Post and Beam Barns as Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are self-contained homes built on the same property as a primary residence. They serve a range of practical purposes, including housing aging parents or adult children, generating rental income, or providing a dedicated home office or studio space. Post and Beam Barns, operating under the Country Carpenters brand and based in Hebron, Connecticut, offers handcrafted post and beam building kits that can serve as the structural foundation for an ADU project.
With over 50 years of experience in crafting New England-style post and beam structures, the company provides pre-cut building kits designed for a variety of uses. Their structures are known for their traditional craftsmanship, and several of their barn and small home models are well-suited for use as detached ADU builds, backyard cottages, in-law suites, or granny flats.
It is worth noting that Post and Beam Barns supplies the structural shell of the building. Buyers will need to work with a local ADU contractor or general contractor to complete mechanicals, utilities, interior carpentry, and finishes. The company does offer a "framed complete" service within most of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, where they can build the shell for a contractor to take the project to completion.
ADU Models Available
Post and Beam Barns offers a range of models that can be used as the basis for an accessory dwelling unit. These include:
- Early New England Homes Small Home – A compact option suited for small households or home offices.
- The Baker – A smaller structure offering an efficient living space.
- The Benton – A slightly larger option with room for additional amenities.
- The Country Cabin – A rustic design suitable for guest accommodations or rentals.
- The Barrett I – A one-story carriage house with a classic saltbox design, practical for ADU use.
- The Barrett II – A traditional one-story post and beam design with flexible layout options.
- The Revere – A more spacious model balancing functionality and comfort.
- The Sterling – A two-story barn featuring a New England broken-back saltbox design with an 8' or 10' lean-to.
- The Hemingway – A one-story barn with lean-to options, offering ample space for living quarters.
All models can be customized to some degree. Options include lean-tos, dormers, different window treatments, and various door configurations. The company provides a Preliminary Plan Package to help buyers visualize and plan their building before committing to a design.
The Building Process
The process from initial consultation to delivery typically follows five stages. A Client Advisor works with the buyer to develop a preliminary drawing package. Once a design is finalized, a quote and, upon request, a 3D representation of the building are provided. After a contract is signed and a deposit is made, engineered plans are issued for permit submission.
Foundation work is the responsibility of the homeowner or their contractor and must be completed before delivery. Post and Beam Barns provides complete foundation plans, which typically show either concrete piers or a continuous concrete frost wall. Each building kit is handcrafted rather than machine-produced, and delivery includes color-coded plans, construction diagrams, and a support package to assist with assembly.
Kit assembly can be managed independently, though the company recommends working with a qualified ADU builder or general contractor, particularly for larger or more complex models. The company can also recommend contractors in certain areas based on their shipping and builder network across the United States.
Building kits include pre-cut framing materials and nails for framing, but do not include roofing materials, fasteners beyond framing nails, foundation work, interior layout, electrical, or plumbing. An optional insulation package is available for kit customers. Utility plans such as electrical and plumbing are not included in the standard plans, as these are handled by the buyer's local contractor.
From consultation to delivery, the timeline generally ranges from 4 to 8 months for a weather-tight shell, and 6 to 12 months for a full build, depending on customization and local permitting requirements. All projects require approval from the local building and zoning department. Post and Beam Barns supplies engineered plans with an engineer's seal for most models to support the permit application process.