Can a Pole Barn Increase Your Property Value in Spokane?

If you’re a property owner in Spokane County, you may be wondering whether adding a pole barn is a smart investment—or just a functional upgrade. As someone who’s built hundreds of these structures across the Inland Northwest, I can tell you with confidence: a well-built pole barn can absolutely increase your property’s value—when it’s done right.

Whether you're thinking about adding a workshop, storage space, RV bay, horse barn, or even a barndominium, the value of a pole building goes far beyond convenience. In the right context, it can directly boost resale value, expand use potential, and give your property a serious edge in a competitive market.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the key ways pole barns increase property value in Spokane—and what to consider before you build.

Table of Contents

1. Why Spokane Buyers Love Pole Barns

2. Appraised Value vs. Market Appeal

3. Functionality That Adds Real Value

4. Cost-Effective Square Footage

5. Versatile Uses That Appeal to Buyers

6. Shop Space and Home-Based Business Potential

7. Livable Barndominiums and Guest Suites

8. Permitting and Code Compliance Matter

9. Choosing the Right Features for Resale

10. Conclusion: A Smart, High-Impact Investment

1. Why Spokane Buyers Love Pole Barns

Here in Spokane, many buyers are actively looking for properties with bonus buildings—especially in rural or semi-rural areas. Whether it's a shop, barn, or storage facility, a pole building can be the thing that sets your property apart.

Buyers with RVs, boats, livestock, or small businesses often seek properties with structures already in place so they don’t have to build later.

2. Appraised Value vs. Market Appeal

Not all value is measured the same. A pole barn may not always add dollar-for-dollar value on an appraisal—but it can increase market value by:

• Attracting more potential buyers

• Making your listing stand out

• Speeding up the selling process

• Justifying a higher asking price

We’ve had clients tell us their property sold faster and for more money simply because the pole building checked a box for the right buyer.

3. Functionality That Adds Real Value

Pole barns offer functional square footage that buyers can immediately use. That kind of utility is hard to ignore, especially in Spokane’s rural market where storage, shelter, or workspace is often in high demand.

The most valuable uses include:

• Enclosed shops or garages

• Covered RV or boat storage

• Farm equipment shelters

• Hay or feed barns

• Commercial-grade workshop spaces

The more practical your structure is, the more value it adds.

4. Cost-Effective Square Footage

Traditional home additions can be costly. Pole buildings offer a way to add usable space at a fraction of the price—often $20–$60 per square foot, depending on finish level.

That means more square footage, more flexibility, and more perceived value without the expense of expanding your home’s footprint.

5. Versatile Uses That Appeal to Buyers

One of the biggest advantages of a pole barn is its versatility. When prospective buyers walk onto your property and see a well-built barn or shop, they start imagining all the ways they could use it—today and in the future.

Popular multi-use scenarios include:

• Workshop + storage

• Garage + office

• Barn + guest space

• Studio + rental unit

That versatility gives your property a wider appeal, which almost always translates into better resale value.

6. Shop Space and Home-Based Business Potential

Spokane has a growing number of tradespeople, remote workers, and small business owners, and they’re looking for properties that support their work. A pole barn with power, lighting, and room for tools or machinery is a huge asset.

We often build structures for:

• Contractors

• Mechanics

• Equipment dealers

• Hobbyists

• E-commerce businesses

If your pole barn is finished well and has the infrastructure to support commercial or workshop use, it becomes a major selling point.

7. Livable Barndominiums and Guest Suites

A pole barn doesn’t have to be just a barn. If you include living space, you dramatically increase both functionality and potential return.

Think:

• In-law suites

• Short-term rentals

• Full-time barndominiums

• Guest quarters above a shop

Finished pole buildings with plumbing, insulation, and climate control often appraise higher and create long-term income opportunities—boosting your property’s long-term value and cash flow potential.

8. Permitting and Code Compliance Matter

Not all pole barns are created equal. To add real value, your building must be permitted, engineered, and code-compliant. Spokane County requires:

• Engineered drawings for snow/wind loads

• Zoning compliance

• Building permits and inspections

At Stimson Contracting, we handle all of this to ensure your pole barn is an asset—not a liability—when it comes time to sell.

9. Choosing the Right Features for Resale

If resale value is your priority, we recommend including features that future buyers will love:

• Concrete floors

• Insulated walls and ceilings

• Large overhead doors

• Utility hookups

• Attractive finishes (two-tone siding, wainscoting, cupolas)

We’ll help you select the options that give your building the broadest appeal—without overspending on features that won’t pay off.

10. Conclusion: A Smart, High-Impact Investment

So, can a pole barn increase your property value in Spokane? Absolutely—when it’s designed, permitted, and built the right way. From added square footage and functional space to buyer appeal and market value, pole barns are one of the most versatile and cost-effective upgrades you can make to your rural or suburban property.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve helped hundreds of clients create buildings that not only serve their needs today, but add lasting value to their property for tomorrow. Whether you’re thinking about resale or just want to future-proof your land, we’re here to help you build smart, build strong, and build with confidence.