Whether you are looking to build a pole barn home in Kentucky, a horse barn with stalls and a riding arena, or just a hobby shop with a wrap-around porch you can barbecue on, you probably have been pondering the same question, “How much does it cost to build a pole barn?”.

While we wish we could give you a black-and-white answer, we’ll ask you, “What are you looking to build?” Each project is unique, and factors can increase or decrease the price.

The top factors include: 

1. Site Location and Preparation
2. Pole Barn Size
3. Pole Barn Features
4. Quality Materials
5. Pole Barn Builder & Crew

This blog will discuss how those five factors affect pole barn cost and give you a range for most projects.

Cost to Build a Pole Barn in Kentucky

Let’s say you want to build a basic 40’ x 60’ shop to store your tractor and miscellaneous equipment. You add overhangs for ventilation and a sliding door for easy access. You are not looking for frills but want a solid-built pole building that will last. 

A standard 40 x 60 pole building shell can cost anywhere from $35 to $50 per square foot. The more features you add, the more you can expect to pay.

However, if you want to build a barndominium, the cost can range from $150 - $250+ a square foot. This is due to the interior and exterior finishes. If you are looking for just the shell, you can expect the cost to be 60-80% less than the total.

Site Location and Preparation

Site location plays a significant role in the cost of building a pole barn. Factors such as accessibility, terrain, and local building codes can all impact the overall cost.

For example, building a pole barn in a remote area with difficult terrain may require additional site preparation and transportation costs, driving up the project’s total cost. On the other hand, building in a more accessible location with flat terrain and easy access to utilities may result in lower overall price.

Depending on the type of structure will also impact the cost to prepare the site. For an agricultural pole barn, you can expect to pay $1,000-$30,000 in site prep alone. A commercial post-frame structure can range from $1,000 to $50,000.

Along those same lines, depending on where and what you build, there are pole barn construction permits that you will need to pull to build. These permits can vary depending on the project. On average, you can expect permits to cost $200-600 for most projects.

Pole Barn Size

The size of the pole barn is another key factor in determining cost. Larger pole barns require more materials and labor to construct, which can increase the project's overall cost. 

Additionally, larger pole barns may require additional features such as insulation, heating, and cooling systems, which can add to the total cost.

If you want a pole barn garage, you will pay the same initial permitting, engineering, and other administrative costs that factor into the price for any project. Getting the men, materials, and machines to the site is another factor that will play into the price of every project.  

However, a smaller building will cost more per square foot since those initial costs will be added to all projects. There are ways to determine your pole barn size that make your project more cost-effective. 

We offer a FREE 3D design online feature. Here, you can try various floor plans, see how different square footage would look on your property, and make a custom-designed plan.

Pole Barn Features

The features of a pole barn, such as the type of doors, mansards, porches, cupolas, wainscoting, and number of windows, can also impact the cost. 

High-end materials and custom features will increase the project's cost, while more basic options may be more budget-friendly. It is important to carefully consider the features you want in your pole barn and how they will affect the overall cost.

Quality Materials

The quality of the materials used to construct the pole barn will also affect the cost. Higher-quality materials may come with a higher price tag, but they are likely to result in a more durable and long-lasting pole barn. 

It is important to carefully consider the building materials you choose and how they will impact the overall cost and longevity of your pole barn.

A quality paint system like Kynar 500 will result in a durable structure that withstands abrasion, ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather, chemicals, and solvents.

Our screws are a perfect combination of a wood and steel screw, and they come with a lifetime warranty. The screw is equipped with a stainless steel cap that is designed to act as an umbrella over the washer, which slows down deterioration over time. Additionally, since these screws are made of stainless steel, you won't have to worry about rust streaks.

Another important element of a post-frame structure is the wood used. We only use the best and build our trusses in-house.

The Machine Stress Rated (MSR) lumber and grade we use in every FBi Building truss and Southern Yellow Pine SYP for the columns and purlins are specifically selected to ensure the strength of each board exceeds the standards required where it is used.

Pole Barn Builder & Crew

Finally, The quality of the pole barn builder and crew can also impact the cost of the project. Experienced builders with a track record of quality work may charge higher prices for their services, but the result is likely to be a well-built and durable pole barn. 

On the other hand, hiring a less experienced builder may result in lower upfront costs, but it could lead to issues down the road that may end up costing more in the long run in repairs and renovations.

Some post-frame builders hire subcontractors to build their post-frame buildings. This can present future problems if the building is not assembled correctly. 

Also, remember that post-frame builders and quotes are not apples to apples. Some specialize as turnkey barndominium builders, while others are smaller construction crews that only do smaller projects.

In addition, the QLYFT building system was developed to ensure field employees work in the safest atmosphere possible. While increasing safety measures, we discovered other advantages not offered by a typical pole barn.

Throughout the construction process, FBi Building's commitment is to provide excellent service from start to finish! We have a Crew Management team of construction veterans who oversee and support the foremen and their crews. In fact, our average tenure between our foremen and our crew management team is over 17 years!

Ready to Build in the Bluegrass State?

In conclusion, the cost of building a pole barn can vary widely depending on a number of factors. By carefully considering site location, size, features, builder quality, and materials, you can better understand how much your pole barn project will likely cost.

If you want a custom pole barn and would like a more exact number, give us a call 800.552.2981 or fill out the request a quote for a free quote.

Do you have more questions about how much it costs to build in Kentucky that is not 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 to get a price, click here to request a quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps of your project.