Category Archives: Pole Building Comparisons

Why Not Use T Girts?

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/02/21 @ 8:00
Why Not Use T Girts?

Last August one of our clients in Colorado invested in a new Hansen Pole Buildings Monitor style building. One of the features of the building was for it to be drywall ready. The typical method we use for this is what we refer to as “commercial” girts – basically they are bookshelf style girts, set […]

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Pole Barn Comparisons

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/01/17 @ 8:00
Pole Barn Comparisons

Differentiation- Pole Barn Comparisons In today’s world savvy shoppers can go on the internet and fairly quickly track down the best buy on virtually any commodity item. Sometimes even pole barn comparisons. According to the sum of all knowledge, Wikipedia: “The term commodity is specifically used for an economic good or service when the demand for it […]

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Maximizing the Metal: Why all Metal is Not Created Equal Part III

Yesterday I shared a portion of Sharon Thatcher’s article on how painted steel panels need to be handled with care. The article also touches on the differences in paint, and which ones are the longest lasting. Here is Part III. The final segment of Sharon’s story, as can be read in the September 2016 issue […]

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Maximizing the Metal: Why all Metal is not Created Equal

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/01/06 @ 9:00
Maximizing the Metal: Why all Metal is not Created Equal

This article, by my friend Sharon Thatcher, was originally published in the  September 2016 issue of Rural Builder magazine and appears unedited. I’ve opined upon many of these areas in previous articles, however here Sharon ties it all together: You may be the best builder on the planet, but if you use inferior products your stellar reputation […]

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Buying a Used Pole Building

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/12/20 @ 8:00
Buying a Used Pole Building

40’ x 60’ Used Pole Building – $14000 (Silverton)  SERIOUSLY? The following ad appeared in the Salem, Oregon Craigslist December 6, 2016 in for sale > farm & garden – by owner: “I have a nice fully enclosed 14 foot tall pole building. It is fully disassembled and ready for transport. All the metal is […]

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Design Review is Important Component!

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/12/08 @ 1:09
Design Review is Important Component!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a pole barn 50 foot clear span wide, and 70 foot long, 16 foot to the eve. I am using 4×4 metal uprights on 20 foot spans, red iron purlins and stringers, and 4×4 metal welded all around the top. I am using conventional wood trusses engineered for […]

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Scary Pole Barn Design

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/12/02 @ 8:00
Scary Pole Barn Design

Scary Design A one-time potential Hansen Pole Buildings’ client, who is a friend of mine on Facebook, didn’t invest in one of our engineered post frame buildings. Most likely it was due to price – people so easily believe they have gotten a great deal, when instead they set themselves up for nothing but potential […]

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Pole Building Gone Wrong

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/12/01 @ 8:00
Pole Building Gone Wrong

There is Something Wrong with This Picture My disclaimer, this is NOT a Hansen Pole Building. It was advertised on Craigslist by a builder in Kentucky. There are some odd things about this pole building – one of them which is crucial and the building owner is going to hate probably forever. Maybe longer. The […]

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Poured Foundation or Block: Neither!

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/11/15 @ 8:00
Poured Foundation or Block: Neither!

What’s better: A poured foundation or block? How about – neither? Try post frame footing design! Even though my lovely bride and I are now living 98% of the time on the eastern border of South Dakota, I still read the online version of my formerly local newspaper – The Spokesman Review, from Spokane, Washington. […]

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4 Tips for Using a Pole Barn as Bulk Storage

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/11/01 @ 8:49
4 Tips for Using a Pole Barn as Bulk Storage

Of course the lofty ceilings and long, tall skeletons of pole barns are wonderful for breathable living spaces and roomy storefronts. But the endless customizability of pole barns also lends storage utility for goods produced and delivered in bulk. If you want to turn your pole barn into a world-class storage facility, just follow these […]

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4 Things to Love about Gambrel Roofs

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/10/27 @ 8:25
4 Things to Love about Gambrel Roofs

The gambrel roof is characterized by two slopes on each side, with a shallow upper slope and a steeper lower slope. This is the style of roof you’ll see on many traditional barns, but a building with a gambrel roof doesn’t just have to be used for hay storage or livestock. Gambrel roofs are a […]

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Pole Building Rescues Fired Fire Department

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/10/07 @ 8:00
Pole Building Rescues Fired Fire Department

I’ve previously opined about my local Fire Department and the public’s “investment” into a new and fancy building: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/07/fire-stations/. Our fire station is now complete and I am in hopes the money spent will make our rural area safer from fires. Some Fire Departments are not as lucky. The Poland (New York) Volunteer Fire Department […]

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Horse Barn on a Budget

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/27 @ 8:42
Horse Barn on a Budget

