If you've ever dreamed of strumming a guitar to the sound of crickets while the Smoky Mountains loom in the distance, Tennessee is where your dream pole barn can turn into a reality.
Imagine your barndominium nestled in the hills, with a view of mist-covered mountains in the morning and a porch perfect for catching a sunset—sounds like the backdrop for a country song, doesn't it? Well, lucky for you, this doesn't just have to be a dream.
Whether you're planning to build your dream workshop, storage space, or a cozy pole barn home, Tennessee's unique blend of rolling hills, musical heritage, and southern hospitality makes it the ideal place to build a pole barn or barndominium.
This article will suggest five local Tennessee pole barn builders and explain what you need to know when selecting a pole barn builder.
Post-frame construction, aka "pole barn construction," consists of wooded columns and trusses with a steel exterior. Pole building is a term often used because these buildings were previously built from old telephone poles.
Pole barns are often a popular choice for:
While having expertise in the post-frame construction industry, having someone familiar with local code and permitting can be valuable. Local builders also supply local hardware stores and keep your money local.
Utilizing a local builder in your community provides a personal connection. Your kids may be in the same 4-H club as your contractor, and they will understand your community's needs. A large company may not recognize the agricultural or rural property needs specific to your region.
Tip: If you are a farmer looking for hay storage or a pole barn to store equipment in, check out the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. This program offers up to $12,000 to farmers to build storage facilities.
Perhaps you have the land already, or maybe you are just dreaming of building it in the future. After wondering how much a pole barn costs, you probably wonder who builds pole barns and post-frame residential buildings.
Understanding what to look for when selecting a post-frame builder is important. It can be tempting to pick whoever is cheapest, but choosing a builder who values quality materials and craftsmanship and provides a warranty will pay off in the long run with fewer repair costs.
You'll save money by choosing a post-frame builder with their in-house team. Why? Because you're cutting out the extra cost of paying another company to create the plans for you.
A pole barn's structural integrity is not always the first thing that comes to mind. But before you pick if you want a white and black farmhouse look or a modern all-black barn, dive into pole barn structural integrity.
Structural integrity refers to a structure's ability to withstand anticipated structural loads without breaking. Any building, regardless of size or location, must be designed to resist vertical and lateral loads safely. How your building reacts to these situations over time will determine its lifetime.
While cookie-cutter designs can be efficient and cost-saving, a custom pole barn builder can bring your dream to life. One of the fun parts of planning is designing your project, such as using our free design tool.
Choosing different color combinations, style and number of doors and windows, and even various porch styles can elevate a simple barn into a charming one.
A quote can vary by thousands of dollars based on your chosen materials or the builder's standard material. Sometimes, it is worth the initial investment, and others are nice but not essential.
For example, what material do you want for the roof and siding? Most customers select metal. But what gauge steel? What coating or paint system do they use?
An example of an upgrade for your roof to a standing seam metal roof where no fasteners are exposed and there is a more defined rib pattern. There are claims it lasts longer( 40-70 years vs. 30-50 years), but this option is mainly an aesthetic choice, which costs $10-$15 a square foot more.
Another factor is what grade of lumber they use and where. Do they offer laminated or Perma-columns?
While a screw is small in size, what kind of screws or nails do they use? FBi Building’s standard is a screw with an umbrella cap and washer, which protects from any leaks and prevents rust streaks.
We get it; sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to find a company. Hiring a local builder who is knowledgeable about the area and local permits can be helpful.
However, larger companies have the buying power to source materials in bulk and pass cost savings on. With any builder, there are pros and cons to each. Finding a reputable builder with a history of post-frame building knowledge and experience can help your building project run smoothly.
Lastly, what is their warranty? There is no standard warranty in the post-frame construction industry. First, ask how long their warranty is for and what all it covers. Some warranties, like FBi Buildings, do have several lifetime warranties. You don’t see that much anymore!
An important factor about going with a reputable builder is that they can stand behind their product. Remember that you may void your warranty, such as painting over your metal panels. It is important to read the fine print and ask lots of questions upfront.
In Tennessee, you can hit all the right notes with your construction project—whether you’re looking to create a space for your musical instruments or simply enjoy the views in a custom-built structure that harmonizes perfectly with the landscape.
Now you get to select either a local builder or a regional builder with expertise to build your next Tennessee dream barn, where every nail could be a verse and every board a chorus in your very own melody of home.
Do you have more questions about the top post-frame builders in Tennessee 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.