Site preparation, including how the foundation is laid and how plumbing, electrical and water lines are installed, directly affects how the building itself will perform over the years.įor this reason, many reputable manufacturers of prefabricated barns are also general contractors who manage the entire project. Situating the structure so that it takes advantage of available light, shade and breezes will aid in year-round temperature control.īecause building a new barn is a major construction project, you will want to enlist the services of an architect, site planner or barn manufacturer that also offers site planning with their services.

If you envision your herd of 10 someday doubling or tripling in size, plan your site so that you can add on to your barn in the future. You also need to consider drainage, water runoff, exposure to the elements and room for possible future expansion. If you plan on storing enough hay to last you through the winter, you will want to make certain that vehicles can access the barn. If you’re considering building a new barn, the site should be chosen carefully.Ĭonsider factors such as ease of access for large and small farm equipment.

Where the ideal barn is located is just as important as its size, style and function. Whether your barn is for horses, dairy animals or a variety of other livestock, here are some features and amenities that will define it as “ideal.” There will be, however, many similar characteristics. The wish list of a professional horseperson is going to be very different from that of the hobby farmer raising dairy goats or cows. The characteristics and barn amenities that comprise the ideal barn depend not only on the type of animals we have, but also on what we do with those animals, plus our personal preferences, location and size of operation. Of course, not everyone shares the same wants and desires in an ideal barn.

It would be the kind of ideal barn we would enjoy spending a lot of time in and be proud of.

It would be cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and clean, airy and comfortable for our animals.

It would be an architectural marvel and a model of efficiency.

If we could throw the budget out the window and either refurbish our old barn or build a new one for which no expense was spared, we would have the most beautiful-and practical-ideal barn (and barn amenities) we could ever hope for. We’ve all dreamed of our ideal barn at one time or another.

Parlor dairy barn design