Home > Barn-House > FAQ
- What is included with a Barn-House kit?
- The kit includes all of the materials required to construct a weathertight shell on your foundation: hardware, fasteners, framing, sheathing, floors, roofing, flashing, drip edge and trim. All materials are hand selected, carefully cut to precise dimensions, labeled, and packaged in easily identifiable bundles that two people can carry. A small amount of siding must be cut at the site. An illustrated Construction Manual describes each step, from the construction of a pier foundation to the installation of the roof, all in simple, easy-to-understand language. Options include doors, windows, skylites and stairs.
- What materials are used?
- A variety of materials are used to complete the shell; these are listed on the Barn-House Specifications page.
- What kind of foundation is required?
- The foundation can consist of a series of concrete piers, a continuous concrete wall with a crawl space or full basement, or a concrete slab. A pier foundation has a minimal impact on the site and usually does not require the use of heavy equipment: hand tools can be used to dig holes and constuct the concrete piers. A plan for the type of foundation you select is provided with the Construction Manual. See Barn-House Specifications
- How long will it take to assemble?
- A 24'x24' Barn-House can be assembled by two people in about three weeks. Many factors can affect the time required to assemble a kit, including the size of the kit, modifications, the number of people working, site conditions, and the weather.
- Will a Barn-House meet building codes?
- Barn-Houses are designed in accordance with nation-wide model building codes for all locations within the United States except those with excessive wind or snow loads. See Barn-House Specifications for design loads and code compliance. Most towns require building permits. This should be ascertained by the owner before construction begins. If required by local officials, structural drawings bearing a structural engineer's signature and stamp are available. There is a modest fee for these drawings.
- What is the lead time?
- Call or e-mail us for current lead times. Generally, late spring through summer are the most popular times to build. Because we produce kits one at a time, our production schedule for these dates is usually filled early. Check the News page or contact us for specific information regarding lead time. See the Request Information page for our address and phone number.
- Are other floorplans available?
- The post & beam design of the Barn-House allows for a wide variety of floorplans. You can create your own floorplan to meet your needs, or work from standard floorplans. Some examples are shown. Many others are possible. See Designing Your Barn-House for more information.
- How much does a Barn-House cost?
- The building size and options chosen affect the price of a Barn-House kit. See Barn-House Prices and Designing Your Barn-House for more information.
- How is the kit shipped? What about unloading?
- The kit is shipped by truck. Smaller buildings with sites located in New England are shipped in a large straight truck. Larger buildings and those going to sites outside New England are shipped by tractor-trailer. Overseas shipments are by container. Generally, we use one of a few private carriers that we have worked with for many years. They guarantee competitive prices and the assurance of a safe, on-time delivery. In all cases, the kits are priced FOB (freight on board) Tilton, NH. This means that shipping costs are in addition to the price of the kit. An estimate of the shipping cost can be given on request. A firm shipping quote and date are provided when an order is placed. See Barn-House Prices. When the truck arrives at your site, you are responsible for unloading it. Four adults should be ready to unload the kit. We recommend that you prepare the site well in advance of delivery, with materials upon which to stack the kit and tarps to protect it during assembly. With a little preparation and a willingness to work, most kits can be unloaded and stacked in two hours. Since the truck is enclosed, a forklift can not be used for unloading.
- Is financing available from Shelter-Kit?
- Shelter-Kit does not offer financing for our kits. For pricing information see Barn-House Prices. For the payment schedule see How to Order.
- I have lots of trees for lumber but don't feel comfortable designing a house. Can I buy just the Construction Manuals or plans?
- No. Construction Manuals are only available as part of the kit. They describe in detail the assembly of the individual parts that have been manufactured for your specific building. Construction plans are not available.
- Is there a Shelter-Kit crew available to assemble the kit?
- No. These kits are designed and the instructions are written for the amateur builder who wants to be involved in the design and construction of his or her own building. While some of our kits have been assembled by professionals, those arrangements have been made by the customers.
- What is the difference between a Barn-House with a standard frame and one that has a kneewall?
- This is explained on the Barn-House kneewall comparison page.
- What is the difference between a Barn-House and a Lofthouse?
- This is explained on the Lofthouse/Barn-House Comparison Chart.
- I have read everything on your web site and have more questions. What do I do next?
- Go to the Request Information page to find out how to ask us your question via email, fax, phone, mail.