Tips for Creating a Pole Barn on a Budget

Pole barns are a fantastic addition to any property. The great news is that you don’t have to break the bank to take advantage of one. Pole barns are already one of the most cost-effective outdoor buildings, but here are a few tips to help you build one on a budget.

Choose Materials Wisely

Skimping on building materials may seem like a good idea when you’re comparing price tags, but it will cost you in the long run. By utilizing high quality, durable materials, you’ll be setting your pole barn up for a long and productive life—without a bunch of costly repairs. This principle applies to nearly every material you choose for your pole barn. From doors and windows to siding and insulation, your best bet is to choose low maintenance over low price. Your building company will be able to give you insight on the lifespan of the materials available to you. They can help you optimize your budget for the best building within your price range.

Consider Column Spacing

Pole barns require columns to support their structure, but there is some flexibility in how many columns you’ll need. Most builders space these columns between six and twelve feet apart. Obviously, the fewer columns you use, the less your pole barn construction will cost. Incidentally, using fewer columns also allows you to use fewer trusses. This results in a lower cost for both materials and labor, saving you money on the construction of your pole barn.

Build in Stages

If you have a general idea of how you want to utilize a pole barn on your property, but you’re not 100% sure of the details, consider building it in stages. While it might seem nice to plan the entire interior of your pole barn before you begin construction, it may be wise to postpone the interior design until you know exactly how you'll be using it. Once you've had the structure available to you and time to get a sense of exactly how you would like it laid out and which features are most important to you, then you can finish the interior. This will not only allow you to spread the cost of your pole building over a longer period of time, but it will also save you from paying for features that you don't actually need. You can always add interior rooms, stalls, and lofts in the future.

Make Aesthetics Work for You

We get it. You may not want your pole barn to look like, well, a barn. Aesthetic materials like siding or shingles used on residential buildings can be expensive. Consider utilizing wainscot on the exterior of your pole barn. It not only adds an extra design element, but it also protects the exterior of your barn from damage that may result from general wear and tear. If the wainscot becomes damaged, you’ll only have to replace a portion of it rather than a steel wall. Ask your builder if they have suggestions for getting the most out of your exterior design.

Don’t Go Overboard

If you don’t need it, don’t buy it! There are lots of luxury features that you may be tempted to use in your pole barn design, but if you’re trying to keep your pole barn construction budget under control, prioritize functionality over luxury. You can always decide to add on or upgrade later.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards your new pole barn, contact Pro-Line Building Company to learn more about our pole buildings. For more than 25 years, Pro-Line has been a leading supplier and installer of pole buildings for Iowa residents. Give us a call today!