Building a Pole Barn: Should You Use a DIY Kit or Contracted Build?

There are many reasons to choose a pole barn for your property. It’s a way to quickly expand the indoor storage or operations space you need, whether it’s on a farm, on a commercial property or in your yard. Pole barns can be customized depending on your needs, and they can be insulated or uninsulated, depending on what you choose to keep in them. There are many ways to approach the building of a pole barn, however. Some buyers choose to have them contracted and built by others. But many buyers with some skills of their own choice to go the DIY route with a kit.

You can build your own pole barn with a kit that comes with all the materials you’ll need. If you choose a good supplier, you can ensure that it comes with premium grade lumber, metal roofing, trim, fasteners, entry and overhead doors and windows with a blueprint and construction outline. If you have the skills and the time to do it yourself, you can save on having your barn built by someone else.

There are many things to keep in mind when choosing a DIY kit versus a contracted build. These include:

Extras

When it comes to your “extras”, pick options to create the ideal pole barn – from extra doors to attic lofts, wood or vinyl siding and wainscoting for curb appeal, determine the options you need before ordering your pole barn kit.

Location

Consider your location. Choose the right pole barn for your location – you may want to invest in structural additions to handle heavy snow loads, for example, or metal roofing and siding to handle hurricane-force winds.

Roof

Choose the right roof. Painted metal roofing may cost more than standard roofing, but silver roofing can keep the barn cooler in the summer.

Rules

Understand the rules and regulations. Check local zoning and building codes – there may be specific guidelines about building a pole barn on your property, so ensure you have all the facts.

Call in the Professionals

If you prefer to have your pole barn built by a professional company, find a licensed builder known for quality and craftsmanship with an experienced crew and foremen.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based CHA Pole Barns has been serving Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, and Virginia for many years. To learn about how we can help you design the right pole barn for your needs, fill out our online quote form or call 717-687-6673.

Contracting with CHA since December 2009, to have two very large buildings constructed at our farm. We have personally referred several friends, relatives and neighbors to use them and we have never heard anything but praise for their workmanship and hard work. Our experience with CHA has shown us that they are most honest, reputable building company we have contracted. Their staff is very hard working, polite and very conscientious about their work. They got the job done on time, work tirelessly and waste no time while working. At the end of the day they clean up the job site and put all their tools and equipment away leaving the job site spotless.

Carin Guelich