Before You Sign The Lowest Bid Contract, Stop And Read This First
If you’re comparing pole barn builders in Iowa or Illinois, knowing what’s actually included in a post frame building quote can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.
It’s common to see two quotes for what looks like the same pole barn, with one coming in significantly cheaper. Same size. Same layout. Big price difference.
At first glance, the lowest price feels like the smart choice.
But here’s the truth:
Two pole barns can look the same on paper and perform very differently once they’re built.
This guide breaks down why low bids exist, what’s often missing, and what those shortcuts can cost you later.
Why Some Pole Barn Quotes Come in Way Lower
A low quote usually means one or more of the following:
- Lower quality materials
- Less experienced labor
- Little to no engineering
- Important items left out of the quote
Post frame buildings are not apples to apples. What’s under the roof, behind the walls, and below ground matters far more than square footage alone.
Material Quality: What You Don’t See Matters Most
Not all steel, lumber, or trusses are the same. Before choosing a builder, ask questions like:
- What gauge steel is being used
- What paint system protects it from fading and rust
- What grade of lumber is used for posts and framing
- Are the trusses engineered for local wind and snow loads
- Are the columns laminated, solid, or set on concrete bases
Lower bids often rely on lighter steel, lower grade lumber, and minimal engineering. Those choices may save money upfront, but they often lead to rust, rot, leaks, or structural issues later.
Labor: Who Is Actually Building Your Barn?
A pole barn is only as good as the crew putting it together. Ask yourself:
- Is this a trained, experienced crew or temporary labor
- Does the builder invest in safety and training
- Is the crew insured
- Is there supervision on the jobsite
When these costs appear later, the cheap quote quickly disappears.
What Low Bids Often Leave Out
This is where many people get caught off guard. Some low cost quotes exclude major parts of the project, such as:
- Site preparation
- Permits
- Concrete
- Insulation
- Building wrap
- Overhead doors
- Windows
- Gutters
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
- Interior framing or finishes
- Dumpster and jobsite facilities
- Project management
- Freight and taxes
What Happens When the Build is Done
Low bid pole barns often lead to:
- Higher maintenance costs
- Drafty interiors
- Rust streaks
- Roof leaks
- Rotting posts
- Poor energy efficiency
- Reduced resale value
Fixing these issues usually costs more than the difference between a low bid and a quality build.
Three Costly Surprises Many Owners Don’t Expect
1. Paying to Fix a Brand New Building
Leaks, rust, and structural problems shouldn’t happen early on, but they often do when materials or labor are compromised.
Repairs add up quickly and are frustrating when the building is still considered new.
2. A Building that Wasn't Designed for your Location
Some pole barns aren’t engineered for your specific wind, snow, or soil conditions. This can cause:
- Roof stress
- Moisture problems
- Insulation failures
- Important items left out of the quote
A properly engineered building protects itself. A cheap one doesn’t.
3. Little or No Warranty Support
Some builders disappear after the final payment. Before signing, make sure you understand what’s covered for:
- Posts and columns
- Paint and rust
- Roof structure
- Leaks
- Doors
- Workmanship
A warranty only matters if the builder stands behind it.
How To Compare Pole Barn Quotes The Right Way
Instead of asking which one is cheaper, ask:
- What materials are included
- Is engineering included
- Who will be building it
- What’s excluded from the quote
- What’s covered long term
That’s how you protect your investment.
Why Greiner Buildings in the Right Choice
We don’t compete on being the cheapest builder. We compete on building it right the first time.
Here’s what that actually means.
Built with Intent, Not Shortcuts
Every post frame building we design starts with real world conditions, not a stock template. That means your building is planned for:
- Your location
- Your wind and snow loads
- Your intended use
- Long term durability
- Future flexibility
We don’t design to hit a price. We design to avoid problems.
Materials Chosen for Performance, not Appearance
Two buildings can look identical on the outside and perform completely differently over time. We prioritize materials that hold up long after the build is finished, including:
- Heavier gauge steel
- Proven paint systems
- Stronger lumber where it matters most
- Engineered trusses built for your environment
- Column systems designed for longevity
We don’t downgrade materials to win a bid. We choose materials to protect your investment.
Experienced Crews You Can Trust
Your building isn’t a training exercise. It’s a long term investment, and who installs it matters just as much as the materials.
Our crews specialize in post frame construction and understand how every part of the building works together. That experience shows up in the details that matter long after the build is complete.
What that means for you:
- Straighter framing that keeps walls and doors aligned
- Roof panels installed correctly to help prevent leaks and premature wear
- Proper fastener placement to reduce rust and water intrusion
- Doors and openings that operate smoothly without sagging or binding
- Cleaner installs with fewer punch list issues at the end
Experienced crews work more efficiently and communicate better throughout the project, leading to fewer delays, fewer mistakes, and fewer surprises.
They don’t rush. They don’t cut corners. They build it right so you don’t have to fix it later.
Clear Quotes with Fewer Surprises
We believe you should know what you’re paying for before construction starts. That’s why we focus on:
- Transparent proposals
- Clear scope of work
- Honest expectations
- Fewer mid project surprises
If something isn’t included, you’ll know it upfront. If something matters long term, we talk about it early.
Support After the Build is Done
Anyone can show up for the build. What matters is who shows up after. We stand behind our work, answer the phone, and address issues when they arise. That long term support is part of what you’re actually investing in. A building should give you confidence, not questions.
What This Means for You
Choosing the right builder isn’t about avoiding cost. It’s about avoiding regret. When you work with a builder who prioritizes engineering, materials, skilled labor, and transparency, you’re not just buying a building. You’re buying peace of mind.
The Real Difference
Low bid builders focus on the number. We focus on the outcome. A building that performs. A project that runs smoother. An investment that lasts. If you’re going to build once, it should be built to work just as hard as you do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pole Barn Pricing
Why are some pole barn quotes so much cheaper?
Low quotes usually result from lower grade materials, less experienced labor, minimal engineering, or missing line items that show up later as extra costs.
Are pole barn kits cheaper than hiring a builder?
Pole barn kits may look cheaper upfront, but they usually do not include labor, engineering, permits, or site preparation. Once those are added, the total cost is often higher than expected.
How long should a properly built pole barn last?
A well built, properly engineered pole barn should last several decades with minimal maintenance. Poor materials or workmanship can lead to major repairs within just a few years.
What should be included in a pole barn quote?
A complete quote should include materials, labor, engineering, foundation system, roofing and siding, doors and windows, permits, insulation if applicable, site work, and warranty details.
Is it worth paying more for a higher quality pole barn?
Yes. Spending more upfront for better materials, experienced crews, and proper engineering often saves money long term by reducing repairs, maintenance, and energy costs.
The Bottom Line
Cheap pole barns don’t stay cheap.
A well built pole barn should last for decades, not create headaches a few years in. Spending a little more upfront can save tens of thousands over the life of the building.
As a post frame construction company serving Iowa and Illinois, we’ve seen how low bid pole barns often lead to expensive repairs just a few years after construction.
If you’re going to build once, build it right.