Building a Multi-Use Barn: For Garage, Animals, Workshop, Studio (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Whether you plan to use your barn to keep animals, make a workshop, or just add storage space for the stuff that's been accumulating in..." (more)
Key Phrases: flying rafter, sheetrock mud, transit scope, Special Sections (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

As a guide for dreamers as well as those who are "ready-to-build," this concise yet detailed overview of the construction of a large out-building will serve both beginning and experienced builders. From simple enclosures for storage to workshop space to fully finished living space, Wagner covers all the bases. His book, while short on design suggestions, is chock full of practical solutions to common site and building problems. Wagner writes in an upbeat, problem-solving tone that is encouraging to those who might otherwise be skeptical of the entire process. His suggestions are consistently economical and environmentally friendly. Excellent illustrations supplement the text. For large home improvement collections.
Alex Hartmann, INFOPHILE, Williamsport, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Here's a misnamed book. It's not really about building a barn; instead, it's How to Build a House 101. The differences between building a barn as Wagner describes it and building a house aren't all that great. A wise reader will pick up on this, and someone with a yen to build their own abode could easily use the book as a primer. On a more modest note, you could probably substitute garage or storage shed for barn in the title and still have an excellent book. Wagner covers all the basics--laying out the foundation, creating the walls and roof, adding basic electricity and plumbing, and the other exciting stuff you wind up undertaking in such a project. The illustrations are well thought out and executed, and the worksheets (encourage patrons to photocopy these and leave the book intact) that allow you to budget the cost of construction are excellent. If you're intending to build a structure 24 feet by 30 feet and use it for storage, you could, following Wagner's advice, create something that will still be standing 50 years hence. Jon Kartman

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Williamson Publishing Company (July 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913589764
• ISBN-13: 978-0913589762
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #328,517 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for beginning builders, October 31, 1999

By	GENE GERUE "Author, Find Your Ideal Country Home" (Zanoni, MO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect builders' guide, April 25, 2000

By	Donald J. Berg (Rockville Centre, NY USA) - See all my reviews

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.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for entrepreneurs, as well as gardeners, farmer, January 6, 1999

By A Customer

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.