Category Archives: Pole Barn Design
Arnold Missouri Bans Pole Building Construction
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/02/2021Arnold Missouri Bans Pole Building Construction! Just a week ago I wrote asking my readers to assist in defeating a proposed restriction on post-frame (pole barn) homes in Madison County, Illinois. Some of you may have scoffed and done nothing, thinking it could never happen where you want to build. Arnold, Missouri is a town […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Apartments, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Post Frame Construction, Arnold Missouri Planning Commission, Apartment, Pole Building Apartment, Barndominiums, Arnold Missouri, Pole Buildings, Tony Krausz, Bryan Richison
- 1 comments
Uneven Ground, Greatest Strength, and Post Spacing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/28/2021This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a pole barn on uneven ground, if spray foam adds the greatest strength, and post spacing for a roof only porch. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We were potentially looking to build. We were investigating our options and I came across pole barns. My potential […]
Read moreSpray Foam, Crawl Space Floors, and Column Sizes for Shed
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/21/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about spray foam application of a vapor barrier, finishing a crawl space floor, and to go with 3 ply or 4 ply columns– this is dependent upon many things. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: New Construction – Can spray foam insulation be spray over a vapor barrier […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Workshop Buildings, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Ventilation
- Tags: Condensation Control, Glulams, Crawl Space, Engineer Sealed Structural Plans, Insulation, Glulaminated Column, Spray Foam, Crawl Space Floors, Concrete Crawl Space
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Buildings Designed/Built to Code
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/16/2021Designed / Built to Code Sounds pretty impressive to think you are going to be investing in a new building designed and/or built to “Code”. Right? Well – maybe not so much. To begin with “Code” happens to be bare minimum requirements to adequately protect public health, safety and welfare. This does not mean a […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department
- Tags: Allowable Foundation Pressure, Wind Exposure, Flat Roof Snow Load, Ground Snow Load, International Building Code, Design Wind Speed, International Residential Code, Registered Professional Engineer, Seismic Zone
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Things You Want to See On a Building Proposal
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/11/2021Things You Want to See on a Building Proposal/Contract Maybe you (as a soon to be building owner, building contractor or provider) are satisfied with being overly vague when it comes to what you are buying or selling. From a contractor/provider standpoint, this gives you lots of leeway to add ‘extra dealer margin’ by providing […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Trusses, Windows, Barndominium, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Building Interior, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Condenstop, Metal Building Insulation, Integrated J Channel, Reflective Radiant Barrier, International Building Code, ANSI, Bookshelf Girts, American National Standards Institute, Single Hung Windows, External Girts, Sliding Windows, Tyvek, Dripstop, International Residential Code
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A Crawl Space, Building Size Options, and An Addition
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/07/2021This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses building a post frame building over a crawl space, whether one should build up or out, and if it is possible to build on to an existing building with a post frame structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When building a post frame on a crawl space with post […]
Read moreConcrete Slabs on Grade for Cold Climates
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/26/2021Concrete Slabs on Grade for Cold Climates My lovely bride and I have a shouse (shop/house) in Northeast South Dakota, where it can tend to get chilly in Winter. Reader TERRI in DULUTH is in a similar situation and writes: “What type of slab for cold climates do you recommend?” Well Terri, thank you for […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Concrete, Footings, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn holes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Site Preparation, International Energy Conservation Code, IECC, Climate Zone, Building Site Preparation, Insulation Minimum R-Values, Engineered Building Plans, Ask The Pole Barn Guru
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Not Quite an Acme Hole Kit
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/12/2021Not quite an Acme Hole Kit I grew up in an era where we (as children) could watch cartoons such as Road Runner and not immediately go out and try antics as pictured on our screens. Somehow our generation understood this and used common sense. One of my favorites is Acme’s “Hole Kit” where a […]
Read morePole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Home Financing, and Insulation Assistance
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/03/2021This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about pole barn homes, help with finding a lender for a post frame home, and an insulation solution for a gambrel style building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, do you have any information on your pole barn homes? Looking to build in lower Michigan. HOLLY in […]
Read moreRepurpose – From Pole Barn to Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/14/2021Reader LAUREN in THORNVILLE has an existing pole barn and writes: “Hello! We have an existing 40×64 post frame construction pole barn that is 16′ high at the eaves/trusses and 20′ total height. It has siding and half of the space has 6 inch poured concrete. We would like to turn this into a one […]
Read morePost Brackets, Cross Bracing, and Pressure Treated Wood
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/12/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about a building set into a slope with use of post brackets, the possible use of “cross bracing” for wall girts, and understanding pressure treated wood. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to build a 32′ x 48′ 2 story pole building where two of […]
Read moreSolving Horse Barn Condensation Challenges