Any sort of construction project can feel overwhelming. From design to budget to execution, the process can cause strain and stress on even the best contractor. If regular projects weren’t difficult enough, consider horse barn construction and the process of putting together something that is supposed to house multiple 1,000 pound animals. For a construction […]

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How Energy Efficient Are Pole Buildings? Key Insulation Tips

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/13 @ 8:16
How Energy Efficient Are Pole Buildings? Key Insulation Tips

If you’re thinking about building a pole barn home (or ‘barndominium’), you no doubt already know that construction and labor costs for this type of residence can be significantly lower than the cost of building a traditional house. However, you may be wondering what your monthly utility bills will look like once you move in. […]

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Can’t Afford a Backyard Guesthouse? Think Again

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/12 @ 11:10
Can’t Afford a Backyard Guesthouse? Think Again

Who wouldn’t want a backyard guesthouse and the endless possibilities it offers? You could use your guesthouse to host friends from out of town or house parents or in-laws. You could earn some extra income by renting out your guesthouse on Homeaway or Airbnb, or you could use it as your very own sanctuary for […]

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How to Avoid a Disastrous Pole Barn Project Part III

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/09 @ 8:00
How to Avoid a Disastrous Pole Barn Project Part III

How to Avoid a Disastrous DIY Pole Barn Project This is part three in a three part series on how to better ensure a great pole barn project, by getting rid of the pitfalls. I’d like to thank Bret Buelo of Wick Buildings for the basis of this article, which appeared on the Wick Buildings […]

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How to Avoid a Disastrous Pole Barn Project

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/08 @ 8:00
How to Avoid a Disastrous Pole Barn Project

Part two of a three part series. See yesterday’s blog for part one. I’d like to thank Bret Buelo of Wick Buildings for the basis of this article, which appeared on the Wick Buildings website (www.wickbuildings.com) August 12, 2016. Information from Bret’s article appears here in italics along with my comments as well. Part of […]

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How to Avoid a Disastrous DIY Pole Barn Project

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/07 @ 8:00
How to Avoid a Disastrous DIY Pole Barn Project

How to Avoid a Disastrous DIY Pole Barn Project I’d like to thank Bret Buelo of Wick Buildings for the basis of this article, which appeared on the Wick Buildings website (www.wickbuildings.com) August 12, 2016. Information from Bret’s article appears here in italics along with my own input as well. Wick Buildings is highly rated […]

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Pole Barn Vetting

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/06 @ 8:00
Pole Barn Vetting

Colorado Springs, Colorado Post Frame Buildings “It’s all about the building”, one of my favorite quotes from my favorite writer – me. In all seriousness, the quote is one of my favorite sayings, and I have lots of favorite writers with far better literary skills than I. Part of what, “It’s all about the building”, […]

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Four Foot Entry Doors

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/08/02 @ 8:00
Four Foot Entry Doors

One Foot And it isn’t the left or the right one! Actually the one foot I have in mind is the difference in width between a standard 36 inch width entry door and a 48 inch wide one. Oh what a difference the extra foot makes! And most of the difference is not in cost. […]

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Bi-parting Doors on Airplane Hangars

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/07/26 @ 8:00
Bi-parting Doors on Airplane Hangars

Double Bi-parting Sliding Doors for an Airplane Hangar Every once in a while I get asked a Dear Pole Barn Guru question which just demands its own space in order to do the subject topic true justice. This happens to be one of them. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to build a 50x40x16 for […]

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Spray Foam Advantages Over Batt Insulation

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/07/12 @ 8:00
Spray Foam Advantages Over Batt Insulation

Once again – confession time. I’ve never personally used spray foam insulation. My oldest stepson, Jake, teaches high school chemistry and physics. He is one smart dude, as he has a master’s degree. When he added onto what was formerly his grandparent’s home, in the Browns Valley, MN area, he utilized closed cell spray foam […]

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Five Reasons to Choose a Pre-Engineered Post Frame Building

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/07/01 @ 8:00
Five Reasons to Choose a Pre-Engineered Post Frame Building

Undertaking a commercial building development is a big step for many businesses and it’s an investment which shouldn’t be taken lightly by any means. Unfortunately, too many commercial developments are rushed into for one reason or another—time constraints force the project ahead and before you know it, you’re left with a project coming in overtime […]

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The Ultimate Post Frame Building Experience

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/06/10 @ 8:00
The Ultimate Post Frame Building Experience

Be Accountable Unfortunately, too many post frame building owners are either unable or unwilling to spot the differences between a well-designed pole building and one which barely (or doesn’t) meet construction standards. And when things go awry (as can happen in construction), all too often the fingers get pointed everywhere except at the person who […]

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Five Reasons to Buy a Pole Building

