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Maximize the Potential of Your Storage Barn

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A well-organized storage shed isn’t just a place to stash your stuff—it’s a wise investment that can save you time, protect your possessions, and even increase the value of your property. Whether you’re storing vehicles, boats, ATVs, or farm equipment, an orderly storage building ensures everything is accessible and well-maintained. If you plan to build a custom storage barn on your property, here are a few essential tips to ensure you make the most of your investment and optimize the organization of your space. 

Implement a Strategic Layout

Buyers should start by considering the best layout for their garage or garages. The goal is to optimize your space without sacrificing accessibility. Divide the barn into zones based on the type of items stored and how often you plan to access them. For example, keep all vehicles in one area and smaller equipment, accessories, and tools in another. Within each zone, place materials that you use most often at the front and less frequently used products towards the back. Consider the turning radius and maneuverability of larger vehicles like boats and ATVs when planning your layout to avoid tight squeezes and enhance your experience inside the space.

Opt for Adjustable Shelving and Storage Solutions

Flexibility is key in a storage barn. Investing in features that enhance how you organize, like adjustable shelving units, allows you to customize your storage space to fit items of various sizes. Heavy-duty, free-standing shelves or racks are ideal for holding heavy equipment and can be easily moved if your needs change. For smaller tools and supplies, pegboards or magnetic panels make great storage options. They not only save space but also keep your tools organized and within easy reach.

Enhance Lighting and Electrical Setup

Good lighting is crucial in a storage barn—not just for aesthetics but for functionality and safety. Installing bright, energy-efficient LED lights helps ensure your indoor and outdoor areas are well-lit, reducing the risk of accidents and making it easier to find items. Also, consider the placement of electrical outlets. Adding several conveniently located outlets to your design will make it easier to perform maintenance tasks within the barn and charge battery-powered equipment.

Secure and Protect Your Investments

Security is a major consideration, especially when storing valuable vehicles and equipment. When accessorizing sheds and storage buildings, buyers should consider installing sturdy locks and security systems with cameras and motion detectors. Additionally, ensure that your shop is weather-resistant to protect its contents from environmental damage. Insulate and weatherproof your barn to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust and decay of metal components and equipment. 

Regular Maintenance and Upkeep

Finally, maintaining the structure of your barn or warehouse and keeping it organized is crucial. Set a regular schedule to clean the barn, check for pests, and ensure all stored items, containers, and boxes are in good working order. This not only helps in prolonging the life of the items stored but also ensures that the barn remains a safe and welcoming space. 

By following these tips, your storage barn will be more than just a storage space; it will be a well-organized, efficient, and secure facility that enhances the value and functionality of your property.

Ready to take the next step in your project journey? Our team is here to answer any questions you may have regarding your barn plans, location, or anything else! Call us at (888) 975-2057 or request a digital product catalog here to gather more information for your project and begin designing your dream space.

Wood-Framed vs. Steel-Framed Barndominiums: Which is Better?

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If you’ve been searching for a barndominium kit for your property, chances are you’ve already stumbled across hundreds of pre-engineered barndominium or barndo options online. From barndominiums with farmhouse flair to those with ultra-modern features and finishes, there are seemingly endless house plans for one’s project, making it exciting and challenging to choose just one for your future build.

While it’s natural to focus on appearances first, one of the more imperative factors in the barndominium research process is determining the best building method for your location, needs, and wants. Between steel construction and wood construction, you may be asking yourself: which is the better choice for my project?

Whether you’re just beginning your search or narrowing down your options, we’re here to help you make the most informed decision for your barndominium build. If you’re ready to take the next step in your project journey, continue reading below to learn more about wood-framed and steel-framed barndominiums and the top factors you’ll want to consider with either choice.

What is a Barndominium Kit?

More often than not, a barndominium kit is a prefabricated building package that is customizable to the homebuyer and comes with pre-cut, pre-designed framing elements for easy assembly. Using off-site construction methods, a team will prepare your package before delivery, ensuring all framing members are precisely labeled, fabricated, and ready for installation once they arrive on the job site.

