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Custom Homes, Garage with Living Quarters, Post and Beam, Timber Frame

Project Preview: Sandy, Oregon Garage with Living Quarters

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The DC Builders construction crew has been hard at work on a stunning garage with living quarters in scenic Sandy, Oregon. The three-bedroom home with downstairs workshop and garage is nearing completion, and is anticipated to be wrapped up within the next couple months. This beautiful multi-use structure was designed with a number of practical features, which were included as a complement to the homeowners’ lifestyles.

Back in 2016, the owners of this in-progress garage with living quarters began discussing the possibilities for a hybrid home and workshop with our partner company DC Structures. Whereas DC Builders offers custom design and construction services, DC Structures provides personalized building materials packages with pre-engineered plans. Sometimes the two converge, like in the case of this workshop with upstairs living quarters; DC Structures designed and packaged the kit, while DC Builders is handling the construction. 

The owners of this under construction home and garage started their design with DC Structures’ most popular selling kit: the Oakridge 48’. Often chosen for its versatility, the Oakridge makes for wonderful mixed-use buildings such as apartment barns, workshops with loft offices and garages with upstairs living quarters. In the case of these clients, the goal was to have a large downstairs workshop and a drive-through RV garage. Second-floor features include a custom river rock fireplace and a large partially-covered deck to enjoy year-round.

Designed using the reliable method of post-and-beam construction, this garage with living quarters was built for the long haul. In addition to the structural support provided by high-grade heavy timbers, this style of building lends itself to a charming rustic aesthetic with dramatically open interior spaces. The functional home is topped with a custom cedar cupola for more natural lighting and is complemented by heavy timber truss details and premium Douglas fir posts.

With buildings under construction across the contiguous U.S. DC Builders’ repertoire of in-progress projects ranges in style and scope from horse barns and barn homes to arenas and commercial properties. If you’re ready to get started on your own garage with living quarters design and construction project, request a free quote today. Whatever it is you envision for your property, DC Builders has the experience and service-oriented dedication to bring it to fruition. [cme_grid post_id=”5276″]

Custom Homes, Post and Beam, Timber Frame

Advantages to Post and Beam Construction

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Building methods come in and out of fashion, but post and beam construction is one of the few that has demonstrated its staying power—and with good reason, too. Post and beam buildings are a sound investment that offer longevity and a timeless aesthetic, as well as a number of benefits that add further value to the structure.

Post and beam construction is a building style that relies on high-grade heavy timbers to create beautifully open interiors. Celebrated for its structural durability and environmentally preferable impact, this method of construction is designed to last for a century or more if given proper upkeep over time.

While this construction approach dates back to ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman architecture, it continues to be popular for homes, barns, and other structures, due to the following advantages.

Stronger Framework Opens Up Interior Spaces

In a post and beam building, fewer supports are needed because of the strength of the timbers. This allows designers to create expansive and breathtaking interiors.

Timely Construction

The simplicity of post and beam construction allows for buildings to be erected quickly. Assembly is accelerated because there are fewer structural joints overall. Moreover, infill panels can be pre-constructed offsite and added to the building in a snap.

Easily Customizable Floor Plans

Post and beam structures have no load-bearing walls—the timbers do all the work! This allows you to choose exactly where you’d like to place walls, horse stalls, doors, windows and whatever else you’d like in your custom barn or home.

Extraordinary Strength

Post and beam construction is rooted in early Oriental architecture. This construction approach would eventually sweep the globe, partially due to its inherent strength. Some medieval post and beam structures are still standing. (Indeed, some would say Stonehenge qualifies as a post and lintel form of post and beam design.) Post and beam structures are often the only buildings left standing in the wake of hurricanes and earthquakes.

Natural Elegance

Exposed beams create a visual rhythm that most people find appealing. Wood is known for its innate warmth, and the airy interior spaces of post and beam construction resonate with beauty.

Environmentally Preferable

Several popular constructions styles make use of dimensional lumber and treated wood poles. These building methods are both wasteful and less structurally reliable, with treated timbers rotting after 40 years or so. Post and beam construction never requires the use of chemically-treated wood, which makes for a building that is more attractive, longer lasting and better for the environment. Additionally, the use of a monolithic concrete slab foundation scores LEED points for the building.

