--- title: "The Best of 2021: A Year in Review" description: We're kicking off the new year celebration by reminiscing about our top blogs, videos, downloadable resources, and post-frame projects of 2021. --- [The FBi Blog ](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog) # [The Best of 2021: A Year in Review](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/best-of-2021) Written by [Cori Lane](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/author/cori-lane) | Dec 28, 2021 9:55:18 PM 2021 was another big year for all of us. Due to your continued support, [**FBi Buildings**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/about-us) was able to: - Navigate [**COVID-19**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/covid-19-pole-barn-construction?__hstc=45788219.0ea8f78a2460192ff91be0b26bd5224b.1628275970086.1639778245189.1640611935218.23&__hssc=45788219.1.1640611935218&__hsfp=3076257690) as a small, family-owned business amid [**supply chain issues**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-supply-chain) - Expand our [**service area**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/about-us/our-service-area/) by building pole barns in select [**Ohio**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/ohio-pole-barn-builders) counties - Revolutionize the post-frame industry with the use of our [**QLYFT building system**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/qlyft-building-system) None of these feats could have been possible without our army of hard-working employees (from [**construction crews**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/questions-to-ask-pole-barn-builders) to office personnel) and our customers. **So, whether you want to build a pole barn in the new year or you’re a loyal follower, we decided to look back at our top blogs, videos, resources, and post-frame projects of 2021. ** **Editor's Note:** Please feel free to skip ahead to the sections that peak your interest the most. ## Table of Contents - [Our Top 5 Blogs of 2021](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/best-of-2021?hs_amp=true#Blog) - [Our Top 5 YouTube Videos of 2021](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/best-of-2021?hs_amp=true#Videos) - [Our Top 5 Resources of 2021](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/best-of-2021?hs_amp=true#Resources) - [Our Top 5 Post-Frame Projects of 2021](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/best-of-2021?hs_amp=true#Projects) - [A New Year, A New Post-Frame Building](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/best-of-2021?hs_amp=true#Ending) ** ** ## **Our Top 5 Blogs of 2021** **Editor’s Note****:** Our [**Learning Center**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/learning-center) hosts 100+ **FREE** articles that give you insight into post-frame construction. ### 1) 5 Different Ways to Design a Pole Barn with Living Quarters Thanks to social media (i.e., [**Pinterest**](https://www.pinterest.com/fbibuildings)), the ongoing trend in post-frame construction is [**adding living quarters to your pole barn**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-living-quarters). This article provides tips to help you design the [**perfect combination of residential and storage space**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/rural-plan-book-storage). ### 2) How Much Does a 40' x 60' Pole Barn Cost in 2021? One of the [**most common sizes in post-frame construction**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-size) is a [**40’ x 60’ building shell**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/40-x-60-pole-barn-cost). This article breaks down the multiple factors influencing your pole barn cost. These ballpark numbers will help you create a realistic [**budget**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-budget). ### 3) The Pros & Cons of Building a Pole Barn Home As mentioned above, most people love the idea of building a barndominium. It sounds like the best of both worlds, but do pole barn homes live up to the social media hype? This question led us to create a [**pros and cons list**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-home-pros-cons) to help you decide if [**post-frame or stick-built construction**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/post-frame-home-vs-stick-built) is suitable for you. ### 4) 6 Ways to Finish the Interior of Your Pole Barn Modern post-frame construction is touted for its [**design flexibility**](https://www.nfba.org/index.php/whats-post-frame/advantages/versatility). This building method offers a wide selection of [**interior finishes**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-finishing-options).  While it’s nice to know that multiple building materials are available, it can be overwhelming (and time-consuming) to research their advantages and disadvantages. So we went ahead and did the heavy lifting for you. ### 5) How Much Does a Pole Barn Cost in 2021? Again, consumers want to know [**how much their post-frame project will cost**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-cost). While there is **no black and white answer**, we detail the five price factors you can expect when building a pole barn. ## Our Top 5 YouTube Videos of 2021 **Editor’s Note****: **[**The Post Frame Channel**](https://www.youtube.com/user/FBiBuildings) is your go-to resource for short, educational videos that answer your pole barn questions. ### 1) 5 Steps to Building a Pole Barn Home This video highlights the critical steps you’ll take when [**building a pole barn home**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-home-steps). By the end, you should better understand the entire process from start to finish, whether you’re just looking or ready to make serious moves. ### 2) How Do I Prepare My Site for a Pole Barn? Proper [**site preparation**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/site-preparation) leads to optimal construction conditions. In this video, Ken Culbreth (Vice President of Operations) explains some external factors that may affect your post-frame building. ### 3) Post-Frame vs. Steel-Frame Construction This customer testimonial features [**Stoller International**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/buildings/retail-dealerships/stoller-international/), an implement dealer in northern Illinois.  Their main focus was building a large shop area to service farm equipment. As the Stoller leadership team researched their options, they realized the significant advantages of [**post-frame construction over steel-frame**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/post-frame-vs-steel-frame-buildings). ### 4) QLYFT Building System “There’s a better way to do it – find it.” This fundamental truth is one of FBi Buildings’ guiding principles.  