Not to be confused with modular buildings, which are shipped in sections to form a whole structure, a prefabricated building package sees that your framing crews have everything needed to quickly and accurately construct your building envelope (i.e., your floors, walls, and roof components). Once they’ve done so, your contractor will finish the remainder of the build, ensuring total success with your barndominium project.

Key Features of Barndominiums

Barndominiums are multi-use structures that blend the simplicity of barn-style living with modern amenities and finishes. Many of these homes feature spacious garages and workshops on the main level, offering a unique and efficient approach to residential living. Of their distinct characteristics, however, barndominiums are best known for their flexibility and budget-friendly qualities. See why barndominiums continue to capture the interest of millions of homebuyers across the nation:

Open Floor Plans

Barndominiums are known for their exceptional flexibility and openness. With their wide-open floor plans and lack of load-bearing walls, these structures offer the ideal set-up for people looking for a versatile building design for their property. With a barndominium floor plan from DC, you can easily tailor your design to include things like bedrooms, bathrooms, a modern kitchen, porches, and more. Many of our barn houses come standard with open-ended garage areas, which you can adjust to include a workshop or room for items like skis, surfboards, or miscellaneous equipment.

Fast Construction

With a prefabricated barndominium kit, you can look forward to a streamlined installation process that cuts standard construction timelines by 30% to 50% on average. Additionally, prefabrication ensures better, more accurate results for your build while significantly reducing the amount of waste, noise, and pollutants produced on-site, making it an eco-friendly process with tons of benefits for homeowners.

Affordability

One of the main advantages of choosing a barndominium design for your property is its incredible cost efficiency. Barndominium kits often employ numerous cost-saving construction methods, making them some of the more affordable custom home options on the market.

Durability

While dependent on the building method used for your barndominium, most barndominium kits offer an incredibly durable and long-lasting frame. As building designs, these structures provide optimal security and safety for homeowners and their loved ones.

Wood-Framed Barndominiums

Wood-framed barndominiums offer a warm and inviting aesthetic that many homeowners find appealing in a new home or structure. Wood construction brings a naturally insulating property to barndominiums, making these structures highly energy-efficient and cozy in various climates. In many cases, the flexibility of wood construction allows for more complex designs and easy modifications or expansions like extended square footage. With a wood-framed barndominium, homeowners can enjoy the classic charm of exposed wooden beams and the unmatched ambiance of these rustic structures.

Types of Wood-Framed Barndominiums

Barndominium designs encompass all kinds of looks, styles, and configurations—not to mention building methods. While most barndominiums on the market are metal-built structures, below are some of the most popular wood-framed options for those seeking a naturally rustic barndominium for their property:

Clear-Span

Many barndominiums, like our Meridian Barndominium Kit, are clear-span structures designed with durable wood posts and trusses that span the width of the building. Vaulted wood trusses create wide-open interiors that don’t require additional structural supports like load-bearing walls, allowing you to do as you wish with your living space.

Post & Beam

Post and beam structures feature premium heavy timbers joined together by metal fasteners and connectors. The walls of a post and beam structure are positioned outside the frame, resulting in an interior defined by its exposed wood elements, vaulted ceilings, and exceptional durability.

Timber Frame

Like post and beam structures, timber frame barndos boast beautiful, exposed heavy timbers inside their spaces. However, the main difference between these structures lies in the way their timbers are connected, with timber frame structures instead relying on wooden pegs and grooves for a more seamless, traditional look.

Pole Barn

Pole barns are wood-framed buildings that use pressure-treated lumber embedded in the ground to secure their structural frame. While cheap and easy to build, this method usually makes for a solid outbuilding solution, considering its shorter lifespan and greater propensity to rot, moisture damage, and structural issues than a standard wood-framed structure.

