Whether your pole barn requires a few repairs or a full-scale renovation, selecting an experienced post-frame builder is essential to ensure the durability and success of your project.
To assist you in making this critical decision, we've gathered a list of the top post-frame builders specializing in pole barn repairs and renovations across Wisconsin.
But before we reveal our recommendations, we’ll discuss seven key tips for hiring the right post-frame builder for your project. Following these steps will help you make an informed decision and achieve the best outcome for your structure.
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 your post-frame building is structurally sound. 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.
"I just had my metal roof replaced on a 40-year-old pole barn. The metal roof had been leaking and rusting. As far as I could determine [FBi Buildings] was the only post-frame builder that repairs pole barns of any manufacturer.
I was very happy with my experience and final product. From the time I requested a bid to the completion of construction, everyone I dealt with was very professional. The crew did a great job as well, and cleaned up everything. Would definitely recommend." – Daniel Helegren via Yelp
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs and Renovations in Wisconsin
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.
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) Everlast Structures
Everlast Structures, located in Wisconsin, is a full-service post-frame building construction contractor. They specialize in revitalizing and reconstructing existing structures to extend their lifespan, boost durability, and elevate their aesthetic appeal.
Whether it’s a utility building, horse barn, hobby space, garage, or cabin, Everlast Structures can restore and enhance it for a better, longer life.
3) Midwest Roofing & Construction
Midwest Roofing & Construction specializes in barn restoration, serving Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. They focus on repairing and revitalizing old barns, restoring their original charm while enhancing their structural integrity.
Their services include roof replacements, siding repairs, and full barn restorations, ensuring that these historic structures are preserved for future generations.
4) Cleary
Since 1978, Cleary Building Corp. has designed, engineered, manufactured, delivered, and built pole barns for agricultural, commercial, equestrian, and residential use.
Whether you’re building a new pole barn or restoring an existing one, Cleary Building Corp. is firmly committed to bringing customers lasting quality at affordable prices.
5) 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 restoration services. Their dedicated team will visit your property to assess the post-frame building and connect you with a local dealer for an estimate.
Which Post-Frame Builder is Right for You?
With these tips and tricks in mind when selecting a post-frame builder for your pole barn repair and renovation project, which one will you choose?
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 Iowa
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations in Michigan
Top 5 Post-Frame Builders for Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations in Ohio
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.