Post frame buildings (pole barn) ?

[mabr]

Anyone have any experience with using a post frame building (pole barn) for a residence?

I’ve been giving the idea serious consideration for our retirement place up north. With all the toys, I’m going to need a pretty big storage area. And with this idea I would be able to combine the two and kill 2 birds with one stone. Other than looking like a pole barn, I don’t see much of a down side to the idea

I haven’t set down to figure costs out yet, but I can’t see how it could even come close to a stick framed set up. I’d be building it myself or at least the majority of it, as a general contractor for 30 years I’m not too concerned with the construction portion. It’s the other little differences that I might overlook in post frame construction compared to stick built, Insulation, trimming, wiring etc etc.

So, anyone know of anyone who has done this or have any experience doing it? Things I should be considering or concerned about?

[chad austin]

I've seen quite a few of these set-ups and a lot of them are going with a traditional looking front to the house and the two sides and the back look like a regular pole barn. From the road they look like a stud framed house.

[Get'n Jiggy]

One big reason post frame hasn't taken off in residential is Mortgage

Banks won't write a mortgage on them. I'm not sure but, if you do the work

yourself you may come out ahead, but if you hire a post frame contractor

I've not been able to save much over regular framing. One thing I'd

recommend using 5/8 sheetrock on interior walls to keep nail pops down.

I used 1/2 on the first building I did with a showroom and had problems.

I'd recommend infloor radiant heat if you do go post frame, check out a

Combi-Core by Bradford- White for hot water supply.

[mabr]

Did not know that about the lending issue, I'll have to look into that.

Going to have in-floor heat for sure. Question though concerning the radiant heat? Id only be heating the living portion, I wonder how much transfer id have to the other areas and would it affect the slab in any bad ways having the temp difference? My only experience with in-floors have all been through the entire floor that is being heated.

Lots to think about if i do go this route.

[Get'n Jiggy]

I don't see any problem with having heat in one area and not the other.

About the worst that would is the floor could crack, I'd put a joint, or

a treated 2 by between heated and non heated areas. If it were me I'd

elevate the living area at least 4" also, probably easier to do 2 pours.

[CAMAN]

If it were me I would install strips of rigid insulation into the concrete between the living and non-living areas, that would keep heat transfer to a minimum and save on heating costs.

[K_Josh87]

I would look into closed cell spray foam, this works very well in these buildings. and It isn't to hard to finish these things off. i have yet to do a pole building with perm. living quarters, but have done some that have been used as temp living while building homes, and or converted/used for offices. Are you looking at doing a taller sidewall for the living area with two stories? Or a good sized shed, with a bonus room truss above for the living quarters?

Also, Check out this link for storm room...

http://www2.dupont.com/Stormroom/en_US/index.html

[Notime]

My aunt and uncle live in a setup like this part of the year. They have a good sized pole barn and only heat the living room, bed room and bathroom (the finished living area). They go south for the winter and they have plenty of extra room for the fifth wheel and all their toys. The whole inside is finished so it looks really nice!

[Get'n Jiggy]

If it were me I would install strips of rigid insulation into the concrete between the living and non-living areas, that would keep heat transfer to a minimum and save on heating costs.

Two inches of closed cell foam would be considered "standard" under the

heated area in this part of the country.

Plus one on the spray in foam, works great.

[shamrock7]

And put the tubing in the unheated slab so that someday, someone, may want that heated also. Tubing is cheap, breaking up concrete and re-pouring is not.

[mabr]

Like Notimes Aunt and Uncle, my goal is to use this as a 3 season place eventually. And keep my hunting and other toys in it year round.

Its going to be one story so need to have any side taller. With the size i'd like this to be I shouldnt need any storage in the trusses. I dont forsee heating the rest of it with radiating heat so i think i would leave out the conduit. I like the idea of doing 2 pours and raising the living portion above the rest just for the simple idea of not having to worry about water coming under the wall plate.

[Get'n Jiggy]

If you plan on heating the garage area in the future,,, we put a 4'

perimeter of closed cell foam around the outside of our shop and use

overhead radiant heaters,,, work's out great keeps frost out.