When planning to build a new house, you’ll have to make several decisions on the features you want. For example, do you want hardwood floors throughout the house or carpet in the bedrooms? You also may wonder whether you want an open floor design within the kitchen and living room.
However, one crucial decision many people don’t put too much thought into building a new home until the time comes is what type of frame you should use during the construction process. For example, many people use the traditional stick frame when building a new home.
But, the price of using this method can be a bit costly. So, to save money, there are two options for framing you can choose from besides the stick frame: pole barn and steel frame. But which one is the better option? Keep reading to learn more about a pole barn house vs. a steel frame house.
Pole Barn House: What Is It?
A pole barn house allows new homeowners to work with a blank design when creating their dream home. With an open floor plan design, this type of housing lets you express your creativity.
Also, the construction process helps with the pole barn homes openness since there are no low-bearing walls. During the housing construction, laminated poles are driven into the ground and constructed out of post framing. Instead of interior-stud walls offering support, the poles are used in place to support the roof, walls, and flooring.
In addition, pole barn homes do not require a foundation and often only have a dirt floor or concrete pour. Due to not needing a foundation and using low-cost materials, these homes can be built quickly.
You may wonder if you can still build a basement since these homes don’t require a foundation. It’s rare for pole barn homes to have basements, but it can be done. However, the cost of building a basement with a pole barn home can be high. If you want to include a basement with your home, be sure to check the cost with several builders to see if it’s worth it.
Steel Frame House: What Is It?
Traditionally homes are built using wood framing. However, it’s becoming increasingly popular to use steel framing for houses instead of wood. The steel frame is not seen from the outside and is hidden behind brickwork or cladding.
Light gauge steel is one of the most popular types of steel used for building homes. It’s made from thin metal sheets measuring between 1-3mm.
These thin sheets of metal are cut and shaped in the factory to be used to construct a home. Before adding the steel framing, a foundation is poured first to support the metal.
Some of the benefits of using steel framing over wood framing are that it is more durable and within stand time longer. In addition, with steel framing, a homeowner does not have to worry about the issues with wood framing.
For example, with wood framing, there’s a risk of wrapping, termites, and fire. However, with steel framing, these issues are obsolete.
The down risk of choosing steel framing over wood is the cost. For example, a 2,000-square-foot steel frame house costs $19,000 to $22,000, or $9.50 to $11 per square foot. Also, the average steel framing cost is around $3 per square foot.
While for wood framing, material costs for a 2,000-square-foot home average between $6,000 and $12,000, while labor costs average around $1.50 per hour. So, there are some benefits to steel frame houses, but you’ll have to be prepared to pay the extra money to use the framing.
Pole Barn House vs. Steel Frame House: Which One Is Better?
Building a pole barn home allows new owners to create the house of their dreams. If an open floor plan sounds appealing to you, then a pole barn house may be your option.
Also, building a pole barn house is the route if you want to keep costs down. Howevers, building a steel frame house will be higher due to labor and materials. However, a steel frame home may be the best if you prefer an option that provides resistance to fire, decay, mold, pests, and extreme weather.
How To Decide Which Framework Is Right for You?
When deciding the framework material for your home, it is important to take your time. You must review each option’s pros and cons before choosing the framework for your home.
For example, you may choose steel framing due to its resistance to fire. However, due to cost, you decide to choose a pole barn frame over the steel frame for your home. If you need help deciding which is best for you, speak with a builder or architect to discuss options further.
