom and walk-in closet. I don’t have to lug dirty or clean clothes to another part of our home. I can hang up shirts, shorts and the like directly out of the dryer. It saves a ton of time and our laundry area and “roll-in” closet always look neat and organized. There is even a counter in the closet for folding clothes before easily putting them away in the drawers beneath. Baskets in the walk-in closet collect dirty clothes and I can easily sort them before washing.

Doorways. Ours are standard width. The clearance is 35″ which is too narrow. I hate to admit it, but our nice door jambs have more than one gouge from me running into them. I’m not a bad driver, but sometimes I get too close to one side or another, especially when backing up.
Lastly, NO carpeting. We have all hardwood floors, which are beautiful and make zipping around in my wheelchair a breeze.

Thank you for taking the time to see things through my eyes a bit.
Have a great rest of your day!

Judy
J.A. Hansen

This entry was posted in Building Interior, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Shouse, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning and tagged barndominium, Post Frame Home, accessibility, interior design on July 9, 2020 by admin.

Roof Steel, Building a Post Frame House, and Fire Restoration

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about a possible roof steel replacement, planning a post frame house, and assistance finding a contractor to complete fire restoration of a post frame building.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good day PBG, I have a huge old wooden beam barn currently covered with standing seam tin roofing. I thought that would be the best to keep. However, it seems I have to have it painted more frequently and expensively than I planned.

Would it make sense to change the type of roofing? Perhaps 50 year residential house shingling? There are so many good roofers competing for that business, I think I can have it done relatively cheaply. What about the new membranes I see on the market?

I value your thoughts on this.

Thank you for your consideration

JOHN in WASHINGTON D.C.

DEAR JOHN: Good afternoon. Something is wrong with your existing roofing or it has been on for many years as it should not have to be repainted.

For economy and durability I would recommend using through screwed 29 gauge three foot wide panels with Kynar paint (for any color other than White).

Shingled roofs are probably not what you think they should be: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/10/ask-the-builder/

I would need more clarification from you on “membranes”.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi there!! I am a single mom with 1 daughter. I want to build a pole barn house on my mom’s land. My price range is about 100k and I have about 20k to put down. I know absolutely nothing about building a home and especially nothing about a pole barn home. I am hoping I can spend less money on the outside and be able put more money on the inside to have the amenities and design/layout that I want. Where do I even begin?

THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN OFFER!!

JELEE in JOPLIN

DEAR JALEE: You have come to the right place. Our team members at Hansen Pole Buildings are barndominium experts. Links in this article will get you started: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/10/show-me-your-barndominium-plans-please/

Plan tips – consider these factors:

Direction of access (you don’t want to have to drive around your house to get to garage doors)

‘Curb appeal’ – what will people see as they drive up?

Any views?

North-south alignment – place no or few windows on north wall, lots on south wall
Overhang on south wall to shade windows from mid-day summer sun If your AC bill is far greater than your heating bill, reverse this and omit or minimize north overhangs.

Slope of site

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I’m in need of someone to make a repair to a shop bay that received some fire damage. It’s located in Columbia, Tn. just an hour south west of Nashville. Do you some one that can make repairs on these metal over wood frame buildings? Someone I could set up a meeting with to get a quote?

Thanks DAVID in COLUMBIA

DEAR DAVID: You are nearly neighbors with our oldest daughter Bailey who lives in Shelbyville!

If you respond with photos of your building damage and a contact phone number we can post it up for members of Hansen Pole Buildings’ independent Builder Network to contact you directly. These builders are not affiliated with Hansen Pole Buildings and it is totally up to you to properly vet them out: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/04/vetting-building-contractor/

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Planning, Rebuilding Structures, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building and tagged bardominium, roof steel, Post Frame Home, roof repair, fire restoration, building repair on June 1, 2020 by admin.

Barndominium on a Daylight Basement

As post frame construction moves into a world filled with barndominiums, shouses and homes, there are of course those who would prefer (or need due to lot slope) to build upon either a full or partial (daylight) basement.

