Barn kits

[Boondox]

I've searched on barns but found no mention of anyone who has tried one of the kits, like those by shelter-kit.com. Anyone?

The wife and I are looking to build from scratch or kit a small (16x24') English-style barn with a loft, 12/12 roofline, and kneewalls. We really like the shelter-kit design, but want to be informed consumers on a purchase this large. Would appreciate your comments?

Pete

 

[Knight9]

Can't comment on the kits Pete, but the barns at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.circleb.net/stallbarns/>Circle B</A> sure look nice. Probably pricey too! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Kevin

 

[MDSteve]

I got a barn kit 24X24 from 84 lumber and it was alright. I didn't get the upgraded kit so mine has the metal sides not the wood. The kit went up quick. It took about 4 days to complete for me and my father inlaw.
Before I purchased this one I looked at a few diffrent kits online and they didn't include all the components. Some offered only the siding and trusses but you still needed to purchase the 2X4 and 2X6 lumber for the frame. With the kit I got I still had siding to build a 10X30 shed.

Steve

 

[Boondox]

Steve -- Could you post a pic?

Pete

 

[Worksmart]

Boondox - Give www.barnplans.com a look for ideas if you haven't already done so. Chuck

 

[MDSteve]

I will try and get the pics of the project this weekend.

Steve

 

[theboman]

An lumber store like 84, Lowes, Wolohan (whatever you have) and put together whatever you need to build a barn, building or house.
Lowes usually has some really cool books on how to or designs. Most have packages that can be delivered in a day or so.

 

[Boondox]

Well, we have a Home Depot about 50 miles away, but I prefer the little local guys. Unfortunately, my time is pretty well tied up at work. That's why I was checking out the kit route. With my schedule, it'd take a year of weekends to finish from scratch! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

Pete

 

[Cdash]

What I have found is that the kits are really nothing more than a computer program (or a smart guy behind the desk) that creates a punch list based on the dimensions given. Here in Michigan, there is Central Michigan Lumber, that does a lot of kits. I went in and in talking to them, found out what I put above. The cost of the kit was nothing more than the sum of all the individual pieces (even told me how many pounds of nails I would need). They just cataloged the prices and punch lists for 4 or 5 sizes for 4 or 5 styles and included a plan sheet. All had available upgrades such as better roofs (or different materials), better siding (or different materials), Loft, Windows, doors, etc. which adds to the price for the extra materials.

The only real thing a kit gets you, is not having to figure out the materials. Me, I built my walls out of Masonry, and figured the roof out myself, even though they double checked my figuring. But I grew up in construction and am not an engineer, so that "figuring" is second nature and easy to me (even though I still get it wrong sometimes). I did find them very helpfull though.

Any good lumberyard will take a plan of a barn (sometimes a sketch on a napkin will do) and be able (and willing) to do a "take off" for the materials needed to build it and give you a price. I wouldn't be supprised if they could give you exactly what you want by showing them the advertisement of the kit you saw and telling them some sizes. They, in essence would sell you a kit as well.

Stop in your local lumber yard, tell them what you want to do, and see what happens, you may be supprised.

 

[MDSteve]

I finally got the pics. Here is the finished barn.