Barn Loft Conversion

[JesseTL]

Greeting GJers! I'm brand new to the forums. Names Jesse.

I did some quick poking around and didnt see my specific question so if it has already been answered somewhere on the site a point in the right direction would be appreciated

So here's the plan! My Girlfriends brother is having to move back home for a couple years due to some bad luck. But we wanted to give him a space that's all his own so he can escape the main house. So we are going to convert the loft of their horse barn into a pseudo-apartment. Its already been purposed into the "teenager dirty hang place" but we wanted to clean it up and make it livable.

This big question is where to start? I know its going to need some insulation, probably some sheetrock/drywall and the floor could use some TLC. We arent looking to make this place all "pintrest chic" but we would like it to not look like the top of a barn. Are there resources on this site or others that you know if that deal with this issue? Ive hit up google but i might not be asking the right questions since im not quite getting the guides that i want. This site seemed like the best resource that I came across so here I am.

Thanks for ANY direction you can point me in! Next time I am down at their place I will take some reference photos.

 

[tjdux]

Glad I read to the very end as the first thing inwas going to say is photos. That really makes or breaks the advice for this type of thing.

Are you planning to add in plumbing/bathroom?

Is there already HVAC in the building?

Whats the wiring situation? Easy access - already finished- non exhisting?

Streight walls or angled? Many old barns ive been in are angled gable roof which would make drywall a smidge more complicated.

Is the goal a big "man cave" just to chill and watch tv hang out withna few buds or are we talking full function apartment with bed room, kitchen, bath and living room?

Lots of guys here have done stuff like this before or at least general remodel work and it all relates so the resources are here. If you browse the shop builds look for keywords such as "polebarn living quarters" as there are a few builds that are shop/home under the same roof. That may be inspiring but not going to be step by step instructions though.

Good luck and definitely get us some photos and i expect you will get plenty of opinions.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[JesseTL]

Hey TJ Thanks for the quick response! We aren't going full apartment living, he will still have access to the main house for all of that. I suppose a man-cave style place would be an appropriate analogy. TV, futon, foosball table etc. no plumbing needed, no HVAC, we were thinking about a window unit to keep it somewhat comfortable (as much as possible in Georgia). There is wiring, lights, at least one outlet. Straight walls, At the moment they are bare studs with some ooold pink fiberglass insulation in between studs. Two vertically opening windows and one large loading bay door. The bottom floor is still used for their single horse. Though its rarely housed there unless its some nasty weather.

Your response will help me know what to look for the next time I'm up there. Take stock of what we are working with. Along with taking some pics.

 

[atch]

I hope that this turns out well. Back in my youth (read that "hippy days") I had friends living in barn lofts, chicken houses, storage sheds, attics and who knows where else that I can't remember. I don't care one way or the other, but be ready 'cause someone on here will undoubtedly ask about zoning ordinances, use permits, building permits, and a hundred other issues.

But back to your original question:

If you think that drywall might weigh more than the structure can handle you might consider using 1/4" OSB for the walls and ceilings; painted or not.

Also check out the load capacity of the wiring to see if it will power a window A/C unit.

Is the wiring strong enough to power a microwave oven too?

Would an outhouse adjacent to the barn be out of the question?

Does it get cold enough to warrant installing a small wood stove?

I'll probably lay awake tonight thinking of more things for you to consider.

Best wishes in making this happen.

 

[Dagny]

I made and lived in a house made inside a large dairy barn hay mow. I had everything including central air and a great view.