Say what? A pole barn builder that is telling you NOT to build their style of construction? While we think just about everyone could use a shiny new post frame building, we also want to be realistic and give some common reasons that they might not be the perfect fit for your situation. But never fear, we have creative solutions for most of these issues.
So without further ado, here are 5 reasons you might not want to build a pole barn:
1. They can be more expensive than expected.
2. They may not be allowed in your neighborhood.
3. They can be dangerous if not built correctly.
4. Metal siding and roof can block cell phone signal.
5. They can look ugly.
1. They can be more expensive than expected.
When you think of adding a new pole barn to your property, after a quick Google search, it can be tempting to think it won’t cost much at all! Pocket change! Post frame buildings are generally quite affordable for the square footage and flexibility of layout you can get, but they can still end up costing more than expected if you have been reading unrealistic articles that are still stuck in 1990s pricing lists.
Things such as labor, materials, site prep and permits can quickly add to the cost of the project if you aren’t careful. It’s important to make sure that you keep track of all costs that will be associated with building a pole barn so that you can stay within your budget.
If the budget is tight, try to find ways to lower operating costs while not sacrificing quality or size. There may be options that you hadn’t previously considered to keep your costs low, especially during your first investment. For instance, you might leave the insulation/interior finish package off at first in order to get more building space or even leave off the concrete floor at first. You may also be able to save some money by self performing some of the work yourself or if you have connections with a contractor who can finish the interior, run electrical…etc.
If you are interested in what a pole barn or post frame home may cost you, check out our helpful article link by clicking here: How Much Does a Pole Barn Cost?
2. They may not be allowed in your neighborhood.
Pole barns can be a great option for those needing additional storage or extra living space for their home, but unfortunately some neighborhoods have restrictions that don’t permit them. Before you decide to build a pole barn on your property, be sure to check the local zoning and building codes ahead of time. Sometimes, even if the construction is permitted, there may be certain requirements that must be met in order to get approval, like specific dimensions or finish material choices. Although they may not always be an option within your neighborhood’s regulations, it never hurts to check before you start planning. You can sometimes get specific variances that allow you to build what you want, so do your homework if you live in a restricted area.
At Milmar, we have a dedicated designer and permit specialist to help you handle your permitting and/or variance process. Although you may have to be involved in order to procure those items, our team does all the heavy lifting with building design, site layouts and handling red tape for you so that you don’t have to waste many valuable hours waiting in line at a government office. (Everyone loves a trip to the DMV, right? 🙂
3. They can be dangerous if not built correctly.
Pole barns have become a popular way to not only store vehicles and house livestock, they are also being use for part space, indoor sports and full custom homes! Although post frame buildings are easy and more cost efficient to construct, they can be extremely hazardous if left in disrepair or built incorrectly. Improperly built structures may not offer sufficient stability during windy conditions and can result in major property damage or even harm to people inside.
Safety should always come first when constructing or using a pole barn; inspecting the structure regularly will ensure that it remains safe, and the use of proper materials and building practices during construction will help maximize safety.
At Milmar, we go above and beyond to make sure our buildings can handle anything the weather can throw at them and we have a stellar track record through many midwest strong storms, blizzards and even tornados! When built with top quality methods, a post frame building can withstand storm winds even better than a traditional stick frame building!
4. Metal siding and roof can block cell phone signal.
Folks who use pole barns for storage or work space may not think twice about how the metal siding and roof could be blocking their cell phone signal. While that may be a benefit for some who would rather not get calls to interrupt their “shop time”, it can be annoying if you are wanting to stay connected to the outside world.
The truth is that metal can disrupt cell phone signals, which means cell phones in your pole barn may not have service at all times. Thankfully, it is an easy fix with multiple styles and powers of boosters that you can plug in to give your building full cell phone coverage. Even better, if you add a wifi hotspot, you can have cell and internet service to use for all your devices including TVs, wifi garage door openers and the many smart appliances that are available to upgrade your building.
5. They can look ugly.
Let’s be honest, you have driven past a property with a rusty pole barn, overgrown with weeds, with a crooked door and faded paint and thought to yourself “Yuck! I would NEVER build something like that on my property!” And we agree with you 100%
If you cut too many corners on a post frame building, it can start resembling a big shoebox, with no roof edges, no style, poorly built and not maintained properly.
The simple solution? Build it right in the first place! If it is a commercial building that people are never going to see, the visual appeal may not be as important to you, but if you are like most of our clients, you want a building that won’t only last a lifetime and beyond, but also look good at the same time!
Things that make post frame buildings look more residential than “boxy” are:
- larger overhangs
- custom upgrades like cupolas
- peak details and wood corbels
- upgraded doors and windows
- shutters
- seamless gutters
- stone wainscot and details
- shingled roof
- and so much more that we can offer to give your barn that “custom built” feel that you want to set it apart as a one of a kind!
If you are worried about a pole barn looking too much like an ugly box, check out our Video Page or Portfolio or even our Building Plans page for some inspiration!