My last second decision to add a barn loft and what it cost me

I decided day-of to go all-in on having a loft added to my barn. Cutting it close with the budget, I knew I wouldn't regret having the Amish add what has become one of the centerpieces of my barn.

We cut it pretty darn close with my available cash when having my 74 x 36 foot Amish barn built earlier this year.

Knowing these guys were capable of the highest level of construction and wooden architecture, I wanted to utilize every last bit of their creative talent. However, my funds had other plans, though we managed to make it work perfectly in the end (with many back-and-forth budgeting sessions). I have other things I’d like to have added to the structure in 2025 - but that will depend on the success of my potential farming and business ventures.

I decided day-of in April 2024 to have my loft added to the barn. It was probably one of the best last-second decisions I have ever made in my life. And the cost to add this masterpiece of a structural add-on will shock you - it was not that much money.

From the staircase that is so sturdy it will outlive me and the generations after me, to the mortise and tenon joinery ‘glue’ work that leaves the loft effortlessly stunning without nails and screws everywhere… let me break down the loft process, and most importantly, what this cost me.