For a little while now we have been debating shelters. Of course there is still plenty of work to do with our own house, but we are also beginning to think about some sort of barn or shed. With that in mind I have been doing a bit of research about what is out there and what prices may be. Basically we have come up with three options (building our own from materials on the farm is a fourth option, but not feasible this year). Option number one is to have another post frame building built. Option two is to have a three-bay barn built that is made from the same materials that you see the steel carports made from. And, option three is to just build a carport.
I think it is fairly obvious that the post-frame building would be the most substantial. But, that also means that it would be the most expensive. If we were to go this route we wouldn’t be able to get as many square feet under roof for the amount of money we are able to spend this year, but it might be better for us in the long run. Our design for a post frame building would just be a plain three-sided shed open to the south. We could use it for hay, equipment, and to run animals in if there is one that needs some attention.
The second option is a three-bay carport barn. This is basically a free-standing building anchored to the ground with mobile home anchors that twist in. These buildings are built from 16 gauge steel for the frame and 29 gauge steel for the siding and roof (this is the same as our house). The building we are looking at would have a 14 foot wide bay in the middle flanked by 10 foot bays on either side. Also, the wall height in the middle bay would be 12 foot high. For about 6,000 dollars we could get 1,000 feet or so under roof.
Finally, we could go basic and just have a carport put up (something like 18×21). Of course this wouldn’t be able to hold very much, but it would go up quickly (the same as the barn) and not cost quite as much. If we went this route then we would probably need to build something next summer. Of course we could always use this somewhere else because it would be portable I think.
So, what do you think? Go with option one that will give us a smaller building, but it will probably be pretty sound. Do option number two that will give us room to grow into and take away the need to build right away next year (I’m not sure about the durability of this … it could be great). Or, just do the third option and go with the carport. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Just make sure whatever you decide is anchored into the ground well enough that it doesn’t take off in the wind like you chicken coop did! 🙂
I’d advise against the post-and-beam construction, simply because you haven’t lived on the farm for long. You might find yourself with a situation where you’re saying “Dangit, if only I’d built this thing a few yards that-a-way..” Carport or metal shed, either one is going to be easier to move if you have to. Go cheap now and maybe you can build something more substantial with on-farm materials later?
-Dave
If it was me, I would build a structure that was basically a pole barn without walls (or a super-sized carport). Try to build it to the same dimensions as the existing building (width, wall height, and colors) so that all of your structures start to match.
Since your building is 36′ wide and 45′ long, build it 36′ wide to match and about 24′ long to start, then in the future you can add onto the structure and lengthen the building so that it exactly matchs your existing building.
Once you have a roof in place, you have many options for future improvements; you could easily add walls, pour a concrete floor, etc.
Make sure you place it in a place that complements the placement of your existing building (and future buildings, fence lines, etc.)
Have you explored the option of a hoop building? My dad put one up two years ago and has been pleased with it. When you decide to build more you could use the hoop building as hay storage. Until then it would double great for machinery storage, hay storage, or livestock. Farm Tek sells many different style that may fit your needs.
Greg V – I’m glad you mentioned the hoop buildings. I was just beginning to look at those and the possibilities. I would like to find out more about the costs of having one put up…
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