Post frame buildings are ideal for this situation.

Reader LOUIE writes:

“Hi, I just started the process of building my first home and came across your website, hoping maybe you can help. So far I have purchased the land, got the septic design and have started to clear it. I have a good idea of what I would like to build but have a few questions. Can you design buildings to be built on daylight basement foundations? Also I see that the kits on your website include the windows, doors and exterior finish. Would it be possible to buy a kit for just the the framing? Ideally I want to build something like this roughly 28×36. Thanks and look forward to hearing from you.”

Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds:

Yes, we can design to build on a daylight basement, columns on the basement’s open side would be long enough to extend into the ground and be embedded. My shouse (shop/house) in Washington was engineered this way. In my case we dealt with 12 feet of grade change on a 40 foot wide site. Our solution was to have a 12’ tall ICF block wall on one side and 10 feet of front, then step down across the rear endwall to follow grade. Engineered wet set brackets were poured into top of ICFs (read about wet set brackets here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/05/sturdi-wall-plus-concrete-brackets/).

Besides your framing package, we would like to provide your building’s steel roofing. If you are using some sort of board or plank siding, we would like for you to obtain it and we would provide OSB or plywood sheathing as well as a Weather Resistant Barrier.

We would need to have some wall at the corners of the window end in order to adequately transfer shear loads from roof to foundation. Ideally for a 10′ tall wall, roughly 3.5′ at the corners.

To achieve your vaulted ceiling as shown in the photo, the best method would be to place a column at peak 12′ in from each endwall. If your interior plans cannot stand columns, we could run a ridge beam down the center from end to end.

If you do opt for no interior columns, I would also recommend using engineered prefabricated floor trusses for your floor system. This would provide a clearspan lower level and allow for all ductwork and utilities to be hidden in your home’s floor.

For extended reading on barndominium floor trusses please see: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/01/floor-trusses-for-barndominiums/

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Shouse, Building Interior, Columns, Pole Barn Homes and tagged vaulted ceiling, shouse, wet set brackets, daylight basement, ICF block wall, ridge beam, barndominium, Post Frame Home on February 20, 2020 by admin.

Building Codes Apply to Shouses

Recently I shared with you, my faithful readers, a Park Rapids Enterprise article penned by Lorie R. Skarpness as Nevis, Minnesota attempts to deal with a shouse.

https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/12/a-shouse-in-the-news/

Below is Lorie’s update from January 18, 2020:

“The discussion of a proposed shouse (a word that means a shop with living quarters inside) that began at the December Nevis council meeting was continued at their Jan. 13 Nevis meeting.

Planning commissioner Dawn Rouse shared a report from the city’s planning commission about discussion of shouses from their December meeting.

Their consensus was that any requirements should apply to all residences and not single out one specific type, noting that the Minnesota Building Code already addresses many of potential issues. The city also has a building inspector who determines whether a proposed building meets code.

Council member Jeanne Thompson said the way the building code is written is vague and open to interpretation.

“People up here don’t go and buy expensive plans with these beautiful entryways for their shops for the most part,” she said. “They do it themselves. That’s where I think something needs to be addressed so we don’t have industrial and “garageish” looking buildings in a residential neighborhood.”

Concerns about the building material of the shouse were brought up by council member Rich Johnson. “I don’t want something that looks like a pole barn built right next to me because I don’t know if someone would want to move into that neighborhood.”

“We can set more stringent regulations than what is in the building code regarding materials used and things like that if that’s what you want to do,” Rouse said, pointing out that Walker has residential performance standards stating corrugated metal is not to be used on exterior finishes.

Thompson asked Rouse to bring information on existing residential regulations to share at the February 10 council meeting.”

Where their council members get confused is Building Codes address structural components, not aesthetics (such as colors or exterior covering materials). Post frame shouses and barndominiums are Building Code conforming structures. What any jurisdiction can do is to set aesthetic requirements, however they need to be applied equally across all building systems of an Occupancy Classification.

