Have you been thinking about building a pole barn home, but the increase in material costs has you wary of pulling the trigger?
Maybe you have already spent countless hours reading design magazines, scouring Pinterest for the latest trends, and viewing online galleries of finished building projects - you know what you want your home to look like, and you’re ready to do it now.
Surprisingly enough, building a pole barn with living quarters isn’t a new concept. However, it’s steadily gaining popularity in the housing market. 
How Much Does a Pole Barn Home Cost?
Shomes, barndominiums, pole barn homes, whatever you may call them, are becoming one of the newest trends. Some assume that pole barn homes are cheaper to build than stick-built construction, but our answer to that would be, “It depends on what you’re looking for.”
For a finished home, you could expect to spend anywhere from $150 - $250+ per square foot (shell-only costs are usually 60% to 80% less). The following factors will determine if your pole barn is leaning towards the low/high side of the cost spectrum:
- Total square feet (how big will your project be with living space and garage?)
- Type of exterior and interior features (what finishes will you be using for your building?)
- Current nature of the commodities market (what is the current state of material prices?)
Remember, it’s not uncommon for the cost of materials to fluctuate. Our prices are generally good for 30 days. Anything past that will need a new quote, especially if the commodity markets have gone up.
Most customers want to know if post frame homes will fit in their budget. That’s why we compiled a list of factors that influence the cost of a pole barn house. From there, you’ll be able to determine if this type of construction is right for you and your budget.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Pole Barn House?
Some assume that pole barn homes are cheaper to build than traditional, stick-built construction, but our answer to that would be, “It depends on what you’re looking for.”
For a finished home, you could expect to spend anywhere from $150 - $250+ per square foot (shell-only costs are usually 60% to 80% less). The following factors will determine if your pole barn is leaning toward the low/high side of the cost spectrum:
- Total square feet (how big will your project be with living space and garage)?
- Type of exterior and interior features (what finishes will you be using for your building)?
- Current nature of the commodities market (what is the current state of material prices)?
There are many factors that affect pole barn home prices that you may have to hire a General Contractor (GC) for. For example, some post frame builders (like ourselves), may only just do the exterior shell of the building, which also includes the rough openings for windows and doors if you choose not to go through your builder.
Some pole barn home companies do provide the complete package deal, where they handle everything for you, but they will still come at an additional cost to the actual structure.
Along with the cost of the home itself, there are other costs that must be considered:
Foundation: this can run anywhere from $20,000 - $30,000- Insulation: Depending on the R-value and size of your home, this could be between $1,000 - $3,500
- Roofing: if you opt for a shingled roof, this will typically start at $18,000 (depending on the size of your home).
- Exterior siding: Metal does not have to be the only option for you. Siding can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the material chosen and the size of the home.
- Doors: The average interior door can run from $150 - $300 per door. Exterior doors are typically higher, depending on the design, material used, etc. These can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,500.
- Windows: This will vary depending on how many windows, the size of windows, and the style of windows.
- HVAC system: Depending on which option you choose, a new system can run between $6,000 - $12,500
- Plumbing: A starting point for plumbing installation would be $10,000. Costs could fluctuate either way.
- Site preparation: Clearing and grading the home site can cost $3,000 - $4,000 or more, depending on the size of the lot.
Septic system: The cost to install septic can range from $3,000 to $9,500.- Electricity: Installing electricity will vary on the size of your home, the type of light fixtures, and the installation of the pole and line.
- Interior finishes (drywall, cabinets, countertops, paint, flooring, etc): All of this is dependent on what type of material and finish you choose. We recommend getting options (low, mid, high) to help give you an idea of what could work within your budget.
- Permits: Permits and other associated costs can run up to $1,000 or more. The cost will vary from one county to another.
If you need final numbers for your bank or loan institute, your GC can assist you in this area. If you choose to be your own GC, you’ll be responsible for getting pricing on your own.
All of these costs are in addition to the cost of the structure itself and are to be used as a starting point for your project. It’s important to note they are not exact costs.
As mentioned above, some pole barn kits or building packages are more complex or simpler than others. It’s important to understand what’s included so that you can plan for additional costs.
In any case, things like site prep, building foundation, interior finishes, permits, plumbing, and electricity will all come at an additional cost.
Of course, the larger and more complex the design, the higher the cost.
How Are Pole Barn Home Costs Broken Down?
As you know, pricing a pole barn is not black and white. It truly comes down to the type and size of building you’re interested in purchasing.
After reviewing each cost component, a rough percentage breakdown of an average 40 x 60 post frame home will be:
- Building Shell: 40%
- Finishing: 25%
- Concrete: 20%
- You can reduce this portion of your home will not sit on a concrete slab.
- Site Prep: 14%
- Permit: 1%
It’s important to note that the above percentages will vary based on a variety of factors.
For example, the following options will make your costs go higher:
- In-floor heating within the concrete
- Special overhead doors
- Unique building features
- Extensive site preparation.
If you choose to finish the interior of your building yourself, it will reduce the finishing portion. Regardless, it’s a great starting point for your budget.
Are You Ready to Build Your Pole Barn House?
Now that you understand what goes into the cost of post frame homes, are you ready to take the next steps with your building project?
If the pros outweigh the cons, valuable resources are available to help you plan your forever home. Download our FREE Rural Lifestyle Plan Book. This guide features 16 detailed layouts designed for the way you live (or want to live).
If a floor plan catches your eye, but you’d like to make a few tweaks – please let us know. All of our pole barn plans are customizable, meaning no two buildings are ever the same. Our in-house engineers design each project for the area you live in, making sure all snow and wind load ratings are met.
Do you already have a plan in mind? Submit your building design to us, and a member of our Inside Sales Team will give you a call to begin the estimating process. Whatever you decide, our team will help guide you through the process.
Sources:
https://homeguide.com/costs/hvac-cost
https://metalbuildinghomes.org/pole-barn-homes/
Have more questions about building costs not covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 1.800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you are ready to get a price, click here to request a quote and a member of our sales team will be in touch.