Building a Pole Barn Home in Alabama – The Complete Guide

Alongside barndominiums, custom pole barn homes are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners in Alabama. They can be tailored to suit any budget and taste, and are durable enough to withstand the windy weather conditions that are common in the state.

If you’re thinking of getting on board and building a pole barn home in Alabama for your own family, then this guide is for you. Read on to learn all about how much a pole barn home will set you back, the perks you can look forward to, and some tips for financing its construction.

What is a pole barn home and what are the benefits?

Following a similar design concept to that of traditional barns, pole barn homes are largely open-plan buildings with high ceilings. They feature a timber post frame at their core which differentiates them from similar barndominium homes made almost exclusively from steel.  

Another key difference between the two is that the pole barn’s frame is anchored into the earth to keep the building in place. As a result, a concrete foundation isn’t necessarily needed and you can even build a pole barn home in Alabama on uneven ground. With that said, there is the option to incorporate a concrete foundation too for increased stability.

Other advantages of pole barn homes include comparatively low build costs and quicker construction. If they feature wooden siding too, they may also offer a more rustic look and feel than metal barndominiums, while still eliminating the need for bulky, load-bearing interior walls found in classic houses. As a result, pole barn homes are typically more open and airy.

Why should I build a pole barn home in Alabama?

There are many reasons why you might want to build a pole barn home in Alabama. Known to many as the Heart of Dixie, this south-eastern state is famous for its lower-than-average cost of living, great restaurants, rich musical heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

In the south, you’ll find 50 miles of sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast, while further north there are 22 million acres of forest to explore. There are also plenty of activities for adventure seekers, from hiking in the Talladega Mountains to kayaking on the many inland waterways. The state is also home to several major cities if you’d prefer to be closer to the action.

Alabama’s sub-tropical climate is also appealing, with annual temperatures averaging 64°F. The summer months are particularly hot and sunny, so a timber pole barn home will likely be more comfortable than a metal barndominium, unless you splash out on top-of-the-line insulation.

How much does a pole barn home in Alabama cost?

One of the most common questions when building a pole barn is how much does a pole barn cost?

While traditional houses aren’t overly expensive compared to other states, building a pole barn home in Alabama will still save you a considerable amount of money. Due to the relatively low cost of timber, you can expect to pay as little as $15-$35 per square foot for a pole barn property. While you’ll have to factor in the cost of hired labor, fixtures and fittings on top, you could save a further $5000 if you opt not to have a concrete foundation poured.

In comparison, barndominiums come in at around $70-$90, though you’ll need to factor in the cost of a foundation and likely air-conditioning too. Meanwhile, standard brick-and-mortar homes in Alabama can cost $100-$160 per square foot, or a total of $267,500 on average.

Pole barn home builders in Alabama

The builder you choose can simplify the process of planning the construction of your pole barn home. To simplify your search, here are some of the best pole barn builders in Alabama.

M&S Construction

Established 2006, this local business is based in Enterprise and covers a 60-mile radius. Led by an expert developer and homebuilder, its pole barn home and barndo designs are fully bespoke based on your preferences. All you have to do is pick the final color and design features to meet your needs, and the M&S Construction team will take care of the rest.

DC Builders

DC Builders is a nationwide custom structures firm specializing in timber frame homes. With 20 years’ experience and licensed engineers in every state, you can rest assured that your pole barn home in Alabama will be finished to a high standard. Design a custom home with the help of their 3D modeling technicians, or choose from a range of pre-existing designs.  

Or go the DIY route…

Alternatively, you could decide to go it alone and reduce your budget further by doing most of the work yourself. Building your own pole barn home in Alabama can also be very rewarding, but you’ll likely need some support to ensure the process runs smoothly if you’re a newbie. Firstly, you could opt for a prefabricated kit designed to fit together for ease. We also have a handy guide packed full of advice to help you out along the way. Check it out!

Pole Barn Kits in Alabama

Using a pole barn kit is another great option, especially when using an experienced pole barn kit provider.

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How to finance a pole barn home in Alabama

Barndominium Financing Request

Despite their relative affordability, unless you’ve saved a decent sum of cash to finance your pole barn home in Alabama outright, you’ll probably still need some help. However, securing a loan for a custom home isn’t quite as simple as getting approved for a standard mortgage.

In some cases, you may be eligible for a residential homes loan through an agricultural bank like Alabama Farm Credit, while some kit providers offer flexible finance options. But if you find yourself struggling to come up with the funds or you’re having trouble navigating all of the complex terms and requirements, thankfully, there is another option.

Tips for insuring a pole barn home

When insuring a pole barn home in Alabama, you may well run into similar issues. Though it’s important that you do arrange appropriate coverage for your property, especially since some regions of the state are prone to powerful storms that could cause damage.  

The best way to go about this is to consult a professional appraiser with a record of what you’ve spent on the build. It’s also a good idea to mention anything extra you’ve done to shore the building against extreme weather. For instance, installing a concrete foundation, extra deep posts, or a waterproof barrier to protect against rot. This will help to paint a picture of your home’s market value, which can then be used to inform your preferred insurer.

Pole Barn Home for Sale in Alabama

Don’t want all the hassle of building a pole barn home from the ground up? Then you may want to buy an existing pole barn home in Alabama! With our Pole Barn Home for Sale Marketplace, you can browse to your state and find a pole barn home for sale near you.

The beauty of buying an existing pole barn home is that it can be really easy to customize the floor plan to your liking. The previous owners’ setup is just a starting point! Also, by buying a pole barn home in Alabama, you bypass the potential troubles of the building process – delays, dealing with contractors and subcontractors, and city or county bureaucrats trying to make your build process a nightmare.

Don’t delay – find a pole barn home for sale in Alabama now!

Conclusion

We hope this guide has answered your burning questions about building a pole barn home in Alabama! If you’d like to read more, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. You will find floor plan ideas and helpful tips from the pros on everything from lighting to landscaping.

Ready to learn more about building your dream pole barn? Be sure to check out how to insulate your pole barn, unique pole barn storage ideas to help maximize the space you have, as well as great pole barn front porch ideas that boost curb appeal to a whole new level. Get started designing your own pole barn with the best pole barn software to start turning your dreams into a reality! 

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.