TIFFANY LAKOSKY ON LIVING IN A POLE BARN

I just had to ask, and Tiffany laughed as she began to tell the story of how her and her husband Lee ended up living in a pole barn/house.

“Lee drew it, to be honest. We were out at a bar one evening and he drew it on a napkin. Its so funny because we were never going to live here, we never started out doing this. We lived up in Minnesota and we had a very nice life up there. Lee had a very good job up there, and I had a good job up there. This wasn’t something we were actually going to do.Our house that we live in now was just going to be a hunting shack where we would come down on the weekends and when we had time off. So once Lee had quit his job, we were like wow, we better make this alittle nicer so we just made it alittle nicer inside. Still as a whole, we dont have a basement and everybody has basements where we come from! We only have two bedrooms, our closets are small – its nothing we would’ve necessarily designed if we were ever going to live here like this. So yes, we were just at a bar one day having a cocktail, and Lee drew it on a napkin! “

For more of my interview with Tiffany keep checking back for the full article to be posted very soon!

Reply

Mark Thomas

Posted September 9, 2008 at 6:02 PM

Cool!

I’ve seen parts of it on their show and it looks pretty nice to me. But, then I’m a guy – of course I like it.

Think if they have any kids. One day they’ll run out the door (leaving it open) and Tiff or Lee will say, “HEY – were you raised in a barn?!” and they’ll yell back, “YEA!!”. That’s funny right there.
Reply

Sarrah Knapp

Posted September 9, 2008 at 6:05 PM

Mark – that one had me laughing out loud! Dad use to say that to me all the time and just once Id love to have something to say back to him! Thanks for stopping by!
Reply

Mark (Jeremiah Johnson)

Posted September 10, 2008 at 5:24 AM

Oh, darlin’, I grew up in Kentucky and southern Indiana – believe me I’ve heard it a time or two.

This is a cool site Sarah – trying to get my darlin’ wife to be more active on the ‘puter. She’s practicing bow with me almost every evening now.

Tiff’s a hoot.
Reply

Dan "Beyond Backpacks"

Posted September 10, 2008 at 8:38 PM

Being a city boy, we don’t see many barns unless we drive a couple of hours (upstate) as we call it in New York.
But my mother was raised in Italy on a farm and as a kid when i walked out the door and left it open she got me with the same exact line.. but in Italian!!and my answer was NO but you were and i would make a moooo-ing sound to mock her..small world..
great site Sarrah, send me some info about putting a banner up..
Reply

Corey

Posted September 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM

Nice……..where did you get the idea to ask her that?
Reply

carl

Posted December 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM

Is it legal to live in a pole barn? When it is built on a residential property ?
Reply

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Posted July 5, 2009 at 9:16 PM

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ashlee

Posted July 21, 2009 at 6:23 PM

We love your house and even thought of building one!! Wish you had a site with more pictures of yours so we could get more ideas!
Reply

carl

Posted July 21, 2009 at 7:04 PM

Found out theres nothing they can do about it . I live in a pole barn building residential, there is no law against it. I can send you pictures if you would like. I have my shop here and live here!
Carl
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Richard

Posted September 11, 2009 at 2:56 PM

Lee

Living in a pole barn is fantastic… I also built my own from my own design and have since built another for a friend. I noticed you are in need of some concrete work and that’s what we do — here’s a deal you might be interested in. My son and I are avid hunters I’ll try and include some pictures of our farm and deer we have taken on it in Indiana, but we are willing to provide the labor if you provide the concrete….. and for a few days of hunting on your property you could have a floor in your garage, some nice sidewalks and maybe an apron in front of the building — no really I live my life very similar to you…. ate up with deer hunting – goal is to take a 200 inch deer on one of our farms here in Indiana…. we have the habitat and geographic location – been concentrating on food plots, minerals and harvesting does. Seeing lots of 150 to 165 deer this year on our trail cams.

My son harvested a 175 inch 8 pointer in Canada a few years ago – Baitmasters web-ste

I’d love to send you pictures of our pole barn home and trophy room —- love what you’re doing for our sport — wish you all the good fortune you are due…..

