Ep 8. An AskTOH Barn Raising

In this episode of Ask This Old House, the team heads to Gibsonville, North Carolina to help a retired couple build a barn on their property. The couple, who love their horses, have always dreamed of building a barn to house them, and the AskTOH crew is there to help them make that dream a reality.

To get started, the team meets with the couple and their contractor to discuss the barn's design and construction plan. The contractor explains that they will be using a post-and-beam construction method, which involves placing large wooden posts in the ground and connecting them with horizontal beams to create a sturdy framework. The team works with the contractor to mark out the placement of the posts and dig the holes for them.

Next, the team takes on the task of cutting and preparing the wooden beams that will be used in the barn's construction. Using a variety of saws, including a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, and a chainsaw, the team carefully cuts the beams to the right size and shape. They also use a hand plane to smooth out any rough edges and ensure a good fit between the beams and the posts.

With the beams and posts ready, the team sets to work assembling the frame of the barn. They use a crane to lift the heavy beams into place and carefully fit them into the holes in the posts. Once the frame is assembled, the team adds cross braces and other support structures to ensure that the barn is stable and secure.

With the frame complete, the team turns their attention to the roof and siding. They install metal roofing panels on top of the barn, carefully overlapping them to ensure that they are watertight. They also install wooden siding on the walls of the barn, using a variety of tools to carefully cut and fit each piece into place.

Throughout the construction process, the team encounters a variety of challenges, including difficult weather conditions and unexpected obstacles in the ground. However, with their expertise and experience, they are able to work through these challenges and complete the barn to the satisfaction of the homeowners.

In addition to the barn-raising project, this episode also features a variety of informative segments on other topics related to home improvement and DIY projects. For example, the team visits a woodworking shop to learn about the process of making custom cabinets, and they also offer tips and advice on choosing and installing a water filtration system for the home.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House is an exciting and informative look at the process of building a barn using traditional post-and-beam construction methods. From start to finish, the team works tirelessly to create a beautiful and functional space that the homeowners can enjoy for years to come.