The pricing and costs of barn construction varies greatly depending on the type of structure you desire. Some expensive barns are very elaborate with amenities specially created by designers of barns. Others are cheaper and simple for basic functioning. Some companies offer complete barn kits.

The budget that you set for your barn determines the type of building that you can build. When setting a budget for your barn construction, consider the following factors that influence the cost:

1. The amenities added to the barn construction

2. The size of the barn

3. The type of materials used in the barn construction

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider purchasing a barn construction kit

Choose the style of barn that you desire from pictures and order a kit for the barn construction. Most of these companies do not offer barn building. The kit includes all materials, but not tools, you will need to build your barn. Customize the kit to suit the needs of your farm. As with all barn construction, the more elaborate barn design you choose, the more expensive the kit cost. Barn kits typically cost anywhere from $7,000 to $50,000. The kit description will list all of the materials included. Companies then offer individual pieces for additional cost. Purchase a steel building kit for $6 to $10 per square foot. Kits with insulation, colored roofs, and gutters cost more.

I recommend: Shelter Kit offers pricing by barn size. Barns with kneewalls are more expensive than barns with a higher first floor. You can add windows for an extra cost of $115 to $205. Extra doors cost anywhere from $305 to $705 depending on size and style. DIY Pole Barns features best sellers for the month. Check these kits for the best deals.

Hire barn builders

Some farmers prefer to hire barn construction companies to build their barns for them. The pricing and costs of barn construction using this method is less predictable without specific information pertaining to your barn desires. Most builders of barns will offer a free estimate based on your barn specifications. To determine if you are getting a good deal from your barn construction company, find a do-it-yourself kit of the barn that you desire. Compare the kit price to the estimate that you receive from the barn building companies.

I recommend: BCI Barns offers free estimates based on your answers to questions about your barn construction. Ulrich Barns constructs horse barns and other barn buildings. Their horse barns cost $3,000 to $6,000 plus extra cost for special features. They also offer financing.

Factor in the cost of amenities in your barn design and construction

If you spend much time in your barn, it may be worth the extra cost to add amenities. Some common barn amenities include storage spaces for cleaning supplies and tools, tack rooms, and feeding storage rooms. Electricity and running water are very popular additions. A restroom or sink area can also be helpful. Many horse owners like interlocking rubber floors in their barns; these cost around $7.25 per square foot. They are non-slip and easier on the horses' legs. You can install a roof exhaust fan for $150 to $200. A simple bathroom costs less than $1,000.

I recommend: Check out some of the featured barn amenities from barn designers at Paradise Stables and Callegari Horses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When budgeting for the pricing and costs of barn construction, think about upkeep and long-term cost. With the additions of electricity and water come a power bill and a water bill. The same goes for adding a telephone.

Whether you’re looking for a barn to house your livestock or you’re comparing the attributes of steel barns to wooden barns for industrial purposes, there are numerous online resources available.

Unlike residential building, barn design and construction revolves around specific business goals. Barn designers will customize your plan with engineered trusses, elevated walls and other specialty options.

Before you order barn plans or hire barn builders, consider these fundamentals:

1. Determine the best location for your barn.
2. Choose the best barn style for your needs.
3. Locate barn construction companies.
4. Find do-it-yourself kits if you’re tackling the job alone.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the proper location

Deciding on a location for your new barn involves several factors, the most important being proper drainage, floodplain mapping and the correct zoning to support your endeavor.

I recommend: Start by contacting the proper local governmental authorities. State and Local Government on the Internet maintains a database of all 50 States where you can find specific county agencies to verify the zoning and building restrictions for a barn. Construction can commence after determining any potential flood risk. The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) offers floodplain maps for every county in the United States. Order a paper copy, CD or online version.

Choose your barn style

Narrowing down the purpose of your barn determines the barn design and the method of construction. An equestrian barn will include different features than will a hay storage barn. The two main types of barn construction are comprised of stick framing, known as 'pole barn,' construction or the erection of pre-engineered kits.

I recommend: Begin with a detail and cost comparison when erecting an agricultural barn or check out commercial barn choices. Look for steel arch reinforcement systems for the strength to withstand high winds.

Hire the best barn construction company

Locating quality barn builders, for either metal barns or wooden barns, is crucial to the success of the finished structure. Look for industry-specific barn building companies with good references.

I recommend: Find contractors for equestrian barns or look for quality commercial and agricultural barn construction companies and ask for a list of their most recent clients. Alternately, check out metal barns manufacturers including Braemar and Gold Seal Steel Buildings, Inc. and request a list of their approved builders.

Do-it-yourself and save

Constructing your own barn from a kit saves money but you must find a pre-made kit or have a custom design firm manufacture one to your specifications. When choosing a kit, request a total material list so you'll know if the insulation, electrical system and plumbing supplies are included.

