Q: I would like to live in a barn as my home. Do your plans indicate possible new house code requirements?
A: Thank you for your question. The short answer is no. The plans are designed to show you how your barn is built not to be an official set that you send to the building department. However that said there are many, many barns that have been built with these plans and the plans were sufficient to the local building department.
If you live in a rural farming community then chances are the plans will be just fine for the building department. Unless you live in New York or California, if that's the case then you may get lucky but assume that you will need an architect and possibly an engineer.
That is one thing that has dissapointed me greatly in this business. The amount of hoops you have to jump through in some areas just to build a barn is absolutely ridiculous. Some of us need to start taking back some of our property rights. But, I digress.
Converting that beautiful barn into a home.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get. Everyone sees how awesome these post and beam barns are and they want to live in one.
First, yes it is possible to convert one into a home, and many of our customers have done it. They have all had various challenges to overcome, but all of them have told me that it was worthwhile to do. Perhaps some of them will comment on this page, and share some stories of their experiences.
The best advice I can give is to check with your local building department and see what you can do. It is often helpful to show them this website so they get an idea of what you are trying to do.
Thank You!
BarnGeek
Feb 20, 19 09:24 AM
Late 1800’s 54x40 barn located in Dexter, MI, 18.5ft tall at peak, hand hewn, in need of major repair. Exterior 12in pine, interior mostly oak. Must pick
Feb 15, 19 07:54 PM
We have a 30x42 red oak barn frame available for $10,000. This includes the original frame that will be tagged and diagrammed. It does not include any
Jan 28, 19 02:20 PM
I am planning to start a television network for in depth Christian teaching. Start up will be small in nature and I need old barn wood to build a TV set.
Jan 28, 19 02:14 PM
Size 20'x30' pre-civil war,pre West Virginia, hand hewn logs and beams. An additional 10'x30' section of wooden planks includes three livestock stalls
Jan 09, 19 05:59 PM
Wooden granary built in early 1900's. Tear down and take away. Best offer. Contact Roger at 540-667-5206 or email: [email protected]
Jan 02, 19 04:34 PM
This historic barn frame, circa early 1860’s measures 40’ wide x 68’ length. It is clearly English bank barn style built barn in the basement area, but
Jan 02, 19 04:33 PM
This historic barn frame, circa late 1850’s and is pristine condition. Measuring 30’x50’ , this is the perfect size for a repurposed barn frame retirement
Jan 02, 19 04:32 PM
Old barn for sale located in Meriden, Connecticut. Terms negotiable. Please call 203-237-5397 ext. 1 for more information.
Jan 02, 19 04:27 PM
This barn frame circa early 1850’s is being sold as a 40’x60’ frame. Heavy hewn timbers were used in this frame construction. Bent layout is (3) 20’ bays.
Jan 02, 19 04:26 PM
This barn frame, measuring 30’ wide x64’ long with an attached 16’x38’ tee addition was built by the same master barn builder about 15 years apart. The
Dec 26, 18 12:04 PM
Old Historic 1850+ English Barn w/ Gable Roof This barn is 60'x40' with 4 bays and a queen truss design. The beams are all rough sawn and in excellent
Nov 30, 18 09:53 AM
Circa 1850’s Barn Timber frame barn, 48’ x 60’ with 10 x 10 hand hewn beams. Hand crafted from Indiana Hardwoods, this 2,880 SF frame is absolutely amazing
Nov 30, 18 09:46 AM
Richey Barn—Late 1800’s Timber frame barn with hand hewn beams, 30’ x 44’. Height to eaves is 13’ and height to the peak from the barn floor is 30’.
Nov 27, 18 12:21 PM
This old barn dates back to the 1850's. It is approximately 70' x 35' with 15' tall walls. A little over half of the barn has a 2nd floor/loft. The main
Nov 12, 18 07:17 PM
My father was told by his parents it was built around 1903. It is in good condition. It was built on a cut stone foundation. It has walnut square poles.