by Carol Todd, Postmedia Content Works
Photo: Getty Images
Your farming operation has outgrown its current outbuildings and you’ve decided that now is the time to proceed with a new barn, equipment shop or shed. Here are five important things to consider as you begin the planning process:
1. Size does matter
Make sure the size of the building, and especially the size of the doors, will be adequate to allow for storage and movement of equipment and any loads. The doors need to be both high enough and wide for the equipment and load to go through.
2. Determine your needs
Will the building be mainly used for storage? Or will it also be the farm shop? If so, what kind of lighting will be required? With the cost of windows decreasing over the past few years, farmers have the option of adding windows to the sidewalls, which can be clad in white steel to add to the interior brightness. The buildings can also incorporate LED lighting to provide even more light. Another option is the addition of insulation between the exterior and interior cladding.
3. Talk about it
Talk to your contractor about your needs and budget. Discuss post frame versus stud frame construction. While both offer more storage than traditional arched quonsets, stud frame needs more on-site preparation, and possibly more up-front money. There are long-term differences as well between the different types of building methods. A concrete foundation will last many decades, while post frame buildings are posts in the ground and can be subject to seasonal movement due to frost and ground water. Alternatively, post-frame construction does give the farmer the option of adding a concrete floor (rather than foundation) later, reducing start-up costs.
4. Check the legal requirements
While some farm buildings are exempt from the National Building Code, municipal zoning bylaws apply. Talk to your local municipality in advance to ensure that your proposed new building meets all the standards for building type/use and location on the property. The local building authority or inspector will determine if engineered drawings are required.
5. It doesn’t go without saying
While it should go without saying, a reminder is not out of line, so ensure the building site will be clear of overhead and underground services. Contact your local utility companies to have any underground lines marked free of charge.
Carol Todd is a writer for Postmedia Content Works, a custom content studio that creates, deploys and measures programs for brands.
