What Costs are Associated with Post Frame Construction?

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Post frame construction costs

High-quality post frame construction continues to grow in popularity for commercial and agricultural use. The versatility of these structures, superior durability, flexibility, and economy make them the ideal choice for nearly every purpose. Let’s look at the costs associated with post frame construction.

Often having a shorter total time from design to completion, post frame buildings are a popular choice. They also have reduced site prep time, less labor, and use fewer materials, thus making them the most economical option.

But besides the project’s pre-calculated material and labor costs, what are some cost components that may be overlooked in building a beautiful, highly functional post frame building?

Starting from the Ground Up, Literally

Individuals constructing for agricultural purposes, like a barn or equestrian facility, may already own the real estate where the building will be placed. However, in some instances, people or businesses may purchase new land for their buildings to be used for commercial or other reasons. In either instance, property owners should check with the local governing authority to ensure the proposed construction is acceptable. The local agency will advise about required setbacks, architectural limitations, and more before the project begins.

Permits and Approvals

As the post frame construction plan takes shape, more “red tape” and permits can be involved. These may include site and building permits, as well as authorizations for electric, gas, sewer, and water. These permits can add up to hundreds of dollars depending on the location.

Utility Costs

While utility access is essential for long-term operations, having these available during construction might also be crucial. Connecting water, electricity, gas, and sewer is usually necessary and may cost extra. If water and sewer are unavailable, building owners may need to dig a well and add a septic tank, which can run into thousands of dollars.

Access

Access to the building will depend on where the building will sit and the distance from an existing road or driveway. During the design phase, positioning the structure for easy access and maneuverability should be a primary consideration. Strategic placement can reduce the cost of driveway paving or gravel needed.

Site Preparation

The typical post frame structure demands less site preparation than most other building types. The usual requirement is for the structure’s footprint to be clear and level with some accommodation for drainage. The cost to prepare depends on various factors. Consider rocky conditions, the number of trees to remove, the slope of the existing property, and more. Owners should secure a bid from the excavator to avoid surprises.

Construction Surprises and Materials Disruptions

Working with a proven, dependable post frame company minimizes the potential for unexpected delays. Full-service companies like Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings supply the components while also performing the design and construction. This means they are much more likely to meet timelines.

Choose a Proven, Reputable Post Frame Building Supplier

Owners of new post frame buildings can avoid unexpected costs and delays by working with a longstanding professional post frame company.

Pacemaker Post Frame Builders of North Webster, Indiana, has been a leader in the post frame industry for over four decades. They can help with the design, component supply, and construction process. Specializing in state-of-the-art agricultural and commercial buildings, Pacemaker builds beautiful and durable structures for satisfied customers throughout Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Northwest Ohio.

To view the diversity and unique styles of many of Pacemaker’s past agricultural and commercial post frame buildings, visit the Pacemaker Gallery of projects completed in recent years.

Learn more about Pacemaker’s processes and capabilities by visiting the Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings website.

If you prefer to speak directly with one of the Pacemaker professionals about your project, call (888)-834-4448.

Choosing a Roofing Style and Type for Your Post Frame Building

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Roofing style for post frame buildings.

Post frame buildings have many options for their roofing style and design, just like residential homes and traditional buildings. Like standard construction, roofing decisions for post frame buildings are driven by the structure’s purpose, neighborhood architectural requirements, style, extreme weather conditions, and budget. Below are some of the key considerations when choosing a roofing style for your post frame building.

Focus on Structural Integrity First

By working with an experienced post frame building designer, building owners can begin to understand their roofing options. Whichever roof style they choose must incorporate sufficient design strength to support the maximum load required. For example, the post frame design has to accommodate excessive forces in areas where wind and snow conditions can be severe.

A post frame building is only as strong as its weakest element. In a post frame building, trusses play a crucial role in ensuring a structurally safe installation for interior features. This can include lofts, decks, and upper stories. Trusses must also be able to handle the maximum amount of snow and ice build-up. Furthermore, they are built to withstand excessive wind. Trusses are designed to handle the weight and redirect it downward through the vertical posts and into the ground. The post frame design expert will determine the best way to ensure the roof structure will support potential loads under any conditions.

Styles of Roof for Post Frame Buildings

As mentioned, the choice of roof styles for a post frame building is diverse. Whether the building is for agricultural, civic, commercial, equestrian, or other purposes is part of the roof design process.

Here are a few eye-catching roofing style options that a new post frame building owner may consider:

  • Gable Roof:

    A central roof ridge runs laterally across the building, from which two sections slope downward. The result is a gable at each end.

  • Gable Dormer Roof:

    This roof integrates at least one window within a dormer. The dormer will protrude from a downward-sloping section. A windowed dormer projects vertically from the plane of the roof.

  • Hip Roof:

    This roof projects downward from all four sides. These come together to form a ridge in the center.

