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My Geobarn

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Bull

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Farrbar, thank you very much. I think that I "get" what you are describing, too. The ends of the boards will just but up against the faces of the uncut rafters, and be toenailed, then, or nailed straight from the other side of the rafter face?

I had forgotten that that pic was already posted in this thread :lol_hitti
 
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PAToyota

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Here you go - I think you have the idea, but always better to illustrate:
h00045_01_lg.jpg


Although this opening is in the field of the roof, just imagine that it goes to the ridge and you can see the header on the lower side. They are using joist hangers - which is another good option from toenailing or throughnailing.
 

Bigger Hammer

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Holy **** that's a nice looking building. Nice to see you are leaving the natural wood finish. Maybe I'm assuming too much on you just using a clear sealer?

btw, if ever there was a building perfect for an old gas pump, yours is it.
 

Abodyracer

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First off, thank you :)

Are follow-up inspections common? Is there a time limit she is allowed? I don't like the idea of her just popping back into my life at her whim.

BTW, I believe she is unprofessional. This was her third time here, having failed me twice before for other issues. But, this was the first time she had said a word about the cupola. :wtf:

Where it was the final inspection and she signed off its unlikely that she will be back but anything is possible.
 
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Bull

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PAToyota, that pics helps a lot, thank you. I see the use of those metal "ties" which I wasn't even thinking of.

Bigger Hammer, are you asking if I am leaving the wood totally unfinished? I can't quite tell. I did not get to coat it before the cold hit, so I am going to let the wood "season" for the winter, and then hit the building up with some linseed oil come spring. I hope the wood doesn't get too silver by that time...I like the golden hue.
 

Wilbur

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Absolutely beautiful building! As for the inspector, while she could come back and be a PITA its more likely if/when you ever wanted to sell the property or something that it might cause a problem. All that aside it is best to put a header on and its not that difficult to do as you can see from the pic posted on it.

A buddy of mine who is in construction always leaves an easy fix for the inspector to find. Alot of inspectors don't leave until they find "something" to ...um....complain about (they are paid to make inspections and alot of them are just hard asses looking for something to complain about) so he leaves something undone that is relatively easy to fix hoping they don't come up with some nonsensical thing that will cost a lot more to fix. Just a thought for others in the building process waiting for an inspection.
 

rmchevelle

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Bull,

Very nice building. Thanks for sharing. I'm not that far from you.

If I can ask, what did it cost you to build it?

Do you ever make any of the cruises in the area?
 
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Thanks for the recent replies, guys. Chevelle, I'll send you a PM
 

feedyurhed

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It really is a stunner and a work of art !! Just beautiful. Frankly it's everything I have been looking for and would want in a garage/barn. Thanks for keeping informed with your progress and don't stop now. It's my turn to check out the Geobarn site now.
 
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Bull

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It really is a stunner and a work of art !! Just beautiful. Frankly it's everything I have been looking for and would want in a garage/barn. Thanks for keeping informed with your progress and don't stop now. It's my turn to check out the Geobarn site now.

Thanks so much for the kind words. I love looking at my barn every single day, usually more than once! lol You can read my testimonial letter on the Geobarns website to get a feel for how the experience impacted my life.

I will post updates when I have them. Wiring the place will be pretty pricey, but hopefully I will have that done by spring, then I can insulate it and finish the interior.
 
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rmchevelle

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Thanks so much for the kind words. I love looking at my barn every single day, usually more than once! lol You can read my testimonial letter on the Geobarns website to get a feel for how the experience impacted my life.
After I posted the other day I read your nice comments. Here's a link to it for anyone else who wants to check it out: http://www.geobarns.com/DD-detail.htm

I think there are some additional build pics there, too.
 

BuickFarmer

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"Oh I see."...Said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw. So this is your barn eh Bull? I had seen it earlier and showed it to my wife. Her response..."Don't even think about it" Love that design and the workmanship is unseen in todays world. Seriously it makes me want to start all over. Maybe when I retire...

What kind of wood is the siding and framing. have you sealed it yet? I have cedar siding on my barn and never put anything on it although I probably should have.

I also like the old barn you saved. Atta boy!!!:thumbup:
 
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Bull

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Thanks, Farmer :) George would be proud to hear your compliments of his design and craftsmanship. He's built some stuff down south, most recently in Virginia. If you look at his gallery on the Geobarns website, you can see his other work. My structure is modest compared to some he's built.

As for framing and siding materials, I am embarrassed to say my brain fails me at the moment. For the siding, I had a choice between Doug Fir and something else, a less expensive wood I believe. I chose the less expensive wood, but can't recall what it is...might even be pine? For the timbers, let me look at my contract and see if it specifies.

I have not applied a preservative to the siding yet. Come spring, I will, and it will be linseed oil, maybe mixed with mineral spirits. It would be a shame to hide this natural wood look behind a color!
 
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No new progress, really. Still waiting on electrical to get done, but other projects around here have taken precedence.

