MORE SUPPORT

Before you hit the ground running, be sure to follow this advice for Individual outbuildings.

when you think the time has finally come to begin expanding your homestead, it's good to not rush right into it and make any rash decisions. In the January/February 2023 W issue, I discussed things to consider before building any outbuildings in my "Structure Support" article. In the issue, I'll take a look at individual outbuildings, from livestock barns to chicken coops.

LIVESTOCK BARNS

As your herd grows, the need for more shelter and storage tends to grow along with it. The thought of building a barn can be daunting, but drawing it out on paper can help you make proper plans and carefully think through the best ways to build and design it.

Oftentimes, people tend to focus too much on their current needs and build a barn too small without considering the future expansion of their herd or

homesteading needs. If you can pinpoint a rough plan of where you project your homestead and herd to be several years down the road, it can help you prepare in advance. The type of barn you build will be based somewhat on your personal preference. From the striking gambrel barns to more A-framed gable barns, a multitude of different styles and ways to design a barn exist.

Pole barns are an option for people that are looking to put up a structure quickly and without having to pour a full concrete foundation.

While called "pole barns," these buildings can be constructed and used for everything from a home to a shop or shed.

Lumber and required pieces can be precut at a factory and then taken to the building site for construction. Before construction begins, the ground needs to be cleared and leveled,

but then instead of needing a concrete foundation, holes are dug and poles (whether wood or metal) are set deep into the ground (3 to 4 feet) with concrete footers. Girts are then installed on the poles to allow the siding to be screwed on and construction continues from there.