DC Builders has designed and built post and beam structures all across the U.S. Whether you’re looking for a commercial or residential building, with or without equine amenities, we can create a stunning post and beam structure to meet your needs. Request a quote to get started today!

Party Barns

Man Caves, Lady Caves & Backyard Party Barns

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Everyone needs a place to retreat to from time to time, be it from the hectic pace of life or the demands of work and home. A weeklong vacation to a tropical island without wifi would certainly do the trick, but have you ever considered what kind of reprieve can be found in your own backyard?

DC Builders specializes in the design and construction of backyard party barns, otherwise known as man caves or lady caves. Depending on what it takes for you to relax and unwind, we can help you cultivate a space that will feel like your own private oasis without the sand and sunburn.

Below are some of the benefits in choosing DC Builders as your partner in the design and construction of your backyard getaway.

Dedicated design specialist

When you work with DC Builders, you’re assigned a design specialist who will act as a single point of contact throughout the duration of your project’s planning process. This person will get to know you and your goals in and out, thereby helping you to create a space that meets your vision and needs in full.

Budget management

Custom structures from DC Builders range from $60 per square foot to $300 or more. We are committed to working within our clients’ budgets, and ensuring that costs do not exceed set limits. Our extensive experience working on a wide variety of projects means we have the creative knowhow to get the job done for the right price.

Speedy construction

After design and planning are finished, we can have our crews on location in as little as four weeks. Once in place with all necessary materials, your man cave or lady cave can be completed in anywhere from four to 12 weeks depending on the complexity of the project. Adequate planning and an experienced team of builders make for an efficient and streamlined construction process.

Permit assistance

Local regulations and red tape are an inevitably frustrating aspect of any construction project. If you are confused about or disinterested in navigating the process of obtaining construction permits, we can do it for you. While there is a fee for the additional service, many of our customers have found that our experience with permitting procedures saves them money in the long run.

We take your backyard party barn project seriously, as we understand the importance of taking a break from the daily grind. Regardless of what your man cave or lady cave aspirations entail, we’d love to help you turn your dreams into a concrete and wooden reality. Request a free quote today!

Timber Frame

Selecting Heavy Timbers for Your Project

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Your selections of lumber and heavy timbers for a building project are some of the most important decisions you’ll make. In fact, the health, beauty and longevity of your timber frame depend on it!

The grade, cut and moisture content of lumber all play a crucial role in the durability and appearance of a structure. Low-grade lumber that has been improperly cut or dried is prone to warp and shrink over time, thereby altering the building’s aesthetic and structural integrity.

DC Builders is located in the Pacific Northwest, where the reputation for quality timbers is among the best in the world. With Douglas fir and Western red cedar as some of the region’s biggest exports, quality lumber is produced in our own backyard.

All our lumber is sourced from mill-direct relationships we’ve spent more than a decade cultivating with high-grade suppliers. We believe in doing things the right way, and that includes using the best materials on the market while also supporting our local timber industry.

We take pride in our team’s thorough knowledge and understanding of the construction materials we source, which makes for a painless process in getting to the heart of your project’s needs. With your vision for the building in mind, we’ll guide you in selecting the perfect timbers for your build.

All our projects are constructed from the highest recommended lumber grade for structural integrity: Select Structural. The same can be said for lumber cut, as all our timbers are free of heart center (FoHC). Timbers that are FoHC result in structural frames that hold their shape and appearance for the long haul. This is due to the fact that the soft pith in the middle of the timber is excluded from the cut.

Similarly, all of our lumbers have been subject to high-standards for kiln drying. This guarantees that moisture content within the timbers is well below levels for concern, thus bolstering structural stability.

Know Your Wood

DC Builders has access to a variety of timber types, and is well versed on the materials it uses in its construction projects. Below is a rundown of some of our most popular options.