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/09/2021Solving Horse Barn Condensation Challenges Proper ventilation of horse barns is essential to good equine health. Reader DONN in LONGMONT writes: “Hi, last summer I added 8 more horse stalls to our existing horse barn. There was a lean-to already attached that I extended on to and enclosed. The horse stalls are approximately 12’x12′ and […]
Read moreInsulation Addition, A Clear Span Monitor, and Post Frame Code
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/05/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses adding insulation to an existing building, building a monitor style building with a large clear span main level, and a building official misinforming a potential client. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I currently have a 30×50 Wick building on some property which I purchased last May. The building is […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Ventilation
- Tags: Building Officials, Moisture Barrier, Monitor Style Buildings, Insulation, Building Codes
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Raise the Door, Plans, and Hangar Doors
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/31/2021For a second day of Ask The Guru, Mike answers questions about “raising the door opening” on an existing pole barn, where to get plans for a pole building, and where to get a hangar door. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to raise the door opening of a pole barn. The opening is […]
Read moreFinancing, Vapor Barrier, and Boat Storage
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/26/2021This Friday’s daily blog will feature three questions and answers from the Pole Barn Guru. First is a question about financing, followed by a question about a vapor barrier for an add-on lean-to, and then building a quite lengthy boat storage facility. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi there. I’m looking to utilize a VA loan […]
Read morePermaColumns, Pole Barn Planning, and Insulating a Roof
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/15/2021This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses the use of PermaColumns, planning of a pole barn in Florida, and the best solution for a building without roof or exterior wall weather resistant barriers. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am having a pole building put up with engineered laminated columns. The contractor is pushing a “Perma […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Columns, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Insulation, Pole Barn Planning, Weather Resistant Barrier, Glulaminated Column, Permacolumn
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Making Everything Fit Under an Attached Lean-To
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/12/2021Reader GEOFF in MILFORD has an often found potential challenge, he writes: “I am looking to build a 30×40 pole barn and want to also have a covered lean to for my camper that will run the length of the barn. In order to have the lean to tall enough for the camper how tall […]
Read more- Categories: Sheds, RV Storage, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Eave Height, Roof Slope, Lean-to Shed, Lean-to, Side Shed
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Thoughts When Considering Building a Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/05/2021Thoughts When Considering Building a Barndominium If you are reading this, you are probably somewhere between, “Living in a barndominium would be really cool” and “I wish I would have done…..” This is not meant to be a 100% comprehensive list, but may give some food for thought. The Importance of Location When it comes […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Lofts, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru
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Barndominium Building on Solid Ground
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/04/2021For many, a new barndominium is looked upon as being a ‘forever’ home. This is an opportunity to have a floor plan custom crafted to meet all sorts of family wants and needs – whether it is a huge country kitchen or shop space big enough to house a fleet of classic vehicles. It is […]
Read moreFire Separation When Living With Large Animals
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/03/2021Fire Separation When Living With Large Animals While barndominiums and shop houses have become quite a rage, for years we have been providing fully engineered post frame buildings combining animals (most often horses) with living spaces (usually as a full or partial second floor). Along with this come some perhaps unexpected design considerations. Reader LISA […]
Read moreA Building Addition, A “Coverup,” and Advice for an Acquired Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/01/2021Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding on to an existing pole barn with use of 24″ oc trusses, covering old wooden sliding doors with steel, and advice regarding erecting an acquired Cuckler steel building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Trying to plan on a 36’x80’x12′ addition to an existing 30’x40’x10′ pole barn. […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials
- Tags: Door Trim, Cuckler Steel Building, Truss Spacing, Engineering, Sliding Door Parts, Building Addition, 24" O.C., Sheathing Steel
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A Floor Raising Exercise: I Joists
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/26/2021For some obscure reason people planning new buildings tend to scrimp on height. In most instances, designing a new fully engineered post frame building – whether for a barndominium, shop house (shouse), garage, shop, etc., just a little bit taller is a relatively inexpensive proposition and can save many more dollars and mental anguish than […]
Read moreWhy Self Engineering is Risky
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/24/2021Reader MICHAEL in EAGLE POINT writes: “I want to span 18 feet on a shed roof with any pitch necessary should I nail two 2x 6 rafters together and place this in the center and use 9 foot 2×6 purlins. The shed will be 18 X 18. Do I need to nail two 2×6 together […]
Read moreGable Fan, Clay Soils, and Condensation Issues
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/22/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about use of a gable fan to prevent condensation, building with posts in clay soils, and addressing condensation issues in a three-stall garage. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have been reading some post on your site about gable vents. I have a 40×80 building with spray […]
Read moreLooking for a Place for a New Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/19/2021Looking for a Place for a New Barndominium Reader PATTI in MINNESOTA writes: “My husband and I are knocking around the idea of doing a Barndominium. We need a 4-5 car garage space and we can barely afford a traditional preloved home that has a 3-car garage which will require us to add another stall […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding
