Im not sure this is the correct message board for this or not but I am planning to construct a large building for equipment storage and a workshop as well. The size is going to be 50ft x 70ft. I had originally planned to build it with regular 8" concrete blocks(hollow type) but am now wondering if it would be cheaper and more efficient to just put up forms and used ready mix for the walls? I would prefer poured walls as it would be much stronger. The concrete blocks are not that expensive but the main cost involves transporting them to the build site, With our truck we could haul around 3 skids at one time, doing it this way would cost us quite a bit on fuel, and having them delivered by the supplier would almost double the price! Plus I am a little worried about theft of the blocks, the site we are planning to build at is way down the road on totally vacant land, and if someone saw us hauling all those blocks back there, they could easily come back when we are gone and take every single one and we wouldnt find out until we went back! Thanks for any help. also I look foward to getting to know you all. I am in Dry ridge, KY
Sometimes cheaper isn't always better. A building of that size would take a lot of blocks, lots of mortar and lots of time to lay them unless your a good block layer. Even then its real time and labor intense. I really would look into pouring a wall, being on a vacant piece of property, material can easily come up missing which only adds to the expense and flustration of the job. I would dare say with cooperation with your concrete company and a couple of bodies. You would be in good shape making 1 pour to complete. One job I was on several years ago, a 2 story colonial house was poured in 24 hours. The walls were 12 inches thick and done in 1 continous pour, again over the 24 hour time frame. I guess there were about 10 men working the pour and the walls were the premade styrofoam lock together type which made them extremely easy to handle and transport. The only special things needed were corner bracing which was rented from the form and concrete supplier.When finished the house looked fantastic, you couldn't tell it was a poured wall house. The home owner said he'd do it again the same way. If you were to pour your wall in such a way if would be kinda tough to walk away with your walls then. good luck- John
Location: I now live in south eastern, pa., but will be relocating to central n.y.
Posts: 5
new building
I would suggest that you build a pole building. You can install no rot concrete posts, that have the 6x6 or 8x8 posts sit on them. You can also install radiant heat in the floor. This building can be put up in a short time and you can bring the materials to the site daily. You can also have a pole building contractor take care of the entire project. You need to consider snow load for the roof, power for the building (what is it going to cost). The roof trusses are important, is there a crane available to position them or do you have the help to lift them into position? You will also need H2O and a septic system for the restroom. I think it is great that you have several opinions as to what to do on this project.
Dave
I appreciate the replies. I looked into different pole barns, and thought they were pretty high priced for what they are. Plus with building it from regular materials, I can build it as I can afford it, because I am paying cash for all the supplies/materials for this building. So I can pour or set the walls and then depending on money, I have the option of letting it sit for awhile until I can get back to it. I am going to use a rainwater collection system for the buildings water(no public water available anyway)via a cistern and pump. I am still not sure on what type of roof I will use, probably a regular truss and fiberglass or metal roofing panels and Im using some clear panels for sky lights. I am only planning one bathroom and Im going to use a leech field for that. I dont know if I mentioned it before or not, but I am planning to construct a "living quarters" area for a bedroom and kitchen in this building. My plan was to pay cash for everything I can, and when it is done I can move right in and no longer have a rent or mortgage payment and only have one utility bill (electric). I figure it will take me around 3-4 years to complete and probably in the range of $25,000. total!!! That is including the land and all materials. this is much cheaper than buying a pole barn. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. Thanks guys---Mike K.
There ain't no way in hell you can build that size building for $25000.00 .Trusses alone for that building will be in the $8k-$11k range---one third to almost one half the cost.Have you figured on footings ??? Do you have a backhoe or are you hiring someone to do the footings.It sounds like you have never built anything of this size before to even realize the cost.It is definitely cheaper to go with a pole building.No footings necessary.Eight foot on center.6x6 x 16' poles in my area go for about $42 each.Run a perimeter 2x12 at the top inside and out,set your trusses,2x10 pressure treated along the base,2x4 purlins on the roof,metal roofing,insulate the bottom portion of the truss if you also plan on living in it etc,etc.You might get by with an open span building in the $35k range.
I appreciate the replies. I looked into different pole barns, and thought they were pretty high priced for what they are. Plus with building it from regular materials, I can build it as I can afford it, because I am paying cash for all the supplies/materials for this building. So I can pour or set the walls and then depending on money, I have the option of letting it sit for awhile until I can get back to it. I am going to use a rainwater collection system for the buildings water(no public water available anyway)via a cistern and pump. I am still not sure on what type of roof I will use, probably a regular truss and fiberglass or metal roofing panels and Im using some clear panels for sky lights. I am only planning one bathroom and Im going to use a leech field for that. I dont know if I mentioned it before or not, but I am planning to construct a "living quarters" area for a bedroom and kitchen in this building. My plan was to pay cash for everything I can, and when it is done I can move right in and no longer have a rent or mortgage payment and only have one utility bill (electric). I figure it will take me around 3-4 years to complete and probably in the range of $25,000. total!!! That is including the land and all materials. this is much cheaper than buying a pole barn. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. Thanks guys---Mike K.
Post frame will be much more economical that poured concrete walls.
The concrete walls will require frost walls and huge footings to support the weight. All of which will run into big money fast.
02-21-2009, 10:51 PM
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