Recs to have a pole barn converted? (MD)

[Scaramouch]

We are in the process of buying property with a small (approx 20’ x 60’) existing pole barn. There is some interior framing and partial walls but it is mostly open with dirt/gravel floor. Half of wood siding is brand new and the other half has termite damage and would need to be replaced. Building has power but no water.

Does it even sound worth trying to convert for horses or should we just tear down and start over? While I realize this would be a DIY project for a lot of people, DH and I are not particularly handy and would have no idea where to even begin. Plus I would like to get my horses there sooner than later. Would a proper barn builder even deign to do something like this or do we need to orchestrate a carpenter to do the stalls and a plumber to do the water and someone else for the floors? Any recommendations in MD/southern PA would be hugely helpful!

[trubandloki]

@Scaramouch

Does it even sound worth trying to convert for horses or should we just tear down and start over?

How is the structure of the barn?
If the structure is good I can not see why you would not just convert the barn.

[Scaramouch]

Great question and that is my gut feeling. The framing seems fine and the metal roof is in good shape. The dimensions are a bit of a drawback since it would not work as a center-aisle. Even so I would certainly prefer to convert it!

[beowulf]

You could convert it, but keep in mind the original framing is probably weighted for a specific use – pole barns are fairly light as far as lumber structures go. Depending on configuration you may need to reinforce with multiple support beams.

If you don’t have the capital to start a new barn from scratch, you have to make do with what you have. I’ve certainly done it, and done worse with more ill-suited things. We took a pre-existing garage and converted it into a 2 stall.

[AJ_STX]

Depending on your climate, interior supports/load bearing poles or walls, and the orientation of the barn, there could be several layouts.

Can you share pictures?

[Mango20]

I think it sounds worth converting. It would certainly be cheaper than starting from scratch. How many stalls do you need? I think I might go with four 10’x15’ stalls down one side, leaving you with a 10’ aisle, which is wide enough for personal use (I have a 10’ aisle in my barn. Just have to watch the mirrors if you want to drive the truck down the aisle). You could enclose the end of the aisle as a tack or feed room if you want.

This Amish company was recommended to me for pole building work. I did not end up doing anything with my ideas yet, so don’t have any first-hand experience, but the guy who recommended them was happy with the outcome (Tommy of Hitched Up trailer maintenance/repair in MD).

Horse Barns | Lanco Pole Buildings | East Coast

[Scaramouch]

My preliminary thought was to do four 12x12 stalls and make do with an 8’ aisle. I wouldn’t be able to drive down it in any case since the doors are set in the long side. Then with the space left on the end there would be space for a feed/tack room along the short side that has the lower roof. It is kind of hard to describe but I probably shouldn’t post pictures until we’ve actually closed.

I don’t intend to have more than three horses at a time but the fourth stall could be storage. It does have an overhang on the short end that might work to keep a couple months’ worth of hay on hand.