*
Hey Mark,
Good advice on the historic end. I own a barn in Wisconsin.
It has historical value that would possibly qualify for
state programs that can give tax credits and valuable
advice. There are several groups here, one has a web site
that I haven’t looked at yet but maybe it could be of some
help to you. Try http://www.uwex.edu/lgc/barns/barns.htm or
email me and I’ll give you some of the names/phone numbers
that I have on file here for Wisconsin and maybe they would
have a connection in Jersey/Philly. My barn has some
structural problems but I believe it can be handled. If you
find a good source, let me know.
Good Luck,
MD
Replies
*
*We live in the densely-populated New Jersey suburbs outside Philadelphia but have just come across a large property with a 140 year old barn---probably the only one within some distance. The barn could make a terrific wood shop and seems structurally sound to me, but I realize I'm not really competent to tell, and in any case I'm going to need an expert to help me renovate the thing. So my question is, should I be looking for a general construction guy or are there specialists in barn construction and renovation?
*Mark,I live in the Philadelphia suburbs on the Pennsylvania side. There are definitely people around that specialize in farmhouse/barn restoration. I know of only one guy in my area (Bucks/Montgomery County) that does this.If I were you, I would talk to someone at the local lumber yard (NOT Home Depot!). They usually have good relationships with these contractors. Like most contractors they should have pictures and references, and in our line of work, references are key!Good luck,Greg
*Ditto Greg T's advice. Does the barn have any historical value .......is it on the National Register of Historical Places? That may have some bearing on how you renovate. I'd have it checked out thoroughly, too ...... once you start chasing rot, it can get expensive in a hurry.
*Hey Mark,Good advice on the historic end. I own a barn in Wisconsin. It has historical value that would possibly qualify for state programs that can give tax credits and valuable advice. There are several groups here, one has a web site that I haven't looked at yet but maybe it could be of some help to you. Try http://www.uwex.edu/lgc/barns/barns.htm or email me and I'll give you some of the names/phone numbers that I have on file here for Wisconsin and maybe they would have a connection in Jersey/Philly. My barn has some structural problems but I believe it can be handled. If you find a good source, let me know.Good Luck,MD