Is a jurisdiction resistant to your proposed barndominium, shouse or post frame home? If so, provide me with specifics and chances are pretty well close to 100% I can assist with a positive resolution.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Homes, Workshop Buildings, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning and tagged barndominium, Post Frame Home, shouse, residential performance standards, shouse structural components, building aesthetic requirements, Building Code on February 5, 2020 by admin.

Raised Floors in Post Frame Homes

Raised Floors Are an Opportunity for Post Frame Homes

Three months after Hurricane Harvey churned through Texas, dumping 51 inches of rain and damaging an estimated 150,000 homes, the state’s most populous county took a bureaucratic step which has huge implications for how it will deal with the risk of future flooding.

On December 5, Harris County, which surrounds the City of Houston, approved an overhaul of its flood rules expanding them from 100-year floodplains—which have a one percent change of flooding in a given year—to 500-year floodplains. The new rules (which don’t apply inside Houston city limits) will compel people building houses in some areas to elevate them up to eight feet higher than before.

“We had 30,000 houses that flooded” from Harvey, said county engineer John Blount, who put forward the rule changes. Before the floodwaters even subsided, hundreds of county employees fanned out to survey the damage. “We went to every one of those houses and figured out how much water got in them, and then we did a statistical analysis,” Blount said.
The data was geocoded, factoring in location and neighborhood conditions, and one result was the increased elevation rule. (The county is also buying out 200 of the most vulnerable homes and hopes to buy out thousands more, but those represent a small fraction of the homes inside the floodplain.)

Harris County’s new rules are the most stringent flood-related development restrictions anywhere in the United States, according to Blount. If a future Harvey-sized deluge comes, almost all the homes in the area will be safe, he said: “Had that same event happened, at the same location but [with houses] built to the new standard, 95 percent or more would not have flooded.”

For a structure, standing water is a fearsome enemy. Even a small amount of flooding in a home can exile its inhabitants for weeks and require costly repairs. After Harvey, tens of thousands of evacuees lived in hotels or with friends as workers in their homes tore out drywall to prevent the spread of mold, which can sicken residents. And more Harveys are coming: As Robinson Meyer reported, a new MIT study concludes Harvey-scale flooding in Texas is six times as likely now as it was in the late 20th century, and will only get more likely as this century wears on.

More than a million people live in the 100- and 500-year flood zones across the Houston area, and hundreds of thousands more do in other U.S. cities, including Miami and New York. Harris County’s move conforms with the advice of building engineers, climate experts, and the insurance industry. If you live in an area which is prone to flooding—or will be soon—getting off the ground is the best way to avoid recurring, expensive, and heart-rending damage to your house.

“There’s no real substitute for elevation. That’s your best bet,” said Tim Reinhold, senior vice president and chief engineer of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a research organization based in Tampa and funded by insurers.
Houses don’t have an engineered safety margin for avoiding flooding the way they do for wind resistance, Reinhold points out; even a few inches of water can be devastating. His advice: “Build that margin in by going higher.” The IBHS recommends elevating houses three or more feet above the 100-year floodplain.

Yet three feet is nowhere near standard. The City of Houston requires one foot of elevation above the 100-year floodplain. Many jurisdictions in Texas and other states require none. What seems like a simple, obvious safeguard raises tricky questions: How high is high enough? Who has to pay for it? And at what point does it no longer make sense to build in a place at all?
Nationwide, according to Census data, 59 percent of new single-family homes are “slab-on-grade,” as it’s known in the construction industry. The technique is pretty much what it sounds like: Concrete is poured into a mold set shallowly into the ground, forming a slab several inches thick. Because a ground freeze can crack the slab, the method is mainly used in warmer climates. It’s straightforward and cheap. But it results in a house with a low elevation, which is obviously not ideal in a flood zone. “I don’t understand why you would ever build a house on a slab on grade that could be in a flood-prone area,” Barcik said.
Building a house with a raised foundation isn’t cheap. “If you’re starting with a home that’s slab-on-grade right now, and want to raise it by using fill, it could be $13,000 to $14,000 to do that just one foot,” said Gary Ehrlich, the director of construction codes and standards for the National Association of Home Builders.