  • Dutch Hip Roof:

    This is a modification incorporating the elements of a gable roof that extends downward as usual, where a hip roof section may then be integrated.

  • Mono-Sloped Roof:

    A roof (and building) sloped in only one direction.

  • Gambrel Roof:

    A gambrel roof starts from the center line at the top, extends downward at an angle to a midpoint, and then slopes even more steeply. Often the edge runs beyond the structure’s lower level. This roof style is most familiar with traditional barn styles.

  • Monitor Roof:

    With its double-pitched roof, a monitor roof presents a raised structure. The second roof is parallel to the main roof.

Working with Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

Clients of Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings of North Webster, Indiana, have relied on the professionalism, expertise, and sound judgment of the experts at Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings for over four decades.

The roof choice for a new post frame building design can significantly affect a new structure’s functionality, appearance, acceptability, and cost. Of course, zoning requirements, neighborhood compatibility, and other elements always play a role. Pacemaker professionals can advise the most effective and economical option for any circumstance.

Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Northwest Ohio clients rely on Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings’ expertise to design and complete their post frame structures.

You can visit their Gallery of finished projects to see the many solutions the Pacemaker post-frame experts offer, including roof styles.

If you need more information or have questions, visit the Pacemaker website and complete the brief Contact Us Form.

Or you can call Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings to set up a meeting to discuss your project at (574)-834-4448.

 

 

3 Steps for Perfect Concrete Flooring in Post Frame Buildings

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Concrete flooring in post frame building.

Concrete flooring is a great choice for post frame buildings. High-quality concrete flooring may be one of the essential components of your post frame building plan. Depending on the building’s principal function, a long-lasting and durable concrete floor will keep the contents clean and dry, facilitate ease of movement, and provide a more functional workspace. It can also help to extend the life of the equipment entering and leaving the building.

Pouring concrete flooring for new or existing post frame buildings can be expensive. However, the benefits owners receive for years to come may pay for the initial investment. The benefits are even more significant if the job is done correctly from the beginning.

Before pouring concrete flooring in post frame buildings, the building owner and designer must address three major issues. These are:

What will be the primary functions of the post frame structure?

Designing a floor to withstand the expected loads requires planning and foresight. Considerations may include:

  • How heavy is the equipment, machinery, or stored inventories that the flooring will bear? Remember future equipment is likely to be heavier and that, over time, more items will find their way into the structure as needs grow.
  • How much maneuvering will be required? While this factor also contributes to the total square footage decision, moving equipment throughout the building adds to the wear and tear of the flooring.
  • How will we heat the building? Radiant heating from coils in the floor can be a terrific asset, particularly in workshops and maintenance areas where humans will be working. Naturally, this is a decision that must be made in advance.

Proper Site Preparation

Site prep for a post frame structure is less complicated than with other construction methods. The primary objective is to ensure the space is level with appropriate sloping for any drainage.

To avoid premature cracking and deterioration, the building site must be compact and level when placing an aggregate subgrade.

Following this first step, a compacted gravel layer should be placed to facilitate drainage. This will also support the concrete layer. Certifying that this layer is once again level and uniform is a critical step before installing the concrete.

You may wish to let the subfloor settle further while the rest of the building is completed. This can help eliminate the potential for subsequent settling and shifting in certain areas after the concrete is in place.

Determining the Thickness of the Concrete Flooring

Determining the thickness of the concrete application and the type of reinforcement depends on what will be stored in the new post frame building.

A proven post frame building expert or a qualified concrete expert will recommend the best thickness for your needs. They will take into account the uses and combined gross weights of the equipment and materials that will be housed. Specific guidelines exist, although each building owner’s needs are unique.

For example, experts recommend a concrete thickness of at least six inches for heavy-duty tractors, earth movers, and dump trucks. However, lighter vehicles, including standard-sized pickup trucks, campers, and automobiles only require four inches of concrete. This will be substantial enough to survive wear and tear and provide maximum service.

Reinforcing components can also add to the life of a concrete floor. Reinforcements embedded in the concrete are a normal application to help the flooring last longer and withstand the weight and various forces.

Concrete reinforcement often consists of steel rebar or horizontal metal rods in a grid across the floor. While other reinforcement materials are available, your post frame design expert will recommend products based on your needs and budget.

Contact Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

A longtime manufacturer, designer, and builder of post frame buildings for a variety of functions, Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings of North Webster, Indiana, is a leader in innovation and quality for clients in Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Northwest Ohio.

Experienced in all phases of post frame construction, the Pacemaker professionals will offer design ideas, quality components, and high-quality solutions for any structure.

Check out the Gallery of some of Pacemaker’s completed projects to learn about their buildings’ versatility, durability, and functionality.

For more information about Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings, visit the company website or call their experts at +1-888-834-4448.