- Tags: Shouse, Setbacks, Single Family Home, Planning Department, Fully Engineered Post Frame Construction, Barndominium, Post Frame Home, Cladding
- 2 comments
A Shortlist for Smooth Barndominium Sailing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/16/2021Every builder worth his or her salt is busy right now – there is a far greater demand for builders, than there are builders to fill needs. This makes builder’s time extremely valuable. There are some things you can do to make for smooth sailing when shopping for and/or dealing with contractors. #1 Have a […]
Read moreStrange Claims of Entry Doors Moving
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/10/2021Strange Claims of Entry Doors Moving When it comes to post frame (pole) buildings and barndominiums, stories being shared often sound like they originated in Twilight Zone episodes. Reader STEVE in MERCER writes: “Everyone I talk to recommends one side of the man door be a structural post but there is a 50/50 disagreement on […]
Read moreBuilding Code, “Barndos”, and Barn Doors
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/08/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about which building code applies to a residential “pole barn,” a “Barndo” for Betty, and stall doors for a horse barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Planning to build in Fremont County, CO. This will be a 2 bedroom residential cabin at 9400 ft. Which building code […]
Read moreFull Size Elevator for Judy
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/05/2021Raising Judy Disclaimer: This article has nothing to do with Coen Brothers’ 1987 film Raising Arizona (starring my lovely bride’s favorite Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter). Yesterday’s story left Judy crammed into a pneumatic elevator tube on an airplane transfer chair. It wasn’t long before we had to arrive at a better (and safer) solution. […]
Read morePneumatic Vacuum Elevators for Barndominiums
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/04/2021Thank you to my friend John Lyle who encouraged me to write about elevators. As a child, I was fascinated by going through bank drive thrus with our mother as she made bank deposits. Why? Because Mother could fill up a clear plastic cylinder with her deposit, push a button and it was whisked away […]
Read moreLong-Span Truss Installation Guidance for Post-Frame
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/03/2021Long-Span Truss Installation Guidance for Post-Frame Originally published by: Construction Magazine Network(link is external) — January 18, 2021 The following article was produced and published by the source linked to above, who is solely responsible for its content. Hansen Pole Buildings, LLC is publishing this story to raise awareness of information publicly available online and […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Post Frame Home, Barndominium
- Tags: Strongbacking, Strong Back, Trusses, Sean Shields, Jim Vogt, Truss Plates, Long-span Wood Roof Trusses, "spaghetti Effect", Metal Plate Connected Wood Roof Trusses, Engineer
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A Wood Purlin Design Question
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/28/2021Chances are good if you have to ask a structural design question, then you are in over your head. Reader LARRY in DITTMER writes: “Can you 2 by 4 flat on an 8 foot span Truss” A few years ago, one of my neighbors bought a pole building kit from someone other than Hansen Pole […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials
- Tags: Roof Purlin Design, Wind Load, Flat Roof Purlins, Roof Slope, Snow Load, Deflection, Live Loads, Wood Bending Calculations
- 4 comments
Working a Shop Mezzanine in With Planning Department Height Restrictions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/26/2021Not every post frame building gets planned and constructed in areas where height limitations are not an issue. Reader AARON in BURLINGTON gets to deal with his Planning and Zoning Department placing height restrictions on what he can build. Aaron writes: “I am planning a 45×56 pole barn, with ~16ft deep mezzanine on the end […]
Read moreLadder Framing, Use of Red Cedar Posts, and Custom Steel Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/25/2021This Monday the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about “ladder framing,” aka bookshelf girts, the use of Eastern Red Cedar posts in post frame construction, and if Hansen provides custom steel trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I had a question about ladder framing on a finish shop. I was thinking about running my two […]
Read moreWood I-Joists for Your Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/21/2021With many barndominiums being multi-storied, or at least having lofts or mezzanines, there are several methods of structural support. These would include dimensional lumber, wood trusses and I-joists. In our own post frame barndominium, we utilized I-joists as rafters for both side sheds. They are also floor joists for my lovely bride’s mezzanine sewing loft […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Wood Beams, International Residential Code, Wood Cladding, I Joists, Web Stiffeners, OSB I-joist Webs, IRC, Wood Webs, Flanges, Joist Hangers, Rim Joists, Barndominium, Squash Blocks
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Enforcing Updated Building Codes Saves Money
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/20/2021Enforcing Updated Building Codes Saves Money As a member of most every active barndominium group in the social media world, I read all too often how new or prospective barndominium owners proudly proclaim they are or will be building where Building Codes are not enforced. Long time followers of my column may be tired of […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium
- Tags: Building Standards, Windstorm Losses, Building Contractor, Building Codes, Architect, Engineered Plans, Engineer, ICC, International Code Council
- 1 comments
Wide Clearspan Barndominium Floors
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/19/2021Wide Clearspan Barndominium Floors Multi-story post frame barndominiums are embracing a great feature found in better stick framed homes – engineered prefabricated wood floor trusses. Loyal reader RICK in MONTICELLO writes: “First off, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in the blog and answering questions regarding post frame construction with us laymen! It is […]
Read moreSteeply Sloped Post Frame Roofs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/14/2021With fully engineered post frame buildings becoming a popular barndominium design solution, future home owners are looking for more variety in their builds. Loyal reader KEITH in MADISON is one of these and writes: “Thanks very much for all the work you do to make this website such a treasure trove of information! Online, I […]
