When planning a new building, one of the most important first steps is deciding how…
What to Consider Before Building a New Post-Frame Building
3 Key Factors to Getting it Right the First Time
At Cleary Building Corp, we feel it’s very important to make an educated decision when you are building a new storage building or any building type for that matter. Building a new structure is a major investment, and the decisions you make early on will impact how your building performs for decades. Whether you’re building a garage, machine shed, barndomimium, or commercial space, understanding what to consider before building a building helps you avoid costly changes and ensures your structure works exactly how you need it to.
Choosing the Right Builder Matters More Than You Think
Selecting a builder is an important first step. Your contractor will be working with you closely to guide you through the entire building process from planning to design. You will want a company that you can trust and has a great reputation. Not all builders are created equal. Look for a company that has:
- A strong reputation backed by real client reviews
- Financial stability and a proven track record
- Experienced employees who take pride in their work
A reliable builder should also provide a smooth experience from start to finish. At Cleary, clients work with one point of contact throughout the entire project, ensuring consistency, communication, and accountability.
Define Your Building Use (Now and in the Future)
Before jumping into design, take time to clearly define how your building will be used. This is one of the most critical steps in custom building design planning. Rather than getting caught up in small details right away, focus on the bigger picture and how the space needs to function day to day.
Start by asking yourself:
- What will take place inside the building?
- How often will you use it?
- What do you need today—and what might you need in the future?
Your building could serve many purposes. Will it be a machine shed to store valuable farming equipment? A livestock barn to support your growing operation? Are you looking for a barndominium to be your forever home to entertain your friends and family? Thinking through these details early helps guide your design decisions and ensures your building performs the way you expect.
For more tailored building considerations, check out our Suburban Building and out Modern Farm Building.
Design Around Your Wants and Needs
Once your goals are defined, it’s time to schedule a free consultation with one of our Building Specialists and start design and planning your building. The best buildings are designed around how they’ll be used—not based on a standard template.
That means:
- Planning door and window placement for easy access.
- Accounting for equipment size and maneuverability.
- Including features like insulation, lighting, or ventilation when needed.
- Selecting colors and finishes that coordinate with existing buildings.
It’s also important to think ahead. Leaving room for future expansion can save time and money down the road. A well-planned building doesn’t have to choose between storage, workspace, or operational use. With the right approach, it can support all of them efficiently.
Take advantage of our virtual planning tools Digital Floor Planner and Digital Color Visualizer to bring your ideas to life.
Start Your Building Project With Confidence
Taking the time to understand what to consider before building a garage or shop—or any structure—can make all the difference. From selecting the right contractor to planning your building’s use, design, and budget, each step plays a role in the final result. With the right approach to post frame building planning, you’ll end up with a structure that not only meets your needs today, but continues to perform well into the future.
Talk with a Cleary Building Specialist
Schedule a free consultation with your local Cleary Building Specialist to translate your needs into a customized solution