What We Offer

DC Structures offers numerous time-tested building methods for wood-framed barndominiums, including clear-span, post and beam, timber frame, and conventional wood construction. However, for clients seeking a more cost-effective alternative to our signature heavy timber methods, our Meridian Barndominium Kit offers the perfect solution for your one-of-a-kind home. This clear-span barndominium design is a builder- and budget-friendly model with tons of versatility built into its framework. With our variety of options and upgrades, you can turn this barndominium kit into the home you always dreamed of and modify your interior and exterior to include the ideal layout for its intended use.

The Pros and Cons of Choosing a Wood-Framed Barndominium

There’s a good reason why wood is the primary building material for most homes built today. Wood is naturally insulating, renewable, and versatile, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking an energy-efficient and durable addition to their property. If you’re considering building a wood-framed barndominium, here are some pros and cons to consider with your investment:

Pros of Building with Wood

Cost Effective

When built with quality materials and methods, wood-framed barndominiums can be incredibly cost-effective in the short- and long-term. With wood construction, buyers can incorporate less costly materials into less frequented areas of their homes, like closets and garages, while ensuring durability is never an issue.

Easy to Build

Wood is known for being an exceptionally builder-friendly material that is easy to construct and lightweight. With prefabrication involved in the building process, you can expect an even faster and smoother installation phase that requires fewer framers and equipment rentals on site.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Wood-framed buildings are naturally beautiful, but they’re especially so when their structural materials are the focal point of one’s interior. By incorporating wood in your barndominium design, you can bring the natural beauty of the outdoors into your personalized living space.

Durable

Wood is an incredibly durable and structurally sound building material. At DC Structures, we source our lumber from top mill-direct suppliers in the Pacific Northwest, ensuring all our materials deliver superior strength and longevity for your structure.

Environmentally Friendly

Finally, wood is a renewable material that offers a low-carbon alternative to heavy-duty construction methods like concrete or steel. Its ability to absorb and release heat makes it a natural choice for barndominium owners across the United States and Canada, considering these structures offer built-in energy efficiency that keeps your living space cool in the summertime and warm in the winter months.

Cons of Building with Wood

Can Be Expensive Upfront

Depending on the construction method you utilize for your wood-framed barndominium, you could be looking at an expensive turnkey cost compared to cheaper alternatives. For instance, timber frame structures can be pricey upfront because of the skill, precision, and craftsmanship involved in constructing these buildings. However, to combat this, our team offers hybrid timber framing methods that allow you to pick and choose where you see timber frame elements in your structure. We can also utilize more cost-effective building methods, like post and beam construction and clear-span construction, to ensure you get the best value for your dollar.

Fire Safety Concerns

Building with wood comes with a laundry list of benefits, but one of the notable concerns of designing a structure with wood as the primary building material is fire safety. As summers get hotter and wildfire season grows longer, clients must equip their structures with fire-resistant materials that help protect their investment in the event of a wildfire. At DC Structures, we understand the concerns of our barndominium customers in wildfire-prone states like California, Oregon, and Texas and take our commitment to fire safety seriously. With DC designing and producing your wood-framed barndominium, you can ensure that our team has the best interest of you and your family at heart and that we’re well-equipped to help you design the ideal fire-safe home.

Issues With Pole Barns

Not to be confused with our post and beam, timber frame, or clear-span designs, pole barns are often cheaply built barns that people use as short-term building solutions. These structures usually last about 40 years and are highly susceptible to moisture damage, durability issues, termites, and rot. On top of that, pole barns are typically only designed as single-story buildings rather than multi-story homes due to their limited flexibility. In essence, pole barn barndominiums may seem budget-friendly upfront but can lead to further issues down the road that could cost you more money and less peace of mind.

The Pros and Cons of Choosing a Steel-Framed Barndominium

Steel-framed barndominiums are the most common prefabricated barndominium kit offerings on the market. These structures utilize prefabricated metal components, including posts, rafters, and trusses, that create a large, open interior expanse free of obstructions or additional supports. Liked for their modern appearance, openness, and customizable nature, metal barndominiums can be popular building options for home buyers. However, where there are benefits to these structures, there are also a few disadvantages to keep in mind for prospective customers.

