Renovating Barns, Sheds, and Outbuildings [Paperback]

Nick Engler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2001

From the foundation up, author/craftsman Nick Engler takes the reader through the process of renovating existing outbuildings. Step-by-step advice on how to square and strengthen the structure, enlarge or modify the building, repair or replace the roofing and siding, install new windows and doors, even add electricity and plumbing. Covers complete restoration techniques for frame, pole, post-and-beam, and masonry structures.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

If all barns looked like many of those pictured in these two books, the old saw about one being born in a barn would be a compliment instead of an insult. Hanslin and Skinner show 37 beautiful barn-style homes that share few similarities with real barns other than a timber-frame construction. Although all of the houses were produced by Yankee Barn Homes, this book would be useful to anyone contemplating the use of this type of construction no matter what company they had employed. The section on each house includes a short introduction, a floor plan, and a number of bright, colorful pictures.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“Engler shows how to evaluate a barn’s condition and what is needed to restore it to its original use or turn it into housing.  Not only does this save money, but it also preserves structures with potential historic significance.” – Library Journal

 

“If you don’t know where to start the renovation process, or that you even want to, read Renovating Barns, Sheds & Outbuildings.  You might well find that repairing the old barn is a far better idea than you first  thought.” – Western Horseman

 

“This volume provides the amateur woodworker with the skills and tricks a master brings to a project.  Here is step-by-step advice on how to square and strengthen the structure, enlarge and modify the building, repair or replace the roofing and siding, install new windows and doors, and even add electricity and plumbing.” – Equine Journal

 

“If you’re planning such a renovation, this is a must have for your library. But there’s also enough on barn construction and features to make it a handy reference if you’re building a new barn.” – Barb Crabbe, DVM, in Horse & Rider magazine

 

“…craftsman Nick Engler provides a basic primer on the various barn designs, as well as construction methods and foundation types.” – Better Homes & Gardens’ Remodeling Ideas for Your Home

 

“…helps owners of decrepit outbuildings determine the cost of renovation and then provides step-by-step advice on how to convert the structure into a functional living space.” – Timber Homes Illustrated

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; First Edition edition (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580172164
• ISBN-13: 978-1580172165
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Decks & Patios

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on renovating barns!, October 19, 2001

By 

Donald J. Berg (Rockville Centre, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Renovating Barns, Sheds, and Outbuildings (Paperback)

It's easy to say that this is the best book on renovating barns - it's the only one that I know of. But, this book is very, very good. I'm lucky enough to be able to spend much of my time designing new barns and helping clients restore old ones. I'm amazed and embarrassed by how much I learned from this book. Nick Engler presents a good primer on barn design, and then goes to work, explaining in detail how to repair each and every common problem with old barns. If your barn is leaning, if the stone foundation is buckled, if your pole-barn posts are rotting, if your timbers have splintered, if your roof sways, you'll learn what to do to fix the problem and to keep it from happening again.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars not more architectual fluff, February 21, 2006

By 

Dion Fotinakes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Renovating Barns, Sheds, and Outbuildings (Paperback)

if you are looking for good, solid, usable information on restoring old barns and the mechanics of their structure, this book is the bible on it. quite detailed and good instructions. the author doesn't just tell you it can be done, but how to do it as well. this book won't help trendy city folk, with no building skills, pick out carpet samples for turning a barn into a home, but it is the number one resource on the structure of barns and making them solid and usable again before changing their purpose. I highly recommend this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SIMPLE STEPS TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR BARN, September 8, 2007

By 

RANDALL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Renovating Barns, Sheds, and Outbuildings (Paperback)

Excellent book on how to tackle serious structural deficiencies of your barn from foundation up to the roof.I think you could use this usefull information on other types of buildings such as older homes and garages.In fact this book will show you how to replace rotted out logs in a log cabin.Many simple pictures and diagrams on how to get it done.Also good basics on how to run water and electric utilities once you square up your building.