Saturday, July 11, 2009

Barn Again

The first step in the barn renovation was to jack her up and dig a completely new foundation. Within hours of arriving on site, our Amish crew had a trench two foot deep and eighteen inches wide hand dug around the perimeter.
I got a kick out of the cement trucks bumper-a sense of humor-I love it!









New beams were installed, the roof was straightened with cables, and reinforced where needed.


Of course, what job could go smoothly without supervision. Dear hubby and half the neighborhoood turned out to make sure the Amish had opinions (varied) on how to do things.



Now, this is a picture from this spring-note the ocean wavy roof, the saggy doors, oh, and my wonderful husband mowing!!

Ready??????
Ta-da!!



We are so pleased with the job and are amazed they did all this in 8 days. I was in awe at how hard they worked, as well as how much care they took with our old gal. And the best part? It came in UNDER BUDGET! Which is a good thing, because we got our permits for the septic replacement. Ugh. But, that's for next week. Until then, hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.
Sue

26 comments:

Ribbit said...

That is just the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life. I'm so impressed that you chose to renovate the barn instead of totally replacing it. It adds so much character! Well done!!!

Kelly said...

Wow!! That is a lot of work...and it's beautiful. You must be so happy you saved such a wonderful structure. I love the smell of old barns!! You're so lucky to have one!

Happy Days said...

WOW!! AND MORE WOW!! SHE LOOKS WONDERFUL. IT ONLY TOOK 8 DAYS???? ANOTHER WOW!! Is that a bat box you've got up in the gable? or a light?
thought it might be a bat box. Are you going to put a stain or paint the barn? The Amish did a great job!...debbbie

Bonnie, Original Art Studio said...

Thanks for documenting and sharing that reno. Very interesting - and what a fabulous transformation!

Annie's Granny said...

Oh, my...what a difference! She must feel like an old lady who just had a face lift!

Hmm, I wonder what the Amish could do with MY old body ;-)

The Retired One said...

It looks wonderful!!!

Rae said...

It turned out fantastic. It has so much character. Are you going to paint it? It needs to be red. I can just picture all the activity that will happen in that new barn now.

When you get that new septic system in - you deserve a party. Maybe you can use the barn for a big celebration.

With Loving Stitches said...

Oh My words.. she is a mighty barn again. And a proud barn too! I love how it looks. You'll have to get a new inside picture too as I'm sure it looks radically different.

Very nice job on this project.

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

I'm so HAPPY for you that your barn was saved...I still get a little teary thinking about us taking our last one down. Bless those Amish for being willing to go around and save history where it stands!
XOXO
Joni

Anna M said...

That is sooo cool! I wish there were Amish in my neck of the woods. Sigh.... must be too cold for them *g*

Abe Lincoln said...

The Amish and the German Baptist and the Dunkards are similar in how they treat work. Of them I would say you get a days work for a days pay and the work is the way it used to be done with pride and craftsmanship. I am guessing you did the right thing and the barn will outlive all of us.

One of my daughters furnished their entire house, a piece at a time, of handmade furnitire by Amish craftsmen. They go find a craftsman who builds this or that and make a verbal contract and a little money to have that item built and when it is done they will get it shipped which you have to pay for.

The dining room chairs must be 50 pounds each. And they can't be pushed anywhere. You have to lift them up and move them.

Sue said...

Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments, I really appreciate them!

Debbie-that is a bat box-you've got a keen eye!

AnniesGranny-I think you're just wonderful as you are...besides, the Amish do barns, not gardeners!

And hubby wants the barn to weather naturally.....so no paint. Sigh.

Montanagirl said...

Wow, that was quite a face lift!

Elaine said...

The barn is gorgeous! So what's the plan for the inside? Workshop, potting shed, goats???

Ruralrose said...

Barn Again - fabulous! Hope you are happy Sue.

Grammy said...

That is awesome. It looks great. Only 8 days? WOW. I am so happy for ya.

The Old Gray Egg said...

No doubt about it. You done right by that old timer. You know, if you want that natural weathered look, but still want to help keep the boards from shrinking and warping in the process, you would do well to just give them a good soaking with linseed oil. It's cheap, and with no uv-blocking additives, the wood will still gray over time. Just a thought.

Sue said...

Thats a great idea about the linseed oil.
I was concerned about not putting a finish on it......as if we were undoing what we just did!

Edain: said...

Wow, that is awesome, they really knew what they were doing! Well done all! :)

Abe Lincoln said...

Wow. I am still amazed at how nice it looks. I had not seen or noticed the two bottom pictures. I guess they must have power washed it or something else.

Thank you very much for visiting my birds blog and for the comment you left me there.
My Birds Blog

Toni said...

What a treasure Sue!!! What will you do with your new space?

I love old barns!

Sue said...

Toni-If we EVER get sick of travel, we may just get a mini donkey or two!

Steve Ballmer said...

Great work!

Sue said...

Thank you!

Just Jenn said...

I know you've heard this but WOW! That looks amazing!

the inadvertent farmer said...

I ADORE old barns...I am so glad you decided to refurbish instead of tear down. I am working my way through your old posts, and enjoying every one! Kim

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