The OldHome Journal / From the Field

From the Field: Building a 24-by-48-Foot Pole-Barn Home

Construction professional working on timber framing
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OldHome founder Kelly Nation has worked in construction, renovation and real estate for decades. One ongoing project is a 24-by-48-foot pole-barn-style home with 12-foot walls and a metal exterior.

A Real Construction Project

OldHome founder Kelly Nation has worked in construction, renovation and real estate for decades. One ongoing project is a 24-by-48-foot pole-barn-style home with 12-foot walls and a metal exterior.

Framing and Floor Systems

The build incorporates laminated posts, ZIP System sheathing, 2-by-10 floor joists on 16-inch centers and three-quarter-inch OSB subflooring. Such specifications describe this project only; other buildings require their own engineered designs and local approvals.

Insulation and Moisture

The crawlspace is encapsulated and the walls have fiberglass insulation. Ceiling insulation has also been planned. Managing air leakage, ground moisture and condensation matters just as much as nominal insulation values.

Electrical and Heating

The site has a 200-amp electrical service, a wood stove and supplemental electric heating. Any comparable stove installation requires manufacturer-listed clearances, approved venting and applicable local inspections.

Lessons Worth Sharing

From-the-field reporting is about decisions, sequencing and practical tradeoffs, not a claim that every home should be built the same way. Future updates can document costs, materials and what works in everyday use.

Follow the Progress

Explore OldHome’s broader project guides as this firsthand building series develops.


For complex structural, electrical, gas, and other safety-critical work, consult a qualified professional and check local requirements.

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