Barn Roof

Since you’ll be doing construction on your barn, it’s always a good idea to take a look at the roof to make sure that it doesn’t need repair or replacement. Chances are your barn has been in existence for years, so thoroughly evaluate the roof for any repairs that may need to be performed. The last thing you want to do is fix up the interior of your barn, only to have the roof begin leaking over your new barn components. Roof repair can be expensive, so make sure to build this into your budget if your roof needs work.

Windows

Adding windows or expanding existing windows in your barn is a great way to improve ventilation and take advantage of natural light, saving you money on your electric bill. If you’re trying to brighten up or open up a darker, cramped barn, then adding windows is a great way to do that.

Foundation

Before you begin any renovation project, you should definitely assess the barn’s foundation. Over time, barns can settle, and if the barn’s initial foundation was weakened or flawed, you might see issues starting to emerge. You don’t want to renovate a barn on a faulty foundation, so make sure any repairs are performed before you begin your renovation.

Tack and Feed Room Size

If your barn renovation includes adding stalls so that your barn can house more horses, then it’s important you also evaluate your tack and feed rooms. If your tack and feed rooms have been designed to support a certain number of horses, then you’ll want to make sure they can comfortably hold the increased feed and tack that will come with the increased number of horses your barn will house.

Paddock Capacity

In addition to assessing the tack and feed room size, make sure you also consider the capacity of the existing paddock structure. If you’re increasing the number of stalls in your barn, then you need to have the paddock or pasture space to support these additional horses. Remember that these horses might not get along with the existing herds, so be prepared with a few extra paddocks if possible.

Renovating your barn is a great way to improve and renew the barn without building an entirely new structure. Make sure you evaluate these key points when you’re planning your barn renovation project.

Original Source: Evaluating Your Barn Prior to a Barn Renovation