Five Things to Consider Before Building a Pole Barn

Building a pole barn strikes most people as something easy that they can DIY. However, there is a lot more that goes into building pole barns than meets the eye! It’s always best to leave this type of construction project to the professionals, like Rossbrook Construction. We have the know-how to help you navigate the unknown and help you make informed decisions about your pole barn construction project. There are many things to consider before embarking on this journey that we will discuss in detail below.

1. Location of Your New Pole Barn

The first question you’ll probably find yourself asking is, ‘where will my new pole barn go?’. This is a great question! Obviously, it always makes the most sense to have your pole barn built on a flat, level area of your property. Another consideration is taking into account any other structures on your property. Ideally, you’d want your new pole barn to not block any access points of your property or place it too close to other structures or trees that could potentially cause damage. The intended use of your pole barn will also play a role in determining the ideal location.

2. Pole Barn Size and Spacing

We don’t ever recommend just picking a random size for your pole barn based on standard sizes. At Rossbrook Construction we build custom-sized pole barns and always recommend that customers build their pole barns larger than they think they will need them. It’s always better to have more space than not have enough. The best way to come up with an ideal size for your pole barn is to really sit down and think about what its intended use will be. One thing to also consider is that over time your needs may change, and with that, your pole barn's originally intended use might also change. The size and layout of your new pole barn should be carefully considered prior to the onset of construction to ensure that your new pole barn effectively meets your needs.

3. Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is a crucial aspect of pole barns that should not be overlooked! One of the primary reasons for proper ventilation in pole barns is to regulate the temperature. During the hot summer months, the barn can become extremely hot and uncomfortable. This extreme heat can cause damage to the items you have stored inside of your pole barn, or if you’re housing animals, it could compromise their health and well-being. On the other hand, during the cold winter months, the barn can become damp and humid, which can also be harmful. Proper ventilation allows for the exchange of air, keeping the temperature inside the barn at a comfortable level. It is vital to consider ventilation when designing and constructing a pole barn to ensure that it meets the specific needs of the items and/or animals that are housed inside.

4. Quality Post Frame & Construction Materials

The fourth item on our list is material selection. Rossbrook Construction offers customers a variety of building materials to choose from. As far as siding is concerned, we offer wood, vinyl and metal siding. We also offer customization options for roofing. The most popular choices amongst our customers are metal and asphalt roofing. All of our pole barns are constructed from wood using traditional Amish building techniques. Rossbrook Construction and our team of expert Amish craftsmen will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your material selections coincide with the intended use of your pole, to ensure longevity and functionality.

5. Municipal Codes and Permits

The final item on our list of considerations to make prior to building a pole barn is to familiarize yourself with your local building codes and permit requirements. Depending on the size and location of your pole barn, you might be required by your municipality to obtain permits and adhere to specific building codes. It’s important to do this prior to starting the construction itself to avoid any potential legal issues and delays.

A Final Word

As you can see, building a pole barn is something best left to the professionals! But it also requires foresight on part of the customer, whether you are a homeowner, business owner or farmer. By taking the time to thoroughly plan ahead and consider the above items, you’re ensuring that your new pole barn is built to meet your specific needs. Planning ahead takes some effort, but it’s well worth it to have a concrete plan before starting any construction project. Rossbrook Construction is more than happy to assist you in the planning stage to help you make the best decisions!