But, I took some pics the other day after shuffling some cars around, and am fond of this one.

GeoBarnPY.jpg
 

floyd

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Bull - George Abetti left my house this am with a signed contract. If all goes well, he'll start on 22 April. I'm going with a 30X40 and will post progress pics in a separate thread. Sweet!!!
 
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Bull - George Abetti left my house this am with a signed contract. If all goes well, he'll start on 22 April. I'm going with a 30X40 and will post progress pics in a separate thread. Sweet!!!

Floyd, that is absolutely AWESOME news! I'm sure you know now from dealing with him what a great guy he is, and that will continue to be the case during the build. I don't know what his southern crews are like, but if they are anything like the two guys I worked with, you will love every minute of the experience (building inspectors and other hassles aside, of course.)

I can't wait to follow your progress thread.

I'm glad that my thread on here had some influence on your decision...welcome to the GeoBarn family. :)
 

wrigh003

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Wow.

"That's a pretty building" isn't necessarily something that gets said around here a lot, but you sure got one. Seal that wood up this spring so it stays looking nice.

I REALLY like the cantilevered roof on the side- not having posts there on the exterior seems like it would be super useful (easy to park the tractor/ lawnmower/ ATV/ whatever).
 
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Bull

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Thank you for the kind words.

I found some high quality, all natural boiled linseed oil online that I will be purchasing to get my barn coated in the next month or two.

The overhang really does come in handy, although I wish I had made it even a bit wider. I park my truck under there in poor weather, with still plenty of room to spare, lengthwise. George can also do decks/balconies on his structures with this cantilevered design, which I think is pretty awesome.


Wow.

"That's a pretty building" isn't necessarily something that gets said around here a lot, but you sure got one. Seal that wood up this spring so it stays looking nice.

I REALLY like the cantilevered roof on the side- not having posts there on the exterior seems like it would be super useful (easy to park the tractor/ lawnmower/ ATV/ whatever).
 

onemoretry

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Bull - George Abetti left my house this am with a signed contract. If all goes well, he'll start on 22 April. I'm going with a 30X40 and will post progress pics in a separate thread. Sweet!!!

Well George invited me over to Floyd's (I think, thank you Floyd for letting me come over). He is coming to my house this weekend to discuss details. If all goes well, I'll have a couple of buildings before long. Thanks Bull and Floyd, though I don't know if my wife will thank you...
Cheers
 
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Snowbound

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Wow, what a nice job you have done on the barn! That is exactly what I would want on a vacation property with living quarters up top and parking below.

A word of caution on linseed oil. Make sure you use a product with UV inhibitors or the wood will still turn silver/grey/black. If you want to keep it that beautiful natural golden colour, look into Sikkens brand of finishes. It is highley recommended to log home owners around here.

BTW, nice ponchos!
 

floyd

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Well George invited me over to Floyd's (I think, thank you Floyd for letting me come over). He is coming to my house this weekend to discuss details. If all goes well, I'll have a couple of buildings before long. Thanks Bull and Floyd, though I don't know if my wife will thank you...
Cheers
Garth - You're welcome. Give me a call when you have time and I can fill you in on process from my perspective.
 

res

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bull: i'm looking to build a24 x 32 barn /house with basement workshop. I met with George at Geobarns. You still like the structure? Would do you anything different?

res
 

JC23

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Bull, you must be happier than a kid with two weiners! That is just flat out awesome. And to have it look like a barn, too!

The pressure is on, my man. You're gonna have to let us know about every nail, screw and piece of wood you drop in there.

We is jealous...
 

Robbo

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can i ask why the framming in the wall is done ata 45 degree angle?
nice build, looks like something i would do.

Per post #3:


Yes, the diagonal framing is a unique feature of the Geobarn. I love the way it looks, and it is much stronger than regular vertical framing. It eliminates the need to sheath the building, so you can just nail the shiplap directly to the studs.
 

blue dog

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Hi Steve, thanks for your reply.

The two bays in the front of the structure will have 7' ceilings. The bay at the back has 12'. I was originally going to put a lift back there, but don't think I have the room.

Yes, the diagonal framing is a unique feature of the Geobarn. I love the way it looks, and it is much stronger than regular vertical framing. It eliminates the need to sheath the building, so you can just nail the shiplap directly to the studs.

I am at a bit of a loss as to how diagnal framming is stronger then conventional framming. From what i can see this style would never pass code in los angeles. especially the way it is frammed around the windows and doors.
Still, it looks great.
 
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Bull

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Wow, I didn't know this thread had come alive again after all this time!

bull: i'm looking to build a24 x 32 barn /house with basement workshop. I met with George at Geobarns. You still like the structure? Would do you anything different?

Please tell George that Dave from MA says "hello" would you? :)

I do indeed still love the structure, absolutely. Things I would do differently? Build a larger barn (not that I could afford to, anyway) and get mine painted ASAP once the build was finished. I still haven't found time to paint mine, so the weather is causing some of the pine siding boards to split down low, where they are always getting wet and drying out.