Sincerely
Rich and Brian Knippenberg
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Joe fox

Posted March 14, 2010 at 6:07 PM

would love to have plans for a pole barn house thanks mnhorseman@hotmail.com we met lee and his wife at country splash last yr they were down to earth people just got a lucky break as his camera man told me we edit a lot ……smiles jokeing thanks
Reply

chris green

Posted June 12, 2010 at 9:33 AM

i think it is cool and iam going to make a house like that when i grow up.
Reply

Jason

Posted July 20, 2010 at 11:14 AM

I would love to have some pics/plans of a pole barn for a house. Could somebody shoot me some info to j_unzicker@yahoo.com
I would greatly appreciate it.
Reply

Dayna Hooverson

Posted July 25, 2010 at 9:24 PM

I would also love pictures of pole barn house and plans if someone is willing to send me some. Thanks
Reply

Dayna Hooverson

Posted July 25, 2010 at 9:24 PM

oops our email is dayna_brian41345@hotmail.com
Reply

Linda Moore

Posted August 30, 2010 at 11:09 AM

I am looking to build a pole barn house, but unsure of the the inside layout. I would like some pictures, ideas. I am hoping to build it as 1/2 house and 1/2 showroom for collector cars. Sure could use some help! Thanks for any pictures, ideas, thoughts, etc..
Reply

Rich

Posted August 30, 2010 at 8:23 PM

Linda I built my own live in it and have in half and half. Stated from a 40 by 80 pole barn and wanted to include a trophy room in the living part…. My wife and I love it. If I could get your e-mail address I’ll send you pictures. I built another for a neighbor and can get pictures of it too. When you get serious there are a few options you should be aware of including the fact that there are 2 different procedures for roofing and attaching the purlins to the sides – I would recommend the style that gives you the option of a cathedral ceiling or loft …..
Reply

Dayna Hooverson

Posted August 30, 2010 at 9:55 PM

Rich,
Could you email us pictures… dayna_brian41345@hotmail.com
We are actually just startin the planning process for a pole barn house with a loft and need some ideas.
Reply

Linda Moore

Posted September 9, 2010 at 8:19 AM

Rich I would love to see some pictures and more info. My email is moorel@wmh.org.
We are thinking about 40 X 80 with a loft (16′ ceiling to accomodate the loft).
Reply

Jerry

Posted September 17, 2010 at 2:15 PM

Rich,

Could you also send me some pics. Would love to get some ideas. jbryant@hotmail.com

thanks,
Jerry
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yiwu agent

Posted September 20, 2010 at 1:30 AM

Being a city boy, we don’t see many barns unless we drive a couple of hours (upstate) as we call it in New York.
But my mother was raised in Italy on a farm and as a kid when i walked out the door and left it open she got me with the same exact line.. but in Italian!!and my answer was NO but you were and i would make a moooo-ing sound to mock her..small world..
great site Sarrah, send me some info about putting a banner up..
Reply

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Posted October 27, 2010 at 3:20 PM

Excellent topics. After long searching I found this online that, 10 Barn plans – Download Immediately – Blueprints Complete Construction Documents Only $29.97 . Each of these plans were custom plans that averaged in price of around $250 per plan. his is a limited internet only deal.
Reply

Don

Posted December 6, 2010 at 2:32 PM

I am very interested in some pictures of the pole barns/houses. I have been trying to talk wife into this option for past couple years. Would love to have some photos to show her as reference. Please email any photos if possible.

Thanks in advance,

Don
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nathan

Posted January 16, 2011 at 1:47 PM

Rich i am starting to build my barn house in june and still looking for some ideas if u could send me any pics and dementions to nathanchrapowick@yahoo.com thats would be great. thanks nate
Reply

Don

Posted January 16, 2011 at 9:38 PM

I have plans to build a pole barn/house and live in it with my family. Am interested in some plans and/or pictures of anyone’s houses they’ve built. Please email any to dreambig11@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance,

Don
Reply

Rich

Posted January 16, 2011 at 10:06 PM

Nathan

I really don’t have construction pictures but I’ll share with you some things to think about — I’ve built 2 pole barns and constructed living quarters in several for friends and neighbors —–

Number 1 —— Have a plan – know what you want and design accordingly – porch / cathedral / lofts etc….