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/06/01 @ 8:00
Five Reasons to Buy a Pole Building

Sales and marketing….to some the thought of at least one of these is absolutely chilling. SALES There, I said it. It amazes even me how challenging it can be to get clients to engage with our Building Designers. I realize it is frightening to think – your problems might be solved or goals able to […]

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Pole Building Prices: Beware when you compare

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/04/08 @ 8:00
Pole Building Prices: Beware when you compare

For TBF (throw back Friday) we are reposting an old post back from 2011 that has been a very popular read. What Is the Profit Margin at a Lumber Yard and how does affect their pole building prices? What in the heck does the gross profit margin of the average retail lumber yard have to […]

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Post Frame David and Goliath

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/04/07 @ 8:00
Post Frame David and Goliath

Goliath, a Philistine, challenges the Israelite’s to “single combat”, a stylized way of engaging with the enemy which avoids the heavy bloodshed which comes from open battle: “Choose you a man and let him come down to me! If he prevail in battle against me and strike me down, we shall be slaves to you. […]

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Maybe Our Pole Building Isn’t Right For You

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/03/30 @ 8:00
Maybe Our Pole Building Isn’t Right For You

And maybe there are a few folks out there who are going to have their tender feelings hurt when I break this news to them….. The reality is, Hansen Pole Buildings are not right for every client. If the lowest price is driving your decision over performance, then we are probably not right for you. […]

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Busting More All Steel Building Myths

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/02/12 @ 8:00
Busting More All Steel Building Myths

I’m not nearly as entertaining as Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of the Discovery Channel’s MythBusters, but I do my part to entertain and enlighten those who are considering a new building. Somehow it seems the biggest myths are those propagated by the all steel building industry, where I have stepped up to set the […]

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Why I Truly Love Competitor’s Websites

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/01/06 @ 8:00
Why I Truly Love Competitor’s Websites

Why I Truly Love Competitor’s Websites When my bride and I were first married, we did the bulk of our grocery shopping at the closest supermarket – an Albertson’s. Not long afterwards, a Safeway was built across the street. My wife commented upon how this must have upset Albertson’s. To the contrary, I replied, healthy […]

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Sometimes Things Just Don’t Add Up – Cheap Building Prices

Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Mike Houska has been working with a client from a rural area near the Great Smoky Mountains. Mike sent this to Hansen Pole Buildings’ co-owner Eric, “See attached quote for xxx@xxxx.com. I had sent previous quote with end shed, overhangs, & windows but he then sent a competitor’s quote without those options. […]

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Local Lumberyard Quote

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/09/16 @ 8:00
Local Lumberyard Quote

Local Lumberyard + Pole Barns = Scary Yes, the title looks to be a simple math equation. The problem with math equations is, not very many people can actually do them – at least not when they fly a desk at the local lumber dealer. Case in point –XYZ Lumberyard with multiple state locations. (name […]

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Steel Roofing Stair Stepping

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/08/14 @ 8:00
Steel Roofing Stair Stepping

I’m Truly Trying to Stop As the everyday readers of this column know, I have been reviewing the pole building going up across the street from our home in South Dakota. If you have not been keeping up, run back a few episodes! I’ve been away from SD for a couple of weeks, so have […]

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Mike Burkholder’s Retort

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/07/02 @ 8:00
Mike Burkholder’s Retort

If you didn’t read my blog yesterday – I suggest you may want to flip back and read that one first – so you know where I am coming from …. And Now a Word from…..  The following is a word-for-word comment on my article of June 17, 2015, which was received June 23:  “Dear […]

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Post Frame Building Saga

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/07/01 @ 8:00
Post Frame Building Saga

A Day Which Will Live in Infamy Most United States citizens who have at least taken a high school U.S. History class will recognize this line from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Dec. 8, 1941 speech given to a joint session of Congress. For those of you who need a quick refresher: https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=UTF-8&fr=crmas&p=dec.+7+1941+roosevelt%27s+speech I know I […]

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Nail Laminated Columns

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/06/17 @ 8:00
Nail Laminated Columns

Ohio Timberland Products, Inc. Nail-Lam “PLUS” Columns Eric, the managing partner of Hansen Pole Buildings, asked for me to write specifically about these columns, which we happen to neither supply, nor recommend. On their website (www.OhioTimberland.com) are extolled the “advantages” (at least in their eyes) of these nailed together columns over true glu-laminated columns: Nail-Lams […]

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Minimum Wind And Snow Loads

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/06/02 @ 8:00
Minimum Wind And Snow Loads

Hansen Pole Buildings is a proud member of the NFBA (National Frame Building Association https://www.nfba.org). Pretty much every Monday the Association sends out a newsletter, via email, to its members. In today’s newsletter was a link to an article written by Stephen Szoke and published in Construction Executive, May 5, “Building Codes: One Size Does […]

