Land,

Your question requires significantly more time and space to respond to comprehensively than we have here. That said, I will try to cover some of the key issues, and hopefully other contributors can suppliment the dialoque.

When I am asked to do a barn inspection for any reason, the very first thing I look for is the itegrity of the artifact itself. It is uncommon for the steward of a barn, or someone who is considering becoming one, to be able to read the history from the evidence. This is due to the fact that very few barns are intact, and interpreting the modifications and effects of aging requires many years of experience.

Although barns come in a great variety of shapes and sizes, they are all utility buildings. Consequently they are moved, modified, expanded and "improved" in any number of ways, and by individuals with varied levels of skill. Typically, the original framework was done by a skilled carpenter. Very early modifications usually were too. Unfortunately, the more recent the work, the less likely it is it was done well. Inspection from the road usally shows the recent additions as the parts that are sagging or falling down entirely, while the original barn is normally straight and true.

By figuring out what parts of the barn are original, (as best you can) and what modifications have occurred, you know where to look for problems. Were timbers removed (particularly braces)? Were timbers modified to accept additions? Was the roof changed, and if so has it been leaking from poor flashing work? Are added timbers increasing the load on older timbers beyond their capacity or in a bad location? These are all important and critical questions.

It is also important that someone considering becoming the steward of an historic structure consider how well suited it is for their intended use. Barns are, for the most part, large roofs over haystacks. Older barns were designed for loose hay. Newer barns were designed for bailed hay. Sadly, many older barns have been significantly modified to carry the extreme weight of bailed hay, or worse, weren't. The results can be catastrophic failure. If you plan to apply residential level loading to the mow floor, it can very likely handle it, if it is intact. If however, you are considering "lofting" areas to creat second floor rooms, you better have an architect or engineer (or both) take a good look at where and how the loads will be supported.

Foundation work is it's own specialty, and I will not claim to be an expert in that area. You should hire someone as a consultant who is. I would warn however that the interface between the foundation and timber frame is likely to show more deterioration than any other part of the frame. Sill timbers rarely have a chance to dry out completely. The sill along the bank or main barn door rarely survives more than a few decades. I have seen some pretty horrific attempts to repair them.

In closing, let me give you some simple advice. Do not expect people who you ask to come out and give you a "free" quote to provide you with the input you need. Hire professionals to inspect the building you are interested in, and pay them for their time and travel. Remember, barns are historic artifacts. They are not a resource for materials. Many will be lost to neglect. Some will survive when a new use is found for them. Few will be honored and protected the way they deserve. Tread lightly and respectfully. Your barn/home will reward you for it.

Rudy R. Christian