Have you ever dreamed of having a quaint little barn in your backyard? Have you always wanted to have a spacious workshop? Building a barn is a great way to add huge amounts of value to your property, but the construction process can seem overwhelming. Don’t worry! You don’t have to be a skilled carpenter or contractor to build your own barn. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to turn your barn dreams into a real barn, just like your Grandpa would have done it on his farm. This article is packed with straightforward instructions and helpful tips. Even if you’re starting from scratch. We’ll cover all the basics, from selecting materials and obtaining building permits to putting the finishing touches on your new barn. So grab your tool belt and let’s get started!

Step 1: Choose a Site

Step 2: Choose a Plan

Step 3: Obtain Permits

Step 4: Prepare the Foundation

Step 5: Construct the Frame

Get ready to get your hard hat on, because it’s time to bring that barn frame to life! But before you break out the hammer and nails, let’s talk construction method. Are you all about that classic rustic charm? Then a post and beam barn might be just your style. Or maybe you’re a fan of sleek and modern? Steel or concrete frame might be for you. Whatever your preference, the frame will be the backbone of your barn, providing sturdy support for all the adventures to come.

If it’s Post and Beam, you are in the right place. BarnGeek.com is all about post and beam barns.

Step 6: Install the Roof

Now for the roof. This is the crowning jewel of your barn. But, what type of roof should you choose? Shingles or metal? Both have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to weigh the options carefully. Shingles offer a classic look and might blend seamlessly with your home, if you can find shingles to match. Metal roofs are known for their durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. But, not everyone wants that pole barn steel look, so maybe standing seam would be better for you, just know that standing seam typically comes with a stiffer price tag.

Step 7: Install the Siding

Now, It’s time to give your barn with some stylish siding! With so many options to choose from, you’ll have to decide which one is the best fit for your barn’s personality. Board and batten gives a classic, rustic vibe, steel adds a touch of industrial strength, and vinyl provides a modern appearance. It’s important to choose a durable material here if you want your barn to stand the test of time.

Board and Batten can give you a traditional look will last a lifetime if properly maintained. It is by far the lowest maintenance choice. It doesn’t require painting, it sheds water very well, it is inexpensive, it doesn’t require washing, and it doesn’t fade. As time goes by it gains more and more beauty.

Steel can also last a lifetime, but over time it can fade and require repainting, it also doesn’t breathe as well as wood, and can trap moisture inside your barn. My favorite siding system is a two stage system, with steel along the bottom of board and batten, to protect the wood from splash up. This option gives you the best of both worlds. When you do have to repaint the steel, you won’t have to get on a ladder to do it.

I can’t imagine many cases where I would recommend vinyl siding. It requires some sort of wood underlayment, it’s not stiff enough to stand on it’s own. This is the hidden cost of vinyl, that nobody talks about. Secondly it is very susceptible to ultraviolet break down, damage by heat, and color fade. I’ve seen some vinyl siding fade so much in one year that it wouldn’t color match siding from the same batch that had been in the box! It get’s dingy quickly and seems to be a mildew magnet, which requires frequent washing. When it fades, you can’t really do anything to fix it except replace it. You can’t really paint it, unless you get expensive specialty paint, and then it doesn’t last very long. On top of all that! It isn’t renewable or sustainable.

Step 8: Finish the Interior

Here comes, the exciting part of building your new barn! You’re inching closer to the finish line and the barn of your dreams is finally coming to life! It’s time to turn the bones of your structure into a functional home for your livestock, your new dream shop, or just a place to squirrel away your treasures.
It’s time to add all the bells and whistles, the interior features that will make your barn truly yours. You get to choose between cozy stalls for your critters, an efficient workspace, or organized storage areas. Get ready to make your barn truly your own!

Step 9: Throw a Party!

And finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for – it’s time to celebrate your beautiful new barn! You’ve taken the time to choose the perfect site, you planned out every detail, you built a solid foundation, constructed a sturdy frame, and finished the interior with all the bells and whistles, you had dreamed of.
Now it’s time to throw a barn-raising party! Invite all your friends and family to enjoy this fantastic new space, and all your hard work with you. Bust open the stalls, have a hoedown under the open cathedral, and raise a toast to your hard work and determination. After all, what’s a barn without a little celebration? So go ahead and let the good times roll! 

Ready for the next step? In order to design a firm foundation for your barndominium you need a good set of construction plans..