Beginner Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Pole Barn
As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. For most first-timers when it comes to building a pole barn, nothing could be more true. The experience of building a pole barn can be exciting but also stressful.
As you can imagine, building a pole barn is becoming exceedingly popular. People are choosing the structure of a pole building to build homes, workshops, storage sheds, and so much more. The one drawback is that the process can be long and convoluted.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will discover some of the most important things to know before building your first pole barn and more. This could potentially save you time, money, and stress for your next project.
Mistake #1: Underestimating the Planning Phase
Patience is a virtue. Nothing rings more true than putting your patience pants on during the planning phase. The amount of work it takes to get through the planning phase is just one part of the puzzle.
Perhaps the worst part of a construction project is waiting on zoning and permits that are out of your hand. And it is not even just waiting on the approval, but also ensuring you have filled everything out accurately and correctly.
Furthermore, the site of your project can make or break your pole barn. Things to keep in mind include choosing the right layout and orientation of your building. You must be aware of things like drainage, sun exposure, traffic flow and so much more.
To avoid costly mistakes in this department, talk to your builder during the planning phase. Since you will likely use a reputable builder, they can help you navigate everything from permitting to layout design. Even so, you can reach out to your county office directly to confirm what you are able to build before finalizing a design.
Mistake #2: Thinking a Kit Will Save You Money
Perhaps the biggest mistake on this entire list is this right here. Thinking a pole barn kit will save you money is laughable. Pole building kits come off as a budget-friendly concept but leave most people further in debt than they ever expected.
Even if you consider yourself handy, a pole building kit can get real complicated real fast. Oftentimes, hidden costs pop up all over the place after you make the initial purchase. To make a pole building kit work, you will need to rent equipment, sometimes replace materials, and provide all the labor. Not to mention, it is completely up to you to engineer the project, which typically takes a professional. Furthermore, following local codes and permitting might also prove to be a nightmare if you are flying solo.
To add insult to injury, pole building kits have zero customization options. They typically do not offer post-build support. Therefore, you might be left with less than what you wanted, with a half-finished building that you can’t do anything with.
If you are at the point where you have already bought a kit or you have considered it, it’s important to stop what you’re doing and call a professional.
Mistake #3: Not Future-Proofing the Space
Just like a pole building kit leaves you zero customization, you do not want to forget the future. This means you should consider designing your space with the future in mind. Homeowners often regret not building big enough or at least not having the space to add on to later.
What you should consider when building your new space is having the ability to add on with future upgrades. This could be as simple as leaving space for a loft or making sure plumbing is available. The last thing you want is for your space to immediately feel small upon move-in.
Mistake #4: Skipping Insulation or Ventilation
No matter what, skipping insulation or ventilation on your pole building is a huge no-no. No matter how much money you think it will save you, it won’t. The issues that arise should you skip this step include, but are not limited to:
- Moisture problems: Improper ventilation can lead to trapped humidity that results in condensation. This eventually turns into mold and mildew.
- Overheating: When the outside temperature increases, improper ventilation leads to hot, oven-like spaces.
- Energy inefficiency: A lack of insulation will make heating or cooling your space a near impossibility.
The key here is to plan for proper insulation and ventilation for all four seasons. Your pole building is not just a space, it’s an investment. Talk to your builder about your options, ensuring you have all these bases covered. You may need to determine which type of ventilation you need, like ridge, vents, gable vents, exhaust fans, etc. Using a highly experienced builder will lead to customized solutions to fit your needs.
Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Builder
If you want to head south real fast, just hire the most inexperienced and out-of-touch builder you can find. Nothing will work faster against you than choosing the wrong builder. Imagine the contractor disappearing mid-job or such poor craftsmanship that it’s scarier than a horror movie. In all honesty, you need to find a reputable builder that boasts good communication, a clear building process and an estimate that is easy to understand.
When you live in the Pacific Northwest, there is only one pole barn builder to even begin to recommend. Quality Structures One has stood the test of time. With over 40 years of experience, endless recommendations, and a drool-worthy portfolio, they are the most trusted brand in the game.
Final Thoughts
No construction project, especially building a pole barn, will be completely smooth sailing. However, if you work to avoid these common beginner mistakes, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and heartache. Building a new pole barn should be fun and exciting, with as little stress as possible.
The biggest way you can save on stress is to hire Quality Structures One. Your project will be brought to life in an honest and reputable way. The quality is second to none. Call now! (509) 727-2525