- Slide alert
Me and Mrs. Snowybear are starting to look into building our forever house in NH. If anyone has advice on such things please PM me. I’m thinking a steel pole barn design on the outside, with a traditional interior. I know what I want but getting that done should prove challenging. I have friends of mine that do excellent work with framing, drywall, plumbing, electrical, etc.
-SB
I would use 2x6 walls, super insulated with batt and moisture barrier. Trusses and lots of blown in insulation in the ceiling or foam.
With New Hampshire’s climate, I would consider passive house construction. It’s more expensive but cheaper in the long run. If not passive than the highest efficiency standards possible.
My dream would be to never pay for heat (or air conditioning) again while not worrying about the pipes freezing.
I recommend foam insulation.
It’s R value doubles at 0 F.
Yes, we have it in our ‘forever’ home which we built in ‘95.
Our heating bill is 1/2 of the home across the street (Mrs. BBB333 is a property manager and rents this home 10 months of the year, the owners visit for July & August) with fiberglass insulation. Similar sized homes...we DO have good solar gain as well.
Also: radiant floor heat is wonderful during the cold months!
Best!
Pinterest has tons of “barndominium” house plans that might interest you.
I was once in a hangar home. Pretty nice way to go if you have a lot of toys.
https://rmsteel.com/metal-building-types/hangar-homes/