Lately, it seems like pole buildings are everywhere. People are using this construction technique to build not just traditional agricultural structures like barns but also storage buildings, commercial structures, and even homes. Landowners who are on the fence about whether to opt for a pole building or a more traditional, stick-framed structure can read on to find out what makes this construction method such a smart choice.
Cost-Effectiveness
Few people planning to build new structures have endless amounts of money to throw at their projects, but that begs a question. Why choose pole buildings when working on a budget? The answer is simple, and it's that this building style is very cost-effective.
Each pole building constructed requires fewer expensive building materials. They feature posts spaced at 8-12 foot intervals instead of studs every 16-24 inches, which keeps framing costs low. This building technique also eliminates the need for a continuous foundation since each post can be set on a pier, instead, which saves thousands of dollars in concrete, alone.
Pole barns aren't just cheaper because the materials are less expensive. They also have lower labor requirements, at least in terms of time. A standard structure can be set in just two to three days.
Options, Galore
Not as worried about the cost? There's another compelling reason to consider pole buildings the smart choice for that next project, and it's that they offer a far greater array of options than traditional, stick-framed structures. From porches and dormers to bay windows and extra-wide doors, pole buildings are incredibly easy to accessorize and finish.
Changing up a building's exterior isn't the only way that landowners can customize their structures, either. Because there are no load-bearing walls, the entire interior space can be left open if the building owner wants it to be. Alternatively, walls can be placed anywhere and moved easily to perform more affordable renovations if the landowner's needs change. Similarly, building an addition requires less planning and fewer materials than would be the case with a standard home or shop.
Environmental Friendliness
As with cost-savings and available options, there are several ways in which pole buildings win out over stick-framed structures in terms of environmental friendliness. First, installing a pole building requires much less disruption to the local ecosystem. Because there's no need for a continuous foundation, the soil doesn't need to be disturbed and a smaller amount of land must be cleared to accommodate heavy equipment.
Second, the large, uninterrupted spans between posts mean that the buildings can be better insulated to create more effective thermal barriers, which means not just less heat loss but also lower monthly utility bills. These buildings are more efficient to heat and cool, which means they're more eco-friendly year-round.
Finally, the lower material requirements associated with pole buildings waste fewer resources. They don't just require less lumber. Because many of the components of these buildings can be prefabricated in factories, there's also much less waste.
The Importance of Quality
While it should be clear that pole buildings are the smartest option for most landowners, it's worth mentioning one caveat. As with stick-framed structures, pole buildings must be constructed using high-quality materials by contractors that know what they are doing to confer these benefits. Find a company that specializes in post-and-beam construction to ensure that everything goes smoothly and the final building lives up to expectations.
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