How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pole Barn?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

The cost to build a pole barn averages $27,500, with most projects ranging from $15,000 to $50,000. Homeowners pay $15 to $40 per square foot, depending on size, materials, and features. Understanding these costs helps you plan your pole barn project with confidence.

A pole barn is a practical way to add storage, a workshop, or even extra garage space to your property. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about costs, so you can budget wisely and make informed decisions.

Pole Barn Cost Breakdown

Building a pole barn involves several major cost components that shape your total investment. The price per square foot for pole barn construction is $15 to $40, depending on design, materials, and labor rates.

Materials are a significant portion of the budget, covering posts, trusses, siding, roofing, and hardware. Labor costs include site preparation, framing, and finishing. Site prep, permits, and interior finishing all add to the final price.

A basic pole barn build covers just the shell: posts, trusses, siding, and roof. A turnkey build includes insulation, electrical, interior finishing, and sometimes plumbing or HVAC.

Basic pole barns are ideal for storage or simple workshops. Mid-range builds suit those who want more comfort and utility. Premium pole barns can be finished for living space or specific business needs.

Size of Pole Barn

The size of your pole barn is the single biggest factor in total cost. Larger barns require more materials and labor, so the price increases with each square foot. Width, length, and height all affect the final tally, as does the intended use—whether you need a two-car garage, a workshop, or agricultural storage.

Common pole barn sizes include:

• 24 by 24 feet (576 square feet)

• 30 by 40 feet (1,200 square feet)

• 40 by 60 feet (2,400 square feet)

• 60 by 100 feet (6,000 square feet)

Smaller structures cost less per square foot, while larger barns may benefit from economies of scale. Choosing the right size is about balancing your needs and your budget. Add-ons like taller ceilings or extra bays can increase costs.

Pole Barn Pro Costs

Several professionals may be involved in building your pole barn. 

The first is a general contractor, who manages the entire project—sourcing materials, scheduling, and overseeing the build. General contractors charge a flat rate or a percentage of the project cost, often 10% to 20%. Rates can vary depending on market demand and your location.

A pole barn builder or framing specialist handles the core construction, including erecting posts, installing trusses, and adding siding. Their labor rates often range from $5 to $15 per square foot, directly impacting your total cost.

If you plan to install electricity, you’ll need an electrician for wiring, lighting, and outlets. Electricians charge $50 to $120 per hour or may offer project-based pricing for a pole barn.

Labor rates vary by region, with urban areas commanding higher prices. The need for each pro depends on your barn’s purpose and complexity—a simple storage barn needs fewer specialists than a finished workshop or living space.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Depending on your plans, other professionals may be necessary for your pole barn project:

• Plumber costs: $45–$200 per hour (for plumbing or adding a bathroom)

• HVAC technician: $50–$100 per hour (for climate control or ventilation)

• Concrete contractor: $4–$8 per square foot (for a slab foundation or flooring)

• Insulation installer: $1–$3 per square foot (for finished or climate-controlled barns)

• Painter or finishing pro: $20–$50 per hour

You’ll want to bring in these pros if you’re converting your barn into a workshop, adding utilities, or finishing the space for comfort. For storage-only barns, you can often skip some of these services.

Pole Barn Cost by Location

Where you live has a major impact on the cost to build a barn. Labor rates, material availability, and local demand all play a role. In rural regions, labor may cost less, but materials could be more expensive due to delivery fees. Urban and suburban areas often see higher labor rates and stricter permit requirements, which can increase your total cost.

Climate also matters—regions with heavy snow or wind may require reinforced structures, adding to costs. In the Midwest and South, pole barn construction is common and pricing is competitive, while on the coasts, costs trend higher.

Checking local pricing is key. Always factor in taxes, delivery, and permit fees that may be specific to your area.

Additional Cost Factors

Beyond the basics, a number of extra costs can affect your total price to build a pole barn. Taxes on materials and labor, insurance for the new structure, and warranties for workmanship or materials may all come into play. Custom features—like cupolas, windows, specialty doors, or accessibility upgrades—will add to your bottom line.

Repairs to existing structures, post-construction cleanup, and landscaping after the build can also raise costs. It’s smart to budget a little extra for unexpected expenses.

Demolition and Prep

Before you build, you may need to clear land, remove an old structure, or grade the site. Site prep costs range from $1,200 to $8,000, depending on the amount of clearing, accessibility, and soil conditions. Rocky or sloped sites can be more expensive to prepare.

If demolition is needed, costs can rise quickly—tearing down an old barn or shed may add $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Easy-to-access sites with good soil will keep prep costs lower.

Permits

Most areas require permits for new pole barn construction, covering building, electrical, and plumbing work. Either the homeowner or the contractor can obtain permits, but pros often handle this as part of their service.

Permit costs vary by location and project size, ranging from $500 to $2,500. Inspections are required during construction and at project completion to ensure code compliance. Skipping permits can result in fines or future resale problems, so it’s best to follow all local requirements.

DIY Pole Barn Building vs. Hiring a Pro

Building a pole barn yourself can save on labor, but it comes with significant responsibilities and risks. DIYers pay for materials, equipment rental, and tools, but avoid contractor markups and labor charges. A DIY build costs $10 to $25 per square foot, but you’ll need construction skills, time, and a willingness to handle permits and inspections.

Hiring a professional pole barn builder near you adds labor costs but ensures code compliance, warranty coverage, and structural integrity. DIY builds can risk mistakes that affect safety, insurance, or resale value. 

DIY is a solid option for smaller, simple barns if you’re handy and have time. For larger or finished barns, hiring a pro brings peace of mind.

Pole Barn Remodel vs. Renovate

Renovating a pole barn means restoring or improving what’s already there—replacing siding, adding insulation, or upgrading the roof. Remodeling involves bigger changes, like converting the barn to living space, adding rooms, or altering the structure.

Renovations are less expensive, costing $5,000 to $25,000, while remodels can run $20,000 to $80,000 depending on scope. Choose renovation when the structure is sound but needs updates. Opt for a remodel if you want to change how the barn is used or its layout.

Permits, timelines, and budgets all expand with remodels. Examples include adding a bathroom, installing new doors, or finishing the interior for office use.

Tips to Reduce Costs While Building a Pole Barn

Here are a few helpful tips to keep your pole barn project within budget:

• Choose a standard size and design to reduce custom costs.

• Source materials locally to cut delivery fees.

• Schedule construction during off-peak seasons for lower labor rates.

• Do some finishing work yourself (painting, interior buildout).

• Compare multiple contractor quotes for the best pricing.

• Limit custom features and upgrades to essentials.

• Consider a pole barn kit for simplified, lower-cost builds.

• Maintain the barn regularly to avoid costly repairs later.

Does Building a Pole Barn Increase Home Value?

Adding a pole barn can increase your property’s value and boost its appeal to future buyers. The ROI for a pole barn varies, often ranging from 50% to 80% depending on size, quality, and permitted uses. A well-built barn adds storage, workspace, and flexibility—features that many buyers value.

Factors like quality of construction, permitted use, and local demand impact how much value is added. Finished barns with utilities or climate control may yield higher returns. Always check with your appraiser and insurer to ensure your investment is properly valued and covered.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.