Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
If you can't find heavy-duty hardware in a store or on the Internet, find a blacksmith or
welding shop and have someone make what you need.
ANTICHEW STRIPS . Don't use drywall corners, which will last about 10 minutes. In-
stead, get 14-gauge or heavier angle iron from a metal fabricator or a sheet metal or weld-
ing shop, or buy ready-made antichew strips online.
FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT . Buy it, maintain it, and know how to use it.
LOW-PRICE PACKAGE DEAL . Don't take a package deal for a “lower price” if the lay-
out is not what you want or need. Don't accept a building plan that features narrow aisles
or doors or light-duty materials or hardware.
PLUMBING . Unless you have plumbing experience and access to wholesale plumbing
supplies and tools, hire a professional to install water pipes, drains, sinks, washers, and
wash racks. With plumbing, it is sometimes difficult for an amateur to do things right.
There is much to consider: the slope of the drains, plumbing codes, what materials you can
and can't use, depth of pipes, various means of planning for freezing weather. If you do it
wrong, it is a big, expensive problem to correct.
ELECTRICAL . Hire an electrician. Don't skimp on the number of outlets, switches, or
light fixtures inside or outside the barn.
STRATEGIES TO REDUCE COSTS
If you make decisions based on your needs rather than wants, work to stay within your
budget, and are willing to do some work, it is possible to reduce construction costs.
MANAGEMENTANDPLANNING . Be your own contractor. Organize and coordinate the
project yourself. Find out the required format for plans that need to be submitted to the
planning commission's building inspector. Draw the plans yourself, hire someone to draw
them to your specifications, or purchase preapproved plans from a barn builder. Find and
purchase materials yourself, hire (and fire) workers, provide insurance, check quality of
work, and keep the project on track.
STYLEOFBARN . Choose a barn design that is appropriate for your needs and budget. A
run-in shelter is the least expensive option. A shed row barn is less expensive than a fully
enclosed barn with central aisle.
OPTIONS . Added expenses include wash racks, hot and cold water, heated (or air-con-
ditioned) insulated tack rooms, and rest-rooms. If you don't need them right away, plan to
add them later.
LABOR . Ask if you can help prepare for or work with any crew that you hire. Most in-
surance regulations do not allow it, but you might be able to do prep work or clean up that
could save the crew time at the beginning and end of each day, which in turn might save
you some money.
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