The RE-Build of Les Farms

[Time-Out]

Your new barn will look gorgeous. Have you had any thoughts on what siding you'll use?

The mention of stairs just reminded me of this video. It is a homemade gas spring assisted staircase that retracts back up into the loft. It seems pretty simple to make the actal stairs, and I bet it would be much cheaper than real ones.

Wow. That's pretty cool. Much easier than balancing a suitcase on your head while climbing a ladder and squeezing through a tiny trap door!

 

[aoxa]

Your new barn will look gorgeous. Have you had any thoughts on what siding you'll use?
Wow. That's pretty cool. Much easier than balancing a suitcase on your head while climbing a ladder and squeezing through a tiny trap door!

No thoughts on siding yet. It may be vinyl, as I think it may be the cheapest option. I do love the clap boards though.

 

[chickiemomy]

FWIW - we built our house 20+ years ago - & used vinyl siding. At that time it was more expensive than traditional wood siding, but we wanted lower maintenance.

We've not regretted it - takes a power washer every few years to wash off the grime, & bits - but IMO that's much easier than ladders, & scrapping & painting, o my.

With what I know now - I think I would go with a somewhat darker color than our light blue, as the grime shows up pretty fast -- altho the too-dark colors will fade - so you kind of have to balance your color choice - pick carefully, you will be stuck with the color for awhile!

And we would have chosen a metal roof over the composition roof we have. We're getting to possible replacement in the next few years - probably another $15K investment - between the original cost of the roof & the cost to reroof, we could have paid for a metal roof. They are supposed to be noisier -tho, better in snow??? we're more a moderate clime.

As far as doors opening in, out or sliding -- is it possible to have a mix of styles -- whereby, if the slider is iced shut - you can opt to use the open-in (smaller door?) as a temporary egress?? Just a thought - maybe you're only talking about the main door options, but thought I'd throw that out - I like options - I also like LOTS of doors. - I think we have 5 exterior doors in our house....I do like your idea of dutch doors - great for extra ventilation & breezes in the summer.

Thank you for sharing -

 

[aoxa]

FWIW - we built our house 20+ years ago - & used vinyl siding. At that time it was more expensive than traditional wood siding, but we wanted lower maintenance.

We've not regretted it - takes a power washer every few years to wash off the grime, & bits - but IMO that's much easier than ladders, & scrapping & painting, o my.

With what I know now - I think I would go with a somewhat darker color than our light blue, as the grime shows up pretty fast -- altho the too-dark colors will fade - so you kind of have to balance your color choice - pick carefully, you will be stuck with the color for awhile!

And we would have chosen a metal roof over the composition roof we have. We're getting to possible replacement in the next few years - probably another $15K investment - between the original cost of the roof & the cost to reroof, we could have paid for a metal roof. They are supposed to be noisier -tho, better in snow??? we're more a moderate clime.

As far as doors opening in, out or sliding -- is it possible to have a mix of styles -- whereby, if the slider is iced shut - you can opt to use the open-in (smaller door?) as a temporary egress?? Just a thought - maybe you're only talking about the main door options, but thought I'd throw that out - I like options - I also like LOTS of doors. - I think we have 5 exterior doors in our house....I do like your idea of dutch doors - great for extra ventilation & breezes in the summer.

Thank you for sharing -

We were thinking about shingles this time around. They should last 25-30 years (most are guaranteed for 25). I didn't like the metal roof. It leaked - it had little holes along it for something.. ventilation? Either way it leaked a little bit, and I didn't like the look of it either.

I wonder the price difference though. If it was quite a bit more for shingles I would go for metal roofing. I just don't know yet.

 

[silkieloverz123]

God Bless you ! my prayers are with you and your family! what a tragedy. so sorry, i just heard. i am silkieloverz mom. i have been following your beautiful photos for some time now and I cannot believe this horrible thing has happened to you.it is so obvious the love you have for all of your animals and you have my deepest sympathy for your losses. hang in there. God loves you and will help you with your rebuild. keep up the courage and keep those great photos coming .

 

[my sunwolf]

aoxa I am so sorry about your animals

I am now glad that I did not put out the tank de-icer for our cows with an extension cord. I was thinking about wiring up the shed but now I am not to sure I want to do it myself, and maybe will get an actual electrician to do it.

Please know that we are sending moral support your way while you rebuild.

 

[TheCrazyChick]

I am so glad to hear that you are immediately starting plans for your new barn. I have only had chickens for a few months, but also have 2 beloved golden doodle dogs, so I teared up when I saw what had happened to your flock and other animals, not to mention your barn. I'm glad you are healing and believe this rebuild will be a big part of that process to mend your heart. Best wished from me to you.

 

[aoxa]

Thank you guys for the moral support.

If I didn't start planning right away I would be consumed with everything that happened. This gives my mind something else to focus on.

I still haven't been able to look at any of my older photos yet. Just too painful.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Still loving the plan! Can't wait to see how it goes up!

 

[jdywntr]

Nice plans. So glad you were able to find something to keep yourself occupied. So sorry again about the loss.