Are you looking to add a building to your property? Do you need a new storefront or warehouse? Pole barns or pole buildings are a great choice. Also known as post frame construction, these buildings get their name from the building technique that is used to create them.
They can be built in about a month, offer the same structural integrity as traditionally built buildings and offer cheaper maintenance costs. So, if you are looking to add an ADU for your mother-in-law, to build a garage, or need a barn for your livestock – pole barn buildings are a great option – no matter what you are building.
Choosing to build a pole building can be exciting, but also daunting. We have created a step-by-step guide for people that are interested in building pole barns but are not sure where to start. We will begin with the first step – figuring out what you want to use a pole barn for.
Figuring Out Your Needs
When building a pole barn, it is easy to focus on your immediate needs – what are you going to use a pole barn for right now? While this is important, you also want to consider the future. What will you be using the barn for next year? Or in a few years?
In five to ten years your pole barn should still meet your needs because your pole barn will grow with you.
What to Consider before Building a Pole Barn:
What will be the main use of the building?
Will it be a barn, house, ADU, storage facility, or something else? Each option will present its own unique set of design needs to consider. If you are not sure – here is a list of questions to consider when you begin researching pole barns.
How tall is the tallest stored item?
Will you be storing farm equipment or sports cars? Depending on what you store, that will determine the height of the roof, the size of the door, and if there are additional doors needed. This is the beginning of your building’s frame.
How wide is the widest stored item?
How does the building need to be set-up so that you are able to fit everything you need? How big do the doors need to open to? If it is a car – do you need space to open vehicle doors? Are there extra attachments to take into account in the vehicle or equipment that is being driven in? This will determine the size of your building and doors.
What does the floor look like?
Do you want a concrete floor, floor drains, or floor support for unusually heavy loads? Will flooring be installed before or after the building is up? Will the things in your pole barn need to be stored in a protected or sterile environment? Will you be in freezing environments and need extra insulation to maintain the temperature?
How do you want things to move in the building?
Do you want your vehicles to always back in or can they drive in one way and out another? Will you need an external area that opens to the inside? Will you have a loft? Figuring out the flow is an important step to determining the size and style of your building.
What do you want the outside to look like?
Will there be sidewalks around the building or leading up to the building? Will you need an overhang to park an RV or work on projects? Will you need a separate garage? Do you need extra doors leading to an office or a residence, or just to have extra doors? Additional features on the outside can really help your building grow with you for many years to come.
What utilities or appliances will you need?
Do you need options for work or play such as a ventilated area for a paint booth? Will it be a fully functional residence or a specialized warehouse? Consider activities requiring a slop sink, kitchen sink, bathroom, or other areas requiring plumbing or electrical, heating or cooling.
Hopefully these questions got you thinking! Our team of experts has been doing this for over a decade, and we would love to connect and discuss your project. No matter what you are building we have the experience to work with you every step of the way to make sure you have a great building that will endure for years to come.
Reach out now for a free quote.
Look out for our article: Pole Barn 101: Part 2 – Finding the Right Location for Your New Pole Building
