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If you want to build a pole barn to store farm equipment, a pole barn house, or even a hobby shop, you’re probably wondering what it’ll cost. The fact is it depends.
The price of a pole building depends on five primary factors:
- Building location
- The size of the post-frame building
- Design features
- Pole barn builder
- Finishes
In this article, we will dive into how the location, size, features, builder, and finishes all factor into the cost of your post-frame construction project.
Location, location, location is the saying in real estate. So whether you want to build a horse barn on five acres outside of Carmel, a barndominium to start your family’s homestead or even a 60′ x 120′ farm shop, there are things to consider after you have your site selected.
Site Prep
If you build in the Hoosier state, you must prepare your piece of land to save time and money.
Site prep is the work done on your ground before construction–finalizing location details, gaining access to the site, drainage, and more. This process allows you to identify and address site complications before construction begins.
Building Permits
The second factor in location is building permits. These can differ from county to county and from project to project. There are 92 counties in Indiana, and they all have different requirements regarding building permits.
Building permits can cost $0-several thousand dollars. On average, you can expect permits to cost $200-600 for most projects.
Depending on the size, the average cost for just the shell of a pole barn can range from $19-45 per square foot.
Several factors play into the cost per square foot. First, no matter the size of your project, there will always be initial:
- Processing
- Permitting
- Engineering
- Drawing
- Administration expenses
These costs are consistent for all projects.
The next factor that plays into the cost per square foot is the three (3) Ms. Every project requires getting:
- Men
- Materials
- And machines to the construction site
For a project in Indiana, we have to factor in the preparation and transportation of materials; whether the semi is a full or a half load plays into the cost.
Since these costs are consistent, the cost gets divided across the price for square footage. That is why large pole barns are less per square foot.
For example, in the case of Tippecanoe County interior lined hobby shop, this 48′ x 72′ x 16′ post-frame hobby shop would run $30-40/square foot. The average cost to build would be $80,000-100,000.
Here are several examples of the cost per square foot for the shell of the building.
If you want to take that chicken scratch drawing of your design and see it in 3D, check out our industry-leading FREE design online feature! 
Next, you need to consider what added features you may need.
Have you always dreamed of a barndominium with a wrap-around porch? Porches can add a great place to kick back with a slice of sugar cream pie while you watch the sunset!
Each feature can add up quickly! That is why we encourage you to ask for a quote specific to your project’s details.
For Tippecanoe County interior lined hobby shop, the custom features included:
- 8′ wrap-around porch ($25-$37 per square foot of porch)
- Full interior liner package
- 18″ overhangs
- (2) MetalWorks cupolas ($1,500 to $3,000 each)
Regarding pole barn builders, you have choices from FBi Buildings, the Amish, Menards, Wick, Morton, Cleary, smaller builders, or other competitors. You have a budget, timeline, and quality you expect for your barn. And we realize that we might not be the best fit for you.
10 things that set FBi Buildings apart
- Our QYLFT Building System. The QLYFT building system is an unprecedented way of erecting post-frame structures. It was created to lift quality and improve crew safety.
- A sales team with a consultation approach with customers. We want to help answer all your questions so you can build with confidence.
- We employ the crews and procure your project’s materials under one roof.
- We have our engineers to ensure your project is structurally sound. This included accounting for wind and snow loads.
- Our truss plant builds high-quality trusses built with MSR lumber.
- When considering a new pole barn or re-siding your existing building, it’s vital to ensure you are getting the best steel to ensure structural integrity.
- We have a lifetime warranty on our screws.
- Our paint is Kynar 500 paint system.
- We screw the purlin differently than any other pole barn builders. Check out this video to learn more.
- Building material is precut and predrilled to help with straight angles at installation. In addition, the wall girts are precut and color coordinated. These are just a few things we do to ensure the building process goes quickly without sacrificing quality.
FBi Buildings is continuing to expand to serve our customers better. In 2022, we added 13 new crews, with 28 total crews in Indiana!
Plus, our company was founded in Remington, IN. We have deep roots in the communities we serve across the state. With over 65 years of experience, we are here with you every step of the way for your building project!
While we would love to share the final costs of the projects we feature on our website and social media, that information will always stay confidential to the customer who built the pole building. We can get you close to what our portion of the project would cost, but some information we don’t have access to.
Please note that FBi Buildings only builds the shell; finishing costs are at your discretion. Your project is unique as you are, and no two projects will cost the same. The cost to complete can vary significantly based on the above factors and make the total cost of your project differ significantly.
For Tippecanoe County interior lined hobby shop, the customer added radiant heat and a sink and cabinets for more storage.
Along with the cost of the barn itself, other expenses must be considered:
- Foundation: this can run anywhere from $20,000 – $30,000
- Insulation
- Doors: The average interior door can run from $150 – $300 per door. Exterior doors are typically higher, depending on the design, material used, etc. These can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,500.
- Windows: This will vary depending on how many windows, the size, and the style of windows.
- HVAC system: Depending on which option you choose, a new system can run between $6,000 – $12,500.
- Plumbing: A starting point for plumbing installation would be $10,000. Costs could fluctuate either way.
- Septic system: The septic installation can range from $3,000 to $9,500.
- Electricity: Installing electricity will vary on the size of your pole building or pole barn home, the type of light fixtures, and the installation of the pole and line.
- Interior finishes (drywall, cabinets, countertops, paint, flooring, etc.) depend on what type of material and finish you choose. We recommend getting options (low, mid, high) to help give you an idea of what could work within your budget.
- Exterior: concrete driveway or landscaping
The cost of building an Indiana pole barn is based first on the size and features you select. Like the example Tippecanoe County interior lined hobby shop, this 48′ x 72′ x 16′, you can expect this average pole barn cost to run between $80,000 to $120,000.
For over 65 years, FBi Buildings has been building a pole barn legacy across Indiana and beyond. Started in 1958 as Farm Builder Incorporated, we now go by FBi Buildings since we build more than agriculture pole buildings.
If you are ready to take the next step with building a pole barn in Indiana, fill out our request a quote form, and our sales team will be happy to start the partnership with you today!
Have more questions about pole barn trusses not covered in this article? Please contact FBi Buildings at 1.800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you are ready to get a price, click here to request a quote and a member of our sales team will call you.