Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Pole Barn

Building a pole barn is one of the smartest ways to add space, storage, or functionality to your property—especially here in the Spokane area. Whether it’s a garage, workshop, barn, or even a livable barndominium, post-frame construction gives you a lot of flexibility and value. But over the years at Stimson Contracting, I’ve seen some common mistakes that can cost time, money, and peace of mind if you’re not careful.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 5 mistakes to avoid when building a pole barn, and how you can make smart decisions from the ground up. If you’re planning your first pole building—or even your third—this is information that can save you a headache down the road.

Table of Contents

1. Mistake #1: Skipping a Detailed Site Evaluation

2. Mistake #2: Undersizing the Building

3. Mistake #3: Poor Planning for Doors, Windows, and Access

4. Mistake #4: Ignoring Permitting and Code Requirements

5. Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Contractor

6. Conclusion: Build It Right the First Time

Mistake #1: Skipping a Detailed Site Evaluation

One of the most overlooked steps in any pole barn project is proper site prep. Building on uneven terrain or in a low-lying area without planning for drainage can lead to long-term issues like:

• Foundation instability

• Water pooling or flooding

• Poor access during wet seasons

We always walk the site with our clients and evaluate factors like slope, soil type, water runoff, and utility access before breaking ground. It’s one of the smartest things you can do to protect your investment.

Mistake #2: Undersizing the Building

Almost every customer I’ve talked to who built “just enough” space ends up saying, “I wish I had gone bigger.” Whether it’s for future vehicles, tools, storage, or hobbies, you’ll rarely regret adding a few extra feet of space.

Common sizing mistakes include:

• Too little ceiling height for an RV or lift

• Not enough wall length for workbenches or shelving

• No room for future expansion

We help clients think long-term when designing their pole barn—not just for today, but for 5–10 years from now.

Mistake #3: Poor Planning for Doors, Windows, and Access

The placement of overhead doors, entry doors, and windows can make or break your building’s usability. We’ve seen buildings where:

• Garage doors are blocked by parked equipment

• Entry doors open into a slope or muddy ground

• Natural light is overlooked entirely

During the design phase, we walk through how you will use the building day to day—and ensure doors and windows are positioned for convenience, function, and comfort.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Permitting and Code Requirements

In Spokane County, pole barns often require permits—even if you’re building on rural property. Ignoring the permitting process can cause serious issues:

• Fines and stop-work orders

• Delays in future resale or financing

• Having to redo or remove non-compliant work

We handle the full permitting process in-house, so you don’t have to worry about whether your building meets local code. We engineer every structure to meet or exceed Spokane’s snow and wind load requirements.

Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Contractor

This one is big. Not all builders are experienced in post-frame construction, and choosing the wrong contractor can lead to:

• Delays

• Poor quality or structural issues

• Hidden costs or lack of follow-through

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve built our reputation on craftsmanship, communication, and reliability. We live and work in the Inland Northwest and understand the local challenges—because we build here every day.

Conclusion: Build It Right the First Time

A pole barn is a major investment—and when built properly, it can serve you for decades. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you save money, stay on schedule, and get a building that truly fits your needs.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve helped Spokane-area homeowners, landowners, and businesses design and build pole barns that stand the test of time. If you’re ready to get started, we’d love to walk your site, listen to your goals, and create a plan that brings it all together.