Building a pole barn takes a lot of planning, but it can be a very exciting and rewarding process. You’ll have to be familiar with a lot of things related to its construction. Here are a few important details to consider when building your pole barn.
The Cost
You need to consider every factor that could contribute to cost, from the size and design to the materials and labor costs. Costs are also incurred for on-site preparation, permits, shipping, and delivery (among other miscellaneous things). So you may need to shop around a bit to find a builder that can offer you quality services at an affordable price. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better. In fact, it usually isn’t in the construction world. You need to find the balance between good workmanship and a reasonable price.
Time Constraints
Pole barn construction is typically faster than building a traditional barn, but the time it will build the barn depends on several factors. Will you be going the DIY route, or will you be enlisting the help of a professional pole barn builder? How big do you want your pole barn to be? The size and complexity of the design you want will affect how long the construction will take. If you need your barn completed faster, bigger, and more reliably, enlisting the help of an expert is highly recommended.
The Size, Shape, and Purpose
Pole barns can come in many shapes and sizes, especially because custom pole barn builders work to build the pole barn to meet your needs and specifications. You need to know what you will be using the pole barn for, and then you can work on the size and shape from there. Also, it’s very important to consider possible future needs as well. It’s all too common to have a homeowner come back to expand on an existing barn or build a second barn altogether. Select a design that appeals to your tastes and preferences, as well as its intended purpose.
It is important not to go for a smaller design just to save money. A larger floor space not only makes the area more comfortable to navigate, stay in, or store things properly, it is more hygienic (especially if the barn will be used to shelter livestock) and allows leeway for your future plans. It’s often more expensive to modify and expand a structure than it is to design and build the right size to begin with.
Location, Location, Location
You need to make sure that your barn is located near the place you use the most. For example, if your pole barn will be used for storing your farm equipment, you would want it in an area that is easily accessible and close to your fields.
Because of this, you should inspect the site very carefully and make sure it isn’t near any obstructions such as trees that might fall at any time due to bad weather or flowing water which can cause the ground beneath it to shift or erode. Power lines, gas lines, water and sewer lines are all important considerations, too. Be sure your lot lines and setbacks are clearly mapped out as well. With this in mind, you will be able to build a structure that will maintain its value and usefulness for a longer period of time.
What are the Necessary Permits?
You will need to conduct thorough research during the planning phase of your barn building process. It depends on your neighborhood, municipality, and state, as well as the structure you plan to build.
Follow these five steps to help ensure you’re in compliance:
- Make sure you are familiar with the zoning laws
- Do some research on the building codes
- Consult your local municipality for ordinances
- Make sure you know your neighborhood’s covenants
- Consult with the fire marshal
You need to make sure you have all the right permits and documentation before you start building. If your barn is not in line with the necessary regulations, no matter how far along in the building process you are, it may all be for nothing because you can be forced to take it down.
This is where working with a local pole barn builder in Colorado is important. They will be able to guide you through the permit, inspection, and approval process.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Building on higher ground is a good option to prevent a muddy or flood-prone barn. If your ground is level, consider adding more height to your building plan.
- Incorporate both natural and artificial light into your design
- Make sure your barn has enough ventilation
- Think long-term – Don’t just think about what you will be using the barn for now; consider the potential future use. When it comes to barns, bigger is usually better because there will always be a use for the space.