Douglas Fir

Synonymous with DC Builders’ headquarters state of Oregon, Doug fir is a major Pacific Northwest export. This builder favorite is world renowned for its stability and resistance to warping, as well as its consistent appearance.

Because Doug fir trees are generally tall, their lumber lends itself well to lengthy boards and exposed timber beams. The rustic appearance makes it ideal for interior and exterior panel siding, as well as tongue and groove ceiling cover.

Cedar

Prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, cedar trees have developed self-protective qualities that allow the trees to ward off insects, rot and temperature-related illnesses. This makes cedar highly useful to building in areas where humidity, heat and cracking are concerns.

Cedar is not typically used as a structural component in construction because it is much weaker than its counterparts redwood or cypress. The best use of cedar is for decorative, exposed portions of a project. Cedar is roughly half the cost of redwood.

Redwood

Similar to cedar, these towering giants also have chemicals within their foliage and bark that make them resistant to fungal disease and insect infestation. Redwood’s internal cell structure also allows them to hold large amounts of water and air in pockets, so it works well for insulation and thrives in high-moisture areas.

Because of its rich red color, redwood is both iconic and expensive. However, if left untreated without the use of stains and sealers, redwood will eventually turn to a dull grey hue. This material is typically used for exposed portions of structures due to its relatively high cost.

It’s always a good idea to check the local building codes for your area before you begin a construction project. Regardless of the type of wood you choose, it is necessary to first consider the size of the building, its intended use, as well as climate and soil type.

Get the ball rolling for your own project today and request a quote for your project!

Apartment Barns, Barn Homes, Custom Homes

Barn Living: Yay or Neigh?

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Barns aren’t just for horses these days! DC Builders is taking barn living to new heights, creating beautiful barns with living quarters that pay homage to the classic styles that define America’s rich history. From hybrid apartment barns to elegant barn homes, we take our clients’ visions and turn them into concrete and wooden reality.

A barn is one of the most diverse pieces of architecture you can find on farming land. Whether you’re stabling horses or storing supplies, barns have begun to show potential as living spaces too. If your work calls for spending almost all your time in or around a barn, it’s only natural to want to move in closer. Take the leap into a full-fledged equestrian lifestyle with the inclusion of living quarters in your barn!

Some people have reservations about living in such proximity to their horses but, if well maintained, apartment barns and barn homes can maximize your work routine and save you money. Here are some of the main reasons that barns with living quarters are becoming more popular:

Increased Security

If you’re looking after ill livestock, or have animals that are extremely valuable, having living quarters in your barn is one of the best ways to keep an eye on them. Even if you do not intend to live in the barn, having a caretaker on site will ensure your animals receive the prompt help and attention they deserve.

Cutting Down Costs

Running a farm can be a tiresome and expensive endeavor—you’ll find that some bills and expenses are simply unavoidable. However, living in your barn allows you to cut down on costs that come along with maintaining both your barn and your home. Of course, this is all dependent on your line of work, so keep that in mind if you’re considering an apartment barn or barn home. Nonetheless, it is easy to save money by opting for a sustainable barn with living quarters.

Easy and Convenient

If you’re spending half your time in a barn looking after animals, and are required to start the day early, a barn home could save you a lot of valuable time. Combining home and barn will cut down on your commute, ensure a prompt start time and give you more time to do what you love most. Keep the comforts of home and barn under one roof and your passionate pursuits will never be too far away. 

If you’re thinking about a barn with living quarters for your property, DC Builders can help. With an impressive portfolio of barn homes and apartment barns, we’ve got the skills and experience necessary to bring your dreams of equestrian living to life. Get started today by requesting our digital catalog. It’s never too early to lay the foundation for your future.

Barns, Equestrian

Barn Designs 101: Great American Classics

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Classic American barn designs have transcended the bounds of regional aesthetic and time period. While certain barn styles are indicative of a distinct era in the history of Western expansion and early American settlement, lines have become undoubtedly blurred through preservation of tradition and reinventive architectural design.

DC Builders boasts an impressive portfolio that includes both classic and neoclassic barn designs. Fine attention to detail and an appreciation for the centuries-old, farm-centric tradition that defines different regions throughout the U.S. makes for a unique repertoire of custom creations.