Pros of Building with Steel

Cost-Effective

Prefabricated steel-framed barndominiums are generally cheaper purchases than traditional wood homes. Their budget-friendly nature is due, in many ways, to the abundance of steel materials on the market and the historically low demand for steel production in new home construction. However, with more people turning to steel for their barndominiums or commercial builds, the market is beginning to see a noticeable uptick in price for steel framing materials.

Easy to Build

Like our wood-framed structures, prefabricated steel-framed buildings can be quick and easy to construct, making them solid choices for those who want a building that can go up much faster than traditionally framed homes. With all framing components fabricated before delivery, you can enjoy a streamlined installation process that is budget- and builder-friendly.

Fire-Resistant

Steel-framed barndominiums are known for their incredible fire-resistant qualities. These buildings can withstand extreme heat without sustaining damage, making them an excellent option for high-rise buildings, production facilities, and outbuildings.

Durable

Steel is one of the most resilient building materials on the market. As a material, steel is known to stand up to extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snow, and intense heat. However, metal-framed structures do require additional upgrades and reinforcements to make them livable in various temperatures.

Cons of Building with Steel

Not Environmentally Friendly

Steel production contributes to about 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with its production process being one of the most carbon-intensive in the industrial sector. Despite being one of the most valuable materials in the world, steel negatively contributes to our environment, with its production being highly polluting. As we look toward the future, green building materials like wood or carbon-neutral steel will be necessary to reduce the impacts of climate change on our world.

Poor Insulation & Energy Efficiency

Metal-built structures may be fire-resistant, but that doesn’t mean these buildings are necessarily safe in high heat or wildfire conditions. Without proper insulation, steel-framed barndominiums can be incredibly hazardous in high heat, considering their metal components absorb heat instead of releasing it like wood naturally does. The opposite can also be true for these structures—metal buildings can be incredibly cold and unpleasant in frigid temperatures, making it crucial to add robust insulation, heating systems, and additional energy-efficient features to your design.

Can be Ugly

Let’s face it—metal buildings aren’t as pretty as wood structures! We said it, and we stand by it. While metal structures can incorporate wood elements, these buildings typically boast a more modular look that hardly compares to the beauty of wood-framed homes.

Difficulty With Financing

Since steel-framed homes are relatively uncommon developments, you may find it hard to secure financing for these types of buildings. Ultimately, where you live will dictate the type of material you use for your home, meaning if you live in a county or HOA neighborhood with strict restrictions for construction, metal-framed barndominiums may not even be in the running. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local city office or potential lenders to see what options are available to you.

Conclusion

Choosing between wood and steel for your barndominium can be difficult, but it’s something buyers should weigh heavily before making their final selection. All things considered, we want potential customers to make the best decisions for them, regardless of whether that means you decide to partner with us or with a metal barndominium builder for your project. As you search for your ideal barndominium, we hope you’ll keep this list in mind and the pros and cons associated with various barndominium construction types.

If you do feel ready to speak with one of our representatives about your barndominium project, don’t hesitate to reach out by calling (888) 975-2057 or requesting a free quote here.

5 Interiors We Can’t Get Enough Of

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Love is in the air this week—and what better way to celebrate it than by highlighting interiors we love from past projects! In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re rounding up a few of our favorite living spaces, wineries, and wedding barns that give us all the warm fuzzy feelings. 

Here are some unique spaces that we will forever adore as part of our project portfolio:

Anchored Roots Winery 

Located in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, this adorable barn-style winery sits just a few miles from the bay. Designed with knotty wood ceilings, faux timber beams and trusses, and beautiful picture windows, this tasting room offers a cozy and casual setting perfect for weekend wine tastings and friendly get-togethers. 

See more photos of the Anchored Roots Winery here.

Washington Modern Farmhouse

This custom home in Walla Walla, Washington, is modern farmhouse goals at its finest. Our client came in with a specific vision of what she wanted for the space and executed it flawlessly with the help of our talented in-house designers. 

See more photos of the Washington Modern Farmhouse here.

