Learn me pole barn homes

Anybody ever built one? Just considering the idea with the wife. Costs? Downfalls? Benefits?

Thanks!

Joey

I built one and had another built. They are generally cheaper to build than a stick and foundation build, but there are drawbacks. After having my second shop built, I decided to insulate and drywall it. After adding the necessary framework for this, I had as much into the building as I would have had going the other route, so my advice would be to crunch the numbers, but if they end up even remotely close, go stick and foundation if you are planning on finishing it. The other drawback is you have wood meeting the floor, so that's something to consider if you are going to be hosing down the floor a lot.

Interesting. This would be finished from the beginning. Anyone have any good building cost estimators for pole barn vs stick built?

Joey

I don't have any hard numbers but consider using the structural insulated panels (SIPs). They are used a lot with pole type construction and have great R values.

In reply to triumph7:

I hope to build a SIP home someday. Seems like a very sound, economical(in the long run, anyway), and environmentally conscious building method.

Pole buildings are less expensive to get large spans and big quantities of square footage than conventional construction.

However, you asked about pole homes. By the time all the necessary components are added to make a pole building a home, it's a very expensive way to build.

Homes don't need large spans and open spaces. That's what pole buildings are best at.

It seems to me a pole home would give you all of the drawbacks of timber frame construction without the aesthetic benefits.

A friend had one built by three Amish guys. He bought them a round trip train ticket to Connecticut each week and gave them a place to stay for five days. Judging from what I've seen, I would have Amish guys build it. It's crazy nice and it was a lot cheaper than if he had had locals build it.

Sorry, I missed the "home" part. From my experience, I wouldn't recommend a pole home.

In reply to Woody:

Did those Amish guys build a pole barn, a pole home, or a timber frame home?

Big difference.

I've never seen a pole home I would call "crazy nice". I HAVE worked with a lot of Amish craftsman, whose work is stellar. Usually timber frame.

I am having a LOT of trouble imagining a pole home to be cheaper than conventional construction. At least not if it meets the building codes. It will require all the items of a conventional construction home, with the ADDITIONAL work of it being a pole structure. Plus, most pole structures include a 12' (or so) eave line. It's gonna cost a LOT more to heat.

If he's living in his garage, then perhaps. But not a structure built to any current residential code.

Yeah, I missed the "home" part, too...

I've seen a few places in Indiana that are basically your standard pole-barn/machine-shed, with a shorter(single-story), matching attached living-space. It is my understanding there is some type of tax break based on it being classed as a barn vs. house.

I can't vouch for how the living space was built, but from the exterior it looks like a shorter version on the pole barn it's attached to.

SVreX wrote: In reply to Woody: Did those Amish guys build a pole barn, a pole home, or a timber frame home? Big difference. I've never seen a pole home I would call "crazy nice". I HAVE worked with a lot of Amish craftsman, whose work is stellar. Usually timber frame. I am having a LOT of trouble imagining a pole home to be cheaper than conventional construction. At least not if it meets the building codes. It will require all the items of a conventional construction home, with the ADDITIONAL work of it being a pole structure. Plus, most pole structures include a 12' (or so) eave line. It's gonna cost a LOT more to heat. If he's living in his garage, then perhaps. But not a structure built to any current residential code.

This is good info. I had heard a bit about it, but couldn't find much good info. Thanks!

Joey

What about Cement blocks? May be competitively priced.

Been thinking of building a poll barn garage/shop with an addition sleeping quarters and office. I think it could be easily done with insulation and utilities.

My idea of a pole barn home is a pole barn shop with an old RV/camper parked inside. Old campers/RVs are practically free. Leaving you more money for a nice lift and whatnot.

In reply to Kenny_McCormic:

I've had this same idea too. You wouldn't even meet to worry about whether the camper leaks. Of course, you wouldn't have much of a view...