Pole barn rough-in cost guesstimates

[alter]

Hello. I first had a plan to get a full finished stick-built garage but my builder came back with something that went twice over my budget so I went back to the drawing board and now considering just starting with the basics, a 32x60x12 insulated metal pole barn shell, on top of 4" or so concrete with pex tubing for adding hydronic heat later, vapor barrier and foam. Since I plan on adding a kitchenette/bar and a bathroom, plumbing for those would have to be roughed-in as well. I plan on having two 10' double garage doors and 2 people doors, along with about 6 windows. Roof pitch would be 9/12, so that I may possibly add a loft later on. Everything on the interior would be finished later on as time and funds permit.

How much, ballpark should one expect to pay for something like that? Thanks

 

[elmech]

Including engineering? Permits? I'm in process of 40x80 steel commercial garage. The contractors I've talked to some of them are double or triple of what it could be done for..The building should be about 20 to 25k the concrete should be 10 to 15 and the erection costs 5 to 7 per sq ft.

 

[alter]

OK that is good to know that others have had quotes double or triple what it could be done for...my builder is a nice guy but I'm going to try and get at least 3 or 4 estimates. I have a budget of 125k. and want to include septic install, water well, and as much finishing in the living quarters as that will allow.

 

[stm317]

Go to Menards design page and do your best to get close to the shell you're looking for:

https://www.menards.com/main/e-PostFrame.html?menardsSku=1900536

That should give you an idea on materials cost for the building. Then I'd probably add about 75% of that for install labor. Then add your slab (which is going to be well above average costs with all of your insulation, PEX, septic and plumbing rough in), the septic system, well, insulation (costs vary wildly depending on material used and who is doing the labor), electrical, driveway?, any site prep?, etc to the building cost. $20/sqft on the low end, but you'll be well above that with all of your extras. You're basically building a house with an unfinished interior, and those can easily be $100/sqft or more these days.

Ultimately you're going to have to get a few more quotes. Material and labor costs vary depending on specific location and every pole barn is unique so any of us would only be guessing on prices. Be very clear about details with each contractor so you can be sure the quotes are "apples to apples" comparisons.

 

[alter]

OK thanks a lot for that cost calculator link and info

 

[elmech]

I got a quote of 350k for a 3200 sq ft steel building that costs 32k to buy a few weeks ago.

 

[matt_i]

@ O.P., Do you have actual detailed plans & drawings for getting the bids or is this just a list of specs? I think if you are expecting the contractor to do the design & engineering they're going to quote high because they are aware there could be pitfalls they are going to be financially responsible for...if the drawings exist and its just a matter of sourcing the materials and "build to print" then I think you can expect a bit more competition.

One thought, depending on the builder, I would ask if you can do your own prep for the PEX. In my mind that involves setting the rebar grid, on chairs or dobies, and zip-tying the PEX loops to it, terminating the ends at your "panel" location and preparing the ends for air pressure so they can be monitored during the pour for blowouts and repaired immediately. You'd need to be prepared just like they are with a stack of materials and detailed plans and a few days where you and some trusted friends can apply some concentrated effort so you don't slow down the process..

 

[alter]

@matt_i

Yes I have a detailed drawing in excel, where each cell = 1 sq foot. So its completely designed as far as the layout, but not for example how much support/beams I'll need for a loft, etc.

I was thinking the same about the PEX and re-bar+chairs+zipties. I've watched some youtube videos on it, and doesn't appear too complicated. I don't understand why this adds so much cost to the concrete for these 2 features. It's definitely something I could purchase and prep myself, even as a complete novice. Even pressure testing the pex etc doesn't seem too complicated.

I'm thinking of having a builder like Morton do the construction and build, however what I'm not clear on, is when the slab should be poured, before or after the pole barn shell, and how they connect the two together. I have a call scheduled to discuss it with them. I also see that another popular yet inexpensive way to get a pole barn built is by using a crew of Amish builders. I will look into that if Morton's estimate comes back too high.

 

[rieferman]

Morton builds nice pole barns, and are full-service, but may be pricier that other options.

In my experience (previously sales/PM for pole barn company), shell is built first and concrete poured after... this gives you a nice weather protected pour.

Concrete floor isn't "connected" to the shell... the shell has a skirt board that acts as the form for the floor.

Some upgrades that cost very little now (but are hard to add later):
- Perma-columns (or similar) - so that posts will last as long as a poured foundation
- Skirt board wraps - keeps skirt board from rotting
- Under-slab insulation - which you're planning on anyways with the radiant / pex