Number 2 —— Decide on the construction methodology – there are 2 processes that I know of

1. Face nail your purlins to poles and use standard truss

2. Or invert your purlins and nail to blocks —- when used this method also provides cathedral ceilings and a much easier way of constructing your overhangs – I like 2 ft overhangs looks more finished and has more curb appeal

Number 3 —— Remember that your savings comes from ease of exterior finish and foundation – try not to complicate your plan by moving away from these principals save your money by staying true to the pole barn concept and spend the extra cash on fixing up the interior

Number 4 —— During the construction phase do everything you can to anticipate how to seal your living quarters from bugs and drafts – simply done by use of 30 mil plastic, tyvek and paying attention to how you fold the material

Number 5 —— Stick with your plan

Number 6 —— Don’t forget about Craig’s list and other such places to get your building materials during such economic times

Number 7 —— Shop around for your metal there are significant differences by geographic area….. Your timing is pretty good for price right now

Number 8 —— Just to give you an idea the last building I built I got an estimate first for a 40 x 60 pole barn $42,000 2 ft overhangs, gutters 2 color 2 entry doors and 2 10×12 garage doors —— did it myself for $18,000 and only had my wife to help —- my son does concrete work and
provided me with the floor at cost however

Number 9 —— I pre-cut everything before I started —- worked out great —- keeps you square and gave me something to do in the winter had everything labeled and strategically placed in the yard – set my posts and had at it —– real help came one day when my neighbor seen what I was
doing and brought his utility truck home from Duke Energy and helped me set my trusses —- but I had a plan that I can explain if you are interested – uses boat winches and simply lifts them using the poles ……

Number 10 —– I can send you a picture of the outside – and the interior to help you out —– have a lot of friends duplicating what I built and like I said have built 2 for my neighbors —- they love em too….

Number 11 —– Really think about your heating / cooling system and how you are going to run your ductwork — plan it in your plan

Good luck — build something you’ll be proud of and write me anytime for any problem resolution ideas or just brainstorming – make it a fun Project
Reply

Karen

Posted February 2, 2011 at 11:52 PM

Rich:

Would you recommend radiant flooring? We were wondering how you went about HVAC? We are looking for land right now to build a Morton Building. Would you possibly send your pics to karenw20@charter.net

Thanks!
Reply

nathan

Posted February 3, 2011 at 2:04 PM

Rich,
thanks for the info so far gave me some great ideas. Have a few more questions for you. first im thinking im going to do radiant floor heating with a outdoor wood burner cause i have unlimited amount of firewood. so i just need to figure out what to do about AC. Did u just put 2×6 at 16″ OC between the poles to put up your drywall? or did u do something like log cabin or barn siding on the inside? im looking at doing drywall on part and barn siding on part. some pictures of the outside and inside would be great and would help a lot. My friend will be doing my floor with me and i have things to do the trusses or gamble roof if i decide to go that way unless you have a better idea of how to get cathedral ceilings with out it being gamble.

Thanks nathan chrapowicki
Reply

Rich

Posted February 3, 2011 at 10:24 PM

Nathan

I’d like to give you the details of how I used both drywall and toungue and groove white pine to finish off my building — can you provide your e-mail

Rich
Reply

nathan

Posted February 4, 2011 at 10:22 PM

Rich,

My email is nathanchrapowicki@yahoo.com
Thanks,Nate
Reply

Rich

Posted February 5, 2011 at 10:02 AM

Karen / Nathan

Hope you got my e-mail. But floors always seemd to be an issue – everyone has concerns about the concrete creating oold floors — Here’s what I did

1. Used 1 1/2″ blue foam cut in 2 ft strips along the perimeter of my building before I installed the concrete – this serves as a frost varrier.

