Shouse. Barndominium. Post frame home. Whichever term you use, it’s safe to say that pole barns with living quarters are in style.

“Can I build a new pole barn on existing concrete?” This question is frequently asked by customers who have property with a sizeable concrete slab, whether it be: An outdoor basketball court that is no longer used An older building (e.g., corn crib) was torn down Or the original structure was a total loss in a fire To answer the question at hand, yes, you can build a new pole barn on existing concrete. However, just because it can be done doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you.

When selecting a post frame builder, consumers are first concerned with service area and cost. We hear it all the time from our customers via email, phone, and social media. “Do you build in this county and state?” or “How much does a __’ x __’ pole barn cost?”

Every post-frame building must sit upon a solid foundation. This firm basis, along with properly installed footings, supports the entire pole barn and its design loads. A weak foundation can put the structural integrity of your post-frame building at risk.

A new year brings new projects to improve your property, and building a pole barn is at the top of that to-do list. As you design your post frame building, you’ll have the option to customize the roofing material, color combination, roof style, and pitch. Some choices are easy to make; meanwhile, others require a more in-depth thought process.

Midwest winters range from light flurries to heavy snowfall that adds extra weight to post-frame buildings. As temperatures drop and winter storms increase, pole barn roofs are vulnerable to sudden snow accumulation.