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84 Lumber is $5000 Less

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/05/22 @ 8:00
84 Lumber is $5000 Less

I celebrated my 35th year in the pole building industry in January. I’ve learned a lot and forgotten probably even more in this time. One of the things I have learned is, when quoting any particular post frame building, no one is ever $100 less. They are always $3000 or $5000 less and it is […]

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Gold Key of Excellence Award

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/05/20 @ 1:00
Gold Key of Excellence Award

Rural Builder magazine has sponsored the Gold Key of Excellence Award for 33 years. This award relies upon a ballot process which allows builders in the rural industry to vote for the companies which provide the best products and services time and time again. The balloting process begins in late February each year, with the […]

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Secret to A Successful Relationship

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/04/24 @ 8:00
Secret to A Successful Relationship

Whether a building contractor, pole building kit supplier or someone considering investing in a pole building, this is going to be important to you. Important enough so if you are a competitor you should consider adding it to your agreements with your future clients to ensure a successful relationship. “GENERAL: This Agreement constitutes the only agreement […]

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Vertical Flush Walls

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/04/01 @ 8:00
Vertical Flush Walls

There is a builder in my neck of the woods who advertises as “the only company around that offers…Vertical Flush Walls, for your pole building, shop or garage, which allows you to sheetrock inside your building without having to re-frame the inside!” In the photo with this article, wall girts have been placed “barn” style […]

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I Am Going to Defend Morton Buildings

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/03/24 @ 8:00
I Am Going to Defend Morton Buildings

What? Have I gone out of my mind? No, not at all. We’ve always had a good relationship with Morton Buildings. They are the largest post frame (pole) builder in America, but all they do is build. We’ve had them refer clients to us who are looking only for building kits. I ‘net surf a lot […]

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Pole Barn Kits

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/01/20 @ 8:00
Pole Barn Kits

All Cheese Does Not Come From Wisconsin In providing pole barn kit (post frame) packages all over the United States, we do NOT ship roof trusses from our facilities in Browns Valley, Minnesota. Hansen Pole Buildings is about being efficient for our clients, which means outsourcing components when it is the most practical solution. As […]

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Amish Speed Barn Raising

Posted by polebarnguru on 14/11/18 @ 8:00
Amish Speed Barn Raising

Amish Speed Barn Raising All of us seem to be captivated by “speed building” videos. Heck, I even got into it back in 1996, when my company set a world record for the fastest site built two-car garage: (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/blog/2011/06/fastest-pole-building-ever-constructed/)!The Mother Nature Network has an Amish barn raising video up, which has become somewhat of an […]

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Buying a Non-Engineered Building

Posted by polebarnguru on 14/10/24 @ 8:00
Buying a Non-Engineered Building

The One Simple Secret to Pole Buildings Which Stand Up HINT: It has nothing to do with how it is built! Regardless of what anyone pays for a new pole building, whether investing in a complete kit package, piece mealing it together, or having it constructed – the general idea is to have the building […]

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Are Your Pole Buildings Local to Me?

Posted by polebarnguru on 14/09/15 @ 8:00
Are Your Pole Buildings Local to Me?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Pole Building Construction Errors

Posted by polebarnguru on 14/08/29 @ 8:00
Pole Building Construction Errors

What’s Wrong With This Picture? When I was a kid, my mom would buy us educational geared books which had various puzzles in them, designed to challenge our minds. One of my favorites was the one where two drawings are shown which are nearly identical, and it is up to the reader to spot the […]

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Most Read Pole Building Blogs

Posted by polebarnguru on 14/08/15 @ 8:05
Most Read Pole Building Blogs

A Baker’s Dozen – The Most Read Articles of 2013 Sometimes, in order to know where to go, it is helpful to see where we’ve been. These are the most read blogs from 2013. #13 Board and Batten Siding https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/blog/2013/03/board-and-batten-siding/ While popular, board and batten siding should be installed considering shear values. Advice on installing […]

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eHow.com and Pole Buildings

Posted by polebarnguru on 14/07/11 @ 8:00
eHow.com and Pole Buildings

eHow.com: Discover the expert in you Or at least how eHow.com promotes itself on the ‘net. From the eHow.com website: “What do you want to do today? No matter what’s on your list, eHow can help. With more than 30 categories that cover just about everything, eHow is your one-stop online resource for life’s challenges. […]

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Dear Guru: Are Hansen Pole Buildings as Good as Lester Buildings?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Eight Reasons You Will Pay More for a Hansen Pole Building

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/12/19 @ 8:00
Eight Reasons You Will Pay More for a Hansen Pole Building