2. Then I used 30 mil plastic as a vapor barrior on the complete floor. This prevents the moisture from the ground under the concrete from geting into your living quarters…

3. Now we poured the concrete.

4. I wanted a combination of carpet, tile and wood floors. I wanted something rustic so I chose 1 1/2 white pine tounge and groove.

5. I used 3/4 pressure treated 1×3’s, glued and power nailed them to the concrete on 2 ft centers, installed 3/4 blue board between the firring strips and nailed my white pine floor directly to these firring strips…..

6. Now where I wanted tile I used 3/4 plywood and concrete board and the tile thickness to make them level as I recall in used plywood and multiple layers of different sized concrete board to make it come out level —– it’s been 10 years not one crack or missing grout yet… so it worked.

7. Now where I used carpet I made sure we used a high quality pad – one with a vapor barrior built in – ask your carpet dealer and a plush carpet —- I installed this completely throughout a 12 by 40 area directly over the concrete — I then made my own thresholds cut on an angle to meet the higher floor where the wood is installed – made these thresholds out of the same material as my wood floor …. sounds a little cheesy but no one ever notices it and no one has ever tripped ,,,,

House is very warm and the tile has never been cold even with bare feet — so I just wanted to give you some alternatives to radient heating —- to think about. Like I said it’s been 10 years now and we are as happy as the day I built mine and none of the tile has shown any sign of cracking or grout craking—–

You guys can do this —- just think about every detail plan it out — and stay with your plan —- I have tongue and grove white pine walls and ceiling in my trophy room with carpet floors —- love it —
Reply

Cassie

Posted February 7, 2011 at 9:46 AM

Rich,

My husband and I have been exploring the idea of building a pole barn house. We are excited about the idea but our children have reservations. They can’t picture what it will look like. I would love to see you pictures if you would share them. Thank you. My email is chowellphsrn@hotmail.com.
Reply

Pat

Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:19 PM

Rich,

Hello. Thank you for all of your ideas. I wondered if you would send me pics of your house as well. Thank you.

pwidger@m3isp.com

Pat
Reply

Carla

Posted February 27, 2011 at 9:49 PM

WOW–My husband and I have the dream as well of building a pole barn–We are a bit overwhelmed right now after reading these emails!! Kudos to the man who built his for 18,000–WOW!! Can you please come to Kansas and build ours!!!! Amazing! GREAT work! We would love any plans and pictures! We would also love any advice for just starting this process!!! Thanks for your time and help!!!

My email is carl_faye@yahoo.com! Thanks again for your help! Carla
Reply

Annette

Posted March 9, 2011 at 11:52 AM

My husband and I let the barn building company put up poles and roof for our “pole barn home”. We are going to finish the rest. Would like to correspond with others who are on the same adventure. Need lots of advice.
Reply

Karen

Posted March 9, 2011 at 11:58 AM

Annette:

That is the same route we are hoping to take. Get the Shell up and we build the HOUSE ourself. We know so many people in the construction business that we feel this is the best for us. Good Luck! By the way – Where are you located? We are in Missouri.
Reply

Rich

Posted March 9, 2011 at 12:09 PM

Annette

I’ve been living in ours for about 5 years now and love it. I’m always available to give advice and have shared a lot of emails with others in the past….. I’m retired now and living the hunting lifestyle and enjoy every moment — if I can be of any help just drop me a note — I’ve built mine and 2 others for friends.

Rich
Reply

Karen

Posted March 9, 2011 at 12:10 PM

Rich is a great source of info. Living the life I want to live. Thanks Rich!!!!
Reply

Mathew

Posted March 13, 2011 at 12:43 AM

Hey Rich,
I am interested in this also, has anyone gone 60ft wide or is that way to big, also whats the max width you can go to keep the vaulted ceilings?
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Posted April 10, 2011 at 4:13 PM

really interested in getting some help annette we are planning to do one ourselves!!
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