Today’s “Ask the Guru” addresses reader questions about Perma Column Cast Concrete pole bottoms) that seems to be the ticket to eliminate any concern about rot, a list of what is included in a Hansen Building Kit, and if Hansen designs are classified as single family dwellings.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: As a prospective customer, doing as much research and educating myself your site and information has been a wonderful tool. Through my educational journey the most confusing area is with post construction being set in concrete. Your blog has answered many questions and worked to dispel myths about rotting wood. But, there is a product or system (Perma Column Cast Concrete pole bottoms) that seems to be the ticket to eliminate any concern about rot, Valid or not. What are your thoughts on this approach? Any insights are very much appreciated. BRIAN in POULSBO
DEAR BRIAN: Thank you for your kind words. Having provided and/or built close to 10,000 post frame buildings in Washington state since 1980, I have yet to receive a report of a properly pressure preservative treated column decaying prematurely. However, this does not mean you could not be a first. With this said, there is an easier and less costly option than precast PermaColumns. I have expounded upon it here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2025/10/perma-column-2/
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What exactly is included in your kits? Thank you for the info. PAT in RILEY
DEAR PAT: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building.
These are among included items:
Site specific, multi page 24″ x 36″ engineer sealed structural plans detailing every piece and connection
Verifying structural calculations sealed by engineer
500+ page illustrated Construction Manual walking you through assembly step-by-step Unlimited free technical support from people who have actually built post frame buildings
Fully itemized Material Takeoff
Glulaminated roof supporting columns fabricated from 2400f msr lumber
Splash planks UC-4B treated and FDN rated
2400f msr bookshelf wall girts
Solid blocking for ends of bookshelf wall girts
With girts designed for future batt insulation – UC-4B treated bottom sill and MASAP Simpson brackets for anchorage to concrete slab
Prefabricated roof trusses of any possible slope
Simpson top-mount purlin hangers
2400 msr roof purlins
All necessary blocking and permanent bracing
Simpson SDWS structural screws for all wood-to-wood connections
A broad variety of choices for roofing (through screwed steel, standing seam, shingles) and siding (through screwed steel, steel board and batton, T1-11, Hardi sidings, vinyl)
With steel cladding – base trim, top of wall trim, door trims, rake and corner, ridge cap, closures at eaves and ridge
We also have available a virtually unlimited number of options (doors, windows, etc.) to customize your new building to best meet your wants, needs and budget.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are any of your barndominiums classified as a single family dwellings? JOHN in EAST CANTON
DEAR JOHN: Most of our barndominiums are single family dwellings, although we can provide multi-family and even as apartment buildings. Limitations being 40-foot tall sidewalls and three stories.
