So you’re considering a build for your beloved RV. Today, I want to take you on a journey – the journey of building our very own RV pole barn and share with you some FAQ that you may want to consider.
For Lisa and I, full-time Airstream travel was our life before we landed in beautiful South Carolina. We knew that full-time RV travel was not going to be our forever plan in retirement, but an opportunity for a time to travel and see parts of the U.S. we had never explored.
During our travels, we began looking for areas within South Carolina that offered a location (near mountains and beaches) and a lifestyle (warm climate / tax friendly) that fit our retirement goals.
We have no intention of stopping our RV travels, but decide to look for our perfect piece of property that would provide us with a home base to come back to when we weren’t traveling. A property that allowed easy pull-through parking access, the ability to build a structure (No HOA) that would protect it from the elements and access to facilities (water, sewer and electric) so that we could use our Airstream as a little guest house for visitors. In time, we were thrilled when we found such a property and quickly made the purchase.
The Planning Stage:
Once we owned the property, we began the planning process. With a little thought and debate and after we relocated a storage shed, we determined that a 24 x 36’ Post and Frame (Pole Barn) structure would best suit our needs and budget. We had considered other structures (galvanized steel buildings) but decided the pole barn would be a better long-term investment for the property as well as allow changes in the future if we ever decided to fully enclose the building. With a basic concept in mind we were faced with one of three main paths we could take:
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Option 1: Our first option was to hire a contractor to handle everything This option would be the most expensive $$$, but the least time and labor on our part.
Option 2: The second option would require us to become our own contractor and wrangler everything ourself. I would need to hire several subcontractors to complete the various phases of the build. This option would be a moderate expense $$, but would also require more time and labor on our part.
Option 3: The third option was to go the full DIY route. This option would be the least expensive $, but by far the most time and labor intensive.
We ultimately decided on a happy medium – going with Option 2 and severing as the our own contractor overseeing the different parts of the build while still being fully involved in the process. Over the course of several months, we requested numerous quotes for all aspects of the build and ultimately, hired several subcontractors to complete the project.
Budgeting for the Unexpected
Let's talk money. Building a RV shelter isn't cheap, but we wanted to share a full breakdown of what we spent. Since we had never undertaken a project such as this before, we wanted to share what we learned with others who may be considering a similar project. Remember, these are actual costs for our location and might vary greatly (higher or lower) depending on your location:
Phase I - Site Prep: It was finally time to break ground. Now I will admit the site prep cost was more than we had budgeted, but the entire build was dependent on a good building site. This stage of the build including saying goodbye to a several trees, leveling the ground, and bringing several loads of clay/sand to ensure a level build site with proper drainage. Total cost for the site prep was $5,805
Phase II - Building & Concrete: This cost included the engineered building plans, all material and labor, permit fees, and a 24 x 36’ concrete pad. We paid an additional $2,600 to add more concrete to the front of the building to tie into our existing driveway. We had considered not installing any concrete to save money and just having a gravel pad under the building, but the addition of concrete to the build was well worth the cost. Total cost for the building and concrete was $24,436
Phase III - Driveway Installation: This was an area of the build where we opted to have a lot of additional work completed. Not only did we elect to install a long, wide gravel driveway for easy Airstream access from the back of the property, we had several additional trees removed, topsoil brought in and the front driveway resurfaced. With all the additional work we had done, we spent an additional $2,600 over budget. The total cost for this portion of the build was $11,686
Phase IV - Electrical Work: This cost includes materials and labor for the electrician as well as the materials I purchased. I did not include the cost of our sweat equity from digging the trench and burying the wire. That DIY project alone saved us between $1,000 to $1,400. All in the electrical work cost $1,304.
The Final Tally:
To be fair, we did go a little over budget (or a lot), but there were several extras that we added along the way. Based on comments from others, we either got a really good deal or we got screwed. I only share that because the construction market is so different from one location in the U.S. to another. Based on the quotes that we received and the prices we paid in this part of South Carolina, we are very happy with the end result. In the end, the grand total came to $43,231.
Almost There! The Finishing Touches
Eventhough the build is complete, there's still a bit to do:
This Spring we plan on having gutters installed to prevent erosion. We estimate the gutters will cost an additional $2,000 more or less.
We will also paint the 6x6 support beams black in the spring, but we have to allow time for the pressure-treated wood dry out first. I have not estimated the cost of paint and supplies, but to save some money, this will be a DIY project.
Looking Back, No Regrets
At the end of the day, Lisa and I are very happy with the outcome of our new RV pole barn. It's a perfect fit for our Airstream, and it gives us a whole lot of extra space. While this was a months long process and not always easy, the end result is totally worth it!
RV Shelter Build: Things to Consider
If you are considering building a shelter for your RV, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that you may want to consider:
Site and Permits
Do I need a level site? Absolutely. A level site is crucial for a proper installation and the overall stability of the structure.
What about permits? Building permits are typically required for RV shelters. Check with your local municipality's building department to understand the specific codes and application process for your area.
Will the size of my RV impact the shelter design? Yes, the size of your RV will dictate the minimum dimensions required for the shelter. You'll also want to consider additional space for maneuvering and storage.
Materials and Design
Metal vs. Wood vs. Fabric? Metal and wood shelters offer superior durability and weather protection, while fabric structures are generally more affordable and easier to set up. Consider your budget, climate, and desired level of permanence.
What gauge steel should I use? Lower gauge steel (e.g., 12-gauge) is thicker and stronger than higher gauge (e.g., 14-gauge). Choose a gauge that can withstand the wind and snow loads in your area.
Will I need additional features? Think about adding features like windows and doors for ventilation and access, or a lean-to for extra storage. Don’t forget to consider electrical outlets, water, sewer and gutters.
Construction
Can I build it myself? RV shelters can be DIY projects, but it's a significant undertaking. Consider your experience level and the complexity of the design. Hiring a contractor can ensure a professional and structurally sound outcome.
What about the foundation? RV shelters typically use concrete piers or footings for support. The specific foundation requirements will depend on your local building codes and soil conditions.
Additional Considerations
What ongoing maintenance will be required? The maintenance needs will vary depending on the materials used. Metal buildings may require occasional rust prevention, while fabric structures may need cleaning or replacement over time.
How will this impact my property value? A well-built RV shelter can add value to your property. It may also increase your property tax liability.
By considering these FAQs, you can make informed decisions throughout the planning and construction process of your RV pole barn shelter.
Happy Camping & Safe Travels,
Rick & Lisa
The Wright Life
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