Everyone always wants to pay as little as possible, right? Well, maybe not. Wearing shoes right now? If so, look down at them. If they are a generic brand from a discount store, then maybe you are one of the few who fit into the always paying as little as possible group. There is a […]

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OMG It Might Be a Pole Barn

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/12/13 @ 8:00
OMG It Might Be a Pole Barn

The following story by Zack McDonald appeared in the October 17, 2013 Panama City, FL The News Herald: “PARKER — Residents may want to hold off on building any pole barns, carports, garages or storage sheds in their front yards within the next three months. They might be asked to remove them at their own […]

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All Steel Buildings Propaganda Part III

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/11/08 @ 8:00
All Steel Buildings Propaganda Part III

NOTE: Today’s blog is part III of a 3 part series – back up two days for the beginning! For those who wish to skip parts I and II, a simple typographical error on the Internet got me to “hansonsteel.com” (Hanson versus Hansen-which is the company I work for) where I found an interesting page […]

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All Steel Buildings Propaganda Part II

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/11/07 @ 8:00
All Steel Buildings Propaganda Part II

Yesterday I started a 3 part series. A simple typographical error on the Internet got me to “hansonsteel.com” (Hanson versus Hansen-which is the company I work for) where I found an interesting page on “Steel vs. Pole Buildings”. To continue the story…. (For sake of ease of reading, words in italics are those from the […]

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All Steel Buildings Propaganda Part I

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/11/06 @ 8:00
All Steel Buildings Propaganda Part I

A simple typographical error on the Internet got me to “hansonsteel.com” (Hanson versus Hansen-which is the company I work for) where I found an interesting page on “Steel vs. Pole Buildings”. Let me deflate their ego, by blowing holes in their misinformation. For sake of ease of reading, words in bold italics are those from […]

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Pole Building Kit Packages: Part 4 of Cycle Series

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/10/18 @ 8:00
Pole Building Kit Packages: Part 4 of Cycle Series

Further Down the Highway Author’s Note: This is part 4 of a series of blogs written from a 6500+ motorcycle trip from WA to Ohio and back.  See Blog from Oct. 15th for the beginning…and hang on for the ride! I am the curious sort. I enjoy finding out how other people do things, as […]

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On the Road with Pole Buildings

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/10/17 @ 8:00
On the Road with Pole Buildings

Author’s Note: This is part 3 of a series of blogs written from a 6500+ motorcycle trip from WA to Ohio and back.  See Blog from Oct. 15th for the beginning…and hang on for the ride! The Browns Valley to Browns Valley part of my “Zen” ride (yes I made a loop) involved 9 days […]

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Pole Barns – From the Seat of My Motorcycle!

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/10/15 @ 8:00
Pole Barns – From the Seat of My Motorcycle!

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance In my first year of architecture school at the University of Idaho, Robert M. Pirsig’s 1974 book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” was required reading for one of my second year architecture classes. The book describes a 17-day motorcycle journey from Minnesota to California. Earlier this […]

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Cheaping Out on Pole Building Prices

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/08/30 @ 7:58
Cheaping Out on Pole Building Prices

In your opinion, what is the single most disruptive force in construction today? This question was recently posted to the Building Products Professionals group on LinkedIn.  The most appropriate response (in my estimation) was, “The usual comment of the purchaser, “keep the quality with you, give me the lowest price”.” Regardless of their use, post […]

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Thermography Proves Energy Efficiency of Post Frame Buildings

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/08/29 @ 8:00
Thermography Proves Energy Efficiency of Post Frame Buildings

The National Frame Building Association (NFBA) commissioned a report, which was produced in May 2010, to illustrate point of heat transfer in different types of buildings using thermographic images. Both builders and registered design professionals (architects and engineers) familiar with post frame buildings know these buildings use fewer structural components to create an exceptionally economical, […]

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Having Fun with Pole Building Competitors

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/06/07 @ 8:00
Having Fun with Pole Building Competitors

“Here at xxxxxx (pole building company) we represent the top quality building companies in the business and build every building with pride. Our trusses are set on 4’ or 5′ centers, unlike many post-frame builders that set their trusses on 8′ or 10′ centers in order to cut costs. The trusses are an important part […]

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Wasteful Stud Walls

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/05/22 @ 8:00
Wasteful Stud Walls

For years I have preached about the efficiencies of post frame (pole building) construction, as compared to stick frame construction. I appreciate the beauty of a well-designed pole building – every piece has a structural function, there are not the redundant materials found in typical buildings with stud walls. The idea of efficient structural design […]

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Pole Barn Contractors: “Best Around and Cheap”

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/05/07 @ 8:00
Pole Barn Contractors: “Best Around and Cheap”

