I am brand new to post and beam construction and wish to build my new home. I am able to aquire a large quantity of material from a 1778 colonial home, however although it is an entire structure I wish to build a gambrel type barn home. Can anyone tell me if its possible to mix new and old material and what, if any are the chances of getting a contractor to go along with this?

To me the best and most sensable use of the old material is in a frame consistant with the original design, I hope you can achieve some level of preservation. Try to view the material as a whole frame, rather than individual sticks.

When money is on the table, help (good, fair or poor) will follow. Be discriminating, check references.

yes, it is possible to mix old and new material, this is something that will become more common as our resources dwindle. There was a good article in the TFG magazine a while back(tour de france) which featured a number of frames with new and old wood side by side.

Hi JJ:
From my prespective, be very careful or you may end up with alot of useless timber. Remember that the timbers used in the original structure will have mortises in them no doubt where you won't need them, and could very well weaken structurally the stability of the timber when used in a different context or position. Also the building codes may prevent you from using them, due to many factors, and may even prevent you from using them to reerect the frame in its new location without reinforcing them somewhat. We reerected a grist mill here, using the original floor timbers, but the architect, and building codes would not allow use before modifications to them were completed. The modifications were to hollow out the centres, and glue in flat plates of steel on edge a very costly process. I am only telling you this to steer you clear of problems that may or may not present themselves as you forge ahead.
NH

I would echo northern hewer's comments, and also suggest that you make yourself aware of local building laws, standards, etc. Your local building inspector should be a good place to start. Talk to that person about the project.....