Bull, I really like the design of this. Very sharp looking.

Thank you sir, I appreciate that. :)

Bull, you must be happier than a kid with two weiners! That is just flat out awesome. And to have it look like a barn, too!

The pressure is on, my man. You're gonna have to let us know about every nail, screw and piece of wood you drop in there.

We is jealous...

Yes, I have loved the structure since the first beams went up on day one of construction. Working with George, Andrew, and Justin remains one of the best experiences of my life. The inside is no longer so new, uncluttered, and pristine. I have been slowly pecking away at insulating it and now getting OSB up on the walls. I will post a pic or two when it isn't so embarrassingly messy in there.

Sounds like you had a great experience! Beautiful building!! :)

Yes, it was an unexpectedly great experience. George is a real special kind of man/businessman, and the crew that I worked with was perfect.

I am at a bit of a loss as to how diagnal framming is stronger then conventional framming. From what i can see this style would never pass code in los angeles. especially the way it is frammed around the windows and doors.
Still, it looks great.

I'm not much of a math-type person. But, my limited understanding of geometry and whatnot is that there is strength in triangles/diagonals, which this framing is all about. The diagonals do not allow the building to "rack" and as I mentioned allow you to put down your weather wrap and then apply the siding, no plywood skin necessary.

Think of a floppy piece of sheet metal. Put it in a brake and bend it on the diagonal once, or twice to make an "X" and it is no longer floppy.

Or if you have a wall that is leaning to one side, and you straighten it, what kind of bracing do you put up to make sure it doesn't lean again? Why, diagonal of course!

Maybe George or someone with a better grasp of geometry or physics could explain it more convincingly.

I would not be surprised if the structure did not pass code in LA. I mean, you guys have earthquakes and whatnot. My town is unbelievably strict, though, and it passed here just fine. George also builds across the country, so I am sure that he can build to suit whatever peculiarities the local codes have.
 

Stuart in MN

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In the days before plywood when they had to use individual boards for sheathing, it wasn't unusual to see it installed at a 45 degree angle. Subfloors were often done the same way.
 

blue dog

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I get the triangle geometry thing, just look at the pictures around the windows and doors, most city codes would not be ok with that. headers and king and trimmer studs., just not getting it and i have been framming homes for twenty years. I get that things are done different in different places, but this is nothing like what i have done or seen in my area. I love the look of the building, just that the framming is not what i am used to. I do build in a high earthquake area , and the engineering here is very strict compared to a lot of places.
 

walrus

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I get the triangle geometry thing, just look at the pictures around the windows and doors, most city codes would not be ok with that. headers and king and trimmer studs., just not getting it and i have been framming homes for twenty years. I get that things are done different in different places, but this is nothing like what i have done or seen in my area. I love the look of the building, just that the framming is not what i am used to. I do build in a high earthquake area , and the engineering here is very strict compared to a lot of places.

Its a post and beam building, take the diagonal studding out and the building continues to stand without an issue. Its put in for added strength and for finishing but its designed to stand without it. Post and beam are very common in New England especially in barn design, been used for centuries around here. Originally they were built without nails, only wooden pegs. The joints where the beam and posts meet were so tight they were essentially one piece of wood. For barns it make sense as you can have a huge room for hay storage
 
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Bull

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This is all true, yes. Perhaps I should have earlier emphasized that it is a form of post and beam. I wasn't thinking that people in other parts of the country might be less familiar with what here is a long-standing building method.

Its a post and beam building, take the diagonal studding out and the building continues to stand without an issue. Its put in for added strength and for finishing but its designed to stand without it. Post and beam are very common in New England especially in barn design, been used for centuries around here. Originally they were built without nails, only wooden pegs. The joints where the beam and posts meet were so tight they were essentially one piece of wood. For barns it make sense as you can have a huge room for hay storage
 
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Bull

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Very nice!

Thank you!

I was just asking ,due to the fact that i am not familiar with it. Do you have plans to insulate and drywall?

No, questions are good! Don't worry about asking them. I just don't think I am convincing enough in my answers about the framing because I am not an expert in this area.

I have insulated some of the walls so far, and put up 7/16 OSB on one wall. Due to limitations on time and money, finishing the inside is a long and gradual process.

Here are some pics of one wall that I did recently.

100_4594.jpg


100_4819.jpg
 

JC23

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Bull,

Any new updates on the BullBarn? Or would it be the Bull Pen? Naw, Pen sounds too small.
 

BSAschields

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Bull,

Very nice building. Thanks for sharing.

If I can ask, what did it cost you to build it?

I would love to know the basic cost as well.... Just up to the part that you can do yourself.... Cause that would be my plan too....Do as much as I can myself to save money. General figure to the nearest 1000 or so.... Need to have a goal for the piggy bank before I waste Geobarn's time ....

Thanks
Wade
 
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