How to Build a Barn Garage

Building a barn garage is not as hard as you think it might be. I will show you an efficient way to achieve your goals and have extra room for your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A plan
• A contractor (optional)
• research
• permits
• insurance

1. 
   Cast iron Star inbedded into concrete

   Planning
   Decide what you are going to be using a garage barn for. Working on automobiles or machinery, wood or metal shop, storing tack, feed or hay, or even renting it out. My way of doing it is to think of what I need it for now and what I might want to do in the future, then come up with a plan that falls within my budget. If it is planned and built properly, don't think of it as a libility, its money in the bank later on down the road.

2. 
   Add on lean-to 10x30

   Location
   If you have a prime piece of property you might not want to make a garage barn the focal point. Lay it out keeping in mind how to get utilities to it and where it won't be an eyesore. Always think of resale.

3. 
   6x6 treated beams 3 feet deep

   Drawings
   I'm the kinda of guy that knows what he wants and I build it accordingly. If you hire a builder, verbal descriptions will get you into trouble. Find a CAD person to draw up a plan so the builder has something to follow. Include specifications and a time line. If a problem arises, he should approach you to work it out.

4. 
   Double Trussed Gable

   Structure
   When I build something its there to stay for quite a while. You don't have to go overboard but you need to keep in mind the elements in your area. e.g., wind, storms, light flooding, shifting ground etc...You don't have to hire an Engineer but it won't hurt to shop around for ideas as well as visiting exsisting barns or erected models. I went with a wood frame vs steel. It makes my add ons and changes easier.

5. 
   Perlins attached w/hurricane clips

   Choices
   There are many ascetics to think about. Colors, roofing, brick, rock, stucco, wood, vinyl, Hardiplank, steel or a combination of any two. How fancy do you want it. It can be as simple as a pole barn with a dirt floor.

6. 
   Exhaust fan gable vent

   My present project is a 30'x 60' garage barn with an apartment. The garage barn is a 30'x 30'. It will be used as a wood/metal shop. It has a urinal for the boys. A deer/fish cleaning station. Plenty of room for tools and work space.

7. 
   Concrete minimum 6

   The structure is a 5" concrete slab with 12"x 16" footings, 1/2" re-bar, moisture barrier, termite treatment and 6" above grade. The concrete is poured around the treated support beams that measure 6"x 6"x 16', ten feet apart. The beams are 3' beneath the concrete and the tops are cut off at a height of 12'. They support a double truss (2 trusses nailed together) with 2"x 6"x 10' perlins attached by hurricane clips.

8. 
   Car port structure

   The roof is level 4 galvalume R panel with 1/4" foil insulation. Continious ridge vent for heat load. The R panel metal siding is screwed to 2"x6"x 10'horizontals every 3 feet. A gable vent was added to relieve the heat load where a temperature contolled exhaust fan will be mounted.. For extra storage a 10'x 30' covered lean-to was added for future. It serves two purposes, equipment storage and it shades the west wall reducing the heat load. The main door is a 10' wide by 8' tall roll up with 30'x 12' of covered porch that can be used as a car port. A 3/0 door for a walk in access.

9. 
   Opening for the 10x8 roll up door

   Decide what utilities you will need and incorporate them into your plans. As far as electrical, I would go with a 200 amp service for future use. The cost is not much more and it won't be an obstacle if you decide to expand. Two 12 foot clear R panels were added to the back half of the roof for free lighting. One way of going GREEN.

10. This type of structure can be left as is or insulation and walls can be added if you desire to convert. Gable ends allow you to add to the length if desired. The price was right and it added lots of value to the existing property.

Tips & Warnings

• Check city and or county codes before erecting a structure
• When building, the doors, windows and vents are difficult to add after the fact. Plan these before hand.
• Some states are requiring the builder be licenced
• Pre engineered trusses are an efficient way to build
• I will add the finish photo when completed.
• There are steel frame kits available

[edieness]

on 5/29/2009 This is pretty cool. Will share with my husband. 5*

[tachic]

on 3/23/2009 this is good- thanks for the tips

[Mari7402]

on 2/9/2009 How do you put the 5 stars in? This article is great!

[Mari7402]

on 2/9/2009 Wow! Nice article! Great for a girl in Elk, WA. Need storage for alfalfa this spring. Thanks!

[Punkuns]

on 1/18/2009 Great information on building a barn garage, planning is the key!