Customer Reviews

Building A Multi-Use Barn

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Based on the title I thought this book would offer ideas on how to build a barn...you know, the barn many of us have in our mind's eye; red, set in the country, and made of large timbers carved with notches and attached with pegs. Well, the cover does offer a red barn but the large timbers were not to be found. The author uses 2 by material, (2 x 4, 2 x 6, etc.) for the construction. While this is practical, 2 by can be bought at your local home improvement super store and lumber yards throughout the country, I expected more. The more appropriate title might be 'How to build a garage, workshop, or studio.' Not as catchy, and does not conjure up the romantic idea of a barn, but then again, this book describes what I think most people would not think of as a barn.

All that said, this book does offer some of the basics needed to build a garage, workshop, or studio. The author takes you through all the steps needed; Design and Purpose - Siting - Foundation - Framing - Roofing - Siding - Wiring, Plumbing, and Heating - Fitting out the Interior - Painting, Staining, and Landscaping.

Since this book was published in 1994 you would be wise to double check all building techniques with your local building official. Good luck!

References to buil an audio studio in the simplest fom me by home archetitural process.

A useful book on the various practical aspects of building a simple (or not so simple) barn. Useful to a do-it-yourselfer, or as a reference to someone using contractors. Recommended.

Builder John Wagner shows the versatility that's possible with one good barn. Using a 24' by 30' plan and simple framing, Wagner alters the interior layout to create a tractor garage and garden shed, a studio, a workshop and office, and a stable. His ideas should be considered by anyone looking for practical uses for old barns. Besides being a design guide, this book covers all the basics of light frame construction with easy-to-read text, photos and great illustrations.

Boy, I couldn't believe it when I got this book. It covers everything from ground prep, foundation, framing, configuring the building to fit it's use.....on and on and on! It blocks everything out, so if you are not comfy with doing that one piece yourself, you can contract that piece out and pick up from there. I can't wait to get my hands dirty! Read the whole thing first.

This is an excellent primer to use if you are new to building. The entire process from stake layout to finish trim is given step-by-step with ample and clear illustrations so that anyone who can use tools can build a building, not just a barn, but a house, garage, workshop, or studio. The particular project is a 24 by 30-foot multi-use barn with a monolithic concrete slab floor, wood-framing and gable roof. Included are foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, heating, insulation, roofing, siding. After you build this, you can build essentially anything--the principles remain the same.

A great book for do-it-yourselfers, and entrepreneurs needing to build their own studio, apartment, storage or garden potting shed-greenhouse, barn garage, retail shop, or retirement cottage. The list is as endless as your imagination.

The nine chapters are well detailed, but easy to follow and understand even for beginners. Basic and sound building strategies as well as clear definitions and options are used to help you build a basic structure or finish it as a shop or studio.