Thinking about getting a pole barn installed outside?
The installer you choose can ultimately make or break your project. Putting up an outdoor pole barn structure isn’t a simple job. It requires trained professionals who know what they’re doing. Hire the wrong people and you may open yourself up to expensive repair costs down the road.
Here’s the deal…
The construction industry is currently experiencing a large labor shortage. In fact, according to the Home Builders Institute, the industry needs approximately 723,000 new workers every year, just to keep pace with demand. As a result, quality contractors are becoming more difficult to find.
However.
By knowing what to look for, homeowners can confidently find reputable professional pole barn installers to create awesome outdoor structures. The key is understanding common things to look for when hiring a professional installer. Let’s take a look at…
What you’re going to learn:
- Why Contractor Licensing and Insurance Are Important
- Red Flags When Hiring an Installer
- Questions to Ask
- Contracts & Warranties
- How to Tell if Their Work is Quality
Why Contractor Licensing and Insurance Are Important
Don’t hire an unlicensed contractor.
Any homeowner can hang a “Contractor” sign on their truck. But that doesn’t mean they have the experience, skillset, or knowledge to install a proper outdoor pole barn.
Each state has different licensing requirements for pole barn installation contractors. Some states even require different licenses for pole barn installers vs general contractors. Requirements range from registration to full licensing and testing. Regardless of where you live, you should always hire a licensed contractor.
Here’s why…
Working with an unlicensed contractor exposes you as the homeowner to unnecessary risk. Typically unlicensed contractors:
- Avoid obtaining permits
- Don’t follow local building codes
- Are not insured properly
- Never stand behind their work
According to a survey by Service Direct, 25% of homeowners stated that the licensing and insurance of a contractor is the most important factor when hiring. I would argue that this number should be much higher.
Red Flags When Hiring an Installer
Just because your neighbor told you they were great. Doesn’t mean you should automatically hire them.
Take note of these red flags when meeting with potential outdoor pole barn installation companies:
They don’t give you written estimates. Pushy salespeople are every where. Many will give you a “quote” over the phone in order to try and get you to sign on the dotted line as fast as possible. Professional contractors always provide written estimates.
They want large up-front payments. Never pay a contractor more than 25% up front. If they start doing work before they are paid? Run.
They don’t have any references. Your installer should be able to provide you with references from past customers. If they can’t or don’t want to. Find someone else.
They try to pressure you. Pushy contractors that feel you need to make a decision yesterday aren’t usually the people you want to work with. High-quality installers let their work speak for itself.
They lack proper insurance. Ask to see proof of liability and workers compensation insurance upfront. If a worker gets hurt on your property and they don’t have insurance, you could be liable.
Trust your gut instinct here. If something seems off, it probably is.
Questions to Ask
Before you hire any outdoor pole barn installer, be sure to ask the following questions:
- How long have you been installing pole barns?
- Can I see references from past projects?
- Are you licensed and insured to do business in this state?
- Who will be doing the work?
- What is your estimated timeline?
- How do you deal with unexpected issues?
- What warranties do you provide?
Here’s the thing…
Professional pole barn installers should be able to answer these questions with minimal hesitation. They should also be able to provide you with documentation such as licenses and copies of insurance policies.
Contracts & Warranties
Get your contract in writing!
Every pole barn installation contract should include:
- Total project cost and itemized costs
- Payment schedules and details
- Start date and estimated completion date
- Materials/Specifications being used
- Warranty information
- Change order process
Need I say more? Don’t sign a contract until you read every word. And NEVER sign a contract with blank spaces.
Ask about warranties too. Many professional pole barn installers will provide a warranty on their workmanship for at least 1 year. Manufacturers of materials usually provide material warranties which can exceed 20+ years.
Anything not in writing is just a verbal promise. You don’t want to be stuck dealing with a headache later on.
How to Tell if Their Work is Quality
Speak with past clients is just one way to verify an installers quality of work.
Here are some other tips:
Ask to see a recent project. A reputable installer should have no problem taking you out to one of their recent pole barn builds. If they don’t let you see their work before they build yours, walk away.
Check online reviews. Look up reviews on Google, the BBB, and any other site you can find. Take note of how they respond to unhappy customers.
Who does the work? Will the installer use their own crew or subcontract the work to others? Most professional installers have in-house crews which typically provides you with a better product.
Look at their portfolio. Any professional contractor should have pictures of past projects they’ve completed. No portfolio? Move on.
Where do they get materials? Quality installers establish relationships with material suppliers. Ask them where they get their lumber, metal and hardware.
When to Hire Outdoor Pole Barn Installers
If you’re thinking about adding a pole barn to your home. When is the right time to start contacting contractors?
As soon as you can!
Good contractors get booked solid months in advance. Waiting too long might mean you’ll be forced to hire the next available person.
Ideally, homeowners should begin contacting potential outdoor pole barn installers 3-6 months before they want to start building. This will allow ample time to evaluate multiple installers and find someone that fits your schedule.
Plus, if you want to build during the spring/summer timeframe, try to get started during the fall or winter. Most contractors are slower during these seasons which could mean more availability/open spots on their calendar.
Wrapping Things Up
Hiring quality outdoor pole barn contractors can be difficult these days. But if you take the time to do your homework, you’ll end up with a quality structure you can enjoy for years to come.
Let’s review…
- Verify licensing and insurance
- Watch for red flags
- Ask the right questions
- Get Contracts & Warranties in writing
- Verify their work quality
Remember, there is currently a construction labor shortage which means more homeowners are fighting over good contractors. Start your search early and don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision.
A quality outdoor pole barn can add tremendous value to your home or business. Make sure you hire the right people to get it done!
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Alexander Martin has dedicated the last 18 years to enhancing outdoor living through thoughtful and robust structure design. His career kicked off in urban planning, giving him a unique perspective on integrating structures into diverse environments. In 2019, Alexander brought his expertise to our website, offering insights into creating versatile outdoor spaces. Since then, he has been the lead advisor for our outdoor design projects and is known for his ability to merge functionality with environmental consciousness. Alexander enjoys rock climbing outside of work and participates in community development projects, activities that reflect his passion for the outdoors and sustainable design.