Read moreA Hay Barn Challenge
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/12/2021Seemingly every small town in America has one or more pole barn ‘builders’. Many of them are more jack-of-all-trades and masters of none. They frame a few houses, do a deck or two, maybe some interior remodels in winter months and along with this – a handful of pole barns. Sadly, in my humble opinion, […]
Read moreHow a Realtor Can Participate With Post-frame Barndominiums
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/31/2020Reader (and Realtor) JIM in NEW PALISTINE writes: “How can I participate in the post-frame industry as a Realtor? How do people develop their custom residential interior designs? How are residential pole barn projects coordinated A-Z? Okay, that was three. Can you help me, please?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: Post frame […]
Read moreAvoid These 4 Mistakes in Your Post Frame Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/29/2020Avoid These 4 Mistakes In Your Post Frame Building Today’s guest blogger is Katherine Rundell, a construction writer and editor at Assignment Help and College Paper Writing Service. She is also a contributing writer at Buy Essays. As a professional writer, she coaches college students on how to write in various fields. Yes, buyer’s remorse […]
Read morePost Rot Concerns, Floor Plan Adaptation, and a Net Zero House
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/28/2020This Monday the Guru answers questions about post rot due to pouring quickcrete below the posts, adapting post frame to floor plans, and running plumbing and electrical a super insulated post frame house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I just got done building a pole barn. A task that’s a lot harder than I thought. My […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Columns, Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings
- Tags: Post Frame Home Mechanicals, Floor Plans, Post Frame House, Pot Rot, Quick Crete, Floorplans, Net Zero Home
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Wind Damage, Screw Piles, and Building on Stilts
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/21/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about repairing or replacing a wind damaged structure with help of a Registered Design Professional, the use if Screw Piles instead of embedded columns, and an inquiry about a post frame structure for home and shop built on “stilts.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I own a pole […]
Read moreNanoo Nanoo
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/15/2020Nanoo Nanoo In today’s riveting episode of Pole Barn Guru blogs we are actually going to discuss nanograms, not Robin Williams’ character Mork’s salutation from a late 70’s sitcom. Reader KEN from INDIAN RIVER didn’t plan his pole (post frame) building with a WRB (Weather Resistant Barrier like Tyvek) and now writes: “Mr. Pole Building […]
Read morePitch a Roof, Up or Out, and a Site Prep Problem
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/14/2020Today’s Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about a “way to put a pitch on a flat carport roof,” when building is is cheaper to go “up or out,” and “extra” costs associated with poor site prep. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the fastest, least expensive way to put a pitch on a flat […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Trusses
- Tags: Site Prep, Roof Pitch, Grade Changes, Building Footprint, Roof Modification, Up Or Out
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Hardi-Plank Siding, Adding a Loft, and Blower Testing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/11/2020Closing out the week with one more group of questions for the Pole Barn Guru. Today Mike answers questions about using Hardiplank on a pole building, the addition of a loft to an existing building, and performing a blower test for air leaks. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are going to purchase an older house […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation, Alternate Siding, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Lofts, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Energy Efficiency, Loft, Blower Test, Building Permit, Hardiplank, Engineering Loft, Siding Options
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Soffit, Framing Options, and Increasing Eave Height
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/09/2020The Guru has had so many questions sent over email and social media, we thought we’d play catch-up for a few days. Today he answers questions about adding soffits or overhangs to a structure, options for framing a building with lap siding, and the feasibility of lifting a building to add to the eave height. […]
Read moreIf You Think Red Iron Buildings Are Great
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/02/2020If You Thought Red Iron Buildings Are Great Loyal readers, please join me in reaching way back to yesterday’s article espousing great benefits of PEMBs (Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings) aka “red iron” or “bolt up” buildings. If you are planning a new barndominium, shouse (shop/house), shop, etc., and have decided a PEMB is your one and […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons
- Tags: Foundation Plans, Steel Cutting, Welding, Roofing Materials, Freight Charges, Concrete Brackets, Steel Strength To Weight Ratio, DIY Assembly, Three Hour Exterior Wall Fire Rating, Fire Retardant Treated Wood
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Twelve Reasons Why PEMB Are Great
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/01/2020Call them “red iron”, “bolt up” or Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB) or a variety of other names and they are great buildings. Where they especially shine is where roofs clear span over 80 feet and where very low slope roofs are desirable (typically less than 3:12). And no, I did not hit my head and […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: PEMB, 5/8" CDX Plywood, Pre-Engineered Metal Building, Red Iron Buildings, Bolt Up Buildings, Foundation Plans, 5/8" Type X Gypsum Wallboard, Clear Span Metal Buildings, Steel Sheeting
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Our Builder Has a Few Questions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/26/2020Our Builder Has a Few Questions Not a surprising statement, as few stick frame (stud wall) builders are willing to learn a new structural system, and few post frame builders have actually erected barndominiums or shouses (shop/houses). I was a first group member (although willing to learn) and frankly lost my posterior financially erecting my […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Building Contractor, Trusses, Ventilation, Insulation, Building Interior, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Drywall, OSB, Trusses On 2' Centers, Spray Foam, Ventilation, Scissor Trusses
