The FBi Blog

The Best of 2023: A Year in Review

Written by Nettie Grubb | Dec 29, 2023 6:00:00 PM

2023 was a year that seemed like the world had returned to "normal" after COVID and supply chain issues the past several years. Interest rates averaged 7%, double what they averaged two years prior. With this increase, we did see a slight decline in some market segments compared to the previous years, but FBi Buildings had a year devoted to expansion to serve our customers better.


We did this first by devoting additional resources to our repair and renovation services department. We released The Ultimate Guide To Poole Barn Repairs and Renovations to showcase our services. If you need a pole barn addition, storm damage repair, or reskin a post-frame building in 2024, we are here to help!

The second way we expanded in 2023 is by adding Missouri and Kentucky to our service area! We expanded into 121 new counties across all eight states in 2023. With this growth, we now have over 45 crews and 30 Project Sales Consultants dedicated to our service area.


We wrap up 2023 with a total of 963 projects. We appreciate each and every customer that has partnered with us and our hardworking staff that has been there to help you build with confidence.


So, whether you want to build a pole barn in the new year or you're a loyal follower, we look back at our top blogs, videos, resources, and post-frame projects of 2023.

Editor's Note: Please feel free to skip ahead to the sections that pique your interest the most.

Table of Contents

Our Top 5 Blogs of 2023

1) How Much Does a 40 x 60 Pole Barn Cost in 2023?

One of the most common sizes in post-frame construction is a 40’ x 60’ building shell. This article breaks down the multiple factors influencing your pole barn cost. These ballpark numbers will help you create a realistic budget.

2) How Much Does a Pole Barn House Cost in 2022?

Shomes, barndominiums, pole barn homes, whatever you may call them, are one of the biggest trends in pole barn construction. Some assume that pole barn homes are cheaper to build than stick-built construction, but this article will help you see how that is not often the case.

3) How Much Does a 30' x 40' Pole Barn Kit Cost?

Is a 30' x 40' pole barn kit right for you? If you're a DIY person, who also likes to save money and get a quality product, then a pole barn kit is a great option.

4) 5 Different Ways to Design a Pole Barn with Living Quarters

Thanks to social media (i.e., Pinterest), the ongoing trend in post-frame construction is adding living quarters to your pole barn. This article provides tips to help you design the perfect combination of residential and storage space.

5) How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pole Barn in Indiana?

Everyone wants to know how much a pole barn costs, but five factors explain the price. In this article, we will dive into how the location, size, features, builder, & finishes all factor into the cost of your post-frame construction project and give a project example price.

Our Top 5 YouTube Videos of 2023

1) Raising a 72’ x 160’ x 18’ Pole Barn

In January of 2023, we went viral on social media with this short showing our QLYFT building system.

2) Pole Barn Foundation Options

Whether you are wanting a precast pad foundation, poured-in-place foundation, or continuous poured foundation this video will break down the three types of pole barn foundations.


3) Pole Barn with Indoor Basketball Court

This video showcases a 66' x 104' x 16' recreational pole barn hobby shop with an indoor basketball court located in Zionsville, IN. The interior features a 10' x 65' deck system with a split interior wall liner and steel ceiling liner.

4) How To Raise A [QLYFT] Pole Barn: The Cut-Off Jig

The cut-off jig  is a tool that workers use to cut columns with precision, resulting in a tighter connection and a cleaner, more polished appearance. By utilizing this jig, construction teams can ensure that the columns fit seamlessly, enhancing the overall structural integrity and aesthetics of the building.

5) Installing Roof Purlins

Roof purlins are the horizontal members that span the trusses to provide framing for roofing and sheathing. In this video, we show you how they are installed flat or on edge in a post frame building.

Our Top 5 Resources of 2023

Our Learning Center is also home to FREE resources guaranteed to make your post-frame project successful.

1) Design Online Tool

Our free design online tool was enhanced in 2023 with a feature that allows you to not only design your dream pole barn with all the bells and whistles, but also allows you to place it on google earth and see how it would look on your property.

2) Suburban Brochure

Whether you want a hobby shop, storage building, or even a barndominium, the suburban brochure entails some of our most exquisite pole barn projects. Complete with a gallery of 30+ projects, it is sure to inspire you.

 

3) Farm Plan Book Volume 2

Our new Farm Plan Book (Volume 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.

4) Horse Plan Book

Are you an equine enthusiast looking to expand? Or perhaps you want a stable so your kids can have horses. Our Horse Plan Book outlines 20-floor plans to meet your needs.

5) Commercial Portfolio

Are you expanding your business? Then, our Commercial Portfolio (Volume 3) 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 2023

Our Pole Barn Gallery features a variety of pictures to scroll through (sorted by colors, building types, sizes, and custom features). You’re bound to find a post-frame project similar to your needs or wants.

1) Ag: Colby Mcllrath

A 72' x 144' x 17' + 40' x 40' x 10' multi-purpose farm shop with office located in Carroll County, Indiana. The built-in office space is ideal for meeting with seed customers. Moreover, the layout provides enough storage space for all the seed boxes and supplies.

2) Commercial: Bane-Welker Winamac

Bane-Welker Equipment’s Winamac location underwent a major renovation with a new FBi Buildings pole barn and addition. This new layout boasts a sleek farm implement outside appearance with an angled entry, as well as ample room for equipment repair and sales inside.

3) Equine: Equine Haven

This post-frame equine building is located in Livingston County, Michigan. This project includes all the bells and whistles, such as 12' x 12' FBi Buildings, Horse Stalls, Tack room, washroom, groom room, 48" eave light, 2' x 8' center match Stirrup guard, and Dutch doors.

 

4) Suburban: Downey Barn

Everyone loves a good pole barn hobby shop in their backyard! This particular one matches the owner’s home and measures 42' x 64' x 16'-6"+ 24' x 24' x 10'-6"', the perfect size for storing your lawnmower, recreational toys, and tool collection.

 

5) Repair & Renovation: Walker Standardbred

Two horse barns suffered substantial storm damage in the spring of 2023. Check out the remarkable transformation of these two pole barns that our Repair and Renovation team skillfully revitalized.

               

A New Year, A New Post-Frame Building

A special thank you to everyone who supported our business in 2023. We’re looking forward to serving your pole barn needs again in 2023!

Are you ready to adopt the “new year, new post-frame building” mindset? Submit your custom building design, 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. If you’re ready for a price, click here to request a quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps.