Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us. We love hearing from you all. You see, we learn from your questions and you learn from our answers. Our intention is to provide you with the best designed, best looking, and most versatile barn designs on the market....and with over 7000 happy customers out there we must be doing something right!.

Q
What sizes of barns do you have?
A
8' x 12' . . . 12' x 16' . . . 16' x 24' . . . 20' x 30' . . . 24' x 30' . . . 28' x 40' . . . 32' x 40' . . . 36' x 60' . . .
Q
Can we lengthen or shorten the barn from the dimensions you give?
A
Yes. You can make the barn as long or as short as you want by simply adding or deleting wall framing and roof trusses. Simply "mark-up" the plans to "call-out" your custom length!
Q
Can we change the size of the loft?
A
Yes, you can extend the loft to any size, from half the length of the barn up to a full second floor. You just can't make it smaller. (structural reasons)
Q
How much will it cost us to build your barn?
A
The cost varies widely from coast to coast and from state to state. It all depends on things like:
  • Will you build it yourself or have a contractor build it for you?
  • The cost for lumber and other materials in your area.
  • The cost for labor in your area.
  • The cost of building permits, if required, is another factor.
Let's face it, you can dump as much as you want into your barn project, depending on how fancy you want to get. The one fairly dependable number, even in these times of crazy lumber prices, is the cost of the materials for the complete barn "Shell"....figure $15 to $20 per sq/ft based on the "footprint".
Q
Do you supply a materials list with your plans?
A
We can supply a materials list for the basic barn "shell" with a half loft, on request.
Q
Do we have to hire a truss company to build the trusses or can we do it?
A
The trusses are designed and engineered to be "site-built". The plans show you how to layout and assemble the trusses in a simple "jig" that you build on the loft floor. Clearly detailed, with easy-to-read step-by-step instructions....we've got it down to a science!!
Q
What if we need an engineer's stamp on your truss design?
A
If your building department needs to see proof of truss engineering, be sure to ask about our low cost "Wet Stamp".
Q
Can we build the barn with metal studs?
A
Our barns are designed and engineered to the strengths and tolerances of wooden framing members only.
Q
Do you sell barn "kits", or just the plans?
A
Just the plans, Ma'am ... just the plans!
Q
Your plans show wood or fiberglass shingles for the roof. Can we use metal?
A
Good idea in snow country, or if you're in an area where water is scarce. Think about a "rain catchment" system with a metal roof, gutters, and a holding tank.
Q
Is the truss roof design hard to insulate?
A
No. It's actually a little easier because you can stand right up in the second floor to install insulation....and, depending on the size barn you're building, you can get up to R-90 between the trusses!
Q
Is it possible to have barn space downstairs and living space upstairs?
A
Absolutely. Because of our Engineered Gambrel Truss Design the second floor is totally open without the need for support posts or walls....you can create whatever kind of upstairs living space you want.
Q
Do you have a barn with 6 to 8 stalls?
A
It's all very simple. First, figure out how big you want the stalls. Then, figure out how many stalls you want. Do the math ... pick the barn!
Q
Do you have plans for "Pole Barns"?
A
No! Our plans call for a steel reinforced concrete foundation and slab. However, some folks actually go ahead and build their pole barn and use our Engineered Gambrel Truss System for their second floor roof.
Q
Please send us your brochure.
A
We do not "mail out" literature. We work very hard at maintaining our web site to keep you on top of everything we have to offer, along with frequent updates to inform you of new designs on the way. Indeed, the web site is our brochure. If we've got it, it's in there!
Q
Can you send us some floor plans?
A
As stated throughout our web site, we give you the plans to build the basic "Barn Shell" from foundation to roof including stairs and second floor. The design of any floor plan, whether it's for the barn house, the horse barn or the garage/shop, is entirely up to you. It's not hard....and it's fun!
Q
What's the turn-around time for delivery?
A
We print and ship every Tuesday and Friday and send the plans out via 3 day US Priority Mail, postage paid.
Q
What do I get when I order the plans?
A
Depending on which accessories you add to your basic two story Gambrel Barn design, you'll get from 7 to 15 AutoCAD generated, 36"x 24" (“D” size) black-line plan sheets plotted on #20 white engineering bond with plan views, structural views, sections and elevations of every possible building aspect including dozens of helpful details for foundation/slab....wall, door and window framing…. second floor joists....stairs....and step-by-step instructions for layout and assembly of the site-built engineered gambrel trusses.  The plans are professional and complete.
Q
Can we send the plans back if we don't like them?
A
What's not to like!?!? Seriously, if you didn't like the plans when you got them, it would only mean you didn't do your homework on our web site. Everything we have is there, in over 500 pages of information, diagrams, drawings, details and hundreds of large, clear color photos of our finished Horse Barns, Barn Homes and Garage/Shops. We're not here to fool you......we're here to make sure that you're sure when you buy your barn plans. If you have any questions at all, we're more than happy to answer them via e-mail or in person over the phone at our toll free number. However, because every set of plans is custom printed for that specific customer and because of very obvious photocopy issues, all sales are final....no refunds.
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