Constructing the side walls, cost

by Rusty Miller
(Sonoma california)

Hello, I am considering using a frame like yours to build a small house in Sonoma county, California. I have some general questions.

What is the process for re-aassembling the post and beam structure? Is this a specialized undertaking? If so, have you used competent people in California?

Once the frame is up what is used build out the side walls? Is it based upon in-filling the open areas with traditional frame construction or is there a better way to ensure that the structure is relatively air tight?

Are there any issues with the foundation? Currently the approach is that a part, if not all, of the structure will be built on a basement foundation structure - any issue?

Have you shipped to California before? Any idea of the cost?

Thank you for your consideration.

Rusty Miller



Hi Rusty,

Thank you for your great questions. Our barn kits are easy to build. Really its more like assembly than construction. Any qualified contractor can handle the project with no problems. For more details on this see the following articles.

A post and beam barn kit that you can build yourself!

Barn kits you can build yourself

No, we don't have anyone in California to recommend, but we do have some tips on finding the right contractor to build your barn.

How to choose the right barn builders

Although you certainly could build a stud framed wall between your posts, there are better ways of making your building air tight. This is where a timber framed structure really shines. As you can see in the pictures the typical wall is constructed by using 2x6 girts that are placed horizontally on the outside of the posts. Then board and batten are nailed verticaly on these girts. This method of construction allows more possibilities when insulating.

There are several options, 3 that I recommend.

1. After your board and batten is installed and before you put up your interior wall coverings, have the cavities between the girts filled with a spray foam insulation. Then you can cover with your choice of wall coverings. This will allow you to show off the beautiful timbers instead of hiding them.

There are contractors all over the country who specialize in spray foam insulation. In my book spray foam gives you the most bang for your buck.

2. SIP's SIP stands for Structural Insulated Panels. These are basically 2 layers of plywood or OSB with a layer of foam sandwiched in between. These panels are very energy efficient but can be expensive. After your frame is up you can install these SIP's on the outside of the structure. This will give you an envelope of insulation.

3. Foam board such as p2000 sandwiched between 2 layers of wood. I call this the poor man's SIP. This gives you the advantage of having an envelope around your building without the expense of SIP's. For more information about p2000 see there website

http://www.p2000insulation.com/index.php/component/content/article/47

Foundation
Our kits can be built on any foundation or combination of foundations. See this article for more information.

You can build a post and beam barn on almost any foundation.

Shipping
Our barn kits can be shipped to California. The cost is roughly $2.00 per mile. California is about 2000 miles from Michigan so you are looking at about $4,000 for shipping.

I hope this answers your questions. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

Thank You
Aaron Esch
The Barn Geek