Affordable Pole Barns: Cost-Effective Solutions for Your Property

Are you looking to expand your property with some inexpensive extra space?

We’ve all wished for a little extra storage room or workspace on our properties. Maybe you’ve even dreamed about converting a pole barn into your own personal mansion.

The problem is that traditional construction costs are just too expensive these days.

But did you know that there is a cheaper way?

Affordable pole barns can save you thousands of dollars compared to traditional building methods. And you can use them for nearly any purpose.

In this article we’ll cover:

• How Pole Barns are Less Expensive
• Actual Costs Associated with Pole Barns
• Popular Uses for Pole Barns
• Tips to Save Money on Your Next Project

How Pole Barns are Less Expensive

So what makes pole barns so much cheaper than traditional buildings?

For starters, pole barns don’t require expensive continuous foundations. Instead of digging a foundation all the way around your building, you only need to install large posts. These posts can be either pounded into the ground or set on top of concrete piers.

Say what now?

If you plan on building a traditional building, you’ll need to pour concrete and add a full foundation. The National Association of Home Builders says a concrete foundation can account for up to 15% of your total construction costs. By using post-frame construction, you eliminate most of that expense right away.

There are other cost savings as well…

Building a pole barn is also less expensive because the framing process is simplified. Since your roof and walls are all supported by large posts, there isn’t as much lumber required. Overall, pole buildings utilize less materials making them a cheaper option.

Below are a few reasons why pole barns don’t cost as much.

• Don’t require continuous concrete foundations
• Less lumber used during construction
• Pole buildings go up faster
• Permitting is typically easier

Once you factor in how quick they are to build and easy they are to get permitted, you’ve got one low-cost structure.

Actual Costs Associated with Pole Barns

While knowing that pole barns save you money is great, let’s talk about actual numbers.

According to recent research by Outbuilders, labor costs alone will be 20-30% cheaper on a pole barn build. When you start looking at total project costs that can really add up.

Why are they so much cheaper?

The biggest reason pole barns cost less is that they go up in half the time. An experienced crew can build a pole barn in about ⅕ the time it takes to construct a traditional building. Keep in mind less time working equals lower labor costs.

You also don’t use as many materials when building a pole barn. Since most of the exterior is going to be steel siding and metal roofing, your material costs will decrease. Not only do you not need nearly as much lumber, but you don’t have interior support walls limiting your layout.

Now let’s look at approximate costs.

The price of a basic pole barn will range anywhere from $15 to $40 per square foot. Obviously, the nicer your materials and finishes are the higher your costs will be. A finished pole barn home will be more expensive than a simple storage building.

The average cost of a 30×40 pole barn will be somewhere between $10,000 and $25,000. To compare that to a traditional building of similar size, those prices nearly double. A traditional building will typically cost between $30,000 to $50,000.

Ouch.

That is a huge difference, and that is just for the building.

Popular Uses for Pole Barns

Believe it or not, pole barns can be used for more than just storage.

Below are just a few ways customers are using their new pole buildings.

Farm Storage

This should come as no surprise. Farmers have been using pole barns for years. Whether you need to store hay, equipment, or cattle. A pole barn is a great option. Big pieces of equipment like tractors can easily fit and move around inside a pole barn.

Workshop/Garage

If you want a nice spacious workshop, look no further than a pole barn garage. Not only will you have room for vehicles and tools, but you’ll have plenty of space to work. With some basic insulation and electrical, you could even use a pole barn as a year-round workspace.

Commercial

Many small business owners are turning to pole buildings as a way to cut costs. From retail spaces, to warehouses, and even office buildings. Building commercial real estate with posts makes good financial sense.

Living Space

It’s not uncommon these days to see pole barn homes. Also known as Barndominiums, these structures are a combination of living space and either a garage or workshop. Property owners can create their own custom home for a fraction of the cost.

Horse Arenas

If you have horses, a pole barn can be beneficial there too. Large open spaces are perfect for riding arenas, stables, and tack rooms.

Tips to Save Money on Your Next Project

Just like with any building project, there are ways you can cut costs when building a pole barn.

Here are a few tips to keep some more money in your pocket.

Size Matters

Not every building needs to be 5000 sqft. Try and only build what you need. Sure it might be cool to have all that extra space, but will you use it? Upsizing your building will only lead to you spending more money. You don’t want to penny pinch now only to go over budget.

Materials

What you use your pole barn for will play a huge role in what you use to build it. Metal siding and metal roofing are by far the most inexpensive options when it comes to building materials. You can spend more money on premium materials but that will also increase your overall costs.

DIY

Another great way to save money would be to do some of the work yourself. Things such as interior finishes (painting, flooring, etc.) can be done by you and save you money. We wouldn’t recommend doing this on the actual building process. I.e. erecting the poles and putting on the roof.

Plan Ahead

If you know you want to add electricity, plumbing, or maybe HVAC. Why not include that in the building process? From experience it is much cheaper to have these things installed with the building than having to add them after.

Shop Around

Just like with anything else you will want to shop around and get multiple quotes. Make sure you are getting the same specifications and building features from each builder.

Build in the Off Season

If you have the time try building your pole barn during the contractors off season. You may be able to negotiate a better price since they probably won’t be as busy.

Wrapping Things Up

Having an affordable pole barn that won’t break the bank is possible.

Throughout this article we’ve covered that pole barns:

• Cost less than traditional buildings
• Can be built in a fraction of the time
• Can be used for nearly any purpose

Not only will you save money on the building and construction of a pole barn. But they also provide you with a multi-use space that you can be proud of.

Stay tuned for more content in the near future!