How to build a goat barn in 12 easy steps!

Step 1 - Buy a pregnant goat! (Nothing like a little pregnancy to inspire motivation ;o)

Step 2 - Select location. Be sure the area is sloping well and the soil is littered with 100 year old cedar stumps waiting to be unburied.

       

Step 3 - Purchase foundation blocks. Spend an entire week nudging and positioning all 13 so they are perfectly aligned and square.

 Step 4 - Add beams. These will be supported and held delicately into place with t-posts. Use a level to adjust them so they are plumb and vertical. Step carefully. Pray for windless nights.

Step 5 - Frame in the floor (naturally, this will need to be level, despite the sloping terrain).

Step 6 - Roof beams. Go to the hardware store for galvanized metal brackets. Buy more than you will ever need so you don't have to go back. Drag beams and brackets to work site. Immediately return to the hardware store for mosquito repellent.

Step 7 - Add cross beams. Stand back and adore work. Begin wondering how you're going to screw on  metal roofing sheets without falling through.

Step 8 - Add floor. Pray it does not rain.

Step 9 - Attach sides (if you have strength left after dragging them all the way down there!).  

Step 10 - Continue attaching sides. Realize that you have cut the left front section twice and the center front section - not at all. Return to lumber store for more sheets of ply and another whole bucket of stain.  

Step 11 - Discover that it's awfully dark in there without window. Remove section, cut window, and re-attach.

Step 12 - Complete with a swinging door after much thought toward the direction in which it should open.

Finally - Add happy goats :o)