Value of 100 Year Old Frame

What would be the approximate value of a 100 year old 40x62 foot timber frame dairy barn dismantled and stored in two semi-trailers? Hybrid construction using steel rods as tension members in free-span 40 foot long trusses giving a fully open 40x62 foot deck. I dismantled it in 2008 wanting to reconstruct it on my farm, but haven't had the funds to do it. How much would a new timber frame barn of this size cost to build?

More photos here: Rack Family Barn

Hi Rick,

With a vintage frame like this already dismantled, they typically loose value unless well documented and taken "de-constructed" by a "Historic Restoration Specialist."

That said, this is not an overly unique frame, not that old or complicated, and if in a good condition (like reflected in the photos) then I doubt this has lost much value at all.

As for price, the national averages that I track would suggest that this frame would cost in the range of $25 to $35 per square foot (grade level only.)...

Hope that helps...

Regards,

j

Thanks for the info.
As a member of the Friends of Ohio Barns, I was alerted of the need to label the frame pieces by bent and position. Nailed on aluminum plates with laser printed labels (the laser printer carbon toner shouldn't fade like inkjet ink might). Didn't do the rafters, and may have missed a few wind braces, but being turn of the century sawn, many pieces are probably interchangeable.
David Now, the contractor I hired to do the crane work dismantling the frame, had worked on the reconstruction of the Muhlhauser Barn for the village of West Chester, Ohio. He said this barn had some similarities to that one.

As I'm sure you know, it's worth what someone is willing to pay. And to that end, anything you can do to show it's construction, be it photos, a computer model, or a physical model all help. Also the more assurance that it will go together correctly helps. Show how it was dismantled and cataloged helps. Are you able to help re-erect it? Was there any damaged members or joints that need to be repaired or replaced? Was the frame straight? If not it has to be straightened in that area. It's common for water damage to rot something and cause a bow or movement in that area. It needs a qualified timberframer to repair or cut replacement pieces. Are you? All of this will go into how well you are able to sell it, provided you find someone who's need fits the size and design of this frame.

I think that it's great that you were able to save it. And I agree with Brad that the more story that you can add to it, the more value it may have. I think that Jay's number is crazy high--I would never pay $60K for a dismantled barn frame of that size, unless it was something really special. There's too many of them out there for a lot less. I'd aim to break even, and count anything more as a bonus. It's a tough business to be in. Unless you have a very high end client, or really good sales skills, it's tough to explain the value.