Deals with building/construction

[OHEARN.2012]

I didn't really know where to put this but I have a question. Is it possible/legal to live in a pole barn style building? I want to buy some land and it doesn't have any buildings but it does have a well and septic. I figured i could build a pole barn and live in it until i build a house.  But is it legal or what must be done to make it legal? Need someone of a greater knowledge to shed some light on this subject possibly some builders/contractors who deal with these types of codes everyday. Thanks Kyle

[camok10]

Aslong as it is inspected and an occupancy permit for the building is issued there should be no issues. But it will need plumbing inspected electrical inspected, septic must pass an inspection to be used or you'll more than likely need an enginered drain field. The well water must pass quality inspection. You would have about the same into makeing a live able pole barn as getting a modular house set on a foundation.

That being said what I would do is get get the pole barn inspected as a free standing structure with dirt floor and partial electric for lights. Once it passes that inspection run your plumbing in were you want it. Pour your concrete. And build the "house" part as you want it. This would also keep the property taxes from going up too because it wouldn't be a "finished" building.

[BigFrank]

I know a couple people in Tuscola county that have done this with no problems   just make shure you go threw the proper permits too build the structure other wise it will be considered a unapproved structure that wont bee insurable   if ya go too the building codes place there in caro they will give you a pamphlet with all the specs on what will meet codes   when I built mine for the electricall I had too have 5 or 6 outlets and 2 lights  or something goofy like that   but go and get the paperwork will answer a lot of you may have

[OHEARN.2012]

I understand that building it will cost a good amount but I have enough experience to do the construction my self. But I eventually plan on building a house of my own. Always preferred built with my own hands over built in a shop and pieced together. Yes modular homes are nice but it's still a modular home. Nothing better then stick built. But my philosophy on the pole barn would be building it with a living space above and later on down the road after I pay it off/father enough material to build a house. I would end up with a pole barn and I wouldn't have to spend that extra 15-20k on a pole barn after the house is built. So I the long run I would have what I want and it could serve as an extra source of income down the road. I would do it on the down low but as mentioned insurance could be a problem. And if I was to have a family that extra step would be worth the cost IMO. Let's just say I've done one or two under the table and they both turned out nice but the owners are taking risks with insurance of something was to happen. 

[BigFrank]

sounds like ya got a good plan going  go get the code specs  and go from there soo when its ruffed in and the inspector comes out it will pass as far as pole size/height of building and how many nails ya put in it    if your  thinking a 2 story barn  ya have too have 2 layers of 5/8 drywall on the ceiling and 2 ways too get out of it if its on fire  just somethings too think about

[OHEARN.2012]

That was my plan. 2 story monitor type barn. 30-36x54 with 12 ft sidewalls and 12 ft leantos or something around that. Livable space up stairs and a work shop downstairs

[Chevy Racer]

That was my plan. 2 story monitor type barn. 30-36x54 with 12 ft sidewalls and 12 ft leantos or something around that. Livable space up stairs and a work shop downstairs

A nicer used mopdular home is probobly going to be cheaper by time you figure all that out.  That is not a cheap barn your describing. Just a 30x40 unfinished is around $10K now days add concrete and theres another $5k+ alone.  I'd almost go for a modular or double wide set up first and build the barn later.

[camok10]

That was my plan. 2 story monitor type barn. 30-36x54 with 12 ft sidewalls and 12 ft leantos or something around that. Livable space up stairs and a work shop downstairs

A nicer used mopdular home is probobly going to be cheaper by time you figure all that out.  That is not a cheap barn your describing. Just a 30x40 unfinished is around $10K now days add concrete and theres another $5k+ alone.  I'd almost go for a modular or double wide set up first and build the barn later.

Plus if you do the modular it can always be sold and removed once your other buildings are finished. Or once the house you want to build is complete sell it and use the money for your pole barn

[OHEARN.2012]

That was my plan. 2 story monitor type barn. 30-36x54 with 12 ft sidewalls and 12 ft leantos or something around that. Livable space up stairs and a work shop downstairs

A nicer used mopdular home is probobly going to be cheaper by time you figure all that out.  That is not a cheap barn your describing. Just a 30x40 unfinished is around $10K now days add concrete and theres another $5k+ alone.  I'd almost go for a modular or double wide set up first and build the barn later.

Plus if you do the modular it can always be sold and removed once your other buildings are finished. Or once the house you want to build is complete sell it and use the money for your pole barn

see there isn enough room in the open area of the property to build a modular then build a stick built house. a 30x56x12 pole barn kit is just under 10 grand basically subtract rafters add floor joist 8 foot sidewalls. yes it might cost about the same but in the end it would be a completely finished polebarn. I could live in it until I pay it off and then plan to build a house. most f the cost would be in material. As I can do all the building and finish work. Plus after I build a house it could be an extra source of income. I don't plan on making this thing a mansion.

[OHEARN.2012]

But heres why im so negative about modulars and double wides. So far in my life my family and I have lived in two double wides. Built by reputable manufacturers, but within the first year or two of owning the first one we had a house fire which wasn't caused by us it was caused by faulty wiring. It burnt to the ground and we were left to clean up the ashes.  Soon after we were able to move back and have a new double wide brought in. And what do you know within a year or two of living there same problem with faulty wiring. it burnt down and we were left with nothing. We moved into a old farm house close to 100 years old stick built and havnt had any problems with it. Now I know plenty of people live in double wides but I have seen some stuff that just blows my mind in how cheaply built they are. I don't know if its just me but I prefer to build as much of my stuff as I can.

[4x4xdodgeman]

one thing if your building is going to be 12 ft you can't get 2 story out of it. no head room!! on 1 story. you be ducking a lot. (lights, cell fans)

[OHEARN.2012]

one thing if your building is going to be 12 ft you can't get 2 story out of it. no head room!! on 1 story. you be ducking a lot. (lights, cell fans)

itsf be two story engineered I joists will be in place of the roof rafters. A for 8 ft sidewalls on top of that.

[Swampthing]

 Living in a pole barn totally depends upon the local ordinances.  If they say you can great, but if they say no.  Then. no.   So the first step would be checking with the local  officials.

[OHEARN.2012]

would that be at the county level or township?

[Swampthing]

township first, then county. Gotta have the ok from both.