A barn has plenty of benefits and, for horse owners, even more so. Therefore, it’s no surprise you may have decided to add one to your property. To help you do this, have a look at the four tips below, as they will help you add one efficiently and successfully.
Where Will the Barn Go?
The most important thing you need to do first is decide where you want the barn to go. Making this decision will depend on your compound’s layout, the number of horses you have, and more. You need to take the time to make this decision, because while you can move it at a later date, it’s better to save money by placing it in the best position the first time. A horse around 15-18 years old is considered by most people to be in the senior age, during which it’s important to give it good care and shelter. Regardless of how old your horses are, though, they need the best lifestyle you can give them in terms of shelter.
Obtain a Property Inspection
To make sure that you’re operating within the law, make sure you obtain a property inspection. A property inspection will bring attention to any issues that need to be addressed if they pose a potential hazard. This includes plumbing and electricity, among other things. With pipeline corrosion costing America’s economy over $9 billion annually, it’s clearly a common issue that you can’t afford to ignore. Also, consult with your homeowners’ association if you have one, not forgetting to check the town zoning rules and county regulations. Doing so will let you proceed with your barn construction fast and easily.
Design the Barn
The barn’s design is important because, as mentioned before, it’s best to do it right the first time than redo it in the future. Get the help of an architect or professional who has had experience in barn design and construction in your area. This will help you get a barn that not only has good aesthetics but also one that can host your horses comfortably and safely. Safety standards, like storing hay in a different area, are important; they help ensure that your horses are safe in case of a disaster. Flooding and excessive moisture are also things that need to be dealt with at the design level to ensure the right standards, materials, and equipment are used.
Consider Property Maintenance
Finally, maintaining the barn needs to be given careful consideration. Map out the area and method by which you will dispose of the waste from the barn to ensure it remains clean and healthy at all times. Depending on the size and needs of your barn, you may also want to add living quarters as elaborate as you like. Tack rooms are crucial for storing food, gear, and tools. Having these extra spaces may mean more maintenance, but it will also make it easier to do.
If you get external help to maintain the barn, make sure that the tools and cleaning equipment are easily accessible and don’t call for too much intrusion into your property to get to. Making sure the trees and shrubs on your property are well-maintained can increase the property’s value by 14%, so you should not ignore the overall aesthetics while thinking of maintenance.
Adding a barn to your property will improve the property’s value and at the same time give your lifestyle an upgrade. While it may seem like extra work from one perspective, it will be well worth it when your horses have safe and comfortable shelter and you can easily access them whenever you’d like.