Another construction issue - barn to garage
 

Not to steal tabs thunder on the construction issues, but it reminded me of a construction related question I have.

I recently moved to a new property and we have a 1,200 sq. ft. horse barn that I want to use for car storage and work. It is a reasonably new structure and in good shape, built on a concrete slab with power and water.

The construction is post and beam with tounge and grove exterior walls with open space at the top and bottom of the walls (exposed to the outside). I'd like to have better finish inside with lighting, heat, insulation and power outlets throughout.

So, my questions - can you frame from the inside, seal up the structure, put in the insulation, power outlets, dry wall and better lighting? Will I need to hire an architect or just a remodeling contractor?

thanks

Hey Mark,
You can probably get by without an architect for this. The GC will have to pull a permit with licensed electrician/hvac contractor/plumber for the technical trades. They may or may not have to submit drawings.

Sealing the walls from the inside will depend on how the siding was applied and if there is a moisture barrier underneath. You'll have to get the GC to opine on that after looking it over. I'm not in that biz any more but if you want me to take a look, give me a buzz.
Mark

Hey guys I'm an architect. You wouldn't need my services but a good set of plans would help you deal with a contractor. A permit may not be necessary as this is more or less a tenant improvement, non structural. If you want I can come by and give you an assessment. You already have plumbing and electrical so it's all a matter of running the wiring around from the electrical panel.

wow i would be so jealous. i always wanted a garage that i could do a u-turn in. damn. here in california, we have to worry about our neighbors, mailman, garbage man... snitching us out on unpermited work. and california LOVES that permit money. get a toolbelt and do the work yourself. maybe not the electrical part. bzzzzz haha. i bet a contractor could do it easy. and with harlan's 2 cents, i bet it will be cool as hell.

Mark & Harlan, Thanks for the offers. I have a guy coming over to take out the interior horse stall walls, then I will be gone on vacation for a couple of weeks. So, let me post again in January and we can get together. Thanks

Here are a couple of photos.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1071153559.jpg

The stall walls on the right will be removed. Exterior walls are 1x6 tounge and grove nailed to posts. There isn't any insulation at all.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1071153660.jpg

holy crap! that looks like norm abrams shop! that is going to be way cool. are you going to do a concrete driveway up to the door?

Looks Great...Nothing some R-30 in the roof and R-19 wouldn't keep warm. We can look at the options. Happy Holidays and let me know when you would like a consult in the new year.

I need to do probably an asphalt with a pad for the motorhome and car hauler trailer next to it.

That looks great....
If the guys going to rip out all those walls you should try to keep the wood.

My guess is that having the seasoned timber for other mods to the barn wouldn't hurt a bit.

Keep us posted.