Pole barns are having a moment in North Carolina.

As a building type, pole barns and other post-frame structures are a fantastic option for property owners seeking flexible, cost-effective, and durable buildings for growing their businesses, protecting their equipment and vehicles, or even just getting some space of their own.

While a pole barn’s construction cost is nearly always worth it for the right owner (you’ll learn why in a moment), you may still be wondering: How much value do custom pole buildings add to my property?

To answer that question, this guide breaks down the following:

  • Your expected property appraisal at resale (with added pole barn)
  • The keys to a higher ROI pole barn in North Carolina
  • A simple equation for determining if a pole barn is the cost

With this information, we think you’ll find a custom pole can be well worth the cost—so long as you meet a few criteria.

Let’s break it down. ↓

‍

How Much Do Pole Barns Appraise for in North Carolina?

Data shows a high-quality pole barn adds 5%–15% to your total property value upon appraisal—with some properties boasting even higher returns.

This means you can expect to recoup as much as 50%–80% of your construction costs upon resale. For a $30,000 pole barn, you could reasonably expect an increase in property value of $15,000–$24,000.

While 50%–80% is considered a strong ROI, this only accounts for appraisal returns. When factoring in long-term storage and rental savings, income potential, and thoughtful design (to attract the right buyers), your overall ROI can be significantly higher.

‍

How Can I Maximize My Pole Barn’s Resale Value?

A high pole barn ROI is all about functional design.

Focus on the following to attract the highest bidders at resale:

  • Size: Over the past ten years as a custom barn builder in North Carolina, we hear one regret over and over: not building bigger. That’s because the bigger the barn, the more potential uses it provides. And so long as you don’t overwhelm the property, bigger usually is better.
  • Quality: For a pole barn to add value (rather than subtract), it must be in excellent condition. Luckily, when built with high-quality materials and a skilled team, a pole barn can easily last 40–60 years (even over 100 years with proper upkeep).
  • Utilities: Pole barns with electric hookups, interior and/or exterior lighting, concrete floors, insulation, and, in some cases, water hookups, demand higher appraisals and resale values.
  • Access: Driveway placement, door width, and overall location on the property all contribute to a pole barn’s functionality—especially for buyers with large agricultural equipment or RVs.
  • Location: Pole barns in rural areas bring the highest returns—and in some instances are considered a necessity. Be sure your area supports buyers with large RVs, equipment, or agricultural assets (hay, feed, etc.). Otherwise, a pole barn may not be viewed as an asset.

‍

Does A Pole Barn Make Financial Sense?

For North Carolina owners, pole barns nearly always pay off—so long as you use them. However, it can be useful to justify the costs before going into your project. 

Here are four steps for determining your potential ROI on a custom pole barn in NC:

  1. Get a Free Quote: Ask for quotes from a few reputable pole barn contractors in your area. Be sure to ask for help deciding on the best floor plan and square footage for your budget, as well as the ideal property placement for greatest long-term value.
  2. Determine Appraisal Value: Multiply your pole barn quote by .5 (50%) for the low end of resale returns, or .8 (80%) for the higher end. For example, a $24,000 pole barn multiplied by .5  = a $12,000 increase in property value.
  3. Add Up Saved Costs: Calculate saved monthly bills on storage or rent over the intended use of your pole barn. For example, $125 per month in RV storage equals $7,500 in savings over 5 years. 
  4. Subtract from Building Costs: Add up your appraisal value and saved rental costs, and then subtract the original pole barn quote from that number. Next, divide your result by the original pole barn quote and multiply by 100 to get your ROI. 

Running the above example, a $24,000 pole building would return $19,500 on the low end of appraisal and $26,700 on the high end over five years! And those are just the “hard” numbers…

When you consider resale timeline impact—how quickly you’re able to sell your home—and personal ROIs like enabling a side business, increasing personal joy, or simply eliminating the frustration of too little storage, a pole barn can start to feel like a no-brainer.

‍

Get a Free Quote on Your Custom Pole Barn Today!

If you’re ready to explore the returns of your custom pole barn, reach out for a free quote today on:

  • Residential hobby barns, garages, and sheds
  • Agricultural pole barns (equipment, hay storage, livestock)
  • Storage units, showrooms, & retail spaces

For over ten years, the Carolina Custom Barns crew has been known as a trustworthy pole barn contractor, pole shed builder, and custom garage builder for property owners in the Winston-Salem and Clemmons areas. And our crews are ready to help you understand everything that goes into constructing a new building.

And with free quotes and absolutely zero obligations, there’s no reason for you to wait on getting the information you need!

Take the first step toward a building you’re proud of with a free quote today.

‍

Let’s Build Together

‍

Since 2015, Carolina Custom Barn crews have been passionate about everything pole barns—from helping our clients figure out the perfect solution for their needs and budget, to bringing that dream to life to the highest standards. Take the next step toward a building you’re proud of with a free quote and initial consultation today. We look forward to hearing from you and delivering a custom building you can be proud of for decades to come.