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Are you ready to embark on your pole barn repair and renovation journey but don’t know where to start? There is no need to worry—we have the tools to help you build a solid foundation—pun intended.
This article lists the top five post-frame builders for pole barn repairs and renovations in Iowa.
Before we discuss our recommendations, we’ll outline the seven essential tips for hiring a post-frame builder for your pole barn repair and renovation project. These insights will help you make a well-informed decision and nail a successful outcome.
7 Tips on Hiring a Post-Frame Builder for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations
1) Hire a Responsive Post-Frame Builder
First and foremost, select a pole barn builder who is available 24/7/365. Disasters often occur at inconvenient times, such as after-hours, holidays, and weekends.
In severe cases, waiting until regular business hours could compromise the structural integrity of your post-frame building, leading to further damage and loss of stored belongings.
A responsive pole barn builder will have someone on-call to be dispatched when these emergencies arise.
2) Select an Insurance-Friendly Post-Frame Builder
Pole barn insurance can be time-consuming, from filing a claim to settling a payout. We recommend hiring a post-frame builder with insurance experience. They'll work directly with the claims adjuster and offer valuable construction knowledge.
Moreover, your pole barn builder can provide the claims adjuster with accurate restoration costs. This collaboration gives property owners the control and protection they deserve.
3) Hire a Post-Frame Builder Specializing in Storm Damage
Mother Nature is unpredictable. Sudden and severe weather can materialize out of thin air, posing a threat to your post-frame building:
- Dented metal roofing panels from softball-sized hail
- Broken or sagging pole barn trusses from heavy snowfall
- Reduced structural integrity from high winds or tornadoes
Recovering your post-frame building from storm damage can be challenging. Pole barn repairs require brainpower and problem-solving skills to address the complex issues that may arise on the job site.
Thus, selecting a post-frame builder with a proven track record of addressing and repairing storm damage is key to having successful restoration.
4) Select a Post-Frame Builder with Dedicated Construction Labor
Not all post-frame builders have construction labor dedicated to pole barn repairs and renovations.
Consequently, your existing structure may become a lower priority to their new post-frame construction projects, causing schedule delays and headaches.
We suggest hiring a pole barn builder with construction crews solely focused on restorations and upgrades. Their specialized experience and swift mobilization will renew your post-frame building to its former glory in days or weeks, not months.
5) Hire a Post-Frame Builder with In-House Structural Engineers
As mentioned above, pole barn repair and renovation projects can be complex.
Each component is critical to the structure’s load path, transferring lateral and vertical loads. The following parts must be re-evaluated when restoring a post-frame building:
- Columns
- Foundation
- Trusses
- Truss-to-column connections
- Door openings
- Roof purlins
- Sidewall girts
A reliable pole barn builder will collaborate with in-house engineers to ensure the structural integrity of your post-frame building. Small contractors who hire external engineering firms don’t offer this service.
6) Select a Post-Frame Builder with Purchasing Power
Depending on marketing conditions and commodity prices, building materials like lumber and metal can be costly.
We recommend hiring a pole barn builder who buys these items in bulk, as this purchasing method often results in more competitive pricing.
Furthermore, ask your post-frame builder if they can access specialized parts for your pole barn repair and renovation project.
Determine whether these building components are in stock or require ordering, which can impact your construction timeline.
7) Hire a Post-Frame Builder with a Demonstrated History of Success
Finally, we suggest opting for a pole barn builder with a demonstrated history of excellence. Given the elemental exposure and daily use, post-frame buildings are susceptible to aging or damage over time.
A quality pole barn builder will stand behind their product and craftsmanship. But how can one determine which construction company truly offers excellent customer service in an industry saturated with claims of being the “best?”
- Look for a pole barn builder with 20+ years of experience in post-frame construction. This longevity indicates their ability to navigate the fluctuations of the economy and marketplace.
- Utilize search engines such as Google and Bing or a crowd-sourced local business review site like Yelp for customer feedback. Pay attention to past customers’ experience and whether they would recommend the post-frame builder to others.
These insights should guide your decision-making when selecting a post-frame builder for your pole barn repair and renovation project.
Here’s what one happy customer had to say about repairing their pole barn with FBi Buildings.
"Diego and his construction crew were great! They did a good job working with us on the new metal roof project. They were very conscientious, clean, and neat." – Lee Standeford
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations in Iowa (Our Recommendations)
1) Morton Buildings
Morton Buildings is an employee-owned post-frame construction company based in an Illinois town by the same name. Since 1903, Morton Buildings has specialized in designing and constructing farm shops, residential pole barns, equestrian facilities, commercial businesses, and community structures.
Morton Buildings operates 100+ centers that serve as local hubs for their post-frame construction services and subcontractor networks. They also own seven manufacturing facilities where they produce their own building components.
From minor repairs to major renovations, Morton Buildings can make your pole barn look new again. Popular services include adding interior finishes, replacing sliding doors, repairing rotted posts, and re-skinning post-frame buildings.
2) Koskovich & Murphy Developments
Founded in 2019, Koskovich & Murphy Developments designs and constructs agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
They focus on a customer-centric approach, emphasizing integrity and satisfaction throughout the entire construction process.
Koskovich & Murphy Developments provides ongoing care for their structures by offering a 40-year warranty on all building materials.
An experienced professional will visit your location to assess the situation and give an estimate for repair or restoration work.
3) Holland Hill Builders in partnership with Wick Buildings
Wick Buildings is one of the nation’s largest producers of post-frame buildings, having sold 75,000+ structures since 1954. They construct various pole barns for agricultural, commercial, equine, and residential use.
In addition, Wick Buildings offers pole barn repair and renovation services. Their dedicated team will visit your property to assess the post-frame building and connect you with a local dealer for an estimate.
Based in Pella, Iowa, Holland Hill Builders is an authorized partner of Wick Buildings. Their coverage area consists of Benton, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Tama, and Wapello counties.
Wick Buildings' exceptional engineering, high-quality materials, extensive warranty coverage, and skilled construction labor set them apart from the competition.
4) Bruns Buildings
Bruns Buildings is a family-owned and operated business with 20+ years of experience in the post-frame and steel-frame construction industries. Located in Keystone, Iowa, they offer many services, including DIY pole barn kits, turnkey solutions, and repair and restoration work.
Additionally, Bruns Buildings provides a customer experience that ensures seamless communication, effective budgeting, reliable staffing, on-site organization, and quality craftsmanship.
5) Iowa Barn Savers
Lastly, Iowa Barn Savers is dedicated to restoring, preserving, and re-purposing American heritage pole barns.
Owned by Dan Schmitt, the company's mission is to breathe new life into these “historical” structures. Their expertise lies in traditional timber frame construction, characterized by lofted ceilings, large beam spans, and vintage charm.
Whether you’d like to convert your pole barn into a barndominium or open an event center for weddings, their ecologically sustainable restorations offer a unique blend of history and functionality.
Which Post-Frame Builder Will You Choose?
With these tips and tricks in mind, which post-frame builder will you choose for your pole barn repair and renovation project?
Narrowing down your options to one can take time and effort. Ultimately, the right post-frame builder meets your needs and pole barn budget.
Just remember to rebuild with confidence.
Additional Resources:
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations in Illinois
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations in Indiana
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations in Michigan
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations in Ohio
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations in Wisconsin
Do you have questions about pole barn repairs and renovations not covered in this article? If you need help, 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 Customer Engagement Team member will help you determine the next steps of your project.