5 Essential Steps For A Successful Barn Restoration Project
December 15, 2023
Many people love old barns for their history, architecture, and symbol of America’s most significant industry – agriculture. A barn can also add property value and reduce insurance rates.
When restoring an old barn, paying close attention to the foundation is essential. Look for rot, sagging walls, and black stains indicating water leaks.
Inspect the Barn
Before a renovation can take place, a thorough inspection should be made. Look for water leaks (black stains indicate long-term damage, and white stains are more recent). Examine the barn’s foundation to see that the sill timbers and footers are sound. Check floor joists for signs of rot. Examine rafters and ridge beams for decay near the ground.
Fire safety is also essential. Barns contain natural and artificial flammables, so they should be well maintained to reduce the fire risk.
It’s also essential to inspect the barn for electrical issues. Make sure outlets, lights, and fans are working correctly. Jute mats should be placed at entrances to wipe off boots, and the barn should be mucked out and swept daily.
Repair Any Structural Issues
Any structural problems that may develop during barn restoration must be addressed. The best way to ensure the integrity of your barn is to hire a contractor specializing in renovation and restoration.
A good contractor can check the foundation posts and framing timbers for rot or long, deep splits that can indicate stresses on the building or movement over time. They can also regrade soil around the foundation to promote positive drainage away from the barn’s walls.
Structural repairs can be costly, but they are a far better option than replacing an entire structure. Plus, many historic buildings qualify for tax incentives and lower insurance rates.
Add Modern Amenities
The goal is to make the barn feel like a home, not a museum. You’ll want to incorporate modern conveniences like electricity and running water. To avoid destroying the historic integrity of the building, use materials that blend in.
In some cases, replacing rotting or damaged materials with new materials may be necessary. This can save time and money, as it will be less expensive than scouring the country for original pieces.
Check with local historical organizations for advice on restoring your barn. Many organizations specialize in this work and can provide funding, inspections, and tax credits for those who renovate their historic barns.
Hire a Contractor
Choosing a contractor is one of the most critical decisions to make or break a barn rehabilitation project. Selecting the appropriate contractor can help you take advantage of the tax benefits covered in fact sheet AEX 642 and ensure that your restoration proceeds as planned.
Finding a contractor who is experienced with working on older buildings is essential to success. Look for a contractor who enjoys working on barns and has references from other clients. Efficient lines of communication between the client and contractor will help keep costs down. Many barn owners find restoring an old barn cheaper than new construction, especially regarding property taxes and insurance rates.
Add Insulation
Barns can be a great place to showcase the history of a town or region. Many are also architecturally significant. This means they’re an excellent example of a particular style or the work of a renowned builder.
Barn owners concerned about the costs of a barn restoration can find many financial incentives to rebuild their old structures. Whether through federal and state tax credits or lower insurance rates, there are numerous reasons why it’s often financially advantageous to restore rather than tear down older farm buildings.
In addition to proper structural repairs, a barn needs insulation. This can be done with fiberglass batt, rigid foam, or cellulose.
Paint the Barn
An ancient barn’s appearance can be significantly changed with a new coat of paint. However, painting must be done after thoroughly assessing any repairs, and the surface is clean and dry. Otherwise, it will only cover up existing damage.
Select a hue that complements the design of your land or farm. Keep in mind that the color will influence resale value. It’s also important to use latex instead of oil-based paint since it holds up better to weathering and humidity changes.
Before spraying, mask off windows, doors, and roofs to prevent overspray damage. Then, either spray or brush the paint into the wood.
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