Customer Reviews

Building a Multi-Use Barn: For Garage, Animals, Workshop, or Studio

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4 star:		(2)
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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.

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.

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.

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.

While the sections on planning and construction are quite helpful, I was disappointed in the section on electricity. A barn is considered an outbuilding, and local electrical codes may be different for residences and outbuildings. Barns are often used to house livestock or poultry, but the book does not address the different requirements for farm wiring.

Residential wiring usually requires NM (non-metallic) cable, but in a building may be subjected to high moisture like that in a livestock barn, NMC or UF (Underground Feed) wiring is required. In addition, the boxes for outlets and fixtures must usually be sealed against moisture and dust.

Author John Wagner does say that it is important to work with the local electrical inspector and know the local code requirments as they vary greatly.

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.