When Jim first started Michigan Reclaimed Barns and Lumber, his focus was primarily on the deconstruction of barns across the state of Michigan, and some of the surrounding states in the Midwest. Now, before we go on any further, it is incredibly important to note that deconstructing a barn is not a DIY project. It is literally pulling down a standing building, which definitely has its risks. And if you're not careful during the dismantling process, different parts of the barn could be ruined.

If you do have a barn that you want deconstructed, we recommend you reach out to a professional. You can submit an inquiry on our website or create a listing on Barns, Beams, and Buildings (one of the businesses we have worked with for barn deconstructions).

Now, the team at Michigan Reclaimed Barns and Lumber has decades of experience in the trades, which lends to the barn deconstruction process. Plus, they respect the history and the beauty of these 100+ year old barns. That kind of respect is an essential part of this process. Any construction team can come in and completely demolish a building. But there is definitely something special about deconstructing a barn with the intention of salvaging the wood and other materials.

Why Tear Down Barns in the First Place?

As majestic and beautiful as these structures are, there comes a time when they do need to come down. And there are a variety of reasons why it may be time.

First and foremost, barns that are still standing on a farm typically are not functional with the current farming practices. So, it's not always the best business plan to continue using an outdated barn. Just like with any other business, it is super important to consider whether you're making a decision based on the best practices for your business or based on nostalgia. Plus, like any property, new additions or updates only increase the property value.

Next, and often one of the most common reasons, is because the barn has started to decay or has become an unreliable, dilapidated structure. Typically, a decaying roof is the culprit for a collapsing barn, warehouse, or structure. Water seeps in. The roof collapses. The foundation can no longer carry the weight of the structure.

Let's Answer Some of the Most Common Questions re: Barn Deconstruction

How much does it cost to have a barn taken down?

So the cost varies, of course, based on size, location, and even the condition the barn is in. The one thing to keep in mind is that the deconstruction process is quite extensive and, because of that, there is always a cost. Rather than throw out some arbitrary numbers that won't actually help, we recommend reaching out to either us or to another professional for an accurate quote.

How old is my barn?

There are a few different ways you can figure out how long your barn has been standing. First, you can check local tax records. Those records will often have the date a home was built, but sometimes the barns were constructed in a different year. There are some other clues you can get from the barn itself- dates carved into building materials, the type of roof- and we will be covering that in one of our upcoming blogs! Get yourself on our email list so the minute the blog is live, you can give it a read.

Do you have other questions? Submit yours to be answered on "Ask Jim."

Don't Wait Too Long

If you have a barn you would like removed from your property, please do not wait until it falls to the ground or the materials start to decay- we are here to do the heavy lifting.

All barn deconstruction inquiries can be submitted here on our website or you can create a listing on Barns, Beams, and Buildings.