5 Steps of Your Pole Barn Building Process

You’ve imagined your dream pole barn or post-frame home for years, and you’re FINALLY ready to start the conversation, but wow – talk about overwhelming. There are several steps to take in your building process, and we want to make sure you’re comfortable with making decisions about your building investment. 

With over 60 years in the post-frame construction industry, we have developed a five-step method to get your project off to a great start.

This article will provide free resources to help you better understand all the details of post-frame construction. 

We want to make sure you are better prepared for any future questions and help avoid any potential obstacles. We will review:

• Each step of FBi’s building process in detail
• Who will be assisting you with each step
• Free resources to help guide you through each step

Step 1: Building Design

You must consider all the uses for your post-frame building. Think about the flow of people and the equipment stored inside. Once you have those details figured out, it will help dictate the walk door, overhead door, windows, etc. and maximize the space used inside your building. 

The best piece of advice we can give anyone about building design is to think about the future of your building. 

These are just a few examples to consider so the building you design today will fit your future needs.

• Are you saving for a new piece of equipment that will need more space?
• Do you think you will put a pool in your backyard at some point?
• Have you thought about your business and its potential for growth?

Of course, one of the most important decisions you will make is the look and feel of the building. There are many color choices and combinations that can either be fun or stressful to the person making these very important decisions. 

We have several resources listed below to help you make these decisions.

Going to be completely transparent with you, this will be your most time-consuming step other than the construction itself. However, it’s imperative that you do not rush this process. 

Review all the door options, consider all your color choices, and study the science of heating and cooling your building. The more you understand now, the better your return on investment will be later. 

Step 2: Building Location

Location, location, location – This factor is sometimes what you believe to be a “no brainer” and easy decision. 

However, you do need to consider the following to make sure you are on the right track:

• Will this building location disrupt your current flow?
• Is the location ideal for the building layout you have in mind?
• Is this location convenient to access equipment and vehicles?

Property features and characteristics can also affect site prep costs. 

For example, taking out a “couple of trees” will cost more money, and elevation changes will result in an extra charge from your excavator.

To ensure you have a smooth construction process and keep extra charges to a minimum. Put a lot of thought into this decision and talk to your Project Sales Consultant for their input. 

Maybe moving your building 70 feet in one direction can make all the difference. Your Project Sales Consultant is happy to visit your property, stake your building and shoot grade for free.

Who will help you with the Building Location step? 

• Your FBi Project Sales Consultant

FREE resources to help guide you through this step:

Step 3: Building Permit

The next natural step in the process is permitting. Now that you know your location and have your drawings, it’s time to use those details to apply for your building permit. This step is the first financial investment you will make for your project.

If you don’t know – a building permit is a document of authorization issued by a local government when an individual or company wants to build a new structure or begin construction on an existing structure for expansion or repair. In addition, moving, demolishing, or converting a structure may require a building permit.

Each county and state will have various differences in what they require for you to obtain a building permit.

To receive your permit, at a minimum, you will need:

• Plat survey
• Legal Description
• Blueprint
• Site Plan

Who will help you with the Building Permit step? 

• Your FBi Project Sales Consultant

FREE resources to help guide you through this step:

Step 4: Site Preparation

Okay! You have your design, your location, and your permit in hand. Let’s get started on preparing the land so an FBi construction crew can come onsite and erect your building!

The best piece of advice we can give for site prep is timing. 

Here are two site prep details that proper scheduling and timing is crucial for a smooth construction process:

• Breaking ground between the months of late March and November. This will ensure the ground isn’t frozen.
• Allow your building pad time to settle and compact before starting construction. This will minimize ruts during construction and provide an ideal pad for concrete to be poured.

Hiring a professional excavator is the safest route if you do not have excavation experience or the equipment to prep your building pad.

Who will help you with the Building Site Prep step?

• Your FBi Project Sales Consultant

FREE resources to help guide you through this step:

Step 5: Building Construction

You’ve signed the contract with your Project Sales Consultant and had your first phone call with your Project Manager. Now, here comes the fun part… you get to watch your dream building come to life! 

Within 48 hours of your contract being turned in, the Project Manager will reach out and schedule a meeting at your project job site. At this meeting, you will validate the building location and determine where building materials and equipment should be placed on your property.

Note that the construction crew will need to bring equipment to your job site. Here’s a list of what the crew will typically bring:

• Crew truck and trailer
• Semi-truck (to drop off materials)
• Gradall/telehandler
• Bobcat
• Crane (larger projects)
• QLYFT system

Who will help you with the Building Construction step? 

FREE resources to help guide you through this step:

Are You Ready to Start the Building Process?

As we said at the beginning of this article, building a new structure can be overwhelming. Our goal is to make this process easier and ultimately enjoyable for you. After all, you’re turning your dream into a reality – this journey should be exciting!

Dive deep into the building design process, and let’s start visualizing how this building will change your life for the better. Then, once you have the look, feel and layout down, reach out to us and ask for a free quote! 

A Project Sales Consultant will love to review the details with you, offer feedback, and then move you down the building process journey.