I recommend: Browse through free downloadable barn designs that you can build or purchase a ready-made barn kit. In addition, you can design your own barn with a rough sketch and work with online barn designers to purchase a custom barn kit engineered to suit your specifications. Search the database at BuyerZone for free price quotes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider wall height when choosing a barn design. If you need storage for large barn equipment, high overhead doors will require raised walls.
• •  Check the waterway pattern of the proposed building site. You may be out of the floodplain, but seasonal water runoff is an issue if your barn is near a natural drainage path.
• •  Before your purchase a steel building, check the paint warranty on the exterior metal. Look for a 5-year or longer warranty to assure you won't be repainting anytime soon.

Knowledge of barn construction basics are a must for any farmer. Barns are a common sight on most farms and serve multiple purposes. Barns house livestock, protect equipment from weather damage and store feed products and supplies. Some barns serve working purposes. Farmers use them for milking cattle, poultry farming, and horse-breaking.

There are several factors to consider when deciding to build a barn on your farm. There are steel barns, metal barns, and wooden barns. Builders of barns should think about some of the following:

1. What purpose will your barn construction serve?

2. What type of barn do you wish to build?

3. Whom do you consult for barn construction companies?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider the type of material for your barn construction

Barns were once a construction primarily of wood. However, much barn construction today makes use of metal and steel. Many farmers who do the barn construction themselves choose wooden frame barns with metal sides or roof. Farmers who have land with timber can use their own wood to cut down costs. Supplies for wooden barn construction are also more readily available to farmers. If you plan to hire barn builders to construct your barn, you may prefer a steel frame and metal sides and roof. Steel is stronger and more weather-resistant.

I recommend: General Steel Barn Building offers some benefits of building a steel barn. Old House Web discusses the various styles of barns.

Determine the size for your barn design and construction based on its purpose

If you plan to use your barn to store large equipment, you will a need a tall barn with open space inside. If your barn will be used for milking, pig farming, or chicken farming, the height will need to be shorter and the length of the barn longer. Some barns have an upstairs, called a loft, for storing hay, feeds, and supplies. Barn designers help create a barn perfect for your needs.

I recommend: Barns Barns Barns sells barn floor plans and offers pictures of barns. Stable Wise discusses a safe barn layout for horses.

Choose amenities that you want added to your barn construction

Some farmers need a barn with more than just four walls. A basic barn is good for housing large equipment. However, determine if you need more. Horse barns need stalls for the horses and rooms for storing tack. Horse owners will want to consider adding saddle hangers and riding circle inside the barn. Poultry and milk barns will need to meet certain specifications set up by the company that buys your products. You will need egg and milk housing areas. If you have hired help, consider a break room and restroom. In addition to physical amenities, think about adding components such as electricity, telephone lines, heating, and cooling. It is easier to add these during the barn construction than later.

I recommend: Extension.org discusses amenities for a horse barn. Hobby Farms gives you a look into the ideal barn.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before making your barn design and construction decisions, visit barns that serve your desired purpose. Look at a variety of barn layouts. Choose the things that you like best about each and incorporate them into your barn.

When building a barn, either by yourself or through a contractor, it's essential to know some common terms. You want to get more bang for your buck without anyone taking advantage of your business. If you go with a custom design, then you should familiarize yourself with elements of a barn that might be appealing, such as exposed beams or a large tack room. Plus, you should know the difference between a pole barn and one that comes preconstructed.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pole barns

Pole barns follow a basic stick frame and are one of the main types of barns that you can have constructed. Used as housing for numerous animal species, such as pigs, cows, horses and poultry, pole barns can be an economical option.

I recommend: Visit Lester Buildings to see photos of pole barns.

Steel barns

Steel barns are another common type of barn construction. Typically built more quickly, these barns can be an environmentally-friendly option because many of the pieces of material come from recycled metal scraps.

I recommend: Learn more about steel barns at BuildingsGuide.com Online.

Pre-engineered barn kits

If you want to have all items for your barn in one complete package, then you might want to look into pre-engineered barn kits. Oftentimes these kits come pre-assembled, with blueprints and many of the items needed to build the barn. If you want a basic building, then this might be a viable option.

I recommend: Check out the Barn Pros to learn what is included in its pre-engineered barn kits.

Beams

Beams are structural elements of a barn used to withhold immense pressure. They are placed near the roofline and hold the entire structure together. They are also categorized by their shape, length and material. Two of the more common types of beams are support beams and I-beams, which are so named because they have an I or H shape when viewed end-to-end.

I recommend: Learn more about new support beams and how to install them by watching a video from Bob Vila.

Joinery

When constructing a barn, there are numerous ways to connect, or join, all the pieces. Post joinery is the most common and basic joint used in timber framing. But kneebrace joinery can provide extra support. These are just two of the types of joinery used; there are eight others that you should become familiar with to find the best fit for your barn.

I recommend: Visit The New England Barn Company to learn more about the 10 types of joinery.

Tack rooms

A tack room is a place where horse-related gear and equipment can be stored. Adding tack rooms to your barn is a must-have if you plan on using your barn for horses. Determine the size you need before you begin construction; some people require more size than others.

I recommend: Learn some other tips when adding tack rooms to your barn construction at HorseChannel.com from BowTie.