Pole Barn Contractors I recently read this posting on an internet forum: “Who can build a good pole barn in this area? Looking to build a building and need someone that can build a sturdy pole barn.”  In my mind, this is a reasonable question. And (most importantly) the person posting the question is looking […]

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Preventing Horse Barn Fires Part II

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/03/06 @ 8:00
Preventing Horse Barn Fires Part II

Preventing Horse Barn Fires- Part II If you missed my blog yesterday – it would behoove you to go back and pick up Part I on Horse Barn Fires.  As I mentioned –  I get Email alerts when new articles appear on line about pole barns. Sadly, far too many of them involve fires in […]

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Pole Buildings: Buyers

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/02/27 @ 8:00
Pole Buildings: Buyers

At Hansen Pole Buildings we get hundreds of inquiries daily for price quotes on pole buildings. Internally, we have a fairly automated system, which allows for our team of Building Designers to receive the input information from those who make inquiries. This morning, one of the Building Designers requested from me, more quote requests to […]

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Pole Building Kit: Not Too Sure on What We Do?

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/02/26 @ 8:00
Pole Building Kit: Not Too Sure on What We Do?

Manny recently contacted us for a quote on a new pole building kit package. His particular need is hay storage, which could be solved by the 24’x36’ two story pole building he requested a price on. Access would be via a split sliding door in each endwall, and the second floor is designed to support […]

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Pole Building Prices: When the Apple is a Rock

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/02/11 @ 8:00
Pole Building Prices: When the Apple is a Rock

  In September of 2011, one of the Hansen Pole Buildings Designers – Steve, quoted a proposed pole building to be built in Oakland County, Michigan. To be used to cover four indoor baseball batting cages, the building quoted was to be 50 feet wide, 80 feet long with a 20 foot sidewall. Among its […]

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Made in the USA

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/02/06 @ 8:00
Made in the USA

Made in the USA? I am a member of a LinkedIn discussion group, where the question was recently posed, “What are the challenges of selling “Made in the USA” products? After three plus decades and around 15,000 pole buildings, I can count on one hand with fingers left over, the number of times I’ve heard […]

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Strong Drive Screws

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/01/08 @ 8:00
Strong Drive Screws

The Strong-Drive® SD Structural-Connector screw is specifically designed for use with Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors (frequently and generically known as joist hangers. Strong Drive Screws preferable to nails! Designed to replace nails in certain hangers, the load-rated SD screw has been tested and approved for use in many popular Simpson Strong-Tie® products. It is the only […]

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Pole Building Prices Comparison

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/12/19 @ 8:00
Pole Building Prices Comparison

“I don’t think you know how we do it up here” We supply all of the pole building kit packages for a popular national company. One of their locations in Michigan called wanting to know pole building prices comparison between their quote (the way they used to do it) and our quote. It seems their […]

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All Steel Buildings: Non-expandable Building Frames

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/11/05 @ 8:00
All Steel Buildings: Non-expandable Building Frames

All Steel Buildings: Non-expandable Bearing Frames I learn at least one new thing every day. Seemingly whether I try to or not, which makes it ever so much more interesting. I’ve deduced this – when I stop learning, I am dead. This morning, Eric (one of the owners of Hansen Pole Buildings), asked me, “non-expandable […]

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Chuck in the Truck: Pole Building Prices

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/10/26 @ 8:00
Chuck in the Truck: Pole Building Prices

Our company prides itself on only offering the highest quality products and services to our potential clients. Because of this, our pole building prices are usually inherently higher than the “chuck in the truck” competition. The only way to get around this is to emphasize the quality of the product, and that we work to […]

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Can a Pole Barn Garage be Built onto an Existing House?

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/10/22 @ 8:00
Can a Pole Barn Garage be Built onto an Existing House?

A reader writes: “I’m thinking of building an attached garage. I know the pole barn type garages seem to be a bit cheaper and quicker to install. My question is can you attach these to the house or can you only build these separately? I live in northeast Tennessee. I am just asking if this […]

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Building Valuation Data

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/10/15 @ 8:00
Building Valuation Data

Every six months the International Code Council (ICC) provides updated Building Valuation Data (BVD) to its members. The BVD table provides the “average” construction costs per square foot, which can be used in determining permit fees for a jurisdiction. The following building valuation data represents average valuations for most buildings.  Again it should be noted, […]

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Missouri – the Show Me State on a Pole Building

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/09/12 @ 8:00
Missouri – the Show Me State on a Pole Building

Well, gentle reader, if my occasional rants make good reading, or are otherwise entertaining, today should be a treat indeed. A client (from Missouri) sent us the quote he received from a lumberyard in his area for a new 30’ x 40’ x 12’ pole building. Great price – if I was going to purchase […]

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Building Quote: A Rant and a Haircut

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/09/06 @ 8:00
Building Quote: A Rant and a Haircut

It isn’t often I come right out and hammer on someone or something by name – but today I am naming names, it just has to be. One of our prospective clients asked us to compare with a building quote provided to them from Bens Do It Best Lumber, in Wisconsin. Their quote was prepared […]

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Pole Buildings: Buy Local?