Serendipity Farm & Vine

Originally built as a horse barn with living quarters, the Serendipity Farm & Vine venue features one of the most unique and enchanting interiors we’ve seen of any building. Converted horse stalls in the tasting room contribute to its extraordinary appeal, while wood accents give it that essential warmth and rustic feeling. 

See more photos of Serendipity Farm & Vine here.

Storm King Mountain Ranch Venue

One of our favorite venues and projects of all time, the Storm King Mountain Ranch venue showcases the timeless allure of heavy timber craftsmanship from top to bottom. We designed this structure using traditional timber framing, as seen in the main hall, covered patio, and entrance. As part of their design, the team at Storm King also elected to add antique wood siding and ceilings to their wedding barn, blending past and present styles to create its truly exceptional interior. 

See more photos of Storm King Mountain Ranch here.

High Desert Barn Home 

Lastly, this charming barn home in Bend, Oregon, is a classic project of ours — and one we will always cherish as one of our first barn home builds. Stunning tongue and groove ceilings and large picture windows take center stage in the living space, adding an air of sophistication and comfort to the home. Downstairs, our clients can take full advantage of a spacious RV garage, allowing them to easily hop on the road and embark on any adventure their heart desires. 

See more photos of the High Desert Barn Home here.

Want to start designing your dream space? Our team is here to help you begin the process whenever you feel ready! Call us today at (888) 975-2057 or request a digital catalog.

2024 Trends for New Homes: Embracing Sustainability, Technology, and Nature

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In today’s ever-evolving world of home design, staying up-to-date with the latest trends is essential for homeowners looking to create a modern and functional living space. As we embark on the new year, we expect several exciting trends to shape how many homes are designed and constructed in 2024. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key trends that we believe will dominate the new home market this year, focusing on sustainability, emerging technology, natural materials, and the importance of building your dream home with a dedicated team of professionals. If you plan to build a new home or residential space this year, here are a few implements you may want to consider with your upcoming design as it relates to the future of our industry. ‌

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Powering Your Home with the Sun

Sustainability and energy efficiency have become paramount considerations in contemporary home design, with homeowners increasingly looking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy bills. In 2024, solar panels are gaining immense popularity as an eco-friendly energy source, allowing homeowners to utilize direct sunlight to meet their electricity needs. With solar panel installations, you can reduce your home’s environmental impact while saving hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, in energy costs every year. 

Additionally, adding electric car charging stations to home garages is becoming a standard feature, catering to a growing number of electric vehicle owners in the country. With an electric car charging station in your home, you’ll have the convenience of charging your vehicle overnight, ensuring it’s always ready to hit the road while contributing to a cleaner environment.

Prefabrication: Crafting Your Home with Precision and Efficiency

A significant trend in 2024 is the use of prefabrication in home construction. Prefabricated homes offer numerous advantages, including reduced construction time, minimized waste, and improved construction quality. By partnering with a dedicated team of professionals, you can customize your prefabricated home to meet your unique needs and preferences. The precision and efficiency of prefabrication ensure that your dream home is built with the utmost care and attention to detail and that you benefit from significant time and money savings during construction. ‌

Incorporation of Natural Elements: Building a Home That Connects with Nature

A return to nature is evident in the design of modern homes, with the incorporation of natural elements taking center stage. A naturally warm and inviting material, wood is used extensively in flooring, furniture, and architectural details, creating a cozy and organic atmosphere. When building your home, working closely with a team allows you to select the perfect wood finishes that align with your vision.

Stone accents in exterior and interior design also add a touch of rustic elegance, while indoor greenery and living walls bring the outdoors inside, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Collaborating with your design team to select the perfect natural materials for your space ensures that your home reflects your personality and appreciation for the outside world.

Smart Technology: Building a Home of the Future

The smart technology revolution will continue to reshape homes in 2024, with more homeowners embracing the convenience and efficiency of integrated smart devices and systems. From automated lighting and security systems to thermostats that adapt to your preferences, these technologies enhance daily life and even contribute to energy savings. When working with your team of builders and tech experts, you can customize your home’s technological features to suit your lifestyle, making your home truly “smart” in every aspect. 