Mike the Pole Barn Guru comments:
The fill method—trucking in soil and resting the slab on top of it—is cheaper than the pier-and-beam or stem-wall options. But it’s not adequate for raising a house’s height by several feet. The eight-foot-elevated homes now required in parts of Harris County would carry significant added costs, which builders would pass on to homebuyers.

However, elevating a post frame home, even as much as eight feet, is a negligible investment compared to the costs of stick frame construction. Considering constructing a new home? If so, look towards post frame construction as an affordable design solution.

This entry was posted in Concrete, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning and tagged Post Frame Home, Hurricane Harvey, slab on grade, 500 year flood zone, Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety on March 2, 2018 by admin.

How to Keep the Water Out of a Pole Building

How to Keep the Water Out of a Pole Barn

The post frame (pole barn) building has moved from the farm to suburbia. With the transition in building uses, having water flowing into a post frame business or residence is far less than desirable.

Dear Pole Barn Guru: My parents lived in a pole barn “lodge”. When there was a lot of snow and it blew against the building, as it melted water would get in under the walls. Grading was away from the building. Was the slab not poured high enough? Is there a way to seal bottom during construction that maybe wasn’t done properly? We want to have a pole barn home built, but need to educate ourselves on these details to make sure the work is done properly. Carolyn in Cleveland

Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers:

My bride and I happen to live in a post frame home in South Dakota, where in both snows and blows. Our building also has a huge footprint, being 84 feet wide and 60 feet deep. A six inch snowfall easily results in a berm along each side several feet in height.

For our slab on grade building, we made sure to have some serious slope away from all four sides of the structure.

From the 2015 IBC (International Building Code):

“1804.4 Site grading.

The ground immediately adjacent to the foundation shall be sloped away from the building at a slope of not less than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope) for a minimum distance of 10 feet measured perpendicular to the face of the wall. If physical obstructions or lot lines prohibit 10 feet of horizontal distance, a 5-percent slope shall be provided to an approved alternative method of diverting water away from the foundation. Swales used for this purpose shall be sloped a minimum of 2 percent where located within 10 feet of the building foundation. Impervious surfaces within 10 feet of the building foundation shall be sloped a minimum of 2 percent away from the building.

Exception: Where climactic or soil conditions warrant, the slope of the ground away from the building foundation shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope).”

Regardless of siding type, a high quality and well-sealed building wrap (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/11/house-wrap/) should be placed under the siding with the bottom edge at the bottom of the siding.

With steel siding, inside closures (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/12/the-lowly-inside-closure/) can be placed between the building wrap and the steel siding to fill the voids created by the high ribs of the steel siding.

For residential purposes, I would strongly encourage the use of a raised wood floor over a crawl space as a living surface. It will add to comfort and should pretty well eliminate any potential for water infiltration around the base of the living area.

This entry was posted in About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Homes, Gambrel, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design and tagged Post Frame Home, pole barn lodge, site grading on November 24, 2017 by admin.

Looking for a Contractor to Build a Post Frame Home

More and more consumers are seeing the practicality, unique architectural and energy savings advantages as well as cost savings from a post frame home. This includes loyal reader Brian who writes:

Hello, my wife and I are considering building a post frame home. We contacted a designer who actually had plans for a home that is close to what we were wanting. He suggested it may be difficult to find a builder that would be comfortable building a pole barn home – so that is why I am contacting several builders to develop a list that could be considered in the future if we move in this direction.

Please find the attached plans he provided as a reference and let me know if this is a project you would be willing to tackle. Although we have not bought land we are currently looking in Warren and Clinton counties in Ohio.

Dear Brian: Thank you very much for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. We design and provide building plans, installation instructions and materials for totally custom post frame buildings. Your proposed plan (as would be any other plan) is totally doable as a post frame (pole barn) home.

