Are we crazy? Moving an old brooder house 10 miles. Pics included

[luvmychicknkids]

WOW......that looks like a ton of work. That said, I would give my right arm for an old house like that for my girls, so if it was possible in any way, I would!!! An old building like that makes my heart go pitter patter!!!! Good luck!!!

 

[cjeanean]

To echo everyone else, I think it depends on the condition of the wood and where. My husband and I moved our chicken coop 30 miles from my mom's house to ours, and since it was too big to put on a trailer (16x8x10) we had to take it apart. The roof was the hardest part, we were able to salvage the rafters, plywood, but definately not the shingles. The walls were very easy, once we got a two-by-four off and a few nails we pushed the walls down. Two were 16 ft long, so we had to cut them in half, and the floor was 16ft as well, so also had to be cut. IT WAS A LOT OF WORK!!!! Then we put it all back together, and although it isn't as pretty as it was before we demolished it, it's still in good condition. HOWEVER: none of the wood was rotting, the building wasn't that old. It had been used for chickens and had a very solid floor and roof, and everything was in good condition. One or two rafters had been termite eaten, and so snapped upon removal, but everything else was fine. Was it worth it?? Yes. If it hadn't been in such good condition??? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! After dealing with that one, I would never try to move one that was rotted in critical areas. The demolishing process takes a toll on the wood, and if it's not strong enough to handle it you're gonna end up with a big pile of rotted splinters!!! Choose wisely, and if it's in good enough shape GO FOR IT!!!!!

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

I'd go for it. But I'm also crazy. Particularly when it comes to all things old. If there is too much rot and the building can't be moved, take it apart and salvage what you can. Looks like it's going to need a new roof anyway.

 

[onecent]

wow, the building looks nice, but i just tried to do the same thing,with a little bit smaller solid wooden shed, with a nice solid shingled roof, i hired a man to get it for me, not even a very far move, when he tried to move it, it just was so bad!! it started falling apart!! i was very disapointed!! so a neighbor gave me a metal shed, & i put wooden doors on it put shelves in it for the nesting boxes & a roost & a linolium floor , it works great!! i used a 10x20 dog kennel run "used" had to also repair that too, but it all came together perfect, as far as the metal shed, i have lots of trees for shade, so it doesnt get hot.

 

[S n M Poultry]

I cant help you but that is an awsome looking house

 

[Kristib2pea]

I just wanted to say, thanks so much for all your opinions! I really appreciate hearing what you guys think!

My husband is thinking it might be ok. We are going to take a look at it again after it is all cleaned out.

My friend's husband said he thinks there is a critter nest of some sorts in that back corner, which might explain more of why it is sinking in that area- because of their digging the dirt out. She said, you might want to bring a gun along when we jack it up, because we don't know what will crawl out from under there. Yikes! I don't like the sound of that, but I'm happy that my husband is willing to make a go of it. We talked about probably trying to brace some of the rotten areas before we move it.

Also, I think we are leaning against getting the chain link fence. It is another "friend" of ours who is being kind of stinky about the whole deal. So we might just go with 72' welded wire and reinforce with chicken wire/hardware cloth towards the bottom. We are going to try and use the wooden poles that are already there as to frame out the run.

Again, I am so thankful for all your opinions!

Kristi

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Oh, ABSOLUTELY you need to brace it, even the non rotten looking areas. You need diagonal braces across every wall, and across the floor, and ideally across the roof as well if yu can reach it. You can use 2x4s but I'd use wider lumber on rotten areas. Think out which way the diagonals go so that the whole structure is fully protected against racking/twisting.

If you do not, then I almost guarantee that not only will the rotten places let go, but the not really rotten places will also get ripped apart, in ways that even if you try to fix it the structure will really never be the same again.

The diagonal bracing can be removed when you get the coop unloaded on its new foundation at the destination. Use screws or double-headed nails to make it easy to remove them without swear words or damaged materials. Then you can use the lumber you braced it with for some other purpose - it will just have a coupla nail holes in it, no big deal.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[Moonwalker]

Quote:
The fence is definately a find! Have you looked at the price of chain link these days?
As for the building, I agree that dismantling it would be your best option. You might not be able to put it back exactly the same way, but in the end you will end up with a tighter building and will be SURE where any rot is/was!
Even if it does have a lot of rot in the rafters and/or foundation timbers, you'll still have a lot of planking and doors and windows that are salvagable, saving money and enabling you to make a gorgeous, rustic, old-looking coop.

 

[WikkitGateFarm]

I'm in the middle of a 10x16 stick-frame new build, and the cost of materials is around $1,500 (a bit more with insulation and electricity). If I could get a break in the weather, I'd have it up in two days with one helper. Once it's up, I don't plan on doing more than painting it for the next 20 years.

The pics you posted make it look like there's a good bit of wood to be replaced: rotten sills, collapsing top plate, missing floor, some damage to the studs, sheathing, headers, roof deck and shingles. That's almost a whole building right there. Add the expense of bracing for a move, trailering, and refinishing. Now tack on how much time all that is going to take.

You do that work, spend all that money, and then have a building that's pre-worn-out. Great antique charm and all, but it will need more work sooner than a new build.

If you want to preserve an old building, that's great. You'll get plenty from such an experience that can't be bought, and a nice coop with a rich history. Just think carefully and do the math before considering it a bargain.