Want to add a pole barn to your Colorado home? If so, how do you decide whether to test your DIY skills and purchase a barn kit, or hire a contractor who has expertise in building pole barns?
The durability and flexibility of pole barn structures makes them ideal storage sheds, garages, livestock shelters, and even homes.
Pros of a DIY Pole Barn Kit
Let’s start with the advantages of kits:
- The obvious benefit of choosing to use a standardized pole barn kit is that you will save a lot of money in exchange for doing all the work yourself. While a pole barn’s construction requires a modicum of building experience, the more labor you do yourself, the easier it is on your pocket.
- Typically, a DIY barn kit consists of the blueprint, instructions for the builder, and most of the supplies. Having that all prepped for you saves time and hassle. Provided you buy from a reputable supplier, you can rest assured that the building materials – frames, poles, trusses, metal roofing etc. – are of a premium quality and come with a warranty.
- Not having workmen in and out of your property may be something you value.
Cons of a DIY Pole Barn Kit
In return for the above, the disadvantages of using a DIY pole barn kit include:
- The kit may come with all the materials, but you still need to supply the tools and the manpower. You will need to prepare the site where the barn is to be erected – from clearing the land to building a foundation. Plumbing, electricity, insulation, and other finishing will also be your responsibility.
- Without a building contractor, it is up to you to investigate local zoning rules, building codes, and regulations. You may need to apply for a permit to build a pole barn on your property.
- Many steps in building a pole barn will require 2 or 3 people to do it safely.
- Many DIY kits are not as customizable as you may prefer. The manufacturers save money by having just a handful of standard designs and sets of materials.
Pros of Hiring a Professional
Professional pole barn building contractors have experience and insight that helps to streamline the process. If you want to get it right the first time, let a qualified builder evaluate your property and then recommend the most suitable location, materials, and engineering methods.
With their trained eye, potential issues can be identified and addressed before snowballing into a disaster. Professionals are also a great source of inspiration in terms of design and features as they have helped make so many barn owners’ visions a reality.
The company that you choose to build a pole barn should be licensed, bonded, and insured. The peace of mind that you will get from the coverage is priceless.
By hiring a professional company to do the job, you get a crew of skilled craftsmen to ensure that your project is completed on time and up to standard
Although more expensive, hiring a company may work out most cost-effectively if you make expensive mistakes along the way. Your barn will generally be built in much less time than doing it yourself.
Cons of Hiring a Professional
We were hard-pressed to come up with cons to using pole barn construction services!
- By outsourcing, you miss out on the sense of accomplishment that accompanies DIY projects.
- The out-of-pocket cost is more than doing it yourself.
- Construction workers will need access to the site.
The Verdict: Which is Better?
The answer is a definitive….. “It depends!” Rather than being a cop-out, it really is contingent with your requirements. If you are handy enough and would like to put up a pole barn economically and at your own pace, then a building kit may be for you. However, if you are short of the skills, time, or energy, getting construction professionals in to do the job for you makes the most sense.
For 30 years Peak Pole Barns and Manufacturing has been providing a complete post frame building solution. From concept to finished construction, trust our full-service business for the best advice, service, and craftsmanship. Contact us today to help you decide whether you need our custom building designs or construction services.