Property owners with a lot of land to work with may have great plans for their investment. Perhaps you own multiple acres of land where your house sits, and you hope to take care of animals on that land. Maybe you want to turn some raw land into an outdoor event venue. If you have a hobby like working on cars or woodworking, then it never hurts to have additional space on your property to dedicate to this hobby.
Whether you operate a farm or not, building a pole barn on your property could be the solution you are looking for. Pole barns are commonly used to house livestock, store large outdoor equipment, and even operate as workshops for various activities. Some people build pole barns to host events on their property, either for their own guests or for clients.
A pole barn is a relatively simple structure that is generally rectangular where the roof and siding are all held up by various poles of a certain material. If you plan to build a pole barn on your property, then there are many factors to consider.
Local Building Codes
Depending on where you live, building codes can vary from town to town. Your local municipality might have very specific regulations about what types of structures can be built on your property. Remember, building another structure does not just impact your property, but that of your neighbor’s as well. It is essential to research the process for obtaining a building permit for your property so you don’t run into any legal issues with your pole barn. The last thing you want to happen is to start construction and then receive a notice to cease and desist from the town because you did not take the time to apply for a permit.
Size
A pole barn can add a lot of additional space to your property. Before you even think about what type of pole barn you want and the materials needed, you should consider how much space you actually want. Are you simply creating a spot to store some landscaping equipment like mowers and garden tools? Then maybe all you need is a modern farm shed. Will you be housing livestock in the pole barn? Then you will probably need a larger building to provide enough room for the animals to be comfortable. Determine the needs of your project so you can find the best size.
DIY or Contractor?
Next you need to decide who will be building the structure. A smaller pile barn may be manageable as a DIY project, perhaps with the help of some friends who have some know-how with construction. However, tackling a big project on your own could lead to disaster. If you are not an expert, you could make a mistake that compromises the structural integrity of your barn, making it unsafe to use. Better to be safe than sorry and hire professional contractors to install your pole barn so that it is done right.
Materials
Pole barns are generally made from wooden posts and frameworks, but those materials are not the only option. In fact, many property owners opt for other alternatives that are longer-lasting and faster to put up. For example, gable roof trusses made of metal allow more headroom in the building for increased storage. They also can be put up quickly because of pre-assembled pieces and the materials are more resistant to rot, moisture, and termites. Choosing materials for your pole barn should be a balance between cost, purpose, and longevity. Important aspects of the structure to consider when selecting materials include the foundation, the posts, the roofing, the siding, and the trusses.
Impact on Property Value
The idea of building a new pole barn for your workshop or storage may be exciting. However, you also need to consider the long-term implications of this project. Generally, improvements to a property boost its resale value, but only if those projects would provide value to a future buyer. This is why it is important to be careful about building a pole barn if you ever plan to sell the property in the future. This structure will likely increase the value of your property significantly, which could price many buyers out of the sale in the future. However, this new pole barn can also yield a much higher sale price if you do find a buyer, helping you recoup your investment.
Take Your Time With the Planning Stage
Even building a small pole barn is a big project. You may spend a lot of money to add this structure to the property, so it is important to plan the project well so you make a wise investment. Determine the purpose of the building before you ever start pricing materials or contractors. Think about the size it needs to be and how it will adhere to local building codes. Choose the right materials for your project and figure out who will be building the barn. Lastly, make sure you consider how the property value will be affected.
