There are many benefits to building your own horse barn instead of buying one that has already been fully built. You can save on costs, make it exactly the way you want it, and use any materials that you like.
But if this is your first time building a barn structure of any type, there are some things that you should know before starting construction. If you are looking for how to build a horse barn on a budget, then this blog post is for you.
We will cover the process of building a barn that is both affordable and meets your needs. Let’s dive right in!
How to Build a Horse Barn on a Budget
Decide What Purpose the Barn Will Serve
The first thing to consider when you want to build a beautiful horse barn on a tight budget is your purpose. Is it a lasting structure for boarding? Or, are you just looking for space to store equipment and supplies?
Think About What Your Barn Needs
Once you have an idea of what you want, then start figuring out how much money needs to be set aside as you create the plans for the barn. If you plan on boarding horses, then the number one rule is that it must be safe for your animals and their owners.
Horses can cause a lot of damage if they are unhappy with the conditions in which they live, so make sure any future barn or horse stable meets all safety regulations from creating an escape-proof stall to adding a proper drainage system.
This will require an initial investment of time and money, but if you plan on doing the barn project yourself or hiring help from friends and family, then the price tag won’t be as high. If not, look into getting some estimates for your project before breaking ground.
Boarding is also going to require some space. Figure out how many horse stalls you’ll need and then add on a couple for good measure. You don’t want to be cramped up while trying to take care of horses. However, since you want to build on a budget, only have the number of stalls you require.
Choosing the Materials
The most important thing when building a barn on a budget is using the right materials. For example, if you’re looking for an inexpensive roofing material then metal roofing or asphalt shingles are great options.
They both come in a variety of colors and styles so you can find the perfect fit for your barn design. It’s not necessary to go out and buy the most expensive lumber or roofing materials. There are many affordable alternatives that will still do the job well.
Also, don’t forget about the little things. Things like a wash stall, feed room, and tack room can add up quickly so make sure to budget for them too.
Now that the basics are covered, it is time to get into the nitty-gritty details like materials and labor costs. Again, if you’re doing this yourself, the initial cost of barn materials is going to be cheaper. However, if you’re hiring a contractor then they will likely have already sourced the materials and might even throw them in as part of their bid.
Remember, make sure your barn contractor knows what he or she is doing when it comes to the barn building process! Building codes vary from state to state, so it’s important to hire someone with experience in your area.
Choosing the Style
Horse barns are typically built in one of two styles: traditional or modular. Traditional barn construction entails constructing the entire structure on your property. The modular building technique, on the other hand, entails constructing the main components of the horse barn in a workshop before assembling the horse barn on your property.
The modular barn builder option tends to cost less and is easier to assemble, which is a great option if you are on a budget. Another way you can save on costs when building a horse barn on a budget is by opting for the shed-row style. This is a single-story barn that typically has a row of stalls on one side and the hay and equipment storage on the other.
This horse barn style is created by combining enclosed stalls to form a whole structure. In contrast to center aisle barns that have a large enclosed passage in between stalls, a shed row barn keeps everything outside except the stalls. Because you’ll only be paying for the area you require, this traditional design is great for keeping the costs low.
Things a Budget Horse Barn Should Have
A good horse barn is essential for keeping your horses happy and healthy. Here are some essentials of a horse barn:
- Tack Room – A place to store equipment needed for caring for your horses, such as saddles, bridles and other tack.
- Hay Storage – A place to store hay or straw used to feed the horses in the barn. Hay is an important part of a horse’s diet because it provides them with necessary nutrients and fiber.
- Grain Storage – A place to store feed for the horses, such as oats and corn. Grain is also an important part of a horse’s diet.
- Stalls – You need a barn with wash stalls where the horses can rest and be fed.
- Water – Horses need access to clean water at all times.
- Electricity – Horses need a place to stay warm in the winter, so it’s important to have electricity in the barn.
- Storage – An extra space to store saddles, bridles, horseshoes, and other equipment.
- Wash Rack – A place where horses can be bathed and groomed. It’s important to keep them clean and healthy.
Horse barns are a necessary part of horse ownership. They provide shelter, food, and water for the horses, as well as a place to store equipment and barn additions. If you’re thinking about getting a horse, be sure to build a horse barn that has all the things stated above.
Conclusion
Horse owners always want to give their animals the best care possible that’s why many people choose to build a horse barn on their property, but what if you want to know how to build an affordable horse barn?
There are a wide variety of ways that you can save money, but the easiest way is by doing all of your own work. You will need to spend some time designing and planning before actually starting the building process. We hope that this blog was helpful in guiding you on how to build a horse barn on a budget.