Handcrafted Furniture/Accents: Infusing Your Home with Personality

Handcrafted furniture and accents introduce a more personal and unique touch into homes. Artisanal pieces are making a comeback, giving homeowners the opportunity to infuse their spaces with character and individuality. Supporting local artisans and businesses that offer handcrafted home items doesn’t just add charm to your home but supports the craftsmanship of talented individuals. Your team of designers can help you select and integrate these unique pieces seamlessly into your home’s design.

Building Your Dream Home: A Collaborative Journey

Building your dream home is a collaborative journey that involves working closely with a dedicated team of design and construction experts. This team will help you bring your vision to life, ensuring that your new home incorporates the latest trends while embodying your core values and tastes. 

‌Whether you’re planning for new home construction or considering a renovation project, these trends for 2024 will hopefully inspire you to create a living space that aligns with your personality and adapts to our ever-evolving world. Building your dream home with a trusted team ensures priority is given to your unique vision, resulting in a home that truly feels like you from top to bottom. 

Ready to get started on your 2024 project? See what makes our team the right choice for your project by requesting a digital catalog here or calling us at (888) 975-2057. 

4 Spooktacular Projects to Add to Your Fall Mood Board

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Muahahahahaha! It’s officially the spookiest day of the year, and what better way to celebrate all that is Halloween than by showcasing some of our most terrifyingly beautiful creations to date. From vintage-inspired wedding barns to rustic cabins and homes, we’re rounding up four of our favorite spooktacular projects for clients to add to their fall mood boards, and trust us: these structures won’t disappoint! 

So buckle up, get cozy, and prepare for a haunting trip through some of our favorite past projects. Mere mortals, beware. This list isn’t for the faint of art. 

Michigan Workshop W/ Living Quarters 

Nothing speaks to our love of autumn quite like this workshop with living quarters in Daggett, Michigan. Designed with durable Douglas fir posts and beams, this barn-style structure features a stunning all-wood interior unmatched in fall vibes and warmth.

 

Modified from our most popular building package, the Oakridge Apartment Barn Kit, this multi-purpose workshop offers a home away from home for our clients and their loved ones. Whether embarking on a hunting trip or simply seeking a retreat for the season, our clients can rely on this boo-tiful structure to provide endless treats with no tricks in sight. 

White Salmon Barn Home 

This barn home in White Salmon, Washington, offers a gorgeous interior to match its idyllic natural surroundings. Located just a few miles from the Columbia River Gorge, this stately abode boasts a modern rustic living space that continues to capture our hearts — and arouse a little bit of envy! 

Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a host of frightfully delightful accents. If any of our completed homes could be the coolest of ghouls, we’d easily vote for the White Salmon Barn Home any day (but especially today). 

Dogwood Barn Wedding Venue

What do you get when you combine a vintage-style wedding barn with storm clouds and lightning? The perfect visual accompaniment to this blog post is what!

With this wedding venue in Milledgeville, Georgia, our clients started with a Legacy Event Barn Kit to create this masterfully built structure. Complete with vintage lighting fixtures, floor-to-ceiling wood walls, and antique furniture, this venue evokes a sense of nostalgia and historic charm that is scary good in execution and layout. 

Oregon City Custom Home 

Between the nighttime, twilight, and daytime shots our photographer captured of this custom home in Oregon City, Oregon, we can’t decide which we like more — or need more of! Completed in collaboration with DC Builders, this hybrid timber frame home is an extraordinary development with no shortage of eye-catching details throughout. 

 

From its heavy timber portico entrance to its massive two-story patio cover, this custom residence stuns in all aspects — inside and out. If your idea of a dream home involves lodge-style accents, repurposed materials, and plentiful space, this project will surely turn your other inspiration photos into the dearly departed. 

Ready to take the next step in your building process? With our fall sale still active, there’s never been a better time to invest in your dream design and materials package! 

Call us today at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote here to make the first move toward your ideal home or structure.