New Pole Barn

[Engine Mike]

OK now that i have grown up and have my own tractor I need a pole barn to store it and the rest of my stuff in. Can anybody suggest pole barn builders in the Lake City/Cadillac Michigan area? Also does anybody have advice on locating the barn. Close to the road or back from the road hidden by the trees. Also any advice on number and type of doors, windows, or other methods for natural light? Any advice would be helpful.

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

I'm in PA, so no help on builders. I'm going with a 30x32 with an 8' lean-to on one end to store implements under. No water (I think), but electricity, insulation, and heat/air conditioning. Attic trusses with stairs going up. Mine is going where my land is most flat... It's cheapest that way. If I were you, I'd focus on placing it near the house... You'll be spending some time in there. No sense parking your sweetheart too far away.

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

Oh, do remember that windows and doors take away from shelving and cabinet space. Don't go too crazy. Maybe two windows per side at most. I also have garage doors on two sides. I plan on lots of fluorescent lighting.

 

[robertm]

Size what you think you need and add 50% minimum. YOU WILL FILL IT! If you have it hidden, forget windows unless you plan on installing inside shutters. Theives like hidden windows near trees and sgrubs on the stagnant, hidden, backside of the barn. If you put it closer to the house, it willbe moreconvenient for other uses, cheaper to run electricity, and you could bury a PVC pipe between the house and barn with a fishtape inside to pull an extension cord to the building if you want minor electricity for some lights or power before you realize youll want to make it your Wayward Home for Married Men.

 

[kallnojoy]

I'm in PA, so no help on builders. I'm going with a 30x32 with an 8' lean-to on one end to store implements under. No water (I think), but electricity, insulation, and heat/air conditioning. Attic trusses with stairs going up. Mine is going where my land is most flat... It's cheapest that way. If I were you, I'd focus on placing it near the house... You'll be spending some time in there. No sense parking your sweetheart too far away.

I've got water but no power - a lot easier to fire up the generator than to haul buckets of water! That said, I'm putting power in this summer.

 

[AStanton]

Good advice here so far. Like someone commented earlier: build the biggest building you can afford. Cause you are goin to fill it. I would consider putting big doors for tractor entry 10-ft x 10-ft should be ideal--you will never ding the header with a roll bar. Finally, you talked about trees. As far as I'm concerned, there are two types of trees: trees that are a problem and trees that will be a problem. Take any and all trees down near the building site before you start to build.
Good luck.

 

[gwdixon]

American Carports has some interesting designs.

American Steel Carports

I just bought one from them for a decent price. Hasn't been installed yet so can't comment further.