Implementing the [**QLYFT building system**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/qlyft-building-system) is the next big step in improving post-frame construction. It was created with building quality and [**field employee safety**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/qlyft-construction-crew-safety) in mind. ### 5) Menards, Morton & FBi Steel Comparison Testing This video highlights a [**series of tests**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-steel-comparison) we conducted to see how well the steel used by [**Menards**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/fbi-buildings-vs-menards), [**Morton Buildings**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/fbi-buildings-vs-morton), and FBi Buildings could handle the abuse thrown its way. ## Our Top 5 Resources of 2021 **Editor’s Note****:** Our [**Learning Center**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/learning-center) is also home to **FREE **resources guaranteed to make your post-frame project successful. ### 1) QLYFT Building System Guidebook Download our [**QLYFT Building System Guidebook**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/en/qlyft), which explains the significance, details how its components work together, and answers potential questions you may have as a first-time buyer. ### 2) Ag Features Guidebook Request our [**Ag Features Guidebook**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/en/ag-features-guidebook), which includes 50+ viable features for your [**farm shop** **or storage building**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/farm-shop-machine-storage). These [**building components**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/farm-building-top-components) have been organized into nine sections then broken down by price range, material specifications, and pros/cons. ### 3) The Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Insulation Are you interested in lowering heat conduction, maximizing comfort, and minimizing energy bills? Our [**Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Insulation**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/the-ultimate-guide-pole-barn-insulation) will help you select the right [**material**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-insulation) and [**heating system**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/best-ways-heat-pole-barn). ### 4) Farm Plan Book Our new [**Farm Plan Book (Volume 2)**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/farm-plan-book-vol-2) includes 20-floor plans and renderings of fan-favorite buildings. Not only will these pole barn designs catch your eye, but they’ll work hard for your operation. ### 5) Commercial Portfolio Are you [**expanding your business**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/commercial-business-expansion)? Then, our [**Commercial Portfolio (Volume 3)**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/en/commercial-portfolio) is the perfect resource for design inspiration. It includes blueprints and involved parties, so you know what to expect from your building project. ## Our Top 5 Post-Frame Projects of 2021 **Editor’s Note****:** Our [**Pole Barn Gallery**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/getting-started/gallery) features a variety of pictures to scroll through (sorted by [colors](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-color-combination-tips), building types, sizes, and custom features). You’re bound to find a post-frame project similar to your needs or wants. ### 1) Whaley Farm Partnership A 96’ x 160’ x 20’ + 48’ x 24’ x 10’ [**farm shop**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/buildings/multi-purpose-buildings/newton-county-indiana-farm-shop-combination/) located in [**Newton County, Indiana**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/service-area/newton-county). The built-in office space is ideal for meeting with seed dealers. Moreover, the layout provides enough storage space for all types of equipment. ### 2) Stoller International Check out this 180’ x 175’ x 18’ + 12’ x 125’ x 12’ [**Case IH dealership**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/buildings/retail-dealerships/stoller-international/) in [**Kankakee County, Illinois**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/service-area/kankakee-county). Custom features include a 25’ x 8’ vestibule for displaying products and a 14’ x 25’ [**mezzanine**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-second-floor) above the sales offices. ### 3) Children's TherAplay This post-frame building is the [**world’s largest pediatric hippotherapy facility**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/buildings/stables/childrens-theraplay/) for children with special needs. It measures 80’ x 32’ x 16’ + 31’ x 184’ x 8’. Furthermore, we constructed a [**pole barn addition**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-additions-considerations) and re-skinned the [**indoor riding arena**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/top-riding-arenas). ### 4) Dan Kloos Everyone loves a good [**pole barn garage**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/buildings/garages/implement-storage-garage/) in their backyard! This particular one measures 30’ x 42’ x 10’, which is the perfect size for storing your lawnmower, recreational toys, and tool collection. ### 5) Main Street Pharmacy Did you know that FBi has construction crews dedicated to [**repair and renovation projects**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/repairs-renovations)? We recently re-sided Main Street Pharmacy with [**smart siding**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-exterior-options) (or engineered wood siding). It looks like a totally different building! ## A New Year, A New Post-Frame Building **A special thank you to everyone who supported our business in 2021.** We’re looking forward to serving your pole barn needs again in 2022! **Are you ready to adopt the “new year, new post-frame building” mindset?** Submit your [**custom building design**](https://fbibuildings.com/getting-started/design-your-own/), and a member of our sales team will call you to begin the estimating process. Do you have more questions that aren’t covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at **800.552.2981** or [**click here to email us**](mailto:info@fbibuildings.com). If you’re ready for a price, [**click here to request a quote**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/request-a-quote/), and a member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps. 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