convert pole barn into house - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

kalefarmer · 07-06-2009, 03:27 PM

I have a 25' x 40' pole barn in Kentucky, 15' tall (front) 11' tall (back). It has electricity installed and is only a couple of years old. It was built with 4x4 posts set directly in the ground. I was thinking I could save some money by converting it into a house rather than starting from scratch. Building codes are no in-forced where I live. I am concerned about the foundation and the post rotting (although there are no signs of this yet). Is all this a bad idea? Would I be saving money now and losing it later? I really wanted to build a passive solar bermed house to be more energy efficient but money is tight right now. I do like the look of the barn. Any advice on the subject would help. Thanks

knucklehead · 07-06-2009, 04:15 PM

I live in one myself.
It is all good except that deisel from the tractor kind of stinks

InspectHammer · 07-06-2009, 04:27 PM

You should not have any problems if you make sure your grade is properly done to assure runoff. You should also install gutters. If water cannot lie on wood beams you should not have any trouble with rot. You might have some trouble with termites however. I would suggest a concrete slab poured inside of structure.

kalefarmer · 07-06-2009, 04:36 PM

yeah, I was thinking of gutters for rain harvesting anyway. I had a slab in mind as well. What do you think of "spray foam" for insulation?

XanadooLTD · 07-06-2009, 08:05 PM

Ill remodel it for tree fiddy. I can also provide my own transportation.

**joasis** · 07-06-2009, 08:07 PM

I hate to spoil the party, but this forum is for trade professionals only. The sharks will be sniffing this one out, so here it goes:

Thanks for posting on ContractorTalk.com. The Moderators of this forum would prefer if you post Do It Yourself related topics on our sister site www.DIYChatroom.com

ContractorTalk.com is designed for professional contractor's to discuss issues and topics related to the construction and remodeling industries. Many of our professional contractors are also members at DIYChatroom.com and are looking forward to assist you with your needs.

Please take a moment to post your question at www.DIYChatroom.com If your not already a member of DIYChatroom.com you can sign up for a free account by going to http://www.DIYChatroom.com/register.php/

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. This thread has been closed.