Post and Beam homes are typically expected to cost more than a “stick built” home. The reasons for this are many and varied, with the primary costs being the use of high quality timber frame versus inexpensive wood studs, superior insulation, and the typical use of large glass areas. That being said, there are many ways you can keep the cost of a post and beam home down while maintaining the feel of a timber frame home. Before starting the design process you need to know your budget and keep it in mind as you navigate the course of the building process.
Bancroft
5 Tips to Keep Costs Down:
1) Keep it simple! The least expensive home, per square foot, to build is a basic 2 story rectangle. Single story structures, ells, dormers, or any type of bump-out are going to add to the cost per square foot.
Boulder Meadow
2) Forgo the cathedral ceiling. They may add character to your home, but you are using (and paying for) large volumes of space. Instead of a cathedral ceiling great room, try putting a 10’ or 12’ ceiling over this space. You will still have a feeling of volume in the great room, but the space above is additional usable square footage.
Grantham Lake House
3) Build a “hybrid”. A hybrid design may use a true post and beam frame for the main living areas (great room, kitchen, dining room), while using partial or no timber frame in the rest of the structure. You may find you don’t need the posts showing in bedrooms which will save money.
Bay View Upper Level
4) Choose drywall for ceilings and walls instead of the more expensive tongue and groove wood planks. Or use the wood planks on select main areas of your home.
Bay View Lower Level
5) Make informed decisions on interior finishes. The important goal to remember is you want to build a quality post and beam home with “good bones.” You don’t have to complete everything at once. Prioritize your list of “must haves” and decide what should be installed as you build and what can be done or upgraded at a later date.
Beachcomber
Fantastic advice. I’ve appraised all manner of homes for over forty years. There is more information in these five paragraphs than I’ve seen in some books.
[email protected]
Wow! Thanks for the compliment, Robert! We try very hard to keep it short and sweet while passing along any and all useful information.
BeamBabe
Interested in simple timber frame, appx 3200 sq ft; rectangular shape, domers on roof, two full stories. I own land but have not cleared so still in “research” stage. Thanks.
Mik
Hi Mike
Good luck with your research. We hope you’ll include Yankee Barn Homes in your search as we offer many options, particularly those with a rectangular footprint. It’s amazing how many different ways you can go with that simple shape!
Best – BeamBabe
I hit on your site today. I think it’s the second time for Yankee but the site is different.
Knocked my socks off. Your site shows what can be done to a simple barn home to make it a castle. The 5 tips on keeping costs down are now my rule of thumb.
I am in the process of looking for property in the Trinity Lakes area of northern California and have Yankee tops on my list when I find what I’m looking for. Do you service n. cal??
Blowen away,
Dan
Hi Dan,
Yes we absolutely DO build in CA! We have numerous homes there, as well as a vineyard building and a Christian Monk House of Worship. How’s that for diversity? And, all in your state! Please do keep us in mind. We’d love to work with you whenever you’re ready!
BeamBabe
Great information in a clear concise presentation. We have old Yankee plans that we are dusting off and thinking about moving towards our dream in the near future. We have always been blown away by the charm of these homes. Its nice to hear that there are ways to build what we want without breaking the bank.
Thanks, Nate! We’re thrilled to hear you’ve hung on to those plans, and any time you’re ready, we’d love to hear from you!
I want to build a small cottage under 1000 sq ft. Do you have any designs for smaller , simple houses?
Yes, we can build in any design, any size. I will send your contact info to our staff. You should be hearing from someone shortly. Please let me know if I may be of further assistance. BeamBabe
We lost our barn to a fire this winter looking at options and costs of building a new one the 1 1/2 story one looks great–what do I need to know?
Hi Roberta,
I’m so sorry to hear of your fire. I can put you in touch with just the person who can give you all the info you’ll need to know – Jennifer Hastings. I’ll pass along your request; you should hear from her soon. Thanks for the inquiry, BeamBabe
Everything on your site here on YANKEE BARN HOMES had been very useful and interesting to read. Especially your 5 Tips to keep costs down! Though I was wondering if you or someone else could help to give me an estimate for a one story home with approximately 2000 square feet. Also I would like to know the estimate for a two car garage if possible.
Many Thanks- Molinda
Hi Molinda, Please email us at [email protected] or call us on our toll free number at 800-258-9786. Please let me know if there’s anything further I might do. BeamBabe