Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday or Saturday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” email address.

Email all questions to: PoleBarnGuru@HansenPoleBuildings.com

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We had someone who said they use, #1 metal for their pole building. What is #1 metal??? KIND IN KENTUCKY

DEAR KIND: #1 metal would be steel which is without noticeable defects and has the manufacturer’s full warranty in effect.

There is a fair amount of what is known as “seconds” in the marketplace, however I think you would be hard pressed to find a scrupulous builder of pole building kit provider who would provide them on a building.

Why would steel panels be seconds? There are numerous reasons which would include, but not be limited to – imperfections in the base galvanized or galvalume coating, insufficient galvanization or galvalume coating, inconsistent color, pin holes in the paint, shipping damage, or water has gotten into the coil during storage, etc. Seconds will not come with a warranty and I cannot recommend their use for anything other than perhaps liner panels.

There have been accusations in the industry of seconds being used on buildings provided by some religious sects, however I have never been provided with actual proof positive.

The key is to always make certain the steel roofing and siding you are purchasing comes with a written warranty.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I found your website while looking at indoor riding arenas.  I have an idea to build one for my daughter but also have a garage and a small house attached to it.  Historically people build a house 1st and then as an afterthought pursue their passion and hobby.  I would like to sell my big house that prevents me from enjoying my daughter and the 4H activities she loves.  I have had the thought for the past year or so to build an indoor riding arena, like a 80 x 180, or a 60 x 120, with a small 1,200 – 1,600 square foot apartment attached to it. As an example, I have thought of something similar to one of your buildings with both a right and left shed attached, with enclosed overhangs, insulated roof, etc. so that the apartment is on one side and the garage is on the other. Or, a multi-apartment building on the sides, so the riding arena is the center focus, so you can see the arena from inside the apartment.  Have you ever designed something like that?  I see a building like I am thinking about is probably $75,000 – $120,000, plus the cost of the apartment. I figure an apartment would cost about $120 per square foot so a 1,500 square foot apartment would cost $180,000, plus $120,000 for the arena portion, for a total of $300,000.  I look at this as a worst case scenario as I have built for far less than $120 square foot, and perhaps the covered arena would be less than $120,000.

What are your thoughts on doing something like this? If both are built simultaneously the cost could be even less I bet, as the biggest cost is the arena itself and then one 1,500 square foot section is being enclosed as a living area.

Thanks for the thoughts on my idea. ANTSY IN ALBUQUERQUE

DEAR ANTSY:Over the past three decades I’ve been involved in several similar projects. At first glance, it appears you have more than plenty in your budget to cover.

Some thoughts – there will be fire separation issues to resolve between the dissimilar occupancies – house – arena – garage. It may also be necessary to sprinkler the arena. More often than not, the buildings are not attached – but built as independent structures. You may want to consult with your insurance agent to see what the impact will be on your homeowner’s insurance to have everything under one roof.

It’s easy to get a quick idea on what it would cost – call our home office and talk to one of the Building Designers there – some of them do sketchups as well, so you can even see what it will look like when all is said and done.