Pole Barn Size - Best bang for your buck?

cold1313 · Nov 5, 2019

I've had a 40x60 and a 60x80 quoted by a local builder and since I have no size constraints - I am trying to find the biggest size for the lowest price (like everyone). I will go 14' to the rafters so I can put in 12' doors.

I am not set on any certain size - I just know that once I go past 60', the price jumps more than what it is worth. So, 60' and under for width.

What has everyone else found?

Kingsqueak · Nov 5, 2019

The hidden piece...find out what the tax burden will be and how they calculate it.

Oldoak · Nov 5, 2019

Figure your best "bang for the buck" by figuring the size and price by the cost per square foot.

Birdhunter1 · Nov 5, 2019

Nobody with a 60x80 building wishes they had a 40x60.

Roadworthy · Nov 5, 2019

You might even pose that question to a couple of the contractors you're considering. I have a local contractor who will even make suggestions for dimensions to cut costs IF you ask.

cold1313 · Nov 5, 2019

Birdhunter1 said:
Nobody with a 60x80 building wishes they had a 40x60.

Agreed! But with my total cost approaching $100k, I wanted to review everything for the hundredth time. I am also a believer (and guilty of) no matter what size building, I'll still manage to put my junk in it, that I don't need.

60x80 might happen but if I can do what I need with less - then I need to consider it. Especially considering the time to 'save up' for the big one.

cold1313 · Nov 5, 2019

FWIW -

Here is the cost per sq ft for the building only, with construction. I.e. assuming a stone pad is ready to go and no concrete.
40x60 - $15.45/sqft
60x80 - $11.52/sqft

Oldoak · Nov 5, 2019

Birdhunter1 said:
Nobody with a 60x80 building wishes they had a 40x60.

Not unless they installed insulation and heating. Then received their first heat bill.

jaxs · Nov 5, 2019

60x80 for $55k is kinda like paying 37k for a 40x60 then getting another fot 23k so it's certainly more for the money. If you don't need clear span,ask contractor what can be saved by planting a few uprights inside footprint. That alow's the use of smaller componets. When the need is max space with minumn cost,I've also seen diagonal cable bracing with lighter componets.