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/09/05 @ 8:00
Pole Buildings: Buy Local?

Pole Buildings: Buy Local? My friend Janine recently posted this on Facebook: “I have always been big on shopping local, and when I recently was in the market for a new Garmin 910X, and intended to buy it at xxxxxx, I had several friends tell me “You can get it cheaper online”. Maybe so, but […]

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All Steel Riding Arenas

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/08/29 @ 8:00
All Steel Riding Arenas

A client posed this question: “We are planning to build a horse riding arena. We’ve talked with several all steel building companies. They say their buildings are going to be far less expensive than a pole building. Is this true?” Maybe, but probably not. If a very large clearspan (say 100 feet or wider) is […]

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B2 Bomber and…Overhangs?

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/08/28 @ 8:00
B2 Bomber and…Overhangs?

Hansen Pole Buildings Designer Bob always is keeping me on my toes. He loves to propose topics for blog discussion. Today it started with: “Real rough blog topic idea… What’s the difference between this pole barn with side sheds and a B2 Bomber?” “In this case… not much. After a couple laughs, the client seems […]

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Pole, Steel or Stud Framed…What’s the Difference?

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/08/27 @ 8:00
Pole, Steel or Stud Framed…What’s the Difference?

When it comes to low rise structures (loosely defined as having sidewall heights of 50 feet or less), most people consider one of three options – pole buildings, stud wall framed, or all steel. Stud framed (or stick built) structures are how most homes are typically built. Generally they require a great deal of excavation […]

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Nailed-Up Glulam Columns

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/08/14 @ 8:00
Nailed-Up Glulam Columns

Glulam Columns Recently one of the clients of Hansen Pole Buildings asked us to compare our building, to one being quoted by another supplier. One of the “features” of the other providers building was building glulam columns which were built out of three 2×6’s which were both glued and nailed. Whilst our client believed these […]

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Competitor’s Quote: A Paul Harvey

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/08/10 @ 8:00
Competitor’s Quote: A Paul Harvey

Client to Hansen Pole Buildings Designer, Jim; “I talked to a local lumber yard and received a quote from them for a similar 40×60 with attic truss at 40#/sq and they were about 20K lower than your quote.  The 54K that you quoted seemed a little high when I received it.  The other quote did […]

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Pole Building Construction Advantages: Audience Participation

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/06/25 @ 8:00
Pole Building Construction Advantages: Audience Participation

For those of you who have ever taken a DiSC profile, you will understand when I tell you I am a high “I” personality. We high “I” people, we love a show – I love magicians. I don’t know how they do it, but I love the show. I will watch them over and over […]

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Pole Building Construction Using Steel Tubing

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/06/01 @ 8:00
Pole Building Construction Using Steel Tubing

Nearly three decades ago, we were looking at markets to expand our thriving post frame building kit package business into. Having then shipped buildings from the Willamette Valley of Oregon into Arizona and Colorado, Texas did not feel like it would be much of a leap. In doing research, it appeared the number one competition […]

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Post Frame vs. Tilt-up Concrete Construction

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/05/23 @ 8:00
Post Frame vs. Tilt-up Concrete Construction

Tilt-up concrete construction is a popular method of building which rivals steel covered post frame. According to the Tilt-up Concrete Association, at least 10,000 buildings are constructed annually which enclose more than 650 million square feet. Tilt-up concrete construction is not new; it has been in use for well over a century. Nationwide, more than […]

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Fruit and Pole Building Comparisons

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/05/17 @ 8:00
Fruit and Pole Building Comparisons

Fruit…Comparing Apples to Bananas…. I received an Email this morning from a client I had been working with for some time, after he apparently did some “homework” on pole building comparisons: “First I want to thank you for your time, quotes and for clarifying several things for me. I ended up selecting xxx out of […]

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Reasons for Drying Wood

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/04/02 @ 8:00
Reasons for Drying Wood

Yesterday I talked a bit about wood species, and hinted a more pertinent issue than which species lumber is used on a building, is that wood used should be kiln dried. For both technical and performance reasons, drying or seasoning wood is required when making glued wood products such as laminated beams, plywood, particleboard, furniture […]

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Pole Building Detailed Quote

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/03/29 @ 8:00
Pole Building Detailed Quote

I’m a member of several discussion groups on LinkedIn. One of them involves lumber dealers and one of the other group members posed the question, “What do other dealers do when a customer demands a detailed quote, then price-shops the quote to competing lumber dealers?” The best response I read was from Pat Smith, “I […]

