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.
Planning Utilities for Your Pole Building
Depending on the planned function of your building, you may need to plan access to power, water, septic, and HVAC. Some buildings, such as smaller storage sheds, can function without connecting to utilities, but we recommend carefully considering your current needs and potential future needs when deciding what utilities to add. This is why Pole Barn 101: Part 1 – Things To Consider When Building A Pole Building – is so important. Knowing what your Pole Barn will be used for is key to knowing what utilities need to be included. If you have not read that article yet, we recommend starting there.
For this article we will focus on the most common addition to pole barns – electricity.
Pole Building Utilities – Electricity
Most buildings benefit from having electricity. Electricity provides light and power for any tools that may be used. This is usually an important addition to ensure your building can continue to meet your needs into the future.
Common Electricity Needs:
- Light
- Outlets to Plug-In Equipment
- Garage Doors
- Security Systems
- Running Other Utilities (HVAC, Water Heaters, Etc.)
- Electric Car Charging
- Refrigeration Systems
- Heated Flooring
Things to Keep in Mind with Electricity:
Power Needs:
Your power needs will change based on what the building is used for. For instance, a building with just a couple of lights will pull less power than a building using multiple power tools daily.
Knowing the amount of power needed will be important in determining the work that needs to be done to run adequate power to your new build.
Cost:
The cost can vary depending on what your existing electrical connection is. Typically, you need to pay per foot to route electricity from the street to the building location.
Costs vary based on if power is above ground or below ground and average about $10-$25 per foot. Even if you have electricity to the site, you may need to increase the number of amps to the location.
Permits:
Under Oregon State law, construction or installation of electrical wiring and the permanent attachment is not allowed until a permit has been issued. Working with a certified electrician will ensure your permits are correct and submitted quickly.
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 5 – Water and Septic Planning for Your Pole Building
