FAQ Where do the frames come from? American barns built of virgin forested timber by skilled craftsmen of various ethnic building traditions. We acquire barns that are threatened with demolition, either literally or by neglect. When removal/relocation is the only remaining option to preserving the frame/barn, we will find a suitable client for the barn and remove it via 'ethical salvage'. What is ethical salvage? At N.L. Kotting & Company, we pride ourselves in our role in preserving the American barn. Nothing pleases us more than to see a barn owner restore and retain their barn as an economically viable component of their farm. (We often convince barn owners to save and or convert their barns on site so that their role on the farm and in the cultural landscape can continue). When a barn is threatened with demolition either literally or by neglect or when a barn owner can no longer carry the liability of a derelict structure we will attempt to find a home for that barn elsewhere. We try not to inventory barns for this reason, we prefer they remain standing until a viable new home is found. WE ONLY ACQUIRE BARNS IN THIS MANNER. We will not sell a frame whose origin is unknown. Often 'timber scalpers' present us with the option of buying timber they cannot or refuse to document. This timber is then assumed to have been stolen, or otherwise unethically removed from derelict farmsteads, without the owner's knowledge, for profit. We do not participate in this practice and do not expect our clients to either. It is our priority that our clients feel good about the home they are building and subsequently, their role in preserving these beautiful examples of traditional American craftsmanship. How does your company differ from the kit timber frame companies? Simple. We recycle existing true post & beam frames constructed in the traditional ways over 100 years ago. The wood is hand hewn virgin timber (denser, higher quality wood that grew up in fresher, cleaner air...) that has been seasoned through the years and will not warp, split or shrink. True post & beam is significantly stronger than timber frame and structurally provides for expansive clear span allowing greater flexibility in interior floor plans. All of our frames are reconstructed in the exact same configuration as the original frame, pegs and all, reinforcing not only the intent of the original builder but the experience of the frame as a load bearing entity while in agricultural use for the past 100+ years. There is never a question as to the structural integrity of one of our frames. They have proven themselves. As we are not creating custom joinery (its already done!) our frames generally cost less than a custom built timber frame while at the same time, offering increased architectural authenticity and structural integrity. I want my home to look like 'Pottery Barn'-is this possible? (You would be amazed at how often we get this question!) The current trend in residential design featuring hewn timber beams and painted wood walls/floors lends itself well to our post & beam frames. (See our Barn Blog and our Slideshow of the process for photos) At the new owners discretion, flooring and siding from the original barn can be incorporated in a variety of beautiful ways in the reconstruction. The original rafters can be incorporated into the roofing system as well as full and partial log floor joists to create interest in lower level ceilings. If you can imagine it, we can probably do it! Will my new house look like a barn on the outside when we are done? Not necessarily. If the look of a fully restored barn is what you are looking to accomplish, we can do that. However, in the vast majority of residential conversions, the post & beam frame is used then the exterior of the home if finished off in a variety of ways reflecting the owner's preference. This can range from contemporary/art moderne to more traditional architectural styles. The interior however, usually showcases the frame in its entirety. We often have clients who want to convert a barn they already own, where it stands. These 'look like barns' by intent when we are finished and therefore continue in their role as beloved 'structural citizens' in a community or in the countryside. Always our goal. Can I just use some of your beams here and there in my new home rather than an entire frame? While occasionally we will have beams available for this purpose, we discourage homebuilders from this cosmetic application of timber. (At the risk of falling into the wagon-wheel-coffee-table-syndrome...to be blunt.) The art of a fully joined frame lies in its structural integrity and beauty as a functioning core component of your new residence. A beautiful home starts with 'good bones' and nothing surpasses true post & beam in both aesthetic quality and strength. What if the frame I chose has some damaged beams? We carefully inspect each component of the chosen frame for rot, powder post beetle damage and warp. We will replace, as closely as possible with regard to wood type, any damaged component prior to reconstruction. This includes duplicating the original joinery. Does N.L. Kotting & Company buy barns? When we find a match between a client and a barn threatened with imminent demolition, we will try to compensate the owner for materials. Generally speaking, owners will be compensated with between $300 and $3000 for their barn depending on its condition and the amount of straightening and repairs needed prior to dismantling the structure. Documenting, straightening, repairing, disassembling, transporting and raising a barn is an extremely labor intensive endeavor that requires highly skilled artisans in order to ensure a good frame raising at the other end of the process. This cost is born by the client. For the owner of the barn, we remove the structure leaving a clean site and saving them the cost, risk and time involved in demolition. Most barn owners are pleased and excited to see their barns put back into use elsewhere and are relieved to be free of the liability of a derelict structure remaining on their property. Many faced with watching a beloved barn disintegrate over time, are only happy to see it remain useful, albeit elsewhere at no cost to them. On occasion, we have clients willing to pay a premium for rare barns such as octagon barns, elongated octagon barns, round barns, etc. It is always first and foremost our goal however that these rare barns remain on their original site and in use in a traditional manner whenever possible. Again, only when one of these barns is otherwise threatened with impending demolition will we attempt to place it. Discriminating clients are willing to pay for such structures, when ethically offered. Am I limited to the size of the original frame? No. While we reconstruct each frame as it was originally constructed, we can add to the frame either with custom post & beam additions, or entire second frames abutted to the main frame to create the look of connected farm buildings/wings. These 'grouped' frames create the timeless look of a residence that has been organically built out over years. (Reference 'Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn!) Will my local building inspector understand what we are doing? Yes. True post & beam is one of the oldest building methods known and is the basis of the modern day skyscraper. Our frames have more structural integrity than modern balloon frame/stick building methods and are often noted as examples of outstanding construction. We use experienced architects to create stamped drawings of our projects if necessary. While many communities have restrictions on the use of reclaimed lumber, these restrictions apply to reclaimed dimensional lumber (for good reason!) and do not apply to our frames. And lastly, our favorite question: Is my new home going to smell like a barn? No. Each frame is thoroughly yet carefully cleaned so as not to damage the texture or patina of the wood. And we promise, it will not smell like 'Babe' or 'Bessie' or 'the old grey mare'.

Contact us via email at info@nlkotting.com, by phone at 231-256-7088, cell 248-202-4804 or by mail at:
N.L. Kotting & Company
PO Box 967
Leland, MI 49654

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