Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Barn: Tips for Success
May 3, 2024
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN BUILDING A BARN: Tips for Success by Jayde Werner Building
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What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
Shelby: I take great pride in learning little bits about our clients even if on a basic level. Each client has their own unique design ideas and lifestyles and it’s great to learn what is important to each person in their home.
Brenna: I love the opportunity to be creative! Each project brings in unique wants and needs that shape the direction, so you never do the same project twice! It’s such an honor to be able to work with our clients and to be trusted to work on such a personal aspect of their lives.
What is your most memorable project and why?
Shelby: My most memorable project was one of my first residential design projects with our business. A well thought out 4-bedroom and 3-bathroom monitor-style barndominium with a detached garage and greenhouse. This client was passionate about their design and to include aspects that fit into their everyday life. This project was a longer one as her wants and needs changed throughout the process and was well worth the time we spent designing. When clients are as passionate as the one with this project, it makes me that much more passionate about what we do and create.
Brenna: I had the opportunity to work on a very modern barndo earlier this year. It’s not often we get to go that direction (design-wise) and it was such a fun project. Their kitchen is beautiful and has the marble shelves is a favorite feature of mine!
What advice would you give someone who’s looking to design a custom barn?
Shelby: Most clients come to us to design a custom plan because their wants and needs are specific (as they always should be!) Why would you settle for a design that was made for someone else? If you’re looking to get a custom design and building, really take a step back, write down your daily process and spaces where you want/need to focus more on. For some people, it’s the shop (especially those traditional barndo folks) and for some it’s the pantry, closets, or spacious bathrooms. If there was ever a time to focus on yourself, it’s when you’re designing a custom home!
Brenna: Doing a custom home can be intimidating when trying to jump into the process, but definitely worth it to get exactly what you’re looking for! Determining your needs vs your wants and then getting a floor plan at the start of the process is a huge advantage! This will help in a majority of areas so your lenders, contractors, etc. are all on the same page with the same information. It will also help to get more accurate quotes to be able to compare!
How long on average does the design process take?
Shelby and Brenna: Our process is relatively quick, we generally don’t have a waitlist, so, we can get started as soon as our clients are ready to start designing and drafting their plans! We provide ample drafts to our clients to ensure that they’re getting exactly what they want in their design (4 drafts for design and 2 for construction plans). This draft system allows our clients to review their plans and get back to us with any changes they see fit. Start to finish time can vary with which package our clients choose for their project, how many drafts they need to use, and how much information we have to start with (the more information to start, generally, the quicker the project). If the client just needs a custom design (no construction plans), we can typically be completed in 2 weeks give or take. If the client needs a custom design as well as construction plans, they can typically expect 3 weeks to 1 month. We have seen projects take much shorter than these timelines (these clients typically have a clear vision and provide a lot of details to start) and ones that take much longer as well (these clients typically want to see different layout/ design options throughout to consider for their final drawings).
Why do you think barns are important to American heritage and culture?
Shelby: I see barns as great inspiration to those that are wanting to keep that American heritage, culture, and image in their life. Barns have stood the test of time in rural America and will forever have a mark on shelters and structures that we use to keep America going. It’s interesting to see the more modern approach to barns and barndominiums when working with our clients. We wouldn’t have these beautiful, modern barns and barndominiums without the inspiration from our past generations.
Brenna: Barns and farms to me, highlight tradition and family pride. It’s amazing to be able to bring new life to these spaces so families can stay where they are and continue to grow and thrive for future generations.
Share a personal motto or mantra that keeps you motivated and focused on your goals.
Shelby: “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin. This is a motto that I’ve kept in my head for 10+ years. I think laughter (happiness) is something to be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of our lives and makes a huge impact on my work and motivation.
Brenna: “Just keep swimming!” You can’t fix a past mistake, but you can use what you have learned to do better in the future.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Shelby: “What A Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong. I think the world is a beautiful place if we just take a moment to appreciate everything that there is. This song perfectly encompasses my ongoing image of the world.
Brenna: “Good Life” – One Republic. Home Collaborations has been my dream come true, so here’s to the good life!
Where were you born and raised, and what do you love about where you grew up?
Shelby: I was born in Arkansas and grew up in a small town in Kansas. I go back to my home town 3-4 times a year to drive around, reminisce, and visit the parks, restaurants, downtown, and drive down the outskirt dirt roads surrounded by farm land. I don’t recognize most people that I see there anymore, but the people of my small town still wave passing other cars, open doors for other people, and intently ask how you’re doing with a bit of small talk. There is nostalgia that lives there that just can’t be replaced and I swear, the grass is greener in my hometown, Abilene, Kansas.
Brenna: I grew up in Nebraska, but my husband is in the military, so I have had the opportunity to live all over the US but there is no place like home! I grew up in a smaller town, but that gave me the freedom to explore my surroundings, build community relationships, and enjoy the beautiful sunsets and starry skies!
For those dreaming of a custom barn design, Shelby and Brenna have sage advice – prioritize your must-haves and secure a detailed floor plan upfront. Their thoughtful approach makes the design process smooth and seamless so you can quickly bring your vision to life. You can trust that your barn will receive their full care and attention, as they respect the heritage behind your vision and treat each project as a cherished labor of love.
If you want to know more about how Home Collaborations can help you design your perfect barn, check out their services. They’re a National Barn Company Trusted Expert for a reason! Your custom barndo is just a step away.
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COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN BUILDING A BARN: Tips for Success by Jayde Werner Building
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National Barn Company – Central Division
1737 E. Highway 62
Fort Gibson, OK 74434
National Barn Company – Central Division
1737 E. Highway 62
Fort Gibson, OK 74434
National Barn Company
Central Division
1737 E. Highway 62
Fort Gibson, OK 74434
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