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Why a Materials List is Usually Not a Good Thing

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/03/26 @ 8:00
Why a Materials List is Usually Not a Good Thing

One thing we have always done at Hansen Buildings, is to guarantee we have the best price, every day on any complete building kit package with equal or better features. We don’t sell materials; we provide complete buildings – all the pieces necessary to construct the building, per our plans, unless otherwise noted. Pretty straight […]

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Myth Busters and All Steel Buildings

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/03/19 @ 8:00
Myth Busters and All Steel Buildings

As mentioned in a recent post (last Wednesday), recently while ‘net surfing, I stumbled across some interesting reading on a website for a hybrid steel frame – wood girts and purlins building. The same website also had the benefits and/or disadvantages of all steel buildings. Again, I’ll present their information and then either agree or […]

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Myth Busters: Wood Only Pole Buildings

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/03/13 @ 8:00
Myth Busters: Wood Only Pole Buildings

Recently, while ‘net surfing, I stumbled across some interesting reading on a website for a hybrid steel frame (posts and roof framework) – but with wood girts and purlins building. I’ll present their information and then either agree or debunk it. This list was for the benefits and/or disadvantages of wood only pole buildings. My […]

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Pole Building Price: It’s $8000 Less!

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/03/12 @ 8:00
Pole Building Price: It’s $8000 Less!

Saturday night….nearly 9 p.m. I know what you are thinking, it is after beer:30 and if anything I should be out listening to my step-son Adam’s band Skyline from Fargo (yes….a blatant plug for his band) play. Nope – we’re working! And the office phone rings. Now I am not certain who is playing with […]

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Pole Barn Post Spacing Revisited

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/03/07 @ 8:00
Pole Barn Post Spacing Revisited

Pole Barn Post Spacing Revisited By far, my most read blog has been on, “Pole Barn Truss Spacing”. With nearly 50% more reads than any other blog I have written, it clearly is a fan favorite. I’ve had it referenced by clients, building contractors and code officials. So when one of our clients wrote: “After […]

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Wood vs All Steel Buildings and Fire

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/02/20 @ 8:00
Wood vs All Steel Buildings and Fire

Wood. It Doesn’t Melt The steel/wood steel/wood debate, as far as building structure, seems never ending. The “all steel” building manufacturers highly tout the resistance of their heavy steel frames against fire. But just maybe, the all steel buildings are not everything they are promoted to be. I’m a member of several discussion groups on […]

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Fiberglass Insulation is Boring

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/02/09 @ 8:00
Fiberglass Insulation is Boring

Fiberglass insulation is difficult to write about. In my opinion just about everyone knows about this topic or how the product works. There just isn’t much sizzle to the topic. I would hate to work for an advertising agency or public relations firm having to write about this stuff on a weekly or monthly basis! […]

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Concrete Collars Keep Columns in the Ground

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/02/08 @ 1:14
Concrete Collars Keep Columns in the Ground

Wind forces acting on relatively lightweight buildings can apply significant uplift forces to the foundation system. Post-frame (pole) buildings are relatively light buildings which typically feature several large wall openings. When I ask folks what they think the greatest pressure on their building is, invariably they answer with either “snow” or “wind trying to push […]

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All Steel Buildings are Better Than Wood Pole Buildings: Really?

When considering a new building, end users often debate whether to use an all steel or wood framed pole building. Steel has the perception of strength and endurance. Research and independent studies show pole buildings have several advantages over all steel. Wood is unquestionably the most environmentally friendly building material on earth. It has better […]

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Solar Panels with Metal Roofing

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/02/01 @ 8:00
Solar Panels with Metal Roofing

With the latest technological advancements, innovations, and commercially viable implementation of thin-film solar roofing technology, we can now benefit from solar roofing products which offer revolutionary simplicity. Thin-film solar panels are light-weight, easy to install and can last a long time, requiring no penetrations to your roof. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. One of the […]

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The Foundation Design Game

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/01/26 @ 8:00
The Foundation Design Game

Often our clients are comparing the costs of a post frame building against those of an all steel building. Pole (post frame) buildings with pressure preservative treated wood columns embedded in the ground include the design of the foundation in the building plans. Provided engineered building plans have been ordered, no other engineering is needed […]

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Can You Buy Local from Hansen Buildings?

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/01/23 @ 8:00
Can You Buy Local from Hansen Buildings?

We’ve all seen the buy local campaigns, but what does it really mean to buy local and what are the benefits? Hansen Pole Buildings, if anything, are logistical wizards. We source the best available products, at competitive prices, with the least amount of transportation possible. This allows you to get the most pole building for […]

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