What we do not do is build. Our buildings are designed for the average do-it-yourselfer to successfully construct their own beautiful building, which is why the majority of our clients do their own work. Those who construct themselves, end up with a far better finished result than what you would get from any builder.

In the event you do hire a builder (technically an erector), any builder who can and will read and follow the plans and instructions should prove capable of doing a satisfactory job. Given your geographic location, just a caution based upon experience – there are members of a well know religious group which construct many post frame buildings in your area of the country. While their prices sound too good to be true, it is our experience they do not always build to the provided plans or follow instructions. Again, just a caution. Otherwise a capable erector should be able to construct the building shell for about 50% of what your investment in the materials is.

I am not normally a fan of “canned” plans for any type of construction, as they are rarely going to meet with the true needs of the client. My best advice is always going to be to determine the spaces needed, determine how large each of those spaces need to be. A good way to find the right size of rooms is to take a note pad, writing tool, and a tape measure and start visiting open houses and home tours.

Once room needs and sizes have been determined, starting putting the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together – place rooms where they are most efficiently grouped for ease of access and use. This may take some adjustments of individual room dimensions, however the resultant will be the most effective. Now, and only now, should you put the “box” around the contents!

This entry was posted in Pole Building Siding, Cupolas, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning and tagged post frame building, building plans, do-it-yourselfer, Post Frame Home on July 13, 2017 by admin.

Consider Post Frame for New Home!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. My name is Thomas and I am with xxxxxx; we manufacture metal roofing and siding and based out of Tennessee. I wanted to ask you a few questions to gain some information. First, my wife and I are starting to look at metal building for our new home, is this something your company is licensed to do in the state of Tennessee; second, I also would like to know if you manufacture your own metal roofing and siding, or if it is purchased from another company. Hope you had a great Christmas and I look forward to hearing back from you. THOMAS in MURFREESBORO

DEAR THOMAS: Thank you for your inquiry. Hansen Pole Buildings provides engineered post frame buildings in all 50 states, including Tennessee. Post frame (pole) building homes have become quite popular in the past few years and chances are excellent we can provide a customized building shell which will ideally meet with your needs and budget. We outsource our metal roofing and siding and we can provide the building sans roofing and siding in the event you should wish to provide your own.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have submitted a request for a quote on our residence but I’ve needed to make a few modifications. How important is post spacing on a residential post frame building? The residence I’m designing is based on nominal 8′ post spacing but with the interior design I have, a couple of the posts interfere with window/door placement. I’ve been assuming that as long as opposite side posts are aligned so that the trusses are supported, the post position can be varied somewhat. On our design, I’ve assumed nominal 8′ post spacing but actual spacing winds up being as close as 7′ and as wide as 10′ 6″. Can irregular post spacing be accommodated or do I need to modify our interior design? Thanks LONNIE in COLORADO SPRINGS

DEAR LONNIE: Your assumption, “as long as opposite side posts are aligned so that the trusses are supported, the post position can be varied somewhat” is absolutely correct. In most circumstancing having the sidewall columns spaced at 12 foot on center is your most economical, so anything at this spacing or less should not be an issue from an engineering and design standpoint. When you arrive at an ideal spacing, please make sure it is listed on any quotes and invoices, otherwise there is always the possibility of columns being reorganized to the most cost effective combination.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is there a recommended distance from the peak of a roof that the top purlin is installed, and why? WILL in NEWPORT

DEAR WILL: Yes there is a recommended distance. Here is the applicable excerpt from the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Construction Manual:

Hansen Buildings Construction Manual “With standard steel ridge caps, the ridge purlin “uphill” side can be no closer to peak than five inches. This may result in space between ridge purlin and next purlin “downhill” being decreased. Ridge purlins can be further from truss peak than the minimum distances, without negatively affecting building. Roof ridge caps attach to roof steel with metal-to-metal screws, not to ridge purlins, so ridge purlins need not align with future ridge cap fastener locations.