Has anyone assembled a Best Barns kit? They look really nice, but then I started doing the math and I think the materials are marked up about 3x just to avoid having to cut some angles?! I can do math and cut angles about as well as anyone... is there any reason not to skip the kit but follow their instructions? Is there something I'm missing?
Can you really? Have you done it before (built a roof)? Do you know how to use a framing square, where to attach the "stair buttons" on the square for different roof pitches, how to calculate rafter length, overhangs, how to cut the birds mouth, how high to set your ridge, how to layout the ridge?
If you have then, yes, the kit is not necessary. If the above is incomprehensible then you might be better served with the kit.
The kit is a time saver, and a skill multiplier.
You got me there. I thought I could just follow these instructions. I am an engineer and have taken advanced math classes.... geometry is doesn't seem like rocket science to me. But this is exactly why I'm asking questions!
Haha, I knew you were an engineer just by how you figured you could build something even with no experience!
I bet you're right, though, you could build it. Like anything , there's a learning curve, you'd figure it out. Maybe not master carpenter level, but "good enough".
But I was trying to point out there's a little more to it than just cutting angles.
I think starting with a good set of plans would be very helpful, something with a cut list of materials.
Then you could go to a good lumber yard and get all the materials delivered.
I rarely ever haul material; let the lumber yard trucks deliver it.
Good yards have special forklifts called Moffits they can bring with the material delivery for unloading.
Then you can stage material in the order you'll need it.
If you have a good yard try to get an account there, they usually make it easier to do returns if you have an account.