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Builder Says
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/25/2020Builder Says, “These designs are the Worse”! Like all good stories begin….. “It was a dark and stormy night” Oops, wrong beginning! Once upon a time I was a post frame building contractor. From 1991 until 1999 my construction company could only have been described as being prolific – at one time we had as […]
Read moreSplash Boards, Roof Loads, and Truss Spacing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/23/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about shrinkage of splash boards installed wet, roof load capacity, and truss spacing for an RV storage building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have two questions (related) regarding splash boards and concrete floor top. My splash boards have been in place for quite a while, and […]
Read more11 Reasons Why Barndominium Crawl Space Encapsulation is Important
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/19/202011 Reasons Why Barndominium Crawl Space Encapsulation is Important Today’s Guest Contributor is Joseph Bryson. Joseph was born in Alberta, raised in NYC and is living in New Zealand. He has been working in 4 different industries and helped numerous businesses grow. Now, he is focused on writing as his next career from home and […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Ventilation, Post Frame Home
- Tags: Crawl Spaces, Crawl Space Encapsulation, Barndominium Crawl Space, Vapor Retarder, Vapor Barrier, Pest Control, Humidifier, Ventilation, Mold And Mildew, Glu-laminated Columns, Allergens, HVAC, Barndominium Flooding
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A “Man Cave,” A Quote Request, and Snow Loads
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/16/2020This Monday’s PBG discusses a “Man Cave” designed with SIP panels, a quote request from Texas, and what our snow loads are for our buildings. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Considering a monitor style pole building with RV storage in center and living quarters on one side (loft in rear of building only) When RV is […]
Read moreSeven Reasons Why Your Next Barndominium Should Be Pole Frame Construction
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/05/2020Today’s blog comes from Don Howe, who is a retired sales executive but has a burning passion for barndominiums. Seven Reasons Why Your Next Barndominium Should Be Pole Frame Construction One of the first design details to consider when building a barndominium is the building process. Most barndominiums are built using a stud frame, steel […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Ventilation, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium
- Tags: Steel Frame Construction, Steel Frame Building, Stud Wall Construction, Design Flexibility, Post Frame Construction, Greater Durability, Ceiling Insulation, Faster Assembly
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Minimum Steel Substrate Coating
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/04/2020Minimum Steel Substrate Coating for Residential Steel Roof Panels When it comes to residential buildings – whether your barndominium or shouse (shop/house) is stick frame (stud walls), post frame, PEMB (pre-engineered metal building) or some other structural system with a steel roof, there is one import aspect of this roofing material frequently overlooked. Substrates Most […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Shouse, Building Department, Shouse, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding
- Tags: Galvalume Steel, Galvanized G100, Galvanized G60, Corrosion Resistance, Galvalume Warranty, Galvanized Steel, IRC And IBC Substrate Requirements, Galvalume
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Required Bracing or Not?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/03/2020When he was just a tyke (I considered adding in ‘little’ however he was 3’6” tall on his second birthday) my son Brent asked me in all seriousness what it was like to watch space aliens building pyramids. While I am not quite as old as Brent may have thought I was then, it has […]
Read moreAir Sealing Your Post Frame Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/27/2020Unless someone reincarnates Nikola Tesla (and he is sane) chances are good energy costs are not going to decrease. Air sealing your post frame barndominium or shouse increases your comfort by reducing drafts and cycle time your heating and cooling systems are running. Air sealing your barndominium reduces humidity increasing comfort levels. A drafty barndominium […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home
- Tags: Closed Cell Spray Foam, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, F, WRB, Vapor Barrier, Inside Closure Strips, Air Sealing, R-14 Insulation, Weather Resistant Barrier, Self-adhesive Sealant Tape, Sill Gaskets
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Blower Door Testing Your New Barndominium Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/23/2020Continued from yesterday’s blog; Aside from code compliance or indoor air quality concerns, another reason to get a blower door test is to properly size your furnace or air conditioner. How leaky or tight your barndominium is can change how much heating/humidification or cooling/dehumidification you need. This then ties into how carefully your mechanical system […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Shouse, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Doors, Windows
- Tags: HE, CFM, HERS Rater, International Energy Conservation Code, Indoor Air Quality, Air Leakage Metrics, Cubic Feet Of Air Per Minute, ACH50, Blower Door Testing, Energy Code Testing, Barndominium
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Vehicle Lifts for Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/21/2020A trending garage accessory is an addition of a garage vehicle lift. Vehicle lifts provide many benefits for your post frame garage or shop than just being able to work on your vehicle. A vehicle lift for your garage is exactly what it sounds like, it will elevate your vehicle so you can either work on […]
Read moreBusting Post Frame Barndominium Myths
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/20/2020Busting Post Frame Barndominium Myths Yep, I have been web surfing again and I came across a stick frame building contractor’s website who obviously either doesn’t understand fully engineered post frame construction, or just frankly doesn’t care to add it to his arsenal of design solutions. My comments are in italics. MYTH #1. MOST BANKS WON’T […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Shouse, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Concrete Footers, Construction Loan, Concrete Piers, Double Trusses, Building Code Compliant, Steel Brackets, Barndominium, Footers, Post Frame Barndominium
