Hi All-

I'm wading deep into a barn restoration project on my parents' farm in western NY. One of the structures dates to the 1870s is full of awesome hand hewn oak timbers.

I'm taking on most of the project myself, but I'm looking for somebody in the area to take on the stone foundation repair/replacement. Any suggestions?

Also- The joists in a "newer" section are beech with only one side milled flat. The bark was left on and powder post beetles have done their worst. I'd like to replace the joists with timbers off of our land since the budget is tight. Beech, ash, soft maple, and basswood are fairly common. If I get the bark and sapwood off, is there any preference?

Thanks for the input!