Many homes feature a barn with animals or crop storage in their yard, regardless of where they live. Urban farming is gaining popularity, and farmhouses are standard in rural areas. Barns can be used for various purposes—storage, animal care, farming, etc. If you are considering constructing a barn on your property, consider all the valuable features you can include.
Loft Storage
Many barns are equipped with loft storage for hay or other equipment—‘hayloft’ is part of the typical farming vocabulary for a reason. Loft storage is a great way to utilize a barn’s vertical space, as barns are often quite tall. You can include anything you’d like in your barn’s lofts, but you can never get enough storage on even the smallest farms. In your backyard, it may be likely to have a barn taller than wider to save space. Lofts are pretty handy in these situations. Many barn builders feature floorplans that have loft space already included!
Animal Stables
If your barn will feature any kind of animals, you can include built-in stables for them. Built-in animal features include a pig sty, chicken coop, goat pen, or horse stables. By including animal pens in your barn’s design, you can avoid costly additions or buying another barn just for animals. Many local barn builders are happy to include animal features in your design. You’re likely wondering, ‘How do I find the right horse barn builders near me?’ Online research is a great start. Read reviews, websites, and testimonials to see what animal barn builders suit your goals, size, and budget.
Grooming Stations
If you plan to keep animals in your barn, washing and grooming stations are practical and luxurious. Instead of hosing your goats down in the middle of your driveway or yard, you can take them to a designated area in your barn to provide a calming spa day for both of you. This section can feature hose hookups, brushes, dryers, and grooming tools to make bathing and brushing easier for both groomers and animals. Grooming areas separate from their relaxation stables can make it easier for the animal to stay clean and dry.
Office Space
If you plan on running a business out of your barn or farm, office space is a great way to separate work from play or leisure, especially on your home’s property. A barn can have a dedicated, separate workspace away from equipment and animals to count as an office. With a few fans, lights, computers, and whiteboards, you can make a comfortable backyard home office for yourself—if you use it solely for business, it can even count as a home office tax deduction! Office spaces in barns are efficient if you work with others on the farm.
Ventilation
High air quality is a necessity for both you and your livestock. Proper air filtration can prevent respiratory problems, remove condensation and moisture, and maintain even temperatures. You don’t have to include a mechanical air ventilation system if your budget or space won’t allow it. Open barns facing the south can provide natural air filtration by causing heat to rise. If your barn must be closed, sidewall vents can also give a similar effect. You can install mechanical systems such as fans if you want to go all out.
Lights
Lighting can help you and your family manage any late-night activities in your barn. LED or solar-powered lighting is energy-efficient and long-lasting. Motion-detection lighting can even keep your barn safer and more secure at night.
Driveway Space
If the barn is literally in your backyard, it may be challenging to include a designated driveway. However, driveway space for your barn can make it easier to haul loads of equipment and supplies in and out of the barn. If desired, you or your builders can pave a driveway or parking area made from any material around your barn.
Sliding Doors
Sliding barn doors aren’t just a fun modern farmhouse feature! As the name implies, barn doors that slide offer a quick and convenient way to seal off your animals at night for safety and security. Sliding doors save much space and are aesthetically pleasing in a barn. Sliding doors are beneficial around horses and other animals where loud noises from different types of doors may startle.
Sound System
What if your animals want to jam out? All jokes aside, a sound system can provide a peaceful and calming work area for yourself or any employees in the barn. You can also include an announcement system if you want to be professional.
Bathrooms
A bathroom in a barn may seem silly, but it can be an excellent way for employees to quickly use the restroom without entering your house. Additionally, it can be an excellent way to wash up or take a break without wasting time.
Water Filtration
A water filtration system of any type can be ideal to keep employees or yourself hydrated during long work hours. You can also give filtered water to your animals, eliminating any pollutants that may come with unfiltered water from your property or city.
Conclusion
A backyard barn is a great way to start a farm, host more animals, or store equipment for raising crops. To build a convenient and helpful barn, consider adding features like a grooming station, storage space, bathrooms, lighting, or sound systems. Also, consider your preferences in a barn and include any features that may enhance your workspace.