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Site Prep,
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/15/2020Thursday’s edition will tackle three more reader questions. First up is about how level a site must be before erecting a shop, second is about pole barn homes and the many options available, and third is a question about the best method to fix an issue left by a previous builder. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: […]
Read moreFloor Plan Ideas, An “L” Shaped Building, and Floor Insulation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/05/2020This Monday the Pole barn Guru answers questions about floor plan ideas for a monitor style building, plans for a “Zen Den” or “Party Barn” in an L shape, and whether or not it is worth adding reflective radian barrier under slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am wondering if you have any floor […]
Read moreA Future House, Eave Height, and Pricing for Horse Arena
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/28/2020This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about an ideal pole barn to convert into a house, the height of the exterior wall with an 11′ interior ceiling height, how clear span affects the costs of a horse arena. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good Morning, We just put in an offer on land in […]
Read moreSmall Pole Barns, Timber Screws for Purlins, and Turnkey Homes
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/14/2020Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about what the smallest sized barn can be built, certifications for timber screws, and prices for “turn key” homes in Iowa. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you build barns that are smaller than 24’ wide?? I want a 20×20 barn/shed DAVID in MILAN DEAR DAVID: We have provided […]
Read moreHelping a Student with His Post Frame Thesis
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/10/2020Post frame buildings are becoming more relevant as a design solution for residential construction. I recently was contacted to assist a student and will let him tell his story: “My name is George xxxxxx, I am currently a thesis student at Auburn University’s Rural Studio, located in Hale County, Alabama. I am looking into pole […]
Read morePole Buildings Quality, Price and Service
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/09/2020When it comes to investing in a new post frame building kit package, there are really only three major areas to cover – quality, service and price. Everyone wants to feel they have gotten a good value when they make a major investment, whether it is a vehicle, a house or a new pole building. […]
Read moreSIP Floor Panels, Stack-able Hanger Doors, and Sliding Door Installation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/07/2020This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about installing a SIP floor instead of concrete, stack-able hanger doors for addition, and rough cuts on some sliding door lateral braces. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am considering installing SIP floor in my pole barn instead of a concrete floor (the barn will be a […]
Read moreTop Chord Repair, Little Voices, and Building Use
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/31/2020Today the Pole Barn Guru tackles questions about repairing a rotted top chord of an existing truss, a little voice in a contractor’s head, and the use of an existing building on newly purchased parcel. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When we bought our property the pole barn on it already had a rotting roof with […]
Read moreSkylights in Barn You Built for Us Need Replacing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/28/2020Skylights in Barn You Built for us Need Replacing Reader MICHELLE in ASTORIA writes: “Hello! You built our barn located in Astoria, Oregon. The sky lights that were installed now need to be replaced. My husband called and was told you’d get back to us with no response. We are hoping to either hire you […]
Read moreSteel Roofing and Siding Over Purlins
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/27/2020There is just plain a lot of bad (and scary) information floating around out there on the internet. For whatever reason, people will believe a random unqualified answer from a stranger, rather than going to a highly educated expert (e.g. Registered Professional Engineer). Reader DYLAN in BEDFORD writes: “I am building a 50×60 using 2×6 […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Weather Resistant Barriers, OSB, Plywood, Post Frame Building, Stick Built, Registered Design Professional, Furred Down Ceiling, Girts, Purlins, Tyvek, Spray Foam Insulation
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Building Department Checklist 2020 Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/26/2020Yesterday I covered seven of what I feel are 14 most important questions to ask your local building department. This not only will smooth your way through permitting processes, but also ensures a solid and safe building structure. Let’s talk about these last seven…. #8 What is accepted Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity? This will be […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Building Permit, Frost Depth, Prescriptive Building Requirements, Building Risk Category, Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity, Engineered Soils Test, Seismic Site Class, Wet Stamped Structural Plans
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Building Department Checklist Part I
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/25/2020BUILDING DEPARTMENT CHECKLIST 2020 PART I I Can Build, I Can Build! Whoa there Nellie…..before getting all carried away, there are 14 essential questions to have on your Building Department Checklist, in order to ensure structural portions of your new building process goes off without a hitch. I will cover the first seven today, finishing […]
Read moreGothic Arch, Steel Board and Batten, and Engineering Services
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/24/2020This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses Gothic arches, steel board and batten, and engineering services. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am going to build a 24×36 barn and have become infatuated with the Gothic arch roof line from looking at existing arch roofed barns in my area (one is amazing…built in 1911). Any thoughts […]
Read moreStruggles to Define What a House Should Look Like
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/20/2020With barndominiums, shouses and post frame homes rising in popularity, jurisdictions are struggling to define what a house should look like. To follow is an article by Arielle Breen in August 13, 2020’s Manistee, Michigan News Advocate detailing their city’s challenges. “Does the building plan look like a pole barn or a house? The answer […]
