Barn kits can save you time and money, as well as provide a secure structure for your livestock. Whether you plan to house cows, horses, other animals or even machinery and tools, ensuring that your building is up to code is essential. Knowing some of the key terms when searching for the best barn kits can give you peace of mind regarding safety and quality. Take a look at a few of these common terms before dipping into your wallet.

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Dormer

A dormer is a small opening that resembles a window, perched high near the roof line. They add extra light and ventilation when open. They also give the barn a more traditional look.

I recommend: Visit The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to see a photo of a barn dormer.

Cupola

The cupola is a small decorative tower located on the roof. Although it looks like it should only be used for decoration, it actually serves a purpose. The cupola gets rid of the hot air inside the barn through ventilation.

I recommend: Visit BarnPlans to see a picture of what a rooftop cupola looks like and learn more about it.

Flashing

Flashing is the sheet metal that is formed and installed in areas where sides connect, such as where the roof meets the wall or a venting output, such as a cupola, to prevent water from seeping into the structure. Flashing is also used on houses, so it's not just an outside covering for barns.

I recommend: Learn more about flashing at The Old House Web.

Shed roof, or skillion roof

A shed roof is a single plane roof, or it's oftentimes called a skillion roof. This type of roof is used for a single row of stalls or one single stall. It's best for smaller structures or those that lean up against other buildings, since there is only one sloped roof.

I recommend: See some pictures of what a shed roof looks like at California Custom Sheds.

Gable roof

Unlike a shed roof, which has one slope, the gable roof has two sloped ridges. A gable is basically the triangle shape that is formed by the sloping roof. This roof is more common if the barn is large and not used solely for storage.

I recommend: Visit This Old House from Time to see a picture of a gable roof.

Siding

Siding is similar to flashing, although it is a construction element applied to the outermost area of an exterior wall. The siding is the barn's primary defense against weather, so it's best to make sure you don't skimp on this area. Using a cheap or inefficient siding can take years off your barn's life, ruining your hard work of putting the barn together.

I recommend: Learn how to properly maintain your barn's siding at The University of Vermont.

Hay might be for horses, but today's barn kits are created to serve a variety of purposes. Whether your customers are looking for additional space for a garage, a workshop, an apartment/guest house, RV storage, an office or even a weekend getaway, you'll find barn kits are all the rage for those looking to build their own space at their own pace.

Barn kits are available in a many different models, and most barn kit packages come pre-assembled to the point where nearly anyone can put them together. Most barn kit providers list what their packages include and what customers will need to supply on their own. In a nutshell, here are some points to consider on the topic of barn kits:

1. How the space created with the barn kit will be used

2. How big the space needs to be

3. Who will actually assemble the barn kit on the property

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Decide how the structure created with the barn kits will be used

Knowing the purpose the barn space will serve goes a long way in deciding which barn kit to have on hand for your customers. There are many styles and plans to choose from, so customers are all but certain to find one that fits their precise needs.

I recommend: From small and large horse barns to a 3,744-square-foot home to a 24 x 36-foot shop, Barn Pros Nationwide offers a stunning selection of barn kits. And be sure to check out Uncle Howard's, not only for a wide selection of barn styles, but also for custom accessories such as roofs, doors and windows (not included in many barn kits). Looking for a pole barn? Head on over to DIY Pole Barns & Supplies to find everything you need.

Determine space needs for the barn kits, and whether customization will be necessary

Barn kits come in a large assortment of shapes and sizes. Whatever the space needs, there's a barn kit just waiting to fill it.

I recommend: Best Barns USA offers traditional barn kits in sizes from 8 x 8 to 16 x 32. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for in an existing barn kit, American Country Barns is willing to customize its barn kits to meet your exact needs.

Consider whether customers might need help erecting their barn kits

Although most barn kits are aimed at the do-it-yourselfer, it's still wise to know your barn-building limits. You might want to consider having some resources available for customers who will need a helping hand or two.

I recommend: Many sites such as barn kits provider Shelter-Kit Incorporated stress that no carpentry skills are required to erect the barn kits they sell. But for those who will be better off having an expert erect their barns, Maine Barn Company might be able to help out. You'll find that most barn kit companies are quick to offer service and suggestions, as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although typing 'barn kits directory' or 'barn kits list' into the search function of your web browser will bring up a number of sites that sell or reference barn kits, such directories are often difficult to navigate because of their extensive entries.
• •  On nearly every site that sells barn kits, information on just what you'll be getting into is plentiful. Most are happy to answer questions and offer advice, as well, so don't be afraid to ask!

Barn kits are a great way to build a small storing or housing facility for your commercial business on property you already own. Rather than building a full scale structure from scratch, barn kits can usually be assembled in a couple of days, allowing you to create a separate work space and house tools and other commercial equipment needed for your business.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with a barn kits provider and learn about the basic things needed to successfully purchase and assemble a kit on your commercial property. Here are some quality resources to help get you started. Think of this tutorial as barn kits for beginners.

1. Find barn kits and learn about the many different styles available for purchase.

2. Read the websites for a barn kits provider and learn about what is included in the barn kit.

3. Learn some basic barn kits information by reading the frequently asked question on the websites for barn kit providers.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go through a barn kits directory to learn about the many styles offered

When it comes to selecting a barn kit, there are many styles to choose from a barn kit provider. Go through the barn kits list that might include, but is not limited to, salt box, gambrel, single story, double story, first floor posting and more. Determine what type of barn kit will suit your business needs.

I recommend: Visit the website for Best Barns USA and browse through the many styles that are offered. The website for American Country Barns also offers many designs that you can browse. American Country Barns also allows you to design your own custom barn.

Get barn kits information on what is included by going to dealer websites

When it comes to building a barn kit on a piece of property, it is imperative that the person purchasing the kit understands what is included. For instance, certain kits require a separate foundation to be laid, or the customer to purchase or rent equipment in order to put the barn kit together. Read the 'what's included' section of the barn kits you're looking to purchase for your business.

I recommend: Visit the website for DIY Pole and Barn Supplies for examples of what barn kits include. The company Barn Pros also details the building materials included in their barn kit.

Read frequently asked questions associated with barn kits

When it comes to learning the basics about barn kits and barn kit building, it is wise to read the frequently asked questions section. There you will learn information such as the length of time it takes to build a barn, if permits are required, approximate costs, approximate space needed and more. Use this information when making a decision on what barn kit will best suit your business needs.

I recommend: Visit the website for Shelter-Kit for a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions in relation to building barn kits. The company Barn Plans also has a section that covers frequently asked questions.