A Booming Barn-Board Business

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By that time, most people will be begging you to "smash down that mess and haul the junk away". And, even if a few prospects refuse your services, be comforted by the knowledge that the countryside is filled with falling structures.

Also, don't forget to state specifically that you'll clean up any debris afterward. This part of your job should include raking the site clean and burning (check to see whether a burning permit is required) or hauling away all unsalvageable leftovers. Be sure to keep your promise on such cleanup operations, too, because a good word-of-mouth reputation will all but guarantee that you'll be invited to salvage more barns and sheds later on . . . and is a better and less expensive "business finder" than are newspaper ads.

Don't underestimate, however, the pulling power of low-cost classified blurbs in your local paper or "shopper". Our first such solicitation found us one of the free barns shown in the accompanying photos, and the "extras" that job brought were amazing: We were able to salvage kegs of cut nails and numerous pulleys, windows, granite blocks, bricks, etc. In fact, surprise bonuses-including fencing, wire, rare old bottles, and other antiques— often turn up in your "take"... as, of course, do ample supplies of free kindling and firewood.

Before you do any work, though, write out two copies of a contract (or informal agreement) giving you possession of "the barn and everything in it", so no misunderstandings occur later on. A country handshake may be enough in many areas, but a signed note provides better protection. (Most folks will also want to include in the contract a statement that you won't hold them responsible for any injuries that occur on their property.)

After the agreement is signed, you may go and lavish all the affection you like on "your" barn or shed.

DO IT TO IT

In the good old days, country folks held barn-raising parties. Now, entrepreneurs who deal in barn wood often get groups of friends together and have demolition par ties. Basically—once you've rounded up your help—the work requires only hammers and wrecking bars. (We've discovered that a "pinch bar"—along wrecking bar with a U-shaped, claw-hammer end—is very efficient.) A chain saw is optional: Don't subject a valuable new saw to the abuse involved in tearing down buildings . . . but if you have an old used one, you'll find that you can slice right through ancient nails and beams, making many jobs quicker and easier.

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