Read more- Categories: Building Styles and Designs, Shouse, Building Department, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Manistee City Planning Commission, Pole Barn, Planning Department, Barndominium, International Residential Code, Shouse
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A Shouse, Eliminating Condensation, and Building Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/17/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the design of a shouse (shop house), a resolutions for condensation, and building trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi – We are looking into pole barn buildings however we’re clueless on where to start and how big we actually need it to be. My husband […]
Read moreStick Frame and Some Limitations
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/06/2020Stick Frame and Some Limitations Perhaps stick built construction’s biggest advantage is builders and tradespeople are very comfortable working in and around stick framing. All registered architects and most building inspectors are very familiar with stick framing. The International Residential Code (IRC) provides a prescriptive ‘cook book’ to follow for adequate structural assembly, within certain limitations. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse
- Tags: Stick Built, Ceiling Angle, Wood Niche, Stick Built Building, Lumber Niche, Lumber Shrink, Weather Resistant Barriers, Lumber Warp, Dimensional Lumber, Framing Crew, PEMB, Weld Up Steel Building, Ceiling Height
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Stick Framing?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/05/2020Stick Framing? A continuing debate, in picking a structural system for a new barndominium, is what is going to be best? Due to years of conditioning, many assume a traditional wood framed, stick built barndominium, assembled on site is what will be right. Granted, stick built houses, with traditional wood framing, are by far America’s […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Lumber, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Balloon Framing, Triple Decker Building, Platform Framing, Stick Built Construction, George Washington Snow, Hoosier Solon Robinson, Sill Plate, Chicago Construction, Stick Framing
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Subcontractors for Your Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/24/2020Welcome – you are maybe here because you have followed my biggest money saving tip in building a new barndominium, you are acting as your own General Contractor. If you are not yet convinced, please take a brief pause to jump back to: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/02/does-my-barndominium-need-a-turn-key-general-contractor/. There are those who have time and patience (or skills) to […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Building Contractor, Building Interior, Shouse, Lumber, Budget, Insulation, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium
- Tags: Electrician, Building Designer, Plumber, Subcontractor, Drywall Contractor, Structural Engineer, Contractor Registration, Painter, Subs, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Attorney, Surveyor, Loan Officer, Grading And Excavation Contractor, Septic System
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Truss Spacing and Design
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/23/2020Truss Spacing and Design for Sheathed Post Frame Roofs In most instances, there is not a structural or Code requirement for solid roof sheathing (plywood or OSB – Oriented Strand Board) to be placed below through screwed roof steel for post frame buildings. In some cases, clients look upon this as being an easier installation […]
Read moreSteel Roofing Over Living Areas
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/21/2020Steel Roofing Over Living Areas Requires Solid Decking? Barndominiums, shouses and post frame homes have become a recent and trendy rage. Seemingly everyone wants one, at least as gauged by hundreds of weekly requests received by Hansen Pole Buildings would attest to. Reader STEVEN in BOONE writes: “I visited with the building inspector with your […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Building Department
- Tags: Solid Decking, IBC 2012, Dead Loads, Deck Requirements, Roof Sheathing, OSB Decking, Building Inspector, 30# Asphalt Impregnated Paper, 30# Felt, Metal Roof Panels, Plywood Decking
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Lofty Barndominium Ambitions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/16/2020Lofts and mezzanines (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/03/a-mezzanine-for-your-barndominium/) are popular inclusions in barndominiums. Even though my lovely bride and I have a mezzanine in our South Dakota shouse, they are not often truly practical from an accessibility or economics stance. Reader Devin in Porun writes: “I’m designing and building a 42’x50′ pole barn home with 10′ exterior walls. Viewing […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Lofts, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Pole Barn Home, Loft, Shouse, House Loft, Habitable Space, Minimum Height Code, Barndominium, Pole Building Home, International Residential Code
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Barndominium Building on Expansive Soils
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/08/2020Barndominium Building on Expansive Soils Expansive soils in many United States areas pose a significant hazard to foundations for barndominiums. Swelling clays derived from residual soils can exert uplift pressures of as much as 5,500 PSF (pounds per square foot) and can do considerable damage to barndominiums, shouses and post frame homes. Insurance companies pay […]
Read moreWhat Features Should Your Barndominium Have?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/07/2020What Features Should Your Modern Barndominium Have? Seemingly there are a million and one things to consider when planning for your new barndominium. Hopefully, somewhere buried in your lists, are features your new home should have in order to make it appealing to future buyers (although this may be your ‘forever’ home – sadly to […]
Read moreSafely Erecting Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/03/2020Safely Erecting Post Frame Buildings Most post frame buildings can be easily erected DIY (do it yourself) by an average physically capable person who can and will read instructions. In fact, most DIY post frame buildings turn out far nicer (in quality of workmanship) than those done by professional builders – because as a building […]
Read moreBarndominium Features Worth Having?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/02/2020Barndominium Features Worth Having? New barndominium owners often assume any upgraded features will make their place more valuable. While it is true upgraded kitchen features, a carriage style garage door, or real wood floors may add value and make your home more desirable for resale, there are other projects providing very little return. Here are […]
