5 Tips to Decide What to do With Your Old Barn.
Do you have an old pole barn, but you are unsure what you should do with it. Old barns hold a special charm but for some don't serve a purpose. At BCG Builders we will help you decide whether you should demolish or restore that old barn. When it comes to deciding what to do, there are several things to consider first. For example, does it have sentimental value or does it serve a purpose. If not, you may be asking if it’s worth saving the material for someone else to repurpose. The list of questions goes on however, when faced with an aging structure on your property, the most important question arises: should you restore it or tear it down? Deciding between demolition and restoration isn’t always straightforward, however you will be able to evaluate the best choice through these five simple steps.
1. Assess Structural Integrity
Before making any plans, a thorough inspection of the barn is essential. Hiring an experienced contractor may be necessary to examine key areas including:
Foundation: Check for cracks, shifts, or signs of severe deterioration. A failing foundation can be costly to repair.
Roof Condition: If the roof has major leaks and/or structural damage, repairs may be costly but could still be more affordable than building a whole new barn.
Support Beams and Framing: Look for rotting wood, termite damage, or weakened joints. If the framework is too compromised, restoration might not be viable.
2. Consider Historical and Sentimental Value
Does the barn hold historical significance? Some barns are architectural treasures, featuring rare craftsmanship or materials that are no longer used. Committees like the National Barn Alliance strive to help with the long-term preservation of historic barns and other rural buildings. If your barn is historically valuable, restoration could be worth the effort. Learn more about Documenting Barns |, here and what steps you can go through to receive potential grants or tax incentives.
On the other hand, if the barn has no unique historical or sentimental value, it might be more practical to tear it down and repurpose the materials for another project. Skip to step five for alternative options if full demolition or restoration is not a cost-effective option.
3. Evaluate Future Use and Purpose
Before you can determine the cost, it is imperative to determine what purpose it will serve. If you envision turning it into a functional space—whether as a workshop, event venue, or livestock shelter—restoration could be a great investment. To see our largest restoration project check out Barndominiums | BCG Builders. However, if the barn serves no practical purpose and is becoming a hazard, demolition might be the smarter choice. On our most recent demolition the owners had no use for the pole barn, which ultimately led to the decision to tear it down. Watch the full demolition process on our YouTube page at BCG Builders - YouTube or click the link to go straight to the video. https://youtu.be/St55VawDCr0?si=Qba3r71uI79tOXfO.
4. Estimate the Cost of Restoration vs. Demolition
Now that you know what purpose the barn has, you can now proceed with determining the cost. While both restoration and demolition come with costs, one may be more cost-effective depending on the barn’s condition. This is where hiring BCG Builders will come in handy. Our experienced team can get you a free quote today.
Note: Ask for multiple quotes to compare between the two main categories below.
Restoration Costs: Can include structural reinforcements, new roofing, siding repairs, and foundation work. Additionally with the cost of labor, the restoration process can add up quickly.
Demolition Costs: Tearing down a barn involves equipment, labor, and potential disposal fees. However, if the barn has valuable reclaimed wood, you might offset costs by selling it to a salvage company.
5. Explore Alternative Options
Lastly, if full restoration or demolition doesn’t seem ideal, consider alternative solutions:
Repurposing Materials: Even if demolition is necessary, you can reuse wood, beams, and hardware for furniture, accent walls, or another building project.
Selling or Donating: Some organizations or individuals specialize in barn restoration and might be interested in taking the structure off your hands.
Making the Right Choice
Deciding whether to restore or demolish an old barn requires a balance of practicality, sentimentality, and cost. If the structure is safe, historically significant, and serves a purpose, restoration can be a rewarding project. But if it’s beyond repair or simply taking up space, demolition might be the best way forward.
Before making a final decision, consult with professionals to explore all options. Whether you breathe new life into your barn or part ways with it, making an informed choice will ensure the best outcome for you and your property.
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Don’t wait any longer we can restore it, demolish it, or build you an entirely new barn.
Contact BCG Builders today, and let’s talk about how we can work together to design and build the perfect space for you. We look forward to being part of your building journey in New Plymouth, Idaho, and the surrounding areas.