Five Key Reasons for Choosing Pole Barn Designs

If you are thinking about building a barn, garage, office, shed, or similar building, experience offers several good reasons for choosing the simple pole barn design and adapting it as necessary to your specific requirements.

Actually, the name “pole barn” may be a bit of a misnomer now that these simple, economical buildings are used for all kinds of purposes both on and off the farm. The name “pole barn” comes right out of the history of this kind of structure. Back in the 1930’s, some of the first permanent pole barn buildings were constructed in rural areas from newly available telephone poles and corrugated steel sheeting.

Nowadays these highly adaptable buildings are especially popular for storage purposes and yet also function well as workshop and office space. Some love the simplicity of the design and construction so much that they’ve converted them to residential uses as well.

For almost a decade pole barn buildings have flourished because they have several advantages for the average builder. Here are just a few.

1. Versatility

Pole barn kits can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Of course they can be used for barns, but they are also commonly used for garages, sheds, cabins and vacation homes. Once you become familiar with the design, you will notice that the pole design is also used for gyms, airplane hangars, and even office and commercial buildings.

2. The savings

Foundation costs can easily exceed 15% of the total construction costs for a typical single-story construction. For a pole barn building, the foundation is made simply by drilling holes for the posts with a power auger. While hole depths of just two feet can serve for many purposes, burying the posts four to six feet deep will create excellent lateral and vertical bearing strengths. Thus you save the expense of conventional excavation projects and concrete pouring, although some do to choose to put in a concrete slab.

3. Adaptability to uneven sites

Pole barn packages are especially popular because they require considerably less site preparation than other construction types. If you have an area with contours, consider a pole barn kit as you will not have to pay for earth moving and grading in order to level the site. Thus you have more options for locating your building and will not have to resign yourself to a second choice simply due to uneven terrain that would likely require more expense to prepare.

4. Framing options

In a pole building, the poles support the weight of the building. This means the walls are non-load bearing, giving you the option of framing your building for a conventional appearance or leaving it as an open-air storage facility. This can also be a cost-saving aspect of your construction.

5. Structural Stability

Constructed properly, a pole barn building can withstand bad weather better than conventional structures. In windstorms, for example, the force or load of the wind against the walls is transmitted to the ground by the poles, thereby preventing a collapse that is more likely with a conventional frame design.

The Five Biggest Mistakes in Using Pole Barn Kits

Pole barns kits are a popular choice due to cost of materials, ease of construction, and multiple uses. Whether you are building a horse barn, storage shed, or even a home using a pole barn kit, you will want to avoid common mistakes that can lead to disappointment or even disaster.

1. Not checking zoning restrictions.

Some people believe it is easier to get forgiveness than permission, but don’t expect this when it comes to enforcement of building codes. Check with your local municipality about any regulations regarding the type, size, and location of any buildings you plan to erect. If needed, get a zoning variance for any plans that fall outside existing regulations. Also get any necessary building permits and subsequent inspections. In some areas, wooden pole barns are not considered permanent structures, which could result in a rejection of your request. Failure to comply with the law might result in fines, costly changes, or even the demolition of your building, so take heed.

2. Forgetting to ask about support services.

Before you sign on the dotted line (or hit submit after entering your credit card information), look into what services the pole barn kit providers offer customers. If you are not adept at construction, you might require help. In addition to the expected step-by-step manual, some companies also provide on-site help. This can range from site preparation to actual construction and installing the electrical service. You might save by contracting for these services from local providers.

3. Buying by price alone.

You get what you pay for. If you want your building to last, you need quality materials. Make sure you are getting first-quality goods from a reputable manufacturer and supplier of pole barn kits. Don’t take this on faith--ask for verification, including any written guarantees or warranties. Make sure that trusses are sealed and that posts are treated in accordance with industry standards. If your needs could be better served by special doors, windows, or other features, expect to pay more. Finally, ask about shipping costs as these should be figured in to the total cost.

4. Failing to check or prepare the soil foundation.

In extreme cases the site preparation can actually double the cost of building, so it pays to investigate this well in advance. First, all brush must be cleared from the area. Then the site must be leveled. Given a good location, this can be as simple as moving a few cubic yards of soil from one spot to another. For economy, many choose to do that themselves, even if it means renting a loader and box scraper or dump truck. If you are paying a crew to erect the building, you’ll want to have the site ready in order not to waste worker time.

5. Failing to schedule.

Anyone who has ever dealt with construction work crews knows that they are not available at the drop of a hat. The pole barn kit provider’s team might not show up for weeks. Furthermore, many builders often juggle several projects at once. When you hire, set a schedule and get guarantees that place a priority on starting when the materials are delivered and finishing your job once it is started, that is, if you want it done in minimal time. If you are doing it yourself, be sure to figure in the construction work with your other obligations. Setting aside big chunks of time works best, with extra time scheduled in for weather and other disruptions.

Your building project can be a nightmare or a dream, depending on te time you take to plan. As the saying goes, “Well begun is half done.” With a good start, you should end up with a building that will serve you well for many years.