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Are you interested in purchasing a post frame building for your property?
Post frame buildings can greatly improve your property value and the functionality of your land.
In order to ensure that you are making the most out of your investment and purchasing a building that will stand the test of time, we’ve put together this comprehensive buyer’s guide.
Read the full guide to learn about choosing the right building style, determining the right size and location for your building, selecting the right foundation type, getting the right permits, and much more.
What is a post frame building?
A post frame building, also known as a pole barn or pole building is a type of building that is constructed using large posts as the main frame.
These buildings are known for their durability, versatility, and affordability, making them a popular choice for a variety of applications, including storage sheds, barns, workshops, and even homes.
When shopping for a post frame building, there are a few key factors to consider.
1. Determine the size of the building you need
First, it is important to determine the size of the building you need. There are a few key considerations you should make when deciding on your building size:
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine the best building size for you:
- Where on your land will the building be placed to optimize your building’s size and practicality?
- Do you have plans on growing? Anticipating whether your family, farm, or business is expected to expand in the coming years will ensure you don’t quickly outgrow your new building
- What are the clearance requirements for your building? Consider the largest item you will be storing in your building so it fits with ease
- Could you benefit from additional storage space? A lean-to is a practical, aesthetic way to add more covered storage to your building
- How tall is the tallest stored item, whether a vehicle or equipment, for work or for play?
- How wide is the widest stored item, so you know the minimum open span width?
- Do you want your vehicles to always back in, or can they drive in one way and out another?
- Will you need space for opening vehicles doors, or attachments to vehicles and equipment?
- Do you need options for work or play, such as a ventilated area for a paint booth?
- Will any of your activities require a slop sink, kitchen sink, bathroom, or other areas requiring plumbing or electrical, heating, or cooling?
2. Choose a building style that complements your property and meets your functional needs
When investing in a post frame building, the goal is not just to create additional functional space, but to add space that will enhance the value of your property from the standpoints of both livability and curb appeal.
The style and design of your new building can either match or complement the style of your existing home and property. Style extends to the use of color and trim, such that your new building and your entire property come together with a visually pleasing impact.
3. Consider the location of the building
When determining the best location for a post frame building, there are several factors to consider:
First, it’s important to make sure that the site is suitable for the building.
The ground should be level and stable, and there should be adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling around the building. The site should also be free of any potential hazards, such as trees or power lines that could fall on the building.
Next, consider the availability of utilities and services. The site should have access to electricity, water, and sewage, as well as any other services that may be needed.
Finally, make sure that the location complies with any applicable building codes and zoning regulations. The building needs to be permitted and inspected by the local authorities and should be in compliance with all local regulations.
By considering these factors, you can determine the best location for your post frame building and ensure that it is well-suited for your needs.
4. Choose your foundation type
When you build with Remuda, there are three different foundation types that you can choose from depending on your preferences and requirements.
Pressure-treated laminated posts
Pressure-treated laminated posts are made by laminating (gluing) together layers of pressure-treated lumber, which helps to increase the strength and durability. The pressure-treated lumber is treated with a preservative to help protect it from decay, insects, and other forms of damage.
The laminated posts offer a number of benefits over solid wood posts. They are stronger and more resistant to bending and twisting, and they are also more resistant to shrinkage and warping than solid wood posts, which helps improve their long-term stability and performance.
Polyurethane sleeve Grade Guards
Polyurethane sleeve Grade Guards are protective sleeves that are used to cover and protect the building posts. They are made of polyurethane, a synthetic polymer material that is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Grade Guards are used to protect the lower portion of a construction post that is in contact with the ground. This part of the post is subject to moisture, dirt, and other environmental elements that can cause it to rot or deteriorate over time.
Polyurethane Grade Guards are a practical and effective way to protect wooden construction posts and extend their lifespan.
Pre-cast concrete Perma-Columns
Pre-cast concrete Perma-Columns are structural support columns that are made from pre-cast concrete. Perma-Columns are used in post frame construction as an alternative to traditional wooden support posts.
They offer a number of benefits over wood, including greater strength and durability, improved resistance to decay and insect infestation, and lower maintenance requirements.
Perma-Column is a patented foundation system backed by a lifetime warranty.
5. Customize your building with features or options
Remuda is all about giving you a building that fits your needs both functionally and aesthetically. That’s why we have an endless list of building options.
Consider any additional features or options that you may want in your building. You may want to look for a building with windows, doors, insulation, or other features that will make it more comfortable or functional for your needs.
Here are some of our most popular features that we offer:
Even though we can’t possibly list them all, your building expert will be able to provide information on our endless options., and even recommend which ones you should include to get the functionality you need and the appearance you want out of your new building.
6. Understand local building codes and permit requirements
Before purchasing a post frame building, make sure to check with your local building department to ensure that your chosen design and location comply with all applicable codes and regulations.
Each county will have unique building codes and requirements.
At Remuda, our Building Consultants are well-versed in the permit application process and many local building codes. Although it is ultimately the landowners responsibility to apply for, pay, and receive the appropriate permits, we would be happy to put our knowledge to good use to help guide you through this process.
We recommend getting your permits done as early as possible to avoid potential delays closer to your build date.
Development Permit
A development permit allows a specific type of development on a specific parcel of land in the community to proceed while obeying the zoning and development bylaws of the county.
Conditions may include:
- The allowed use of the property
- The intensity of that use
- The building height
- The building site coverage
- Setbacks from property lines and other buildings
- Parking requirements
Building Permit
A building permit allows the construction of buildings or structures to proceed on condition of compliance with the Alberta Building Code, which addresses building and fire safety.
A building permit is required for:
- Construction of a building
- Alteration of a building
- Repair of a building
- Relocation of a building
- Demolition of a building
- Change of use of a building
7. Consider electrical, HVAC, and plumbing requirements
Here are some important electrical, HVAC, and plumbing considerations that you should make before requesting a quote for a post frame building:
- Know the location of the public utility – the farther the building is from the utility, the greater the cost for trenching or poles and for wiring, both in length and diameter.
- Think through where you need electric service and any special amperage outlets
- Consider where you’ll want lights
- You will probably want the outside meter placed out of sight and out of the flow of traffic. But inside the building, your electrical panel should be close to the meter
- For plumbing, consider whether you are tying into a city sewer or a septic tank
- If you plan for a bathroom: your rough-in work for the toilet will need to be the right distance from the finished wall. Your plumbing may be best located to come up through interior walls. If a toilet or sink backs up to an outside wall, you may need up to 4 inches of insulation and a heat source in the bathroom to keep the water in the pipes from freezing
8. Consider builder warranties
At Remuda, we stand behind the quality and craftsmanship of our buildings. To show just how much pride we take in ensuring the longevity of our buildings, we offer a warranty that we believe is the best in the business.
A quality warranty will give you the extra level of comfort that your building is built to last and serve your family for generations to come.
Here are the details of our building warranty:
Request a quote for a post frame building today
Once you have decided that a post frame building is right for you and considered all of the factors above, it’s time to request a quote to determine how much your post frame building will cost.
At Remuda, our post frame buildings are perfectly built for you.
We take time to carefully consider all of your specific requirements to build a post frame building that aligns with your vision, exceeds your expectations, and is built to last for generations.
Ready to start building? Get a quote today.
