Photo: Magda Ehlers

Are pole barn homes cheaper to build?

A pole barn building typically costs less to build than a traditional stick-built one. Pole barn structures use posts buried in the ground versus building concrete foundations, so they're more cost-effective, faster to build, and make for easier construction.

homeadvisor.com - How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pole Barn House? - HomeAdvisor

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Drywall

Drywall prices for your pole barn home are generally between $1,200 and $2,500, or about $1.60 to $2.35 per square foot.

Flooring

Concrete is the most popular flooring choice for a pole barn house. Below is a list of some of the most common flooring options for your needs.

Insulation

Insulating your pole barn into a livable space costs between $3,500 and $16,500. The most significant variable is the material type you choose, with the three most commonly used insulation materials being fiberglass, spray foam, and foam board. Below, we explore the pros and cons of each material.

Fiberglass Pole Barn Insulation

Fiberglass is the most common insulation material and ranges from $0.95 to $1.30 per square foot with installation. It's popular because it’s lightweight, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive. If you choose fiberglass, you may also want to purchase a vapor barrier to go between the wall and insulation, which will minimize moisture buildup and prevent the insulation from getting wet and weakening its performance. The vapor barrier costs around $2 to $4 per square foot. Keep in mind that if you disturb fiberglass, it can break apart into the air, causing coughing, nosebleeds, or other respiratory issues. Also, be aware that you need to replace fiberglass every 25 years or even sooner if it gets wet.

Spray Foam Pole Barn Insulation

Installing spray foam costs $0.44 to $1.50 on average. It can be more expensive than fiberglass insulation, but spray foam is more low maintenance. Price variables include the foam type—with closed-cell spray foam best for walls because it’s more durable and rigid and open-cell foam best for the pole barn door—site conditions, and project size. While spray foam allows you to weatherproof the barn—meaning you can regulate humidity and temperature—it’s more expensive and requires a spray foam insulation pro for installation. That being said, spray foam completely air seals the barn so your monthly bills for heating and cooling will be lower. It’s also safe for the environment.

Foam Board Pole Barn Insulation

Depending on the thickness and type, foam board insulation costs about $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot with installation. This insulation type is made from rigid foam panels, so its boards are water-resistant—meaning less mildew and moisture growth—eco-friendly, and easy to install. However, you have to tape or caulk between sheets and boards to prevent airflow, and some sheets will have to be custom fit.

Siding

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Siding your house ranges between $5,000 and $15,000, with wood siding installation costing between $3 and $10 per square foot and metal siding costing between $5 and $12 per square foot. Post-frame buildings typically use wood or aluminum, the latter being the most common type. Wood has a price advantage depending on the market, but aluminum tends to last longer and withstand harsh elements. It works especially well when storing cars or other equipment.

Roof

Though included in most DIY pole barn kits, roofs cost around $5,000 to $10,000. Most units will use aluminum or steel roofs at a price point of $5,000 to $24,000, including labor.

HVAC

Most new HVAC systems cost around $5,000 to $10,000, but this will depend on the unit type you decide on.

Electrical and Plumbing

A pole barn home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms will cost approximately $11,000 for rough-in plumbing and about $10,000 for electrical work.

Foundation

Expect to pay about $26,000 for a foundation, which includes retaining walls, concrete, and fees to excavate and backfill the land. A more budget-friendly option would be a concrete pad foundation, which can cost between $1,500 to $4,000. To properly mount your posts, finding the right location is essential. Clearing the land costs around $1,300 to $5,050 if needed to prepare your construction site. The project complexity may also require paying construction manager fees , between $3,000 and $40,000. Keep in mind that limited site access can also increase your costs when shipping a DIY kit or hiring a pro to build your pole barn house.

Labor and Permits

Expect to pay between $5 and $10 per square foot for labor when working with pros. This includes the construction itself, as well as additional services like pouring concrete. The average rate for your building crew will range between $40 and $70 per hour, while the cost to hire an electrician will range between $50 and $100 per hour. Interior carpenters and plumbers also increase total expenses. Also, permit requirements will vary based on the location, with building permits costing around $1,000 or more.

homeadvisor.com - How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pole Barn House? - HomeAdvisor