4 Uses for American Barns

We're starting to see more and more American barns popping up in Australia, and for good reason. An American-style barn is a versatile building used by people for a lot of things besides storing farm equipment. Contrary to its cowboy image, the American barn is a handy addition to your property whether you live in the country or a suburb. Here are four uses for an American barn that may make your life a little easier—and improve your property value:

  

1.  Garages – For better or for worse, many homes in Australia are built without an attached garage. Unfortunately, that leaves your car exposed to the elements, including dust, rain and the damaging UV radiation from the sun. A carport is a common solution, but it offers only partial protection and no storage space. American barns are inexpensive, easy to assemble, and provide a perfect garage space with ample room for your vehicle and anything else you want to keep out of the elements, like your lawn mower.

2.  More storage than you'll ever need – Everybody has stuff they need to store—and most of us don't have enough space for it. Even worse, we tend to accumulate more things that need storage over time. Whether you need to store important family heirlooms, seasonal tools and equipment, holiday decorations, or just plain old junk you haven't had a chance to sort through, an America barn is the ideal way to do it. Offering total protection from the elements, American Barns also have more total storage area than other buildings of the same size: large equipment can be parked on the floor, shelves can be added along either side, and the rafters offer the perfect solution for large objects you rarely use.

3.  Stables – If you keep horses, you know the value of a good stable. The best stables have good ventilation and plenty of space so horses aren't nipping at each other. American barns excel in both departments, with a high ceiling and surprising amount of room.

4.  An entertainment room – The side rooms on American barns, or the entire structure, can easily become an extension of your living space. Options for American barns today include things like windows, skylights, and sliding screen doors, and they can even be retro-fitted with options like carpeting, electricity, and HVAC systems.

Of course, American barns aren't the only style of structure that can be put to good use by homeowners, but they are one of the more versatile. Have you considered an American Barn for your needs?

What to Look for in Garages and Sheds

Everyone needs a garage or shed, and often people need both. Many homeowners, however, find themselves confronting a difficult choice: pay way too much to get garages and sheds, or else end up with a structure that is cheap and flimsy. Fortunately, you don't need to make this awful choice, as it's possible to find strong structures at reasonable prices. Here's what to look for:

1.  A specialist – Lots of companies manufacture garages and sheds, but most of them will charge too much and under-deliver. At Fair Dinkum, we dedicate ourselves to creating affordable, durable, and attractive storage buildings. Our experience and specialization means that we can deliver a better garage at a lower price. Always seek out a specialist!

2.  Fully engineered solutions – No matter what a builder may say, you don't want a structure that is built solely on gut instinct. It may seem simple to put up a pole barn-style building and the roof may stay up at first but, if it doesn't comply with building codes, it may be weaker than it looks. Always look for garages and sheds that have been drafted and approved by a real engineer.

3.  Cold formed steel – There are lots of great building materials for garages and sheds, but if you're looking for the ultimate combination of strength and price then you should start your search with cold formed steel buildings. Cold formed steel offers an almost limitless variety of styles, while reducing costs and resulting in a sturdy, low-maintenance shed.

4.  Style options – Any company that offers garages and sheds should be able to do so in a huge variety of designs; these can include American barns, Quaker barns, two-story garages, and barns with a rec room or sliding doors and porches—the list is almost endless. Even for simple structures like open-sided carports, your manufacturing company should be able to offer a variety of roof styles and options. They should also have a variety of colours, so that you can match your shed with any existing buildings easily.

5.  ShedSafe™ accreditation – ShedSafe™ is the gold standard of structural integrity for garages and sheds in Australia. It was first created following Cyclone Larry, which led to an alarming number of collapsed and failed sheds. The Australian Steel Institute decided to create an accreditation system for shed producers that follow safety and engineering best practices. So ShedSafe™ accredited structures are built to last.

What are you looking for in a garage or shed?

3 Types of Carports for Keeping your Vehicle Safe

When it comes to keeping your car in the best condition possible, there is nothing quite like having a carport. Carports are invaluable when you need them the most; they keep your car protected from any inclement weather and help to prevent damage that could occur as a result.

Whether your car is particularly valuable, you love it dearly or simply want to preserve your only mode of transportation, a carport is a good investment. Imagine not having to worry about horrible thunderstorms and their impact on your car. With a carport, all of those potential rainstorms, hailstorms or other menaces can be easily avoided.

However, there are a few different carport designs to choose from, and finding the one that best suits your needs is going to be an important part of the buying process. Here are a few design ideas that you should know about before you decide:

1. The Flat Roof Carport

The flat roof carport is the most economical version of this structure. They sport a simple, flat roof that is mostly utilitarian, but which can be built in a range of sizes to suit your specific vehicle. They also offer a number of colour options that can complement the hue of your home.

2. The Gable Roof Carport

If you want to add a touch of style and class to your carport, the gable roof is a great mid-range option. A step up from the simple style of the flat roof, this design can balance well with existing garage and house styles while still not costing an arm and a leg. If you really want to highlight your vehicle, opt for a colour that will help make your car stand out! 

3. The Dutch Gable Carport

If you are very design conscious, the Dutch Gable carport is one of our most stylish options. The perfect blend of function and form, this carport offers a wonderful sloped roof for protection and a unique architectural shape. On sunny days, the Dutch Gable carport also doubles very well as an entertainment area for barbecues, birthday parties, and other get-togethers.

These are three timeless examples of how carports can easily add style and functionality to your home. Why take the risk of having the rain ruin your favourite ride when a stylish carport can prevent it? Check out our many design options and customise one for yourself today!