Cost to frame windows in pole barn

[riddleyo]

I am having a pretty large size pole barn built in Ohio, in the worst year possible for building, 2021!
This pole barn will contain 22 windows total throughout the barn. Yes 22!
My pole barn builder is quoting me almost $8000 to frame and install these windows. They said about $205 in materials (lumber, metal flashing) and $150 in labor per window. These costs do not include the cost of the window itself.
Does that sound right? I know lumber is expensive, but $205 in materials per window seems excessive. Most of the other costs I have no issue paying but this one seems excessive.

Thanks.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sounds like they don't want to put windows in and are charging accordingly.

How many quotes for the building have you gotten ?

 

[riddleyo]

I got 2 other quotes for the pole barn and went with this company because of reviews and quality of materials used. All of their other costs have been relatively competitive but this one is not. I already signed a contract for the building itself but have not signed the order for the windows. I have called and inquired why their costs are so high and they chalk it up to lumber prices. I don't think I am getting the full story

 

[Bert_]

Materials does seem like plenty, but I wouldn't bat an eye at that amount of labor. It's going to add a lot of time with extra framing and cutting the tin.

How big of a building? I really like windows but 22 does seem like a lot.

 

[Dagny]

Why wasn't it the prices you got?

 

[bighouse01]

I found these crews run on a tight schedule. Your probably paying for slowing them down.

 

[jack stand]

If it is truly a "pole building", there are no headers or structural support required and he'll be only making a basic frame that simply provides a place to nail the window and associated trim to. I'd think his labor charge would cover everything unless for some reason he's running the what would be called "Jack's and studs" in conventional framing into the ground similar to a post.
The $250 for additional framing materials has me thinking that he's taking un necessary extra steps, is trying to discourage your amount of windows, or I'm not getting/ understanding the complete picture.

 

[LXCam]

One thing no one asked. How tall are the walls, what size windows and what elevation are you installing these. That might explain a ton.

 

[rburke65]

It may make a difference if the windows are 16’ off the ground.

 

[riddleyo]

Thanks for everyone's input so far.
The barn is a 32x62 and most of the windows are either 3 ft off the ground or 8 ft off the ground. There are multiple 2x4 transom windows above 4x5 windows. Yes I realize I have a lot of windows but I have 62 ft of a south facing wall that is prime for good lighting and will provide solar heat gain in the winter. I hate dark and damp working conditions.

I am leaning towards not paying for the windows and having them added in later by a general contractor. I may even do the window framing myself and have a general contractor install the windows and J channels. Does this sound like a wise move or should windows absolutely be installed by the pole barn builder during construction?

 

[LXCam]

Water proofing and finish trim will turn out much better the first time around.

 

[matt_i]

I would sit down and carefully detail flashing, etc. Its going to take some time and you might have to draw up some sketches -- can't show it all in just one sketch. Think like a raindrop and what happens to it when its on top of (above) the window, and what happens when it spills over the top and rolls down the side, and how that water gets back to the outside of the siding....and doesn't roll back down inside the building. The use of sealants alone isn't good enough because those all get compromised over time. Think solid materials like trim coil and peel + stick membrane.

I predict with a fast install at the time of build you will get big beads of sealant only.

Once you arrive at the flashing plan then you can get quotes for another contractor to install them.

 

[mike93lx]

Doing them after will almost certainly not be cheaper and it will not come out as well... Sit down with the builder and talk through it. Ask for some more detail

 

[78SC4X4]

Doing them after the fact will be a PITA. But agree that the material cost seems high. Unless the window is included. A couple of 2x6's and some flashing are not that costly.

 

[Jakemedic]

I would concur, do it right the first time. Sit down with your contractor and discuss the cost with him. Everyone here has an opinion, but yours and your contractors are the only one that matters. Additionally, consider low e for your windows. Much cooler in the summer time. Light yes, added heat not so much. Just my 2 cents anyhow. Have fun and post pictures of your build!

 

[dmcintosh]

Thanks for everyone's input so far.
The barn is a 32x62 and most of the windows are either 3 ft off the ground or 8 ft off the ground. There are multiple 2x4 transom windows above 4x5 windows. Yes I realize I have a lot of windows but I have 62 ft of a south facing wall that is prime for good lighting and will provide solar heat gain in the winter. I hate dark and damp working conditions.

I am leaning towards not paying for the windows and having them added in later by a general contractor. I may even do the window framing myself and have a general contractor install the windows and J channels. Does this sound like a wise move or should windows absolutely be installed by the pole barn builder during construction?

In my pole barn, I did both. It is possible, and not that hard to install windows after the fact, but its much more tedious.

 

[riddleyo]

Thanks for the input everyone. I ended up just paying the cost even though my builder could not explain why their costs were so high. I didn't want to jeopardize my warranty. Will definitely post pictures of the build

 

[rayra]

Op, the metal trims etc on the outside of the window probably cost as much as the infoated lumber in the inside. 22 windows is a lot. Maybe have them do the high windows and you do the ground level ones yourself at a later date. It isnt very difficult once you learn the best practices.

 

[Dividing Creek]

Polebarn windows are usually just surface /flange mount and have j channel all round. The siding metal is cut to fit/slide into this J channel so doing it later would be a major pita and cost considerably more. I agree cost seems high.

For a price point I used 3'x4' vinyl sliders flange mount with J channel all around purchased from Home Depot this spring were around $130 ea. We used 7 on 2 walls of a 30x40

 

[jack stand]

See if you can calmly work it out with him. It may be a scheduling issue for him and if you can be flexible with the timetable.....

 

[mike93lx]

See if you can calmly work it out with him. It may be a scheduling issue for him and if you can be flexible with the timetable.....

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