There’s a certain excitement that comes with planning a new pole building. Maybe you’re envisioning a spacious workshop to house your tools and equipment, a new storage building for your farm, or a hobby space that finally gets your boat or ATV out of the weather. But after the vision comes the real challenge—finding the right contractor to bring that vision to life. For Minnesota property owners, choosing the right pole building contractor can make all the difference between a project that runs smoothly and one that leads to frustration and costly mistakes.
Pole buildings are versatile structures used for everything from agricultural storage to garages, workshops, and even custom living spaces. But not all contractors have the same level of expertise. When choosing a builder, experience matters. An experienced contractor understands Minnesota’s challenging climate—how to prepare foundations for frost, ensure proper snow load capacity, and use materials that withstand harsh winters.
A well-established builder also brings a proven track record. They know how to coordinate timelines, manage materials efficiently, and avoid costly delays. References and past projects can give you insight into a company’s reliability and quality of work—two factors that often separate the professionals from the rest.
When Minnesota property owners start planning a new storage building, workshop, garage, or even an agricultural structure, post frame construction—commonly known as pole buildings—has become one of the most practical and affordable solutions. These structures combine durability, efficiency, and versatility, making them ideal for everything from hobby shops to equestrian arenas.

In the state of Minnesota, Pole barns and Barndominiums are growing in overall popularity and functional use. The pole barn has long been a staple of rural Minnesota for agricultural uses, but suburban, commercial, and residential pole barns for storage, living space, and business or even municipal use are on the rise. The barndominium or pole barn home is becoming the dominant choice for Minnesotans looking for a custom new build. To see more information on why "Barndos" are growing so much in popularity, check out this resource on the benefits of post frame construction.

Minnesota’s generous expanses—from the iconic breadth of its agricultural heartland to the rolling wooded retreats of its rural residential zones—offer a wealth of opportunities for anyone dreaming of erecting a sturdy pole barn. Whether you’re storing farm machinery, creating a weekend workshop, or housing livestock, understanding where you can build and what permits you’ll need is crucial. Under Minnesota Statute § 326B.121, agricultural buildings are generally exempt from the State Building Code, with limited exceptions for floodplain, electrical, and skylight support regulations. However, even exempt structures must comply with local zoning ordinances, so it pays to know the lay of the land before you drive in those poles.

Building a barndominium in Minnesota offers a durable and cost-effective alternative to traditional homes. The construction timeline and costs can vary based on several factors, including design complexity, materials, and location.

Barndominium Design Services: Creating Your Dream Home with Style and Functionality
In recent years, barndominiums have surged in popularity as a stylish, cost-effective, and highly customizable housing option. Whether you’re looking for a modern farmhouse aesthetic, a rustic retreat, or a practical living space with a built-in workshop, barndominium design services can help bring your vision to life.
At Allan Dorney Construction, the building of a pole barn is a marvel to witness, especially through the lens of a time-lapse video. And while our insured crews are very efficient, productive and utilize safe building practices, this video is showing the building activity just a bit quicker than our skilled construction craftsmen build!