Throughout the design process, we work one-on-one with the client to extract their vision while also filling in the blanks with our thorough knowledge of structural barn styles and aesthetic additions. Our barn designs incorporate certain recurring features and attributes—some of which are wholly traditional, and others that take on an inventive and bricolage approach.

If you’re brainstorming potential barn designs to transform your property, read on to discover a few basic formats that can serve as the backbone for your dream barn.

Gables. If you appreciate the classics, gable barn designs are a true nod to the oldies. Gables boast dual-pitched roofs that come to a central point and form a triangular structure. Additionally, dormers can be added for more flexible second-story designs. The timeless appeal of a gable barn is only made more attractive by its cost efficiency.

Monitors. Also known as raised center aisle barns, monitor barn designs represent a uniquely American style. Similar to a gable’s triangular structure, monitor barns include the addition of a raised loft that runs down the middle. A second gable roof protects the elevated monitor section. Many of our clients place generous windows in the monitor for optimal natural lighting.

Gambrel. The traditional red farmhouse structure that generally comes to mind when people think of barn designs is a gambrel barn. Gambrels continue to enjoy popularity, as they feature generous head room on upper stories. A gambrel barn roof features two pitches: an external steep roof pitch that is combined with a shallow central pitch to create a rounded profile with plenty of extra storage space.

Shed Row. Shed row barns are well liked in that they are easily adapted to any property. As the simplest option for housing horses and their amenities, these barns are often some of the more budget-friendly barn designs. A shed row barn is comprised of a simple box with a slanted roof. There is no central pitch on a shed row barn—rather, the roof slants downward in one direction. A covered walkway can be added to shed row barns in precipitation-prone areas.

DC Building is passionate about building barns with personality. The design structures listed here are a great place to start with your next barn project—but don’t be afraid to add personal touches! Our designers are happy to work with you to create the perfect barn for you and your family.

Arenas, Barns, Equestrian Facilities, Stables

Equestrian Facilities for your Horse Boarding Business

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Equestrian enthusiasts love taking care of their horses. In fact, most would make it their full time responsibility if they could. That’s why many horse owners consider the possibility of a boarding business—it’s a fantastic way to spend time with horses and turn unused space on your property into a profitable hobby-turned-business that you can enjoy. Before you gallop too far down the road of opening a boarding business, however, you should consider whether your current barn or equestrian facility is up to the task.

Remember, horses are massive animals that require plenty of space, food and attention to be cared for properly. If you already take care of your own horses, you have a head start on what it is you’ll need to scale up. That said, it’s imperative you are properly equipped to care of other people’s horses. That means more stables, more storage space for hay and equipment, and more space designed for the horses to ride and play in any weather

DC Builders has designed and built a number of equestrian facilities across the U.S., meaning we know exactly what it takes to start with a business idea and turn it into concrete and wooden plans for your future. Additionally, our partner company DC Structures offers arena and stable kits in various sizes that can be easily adapted to suit your business needs. One kit in particular—the DC Structures Canyon stables and arena kit—is a popular option for people looking to get a start in the horse boarding industry.

With plenty of stables for storing upwards of a dozen horses, indoor and outdoor holding spaces, a tack room, a wash stall, a large covered riding arena and two garages for storing hay and equipment, the Canyon stables and arena kit has absolutely everything you need to ensure your business is ready for boarding. It’s the type of structure that will impress clients and let them know that you can be trusted to care for their animals.

For an example of what a completed boarding facility can be, take a look at this gorgeous arena with caretaker’s quarters that DC Builders built in Oregon City. This property has been completely transformed, with both a hay barn and compost system being added in addition to the riding arena and stables. There’s even a one bedroom apartment built into the arena, providing an efficient and comfortable home for the resident caregiver.

If you’re serious about turning your hobby of caring for horses into a legitimate business, then a consideration of upgrades to you buildings and properties is a must. Nothing says professional boarding like a facility designed and built by DC. Request a quote today and wow future clients at first sight.