Building a shed/barn

[JoshStratton]

I am in the process of building a 20x14 barn/shed. At that size, I don't know what to call it. I need to get my yard crap out of the garage so I can finally work on my car.

Anyway, I am at the point of shingling. Yesterday at about 11:00am, I climbed on top of the damn thing and started putting down tar paper. By 12:00 noon, I was sitting on a sheet of black in the middle of 95 degree sun shine. The pitch on this b***h (hehe that rhymed) is real steep and my ladder gave out. It slipped about a foot before a clump of dirt caught it and prevented me from face planting in the turf. My heart skipped about 3 beats and finally started working again at about 7:18 am this morning. After that, I was like "screw this, i am going inside". I called a contractor and they are coming out tonight to quote the job.

This brings me to my question. I have never outsourced a job before. I always do it myself. What kind of questions should I ask? The only one I can think of is this:

Do they have insurance?

-Thanks-

[JoshStratton]

Nevermind. I chickened out. I will do this myself.

[makoshark]

Did you get a quote that shocked you?

[Bill Howell]

How steep?
Go invest in a couple toe board frames.
Remember, killing yourself to save a buck is not very smart.
One key to roofing in this weather is start early, or work late in the day, no way to do it in the heat of the day.
If you hire someone, make sure they have workers comp and general liability insurance.
Roofing is not rocket science, but neither is flying jets if you have had the proper training.
Come to Tn and I will lend you everything you need.

[JoshStratton]

I did not get a quote, but I really have a hard time paying for something I could do. We are going to start at 6:00am this Saturday since it will be about 65-70 degrees at that time. I have all the tools for the job, I just didnt eant to do it.

I think the roof is a 7 or 8-12 pitch. I have actually forgotten exactly what it was.

I will need 4 squares and estimate it would be about 300 bucks to have someone else do it for me. That would be a nice chunk of change to put towards some UCA's

Thank you Bill. I really appreciate the offer, although it is an awful long drive ;)

[Bill Howell]

8/12, I thought you said steep. Come on down, we are doing one right now that is 15/12 and 5700 square ft. About 300 squares.

400 square ft on a 8/12 should be $100-$200 labor around here anyway. Trouble is you will have trouble finding someone to do such a small job unless they want beer money.
Just be careful. should not take more than 4hours to do that on Saturday.

[JoshStratton]

ok now that is steep! What kind of building is it? That would be a MASSIVE house.

I did talk to a few places who were a little hesitant. I already purchased all the stuff so they didnt like the fact that they could not warranty the materials.

This is it:

[derekf]

Josh, you're going about this all wrong. You've got all that space and you're only building 20x14? Where's the 40x60 shop? (my wife already knows that next house will have a yard that size just for that very reason)

[Bill Howell]

Oh, It is just a cabin we are building, about $800K. Second house for a guy. Vacation house......
It is on a hillside overlooking the little Pigeon River. The foundation alone cost $125K, so a pretty big place.
Anyway, yeah, something like you have, I would just do it, Once you get the hang of it, it will go really fast. If you are using something besides regular three tab shingles, be sure to install right or it will look tacky. Call me if you have any questions.

[JoshStratton]

Josh, you're going about this all wrong. You've got all that space and you're only building 20x14? Where's the 40x60 shop? (my wife already knows that next house will have a yard that size just for that very reason)

LOL that barn out there is for the yard crap. In 2 years, I will be building a 40 x 52 Miracle Truss building in the area to the right of that picture. My house garage is 25x25 and is plenty of space for one car build. The 40x52 will actually be 2 rooms. 40x24 'finished' garage and 40x28 shop space with lift, etc...

That is exactly why I purchased that property. Mucho land-o. We actually only own to the tall grass. That part is supposed to be up for sale soon and we are thinking of making an offer. 3 more acres.

[JoshStratton]

Oh, It is just a cabin we are building, about $800K. Second house for a guy. Vacation house......
It is on a hillside overlooking the little Pigeon River. The foundation alone cost $125K, so a pretty big place.
Anyway, yeah, something like you have, I would just do it, Once you get the hang of it, it will go really fast. If you are using something besides regular three tab shingles, be sure to install right or it will look tacky. Call me if you have any questions.

I love Pigeon Forge. I took my wife there 2 years ago and we stayed in Auntie Belham's cabins. We went to one of the 'car museums' and there was a VW show that weekend as well. It is just a georgous area. I hope to make it to the PT show next year

An 800k cabin. Sheesh. I grew up in a log home. They have a certain appeal to me

[Bill Howell]

I will try and get a picture or two of this monster. It is huge.

[BonzoHansen]

Remember, killing yourself to save a buck is not very smart.

Pansy.

[Bill Howell]

Pansy.

Remember I do this for a living, Not roofing but building. I bet I will get up alot higher than you think, we were working 73 feet off the ground the other day. I am no pansy, just cautious. Fat boys make a mess when they hit the ground, I have seen that too.

[toxicz28]

Fat boys make a mess when they hit the ground.

Bill, just remember, it's not the fall that gets you, it's the sudden stop at the bottom.

[BonzoHansen]

Remember I do this for a living, Not roofing but building. I bet I will get up alot higher than you think, we were working 73 feet off the ground the other day. I am no pansy, just cautious. Fat boys make a mess when they hit the ground, I have seen that too.

Ok. Big Pansy. How's that? You know I was kidding, right Bill?

Of course, I am scared of heights, so what the hell do I know?

[JoshStratton]

I will try and get a picture or two of this monster. It is huge.

I was expecting a crack about this one...

[JoshStratton]

Here are the pics of the barn. It is not done, but it is moved in.