When we have a barn/building that needs to be built, we call Mr. McNew.  Not only is he a great hunter (he has brought us up to 4 deer in one day), but he also builds great pole barns. So when we need a new goat shelter, or an addition to our barn, all the children know that Mr. McNew is coming out soon! And we love when he is building stuff for us, because Mr. McNew lets us help him!

First step – brainstorm. Figure out what you want it to look like, how big, etc.  This step is mostly done by Mom and Dad.

Second step – get all of the poles in the ground. We help move the poles, and hold them upright while Mr. McNew pours the concrete.

Third step – start screwing on all of the sides. Colter helps with all of the big ones on top, and the rest us of help with the smaller ones on the bottom.

Dad often checks on our work.

He wants it secure because we enjoy climbing on things.

Optional – play on the trusses before they are put up.

Fourth step – carry the trusses to the back where you are building. The more people you have the better.

Fifth step – put up the trusses with the tractor.  Make sure all children are safely out of the way and no one gets speared by the metal pole.

Sixth step – screw on all of the top boards. Make sure you keep your footing. (It also works sitting down…)

Seventh step – check and make sure that it all looks good. It’s even more fun when you are in your pajamas to do this.

Eighth step – put the insulation up, and put metal on the top. Then you start screwing it down (Colter is holding a screw gun, but you can’t see it). 

 Ninth step – get down without falling to your death. Make sure that the ladder is secure.

Tenth step – screw on all of the side metal. Make sure that your goats do not eat the screws.

Optional – have one of the goats check and approve your color choices.

Eleventh step – spread all of the rock out with your feet. (Ok, a tractor works a bit better.)

Twelfth and final step – put up any finishing touches and enjoy all your hard work.

And there you have it! How To Build A Pole Barn in twelve easy not so easy steps.

Mom adds: Actually, the rock gets spread at the beginning, but I didn’t have the heart to make Brett renumber everything.  And Kevin does a super job with all the “help” the children provide him. 🙂