Pole barn in central Florida

[wmchurch]

We have a vacation place in central Florida just south of Ocala (Sumter county) and we're itching to build a pole barn/shop.

Looking for any guidance for anyone in that area that's done something like this before. I'm on the fence of subbing it out or doing it myself. I'm capable of doing it myself but if there's a good crew out there that does good work I'd definitely consider it.

My thought is to do something like a 24'x60' at 14' h, and then two shed roofs off that at 12'x40'. Initially i'd want to enclose roughly a a 24'x20' section for a wood shop and then enclose more at some point.

Trying to figure out things like permitting, plans, insurance, all that good stuff.

Some things I'm trying to decide on:

- Burying posts vs perma-column wetset brackets (from what I've seen around the area, everyone is burying posts).
- Insulation? I want to mini-split the 20x24. Thoughts on enclosing and insulating that? I think my finish for the walls would end up being hardi or smartside, something like that. More than likely I'd have ZIP R-3 as the sheathing (kind of as a test/rehearsal for what we want for a house later). We would add additional insulation to supplement the ZIP R-3, its mostly to act as a thermal break.
- Recommendation for concrete finishing in the area?
- What am I not thinking about?

 

[billconner]

I'd bury the poles but you should use posts meeting UC4C pressure treatment. They'll outlast you and are stronger than any bracket.

If you buy a kit - like from Hanson Buildings - you'll get plans sealed by a registered design professional which should make building permit easier. Zoning is local - look at the zoning code for setbacks and height restrictions.

You'll have to decide if you can diy. I am completing my 28 x 32 stick frame - solo build except for two weeks my son was here - and you save a lot. I'm around $20/sf w/o slab, and at least double or triple that if all contracted. ymmv

 

[IRQVET]

I’m learning that alot of places in Florida require a 170 MPH rating, which can equate to 8x8’s buried 4 feet below grade. But I think you can go with 6x6’s provided it isn’t very tall or the pole barn isn’t very big.

 

[wmchurch]

I’m learning that alot of places in Florida require a 170 MPH rating, which can equate to 8x8’s buried 4 feet below grade. But I think you can go with 6x6’s provided it isn’t very tall or the pole barn isn’t very big.

Thats funny because I was already leaning toward 8x8 at 4’ so that’s good… I’m going back and forth between 12’ and 14’ eave height for at least one section. I have an Airstream we’re rehabbing and would like it to easily fit with some headroom. 12 would work but 14 would be better.

Hanson is looking like a good option, especially for the engineering / stamp. Keep the ideas coming!

 

[MushCreek]

Having lived in areas with strict rules, I always seek out the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) to find out what the rules are. Zoning, set-backs, and current building codes. I'm originally from CT (The You-can't-do-that state), then moved to Seminole FL, where you had to build to extreme wind speeds. When I moved to rural SC, it was a relief to have a very easy-going county building department.

When I built my 28X48X12 stick-framed barn here, I hired out the shell, as it was way too big for one man working alone. In 5 days it was dry to the weather. I did 90% of the work on our ICF home, but it took me a year to complete the outside; three years to finish everything.

 

[Youngandfree]

You can always buy plastic post savers that slide over the bottom of the pole before it goes in the ground.

 

[karoc]

Check out YouTube Kellys Country Life

https://youtube.com/c/TheKelleysCountryLife

He built his self Pole Barn in Florida, very inspiring

 

[oldcarpenter]

There are plenty of pole barn suppliers and install crews in the area. I am building a 5000 sf now.Reeds Metals out of horseshoe beach is my supplier.

 

[IRQVET]

Thats funny because I was already leaning toward 8x8 at 4’ so that’s good… I’m going back and forth between 12’ and 14’ eave height for at least one section. I have an Airstream we’re rehabbing and would like it to easily fit with some headroom. 12 would work but 14 would be better.

Hanson is looking like a good option, especially for the engineering / stamp. Keep the ideas coming!

I’d go 14 incase you get a boat, it is FLorida after all, and you’ll want to keep future options open, lol.