Removing pole barn poles and modifying trusses questions.
I might be tearing down a pole barn and rebuilding it at another location. It’s only ten or fifteen years old, and in pretty good shape, so I plan on rebuilding it on my property to use as a workshop. I would like to reuse as much as possible, including the poles. They’re sunk 48″ in the ground now, and I dont think there is any concrete around them. I’m hoping there is a way I can pull them without damaging them. I have access to a skid steer and thought there might be some way to pull them with the bucket. I’ve never done this before, need some ideas.
My other question is related to the trusses. The existing building is 24′ x 24′. Without a variance, I can only fit an 18′ x 24′ barn on my property. If that’s the case then I would have to buy new trusses or modify the old ones. By ‘modify’, I guess what I really mean is that I would have to take each one apart, and rebuild it at the smaller dimension. How difficult/expensive is this? Is it worth the aggravation, or better to just buy new trusses or frame it with rafters?
Replies
dp
if one of the dimensions is 24 on your new structure, why can't you use the 24' trusses you have -minus the ones you don't need?
I'm considering doing that, I just wasn't sure how it would look. That probably is the simplest solution. I'd rather not give up the 6' difference (18' width vs 24' width), but I was told it costs $400 to apply for a variance, and nothings guaranteed. Trying to work out a lot of variables now, and guys on this forum are always helpful.
dp
"not sure how it would look".
Maybe you misunderstood me. It will look the same. Only be shorter (18ft.)
The trusses you are salvaging are on a 24 ft building. You have one side that is 24'. Outside of the ridge running a different way (perhaps), it'll be the same.
Cal's got a good question... can you orient the ridge 90 degrees?
As for pulling poles, can you rent an excavator attachment for the skidsteer? I think it would make digging and pole-pulling easier.
Modifying trusses = Bad idea. Don't even think about it.