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Top-Rated Barndominium builders in Ely - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Park Ridge Construction, LLC
Park Ridge Construction, LLC
5.0(
13
)
Garage - Build

Serving Ely, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Keegan and Cam completed installation on replacement windows for my home. Fair pricing, great communication, and impressive work quality. I would recommend getting a bid from them for your home renovation project."
Interior Walls
Interior Walls
Interior Walls
Interior Walls
Interior Walls

+20

Response time2 days
Response rate88%
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Barndominium Builders FAQs, answered by experts

The difference between a pole barn and a stick-built barn is in the construction. Large poles in the ground provide support for pole barns. For stick-built barns, 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 lumber (known as sticks) create a frame around load-bearing beams. Stick-built construction is far more popular for residential homes. Pole barns are more cost-effective because they require fewer materials and less labor.

The best lumber for building will be the strongest and most eco-friendly wood your budget allows. That being said, Douglas fir, pine, oak, and maple are all common building materials. Contractors will use a strong, inexpensive wood to frame a house or other structure and finer woods like mahogany for detail work. 

Whether you should choose a flat roof or a sloped roof depends on your particular situation. Flat roofs tend to be less expensive to install. However, sloped roofs have longer lifespans and stand up better to heavy snow and other inclement weather.

Keep in mind that even a flat roof needs to have a slight slope, usually around 1/2 inch for every foot. If it is completely flat, water will pool and cause damage, either from weight or leakage or rot.

You may need a local building permit and written permission from your homeowner’s association to install a shed, especially if you’re doing any substantial land clearing or installing electricity or plumbing. Permit requirements vary between municipalities, so research the local laws before starting your project. If you hire a contractor to build the shed, they can help determine which permits will be necessary.

While a romantic getaway in a vacation treehouse may sound appealing, building one to live in year-round comes with more challenges. However, a growing number of people are adopting this small-scale living approach to appreciate an off-the-grid, private lifestyle. It allows you to feel closer to nature in a sustainable, customizable, minimalist, and eco-friendly way.

The Ely, IA homeowners’ guide to barndominium building

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.