I've seen many pole barns (walls are non-load-bearing, the roof is supported by poles), but not many pole houses. Are they only suitable for the tropics? Seems like a cheap way to build a strong house. Anyone got any experience with pole houses or buildings? Thanks!

-- Elizabeth (Lividia66@aol.com), March 15, 2001

Answers

Here's a pole building address,sorry I didn't have a phone # with my plans. It's Sheldon Designs Inc. 759 State Rd. Princeton. NJ 08540 I'm sure you could call and get the # from the operater and talk to them. When we were going to build I talked to quite few companies. This was awhile ago, so I don't remember all the infor. I did order plans from them for a barn. Yes talk to every one, then decide. If you have friends and relatives too help the house will go up really fast. Your local building department can be a big help with codes and how you can build. Best wishes. Joanne

-- Joanne (ronandjo@sisna.com), March 15, 2001.

Well, I built my house out of a 18,000 bushel grain bin(round metal silo). Similar to what you speak of. The sides are non load bearing. The bin is 30' in dia. and 38' to peak of the roof. With 3 floors and a small loft on the forth, You could acheive about 1700 sq ft. The cost of the bin was about $9000. that includes the roof. I timber framed mine with oak beams on the inside. Cost was about $5000 for the beams and flooring. in floor heat, no a/c.

Let me know if you want any more info.

steve

-- STEVEN KOPESKY (IMAHEDGEHG@AOL.COM), March 16, 2001.

Try http://www.shelter-kit.com/products.html I'm not affiliated with these folks in any way, nor am I endorsing their products.

Also search for "post and beam" or "pole building" or "barn houses". These structures appear to be extremely simple to build (everything is repetition)... interior walls are not load bearing (open concept if desired)... doors, interior walls and windows can be placed almost anywhere... they appear affordable and they look great.

cheers and best regards, Max

-- Max (Maxel@inwindsor.com), April 30, 2001.

Send for our brochure Pole Houses of Hawaii 3385 Paty Dr. Honolulu, Hi 96822 Web site http://www.geocities.com/pole_house/

Please send self adressed stamped envelope, 4x9

-- (PoleHouse@aol.com), April 14, 2002.

Send for our brochure Pole Houses of Hawaii LLC 3385 Paty Dr. Honolulu, Hi 96822 Web site http://www.geocities.com/pole_house/

Please send self adressed stamped envelope, 4x9

-- Ed Minkel (PoleHouse@aol.com), April 14, 2002.