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Now they are thinking of moving a pole barn like structure on the property, fixing it up as a livable structure, making it durable for MN winters, tons of insulation & a ton of windows, etc.
meo,
It's wonderful that you have a loving and caring family.
Do you have handymen in your family who could do most or some of the work themselves? It could be very expensive to covert a pole barn to a home.
Years ago, a friend of the family did just that and ended up spending at least 2x more than what they had planned. My recollection is that they said it would have cost them much less building a new conventional home. The main reason for the extra cost is the barn dimensions are completely different from a house. Pretty much everything had to be custom order or custom made (windows, door frames etc).
The labor cost far exceeded the original quote because it took much longer for all customized work.
My sister had similar issues with her dome home years ago too. She and her husband did a lot of work themselves but had problems finding roofers, carpenters who were willing to help with building the home. The ones who accepted the work not only quoted high prices but also charged more when the work is finished.
Bella, yes there are 'handy people" in the family & among friends. My brother will bear the brunt of the expense as it will be on his property and will add value to the property. His kids will inherit the property at some point but not until my sister and I are gone. If I go first, very probable with all the pain pills I've had to take, it will become a guest house.
My brother is quite wealthy and it's worth it to him.
When I followed Matisse's link, I saw lots of pole barn home kits. If making it a home is your goal from the start, you can use home building techniques (studs on 16" centers for example, so a standard interior door will fit between 3 cutting the center one above the door).
Thank you. We are doing my son's memorable next weekend and I will discuss this with my family after that. I'm sorry but right now I just want to cry. Sorry.
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