Building Construction | Project Prep | Posts | Building Tips | Post Frame Homes | Residential Buildings | Comparisons | Permitting | Pole Barn Builders | Site Preparation | Financing | Building Design
Whether you are building your dream barndominium or a hobby shop for your classic car collection, most consumers will get multiple quotes for their post-frame construction project.
If one builder is $75,000 and another is $100,000 for what looks like the same pole building, the cheaper choice seems obvious, until it isn’t.
In this article, we will explain the differences to look for when comparing quotes, as well as dive into three hidden costs often found in pole barn quotes.
Why Some Builders Can Offer “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Prices
Post-frame builders are not an apples-to-apples comparison, and you must consider multiple factors between the two prices. We understand it can be easy to pick whoever came in lowest; however, this is a large investment, and the materials, company experience, and warranty all factor into this decision. You don't want to regret your decision and end up paying more than the $25,000 difference in the future to repair problems.
1) Lower Quality Materials
What metal is your builder using? The strength of the steel depends on several factors, including the gauge of steel, yield strength, rib spacing, and the paint, all of which contribute to the longevity of your building. Check if the quotes contain the same metal, and choose the company with a high-quality paint system and metal for long-term durability.
Next, ask about what grade of lumber they use. When FBi Buildings compared many of our top competitors, we found that everyone uses different grades of lumber in different areas of the project. However, FBi Buildings uses Machine Stress Rated (MSR) lumber and Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) lumber that meet or exceed requirements where applicable.
Where are they sourcing their trusses? In 2024, FBi Buildings built a more robust truss plant capable of producing 114-foot trusses. In addition, the company has engineers in-house to review each project to ensure the trusses are engineered to handle snow and wind loads. Go with a post-frame building company that can design your project to meet local building codes.Does your quote include Perma-Columns or laminated posts? Laminated columns are highly resistant to bending, twisting, or warping. They also have greater longevity when compared to solid posts. Alternatively, precast concrete columns, or perma-columns, provide a strong foundation, guaranteeing a lifetime of durability since no wood is exposed to the ground. Ensure you understand which foundation each company quoted and that it is durable and long-lasting.
2) Reduced Labor Quality
Does your builder’s crew have an average tenure of 17 years? At FBi Buildings, our teams are trained to build on time and with excellence. We invest in continuous job training to ensure our crews work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
By contrast, a “Chuck in a Truck” operation might have an experienced owner, but what about the rest of the crew? Are they trained in proper building techniques and safety practices—and is the company fully insured to be on your jobsite?
3) Missing Line items
You might think that you are saving money by going with the $75,000 quote; however, is there something included on the $100,000 quote that isn’t on the other?
Every post-frame builder is unique, so don’t forget the little things. Each builder and quote is different. Check to see what is included and what you might be responsible for.
Some examples include:
- Taxes
- Freight
- Labor
- Builders Risk Insurance
- Site prep
- Permits
- Insulation
- Building wrap
- Project Oversight (general contractor or project manager)
- Interior Finishes (drywall, interior room framing, interior doors, etc.)
- Concrete
- Overhead doors
- Windows & Doors
- Exterior finishes (porches, wainscoting,
- Lighting
- Driveway
- Site Dumpster and porta-john for crew
- Gutters
- Subcontractors (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, etc.)
The Consequences of a Low-Bid Choice
During the building process, you may experience construction delays, miscommunication, or unexpected upcharges mid-project due to the low bid.
Down the road, you might experience higher maintenance, structural failure, poor energy efficiency, reduced resale value, and costly repairs.
Every year, FBi Buildings repairs and renovates hundreds of pole barns with rotted columns, structural issues, faded metal, and storm damage. Notably, about two-thirds of these renovation projects involve buildings not originally constructed by FBi, highlighting the lasting value of choosing a trusted builder from the beginning.
3 Hidden Costs of Choosing a Low-Bid Builder
Hidden Cost #1: Redoing Poor Workmanship
Choosing a low-bid builder can often lead to poor workmanship, resulting in issues like roof leaks, rotted columns, or prematurely faded metal siding. While repair costs vary, these problems tend to compound over time, often exceeding the cost of hiring a quality builder in the first place.
At FBi Buildings, we understand the frustration of investing in a new pole barn, only to face repairs a few years later. Depending on the issue and when it’s discovered, fixing structural or material failures can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
When weighing your options, consider this: it’s always cheaper to build it right the first time. Choose a builder with a proven reputation, skilled crews, and higher quality materials—one known for standing behind their workmanship long after the project is complete.
Hidden Cost #2: Inefficient Design and Materials
It’s tempting to browse a popular box store’s website, see a pole barn kit, and click “add to cart,” thinking you’ve just saved thousands of dollars. However, that low upfront price doesn’t include labor or account for local permitting codes, site conditions, or structural requirements such as wind and snow loads.
Was your building designed by engineers? Factors such as insulation quality, vapor barrier performance, and HVAC efficiency all impact your building’s comfort, durability, and long-term costs.
Investing in upgrades like building wrap, laminated columns, and high R-value insulation—along with a company that employs in-house engineers—offers more than just better performance. It provides peace of mind, knowing your structure is designed to last and built to handle your environment.
Hidden Cost #3: Warranty and Service Gaps
Many low-cost builders don’t offer robust warranty coverage. You might be wondering—what should a pole barn warranty actually cover?
Look for a builder that provides a warranty on key components, ideally with lifetime coverage where possible. At a minimum, ensure there’s a workmanship warranty to address any minor issues promptly and without additional cost.
Additionally, ask if they have a warranty on:
- Columns
- Paint
- Red rust
- Leaks
- Roof structure
- Sliding Doors
- Materials & Craftsmanship
How to Evaluate Builder Proposals Objectively
Now that you understand that multiple factors go into a pole barn price, we have put together a checklist to help you when comparing post-frame bids. This checklist will help you compare quotes, so that you can build with confidence.
Building Value, Not Just Post-Frame Buildings
When choosing a pole barn company, don’t make your decision based solely on price. A pole barn is a long-term investment in the performance, safety, and longevity of your structure.
The last thing you want is to replace metal siding or a roof because screws caused rust streaks—or worse, deal with a collapsed roof due to poor structural integrity.
Choose a company with a proven reputation for quality and service, a warranty that provides true peace of mind, in-house engineers who ensure structurally sound designs, and superior customer support every step of the way.
Ready to experience the FBi Buildings difference? Get your free estimate today.
Do you have more questions 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 sales team will call you.