Your new Hansen Pole Building is designed for an average physically capable person, who can and will read and follow instructions, to successfully construct your own beautiful building (and many of our clients do DIY ‐ saving tens of thousands of dollars). We've had clients ranging from septuagenarians to fathers bonding with their teenage daughters erect their own buildings, so chances are ‐ you can as well!
Your building materials will come with full multi-page 24" x 36" structural blueprints detailing the location and attachment of every piece (as well as suitable for obtaining Building Permits), the industry’s best, fully illustrated, step-by-step installation manual, and unlimited technical support from people who have actually built post frame buildings.
For those without time or inclination, we have an extensive independent Builder Network covering the contiguous 48 states. We can assist you in getting erection labor prices as well as introducing you to potential erectors (please keep in mind, most high quality erectors are currently booked out 12-18 months). Building erectors can also be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/228345015964222
Post frame building erectors can also be found by placing ads in your local edition of Craigslist under "Gigs". You want to find crews who are actually pounding nails and driving screws, eliminating middle men General Contractors.
Local Pole Building Contractors
Most pole building erectors can provide a labor quote based upon your building kit quotation from Hansen Pole Buildings.
If your potential erector wants to get an idea of what he or she will be assembling, sample plans can be viewed here https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/sample-building-plans/
Easily locate pole barn builders by state using our national contractor directory (or complete form at bottom of this page for other states):
Here are a few questions we recommend you ask any pole barn erectors you are interested in working with:
Deal only with a licensed building contractor.
Many states, as well as smaller jurisdictions, require construction contractor service providers be registered or licensed. License numbers should be displayed on all business cards, proposals and any other contractor materials.
Verify the license.
Do not just assume registration is valid. Call or email issuing agency to confirm it.
Require insurance.
Require both a certificate of insurance showing liability insurance coverage AND proof of workers compensation insurance for all workers. Some contractors are registered with an industrial insurance account, however they report their workers as having zero hours, and pay no premiums. The workers are NOT covered. If someone is hurt, and uninsured, you can very well be held liable.
Know who you are dealing with.
Doing business with a Contractor who has a good reputation for doing jobs right, in an ethical manner, at a reasonable cost is an ideal situation. Ask for references and then verify them.
Understand what you are getting.
Before agreeing to any work (as well as making any payment), require a written proposal describing in plain language what work will be done. A statement regarding compliance with applicable Building Codes should be included. If your erector is doing building permit acquisition, it should be stated in writing and permit copy should be provided prior to work starting. A total price should be as inclusive as possible. Any unforeseeable work or unit prices clearly addressed (like what happens if holes are difficult to dig). If contract is not understandable, have it clarified in writing. Maintain all paperwork, plans and permits when the job is done, for future reference.
Familiarize yourself with terms.
Erector's proposals and Contracts should contain specific terms and conditions. As with any contract, such terms spell out obligations of both parties, and should be read carefully. Be wary of forms which are extremely short or are vaguely worded. A well written contract should address all possibilities and may very well take more than one page. Payment terms may vary, however most will require payment in full upon completion of all work. Do not pay for all work until Erector has finished job.
Don't let price or warranty be your only guide.
Many building owners subscribe to an idea of obtaining three bids and if they all appear to be roughly same, take low bidder. This is simply not always a good practice, especially if there is a large disparity between prices. Be extremely cautious of prices substantially lower than others. It can mean a mistake has been made, or something is being left out. This erector may be planning on shortcuts in quality which can make you an ultimate loser. Be wary of unusually long warranties as an enticement. It is reasonable to expect a year or two of warranty for labor. Keep in mind a good contract is written to provide clear communication between two parties. It also protects both parties, and should never be "one sided". A well thought out and spelled out contract (in writing) makes for smoothest projects.
Require a performance bond.
For as little as a few hundred dollars, a legitimate erector can acquire a performance bond (read more here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/07/contractor-bonding/) ensuring the erector will complete job according to contract. If they fail to perform, the performance bond guarantees no money will be lost in bringing in another erector to complete the work.
With these answers in hand you will be able to make a sound decision.
If they are Better Business Bureau registered call to see if any complaints have been filed.
We highly encourage you to take time to research all pole barn erectors being considered to make sure you know what you are getting. With a great erector working for you it will make your project much more enjoyable.
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*Click on a blue map-marker to view see where our certified contractors operate.