Finally, a break.

I've been avoiding posting here for a while, partly due to the discouragement mention in the previous post and partly due to the fact that it is the middle of winter here and it's really hard to think about doing things to the back yard when the back yard is covered snow and ice.

However, I've got some reasonably good stuff going on so I'll start talking about it now.

First off, one of my friends has offered his help with the foundation. He know people, you see, and is willing to help me out with the foundation requirements, including figuring out how to do the damn thing. He's at least as big a fencing geek as I am so I suspect he may be expecting something in return for his help. This assistance is great because I have finally got a quote on what a professional would charge to do it. The charge would be 8800 for everything (I think). Hopefully with the assistance of friends I can get that down, although the good will of having a machine do the excavation might be worth it.

Secondly, I've been thinking a lot lately about how to get the clear span needed for the roof. Obviously, regular rafters just won't work. However I can't find any real information about other rafters. I spoke to a friend who suggested (after telling me that she can't legally assist me in the planning) I talk to the Architecture school because I can get students to cheaply do the drawings that I need to submit to the city so that I can get my permits. They need the practice and I need the discount. That works well for me.

Finally, I've been hemming and hawing about steel buildings. They fit many of the criteria that I have for this building.

1. Inexpensive


2. Clear span roofs


3. Inexpensive


4. Can be assembled by novices


5. Inexpensive


6. Quick to put up

Unfortunately, they have the disadvantage of being terribly ugly.

However, I've discovered a Canadian company called Pioneer Buildings that does a building in the size I want. They have this building on sale at a price that fits neatly into my budget (and that price includes shipping!). However, the best part is they they have some photos and as you can see , they don't need to look like a farm building.