Read moreTim Carter Explains Ideal Two Car Garage Dimensions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/30/2020Tim Carter is best known for his weekly syndicated “Ask The Builder” column. You can read more about Tim here: https://www.askthebuilder.com/tim-carter-autobiography/ Q. I can’t tell you how many thousands of dollars I’ve spent on remote storage facility fees. I want to put all my stuff on my own land in a dream garage. I realize a […]
Read moreConcrete Piers, RV Carport, a Wedding Venue
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/29/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building with concrete piers, design of storage for an RV, and how wide a venue for weddings can be built. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I will start with the biggest question I have. Can you design a Pole Barn building 40x60x14 Gable roof 5/12 to be […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Footings, Pole Barn Homes, Venues, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Concrete Piers, RV Shed, Open Carport
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A Real Life Climate Controlled Post Frame Wall
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/26/2020Reader BRANDON in WICHITA writes: “Hello Mike! I am in the engineering field and we are just about to put up a personal climate controlled post frame building. I have followed many of the teachings of Dr. Lstiburek on wall and roof assemblies. I also enjoy your very detailed write ups. I am conflicted in […]
Read moreHow to Avoid Your Barndominium Being Kicked to the Curb
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/23/2020How to Avoid Your Barndominium Being Kicked to the Curb Welcome back from last Thursday! When it comes to resale value, you want your barndominium’s curb appeal to add to value, not kick you to the curb. There are things you can do during design and build phases to improve appeal and good news is, […]
Read moreBonus Round 2– Backfill Compaction, Blueprints, and Insulation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/19/2020Today’s BONUS Round of PBG discusses backfill compaction, finding an engineer to draw blueprints for a building of reclaimed wood, and the ins and outs of insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have 18” diameter x 60” deep pits for 6×6 posts. My backfill material and method is ¾”less gravel with every 8” compacted. But how to […]
Read moreWhy Curb Appeal is Crucial for Your New Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/18/2020I have had people try to convince me curb appeal for their new barndominium is not important. Their reason has ranged from, “I am never going to sell this house” to “It is far into a forest no one will ever see it”. A shocking reality – some day, someone will be selling your barndominium. […]
Read moreA Shouse, Adding Tin to Block Siding, and Truss Carriers
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/08/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles the subjects of building a shouse with RV storage, how to add tin to block siding, and truss carriers vs notched posts. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning! My wife and are currently going to market with our home in Lakeville and are considering our next steps. We […]
Read moreAn Architect’s Guide to Drawing Your Own Barndominium Plans
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/04/2020An Architect’s Guide to Drawing Your Own Barndominium Plans Architect David Ludwig (www.LudwigDesign.com) has over 50 years of construction and design experience. A frequent contributor to assisting those interested in barndominiums, but without knowledge to create their own plans, David has offered his sage advice: 1. Draw to scale. Use 1/4” graph paper. Make each […]
Read moreCutting Barn Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/28/2020Just a Little Nip Here, Tuck There As so many of us have entered an age of Covid-19 binge television watching, I can imagine there are more than a few who have consumed calories while watching 100 episodes of Nip/Tuck (originally aired on FX from 2003-2010). While nipping and tucking can solve many human cosmetic […]
Read moreNot Your Average Kitchen in a Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/27/2020Not Your Average Kitchen in a Barndominium When my lovely bride Judy first came up with an idea to construct our now shouse (shop/house) gambrel building 15 years ago, it was not with a thought as to it becoming a barndominium. Indeed, it was to be a place to have offices along one side and […]
Read moreIsolating Heated and Unheated Barndominium Concrete Floors
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/22/2020Isolating Heated and Unheated Barndominium Concrete Floors Loyal reader MIKE in COUPEVILLE writes: “I see you recently posted a detailed drawing on insulating the perimeter of a pole barn, very helpful. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/03/meeting-barndominium-slab-requirements/ I’m currently looking at purchasing a large pole barn, it will be 84’x42′ with posts 12′ apart. I plan to make 2 of […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Heating, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete, Footings
- Tags: Radiant Heat, Pex-Al-Pex Tubing, Concrete Slab Insulation, Concrete Zone Heating, Rigid Insulation, Concrete Slab
- 1 comments
“One-Pour Post Frame Concrete Footings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/21/2020“One-pour” Post Frame Concrete Footings and Bottom Collars As originally engineered Hansen Pole Buildings’ column encasement design, had pressure preservative columns placed to the bottom of an augured hole. Pre-mix concrete was then poured around each column’s lower 16-18 inches to form a bottom collar. Concrete to wood’s bond strength was sufficient to enable this […]
Read moreAdding to a Floating Slab Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/19/2020Adding to a Floating Slab Building Most buildings need foundations to transfer the structure’s weight as well as roof and floor loads into the ground. Small sheds and backyard structures like gazebos and pergolas may not need elaborate foundations because they are so light. But, for any building over about 150 square feet, a strong […]
Read moreIs This Floor Plan Doable as a Post Frame Barndominium Kit?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/13/2020Is This Floor Plan Doable as a Post Frame Barndominium Kit? This question was posed by Reader TIFFANY in HOPKINSVILLE. My answer is yes. Whether an existing floor plan or a custom design – virtually anything you can imagine, can be converted to a post frame barndominium kit, provided it is possible to do structurally […]
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