Storage building choices: monitor barn vs. clear span structure

[rbstern]

We've prepped a site on our property for a storage building/barn. The pad is sized for a building up to about 45 wide x 40 deep.

We've been talking about building styles for years: Traditional / clear span pole barn. Monitor style. Perhaps a metal frame/ garage style. Etc. And also, DIY vs. buying. I was all in on DIY, but both the vax and COVID kicked the crap out of me last year and early this year, leaving me wondering how capable I am to take on a project that large. I've gotten better and want to DIY, but find myself wondering if more hours at my desk and paying someone else to build is the right choice. That's another matter.

Because of everything going on in the world, the wife is making the case that a monitor style would allow for a potential living space above, should anyone in our extended family need a place to stay. I'm not against that idea. Water, septic and power would be pretty straightforward, given the placement of the building on our property.

My concern is storage flexibility inside the building. I need to store a 22' boat / trailer in the offseason, 2 compact tractors, some implements, an ATV, a logsplitter, a tiller, and the like. The posts to support a second floor would require more doors on the front of the building, and limit storage flexibility.

Any alternative suggestions or commentary about the tradeoffs of the different building styles?

 

[ovrszd]

Since nowhere in your dialogue did you mention any concern for cost, I say go for the biggest two story building your pad will support and let someone else build it down to handing you a key.

 

[rbstern]

Since nowhere in your dialogue did you mention any concern for cost, I say go for the biggest two story building your pad will support and let someone else build it down to handing you a key.

Fair enough.

Money matters, even if only because the money trees planted here have limited productivity. Any 2nd level would remain unfinished for the time being, as a cost savings.

 

[ovrszd]

Fair enough.

Money matters, even if only because the money trees planted here have limited productivity. Any 2nd level would remain unfinished for the time being, as a cost savings.

In regards to cost savings. Hire the big pieces. You do the smaller pieces such as insulation, inside finish, plumbing, electrical, etc.

 

[civilian]

My 32ft and 36ft deep out buildings have attic trusses (24" truss spacing) on a 2x6 studded walls on 16" centers. The span of the attic space is 16ft wide on the 40 pound per square foot floor. No posts under the attic space. 8ft head room over center of the space with a 8/12 roof pitch. However, with no windows in the attic space, our building code said it is not living space. I don't ever plan or want anyone living up there. Jon

 

[ericm979]

The 1890s barn I store my tractor and equipment in has posts. They make a 40' wide barn into two 10' bays and a 20' bay. I can't use the 10' bays for tractor stuff, only the 20' one.

 

[bigtiller]

Why are you limited to 40x45?
That is a nice 3 SUV/pickup garage.
For a living space, boat, trailer, 2 compact tractors, some implements, an ATV, a log splitter, a tiller, etc. you might run out of room.

 

[ovrszd]

Why are you limited to 40x45?
That is a nice 3 SUV/pickup garage.
For a living space, boat, trailer, 2 compact tractors, some implements, an ATV, a log splitter, a tiller, etc. you might run out of room.

Build the absolute largest building you can pay for. Then at least you have a valid reason for building too small.

 

[EddieWalker]

We've prepped a site on our property for a storage building/barn. The pad is sized for a building up to about 45 wide x 40 deep.

... allow for a potential living space above, should anyone in our extended family need a place to stay.

I need to store a 22' boat / trailer in the offseason, 2 compact tractors, some implements, an ATV, a logsplitter, a tiller, and the like.

You didn't mention anything about a workshop, or a place to build stuff. To me, it sounds like you want a building to park all of your stuff and keep it out of the weather. Then you are thinking of creating a small house on top of this building just in case somebody comes to visit or stay with you.

In my opinion, it's a massive waste of money to build for the unknown. What if you build it and they actually show up and want to use it? I want visitors to leave as soon as possible. Long stays are never welcome. I could spend the money into making them comfortable on a lot of other things, including their hotel if I really wanted them to visit, and not have to deal with maintaining an empty space after spending a lot of money creating that empty space.

A loafing shed is basically a long building with one wall open for getting into the building. It's very common for livestock and hay storage. It's also very common for tractors and implements. If there is no other reason to spend a lot of extra money, then all you need is 3 walls and a roof. You can add garage doors to it later if you want, or just leave it open.

 

[cat fever]

I think you better determine your budget then build as big as you can within that budget.
The barn in my avatar has a 45' middle section (clear span) wouldn't want it any other way. Good luck and make sure to post pictures of the build.