You work hard for your money, so you want to ensure those dollars are properly spent. If there is a way to cut costs and get the post frame building you’ve always wanted, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of that? One of the many benefits of building a pole barn is the flexibility for every budget and every need. Building a new farm shop, horse barn, or even post frame home can seem intimidating because it’s a considerable investment that requires a great deal of time, planning, and decision making. With the copious quantities of building features available for pole buildings, it’s tough to decide which of those features you’ll need and what can be completed at a later time.
If you decide to work with FBi, our Project Sales Consultants will walk you through how you can save money on your future post frame structure, all while still getting a high-quality building. We’re all about helping you cut costs without jeopardizing the overall structural integrity or sacrificing quality building materials for your custom pole barn.
In this article, we will explain the six ways to build a pole barn on a budget. Who knows, you still might be able to get the building you’ve always wanted in the long run.
Are you the type of person who knows what you want and how you’re going to get it? If you answered yes, planning for a new pole barn shouldn’t be any different. You’ll eventually learn that a well laid-out plan will be beneficial during the building process.
Many municipalities restrict where you can and cannot build. The one common connection between all pole barn permits is the setback, easement, height, and lot coverage restrictions.
If you know what restrictions your building permit may/may not have, it will help you prepare your building site and decide where those overhead doors need to be placed.
This process allows you to identify site complications upfront and address them before construction begins.
Jobs that are rushed will normally acquire additional charges for materials, shipment, delivery, etc., resulting in a higher cost. If you go into the process of having a flexible schedule (and giving your builder plenty of notice), then those additional charges usually do not occur.
These seven steps will ensure for proper site preparation and help you fix any “unexpected” problems before construction beginning.
Good site access allows equipment and materials to be delivered easily and efficiently.
Maintaining a clear and dry perimeter will allow materials, equipment, and crews to move swiftly.
During the winter, steel and lumber prices are historically lower. This allows for more economical pricing compared to the rest of the year.
Typically, post frame builders start the new year with a lower backlog. This provides flexibility to get on-site quicker and meet your project time frame. Depending on the time of year, this can range from one to three months.
Another factor to consider is your builder’s crew power, which varies on your pole barn size. For smaller residential buildings, crews with 3-4 men maximize time and efficiency. For larger farm or commercial buildings, crews with 4-10 men ensure effective practices and help complete your project on time.
We recommend staying within the industry norms. Remember these three tips when planning for your building.
It’s important to note that the above scenarios are just recommendations to get a cost-effective pole barn within your desired budget. We are a custom post frame builder, which means we can build any size you’re looking for.
If the following are not necessary and could stretch your budget a little further than you’d like, it might be a good idea to leave them out or not upgrade.
If your budget is getting stretched too thin, consider phasing out these four options for later.
If you know this is something you plan on doing, it’s important to let your builder know upfront so they can prep the interior for you. The most common interior finishes include:
Learn about each pole barn interior finishes’ pros and cons, seeing which one would make the most sense for you.
If you know having extra space is important to you, it might be wise to prep for an interior deck system/loft. Installing a loft is the easiest way to add more room without breaking the bank.
You can store outdoor accessories (e.g., bicycles or kayaks) or holiday decorations that are taking up precious real estate in your garage.
Concrete also reduces the following annoyances associated with dirt, gravel, and stone floors:
One of the biggest regrets we hear from our past customers is, “I wish I would have built a bigger building.” We want to make sure we help you get the building you want without having any regrets later on.
Maybe you have plans for a larger building down the road, but it isn’t entirely necessary at the moment (remember...planning is a good thing). Before you go too far, identify the amount of additional square footage needed. This number will help you decide if expansion is possible, as well as the best option for you.
If your post frame builder is aware of the future addition before construction starts, they can make sure your building is prepped to affect overall structural integrity.
How Will You Build Your Pole Barn on a Budget?
Now that you’ve learned about the tips and tricks to keep your pole barn on a budget, what will you decide to do for your overall design?
We understand it’s easy to be indecisive during the design stage when deciding upon the options you want. It’s part of our job to help make sure you’re making the right choices for your future building.
If sticking to your budget is the priority and getting the post frame building you want is also of high importance, plan for the changes you’ll be making later. You’ll be glad you thought of the future needs and wants because your building will already be prepped for it.
Do you have more questions about pole barn costs that are 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.