Building a pole barn is a serious endeavor, and no one wants a project that’s confusing and convoluted, especially you, the customer. That’s why at Wick Buildings, we’ve applied our 70 years of experience to develop an exceptional building process for you.
From the moment your order is placed to the final piece of trim, we’ve streamlined every step to ensure efficiency, transparency, and unmatched quality. With the help of Wick’s Tim Johnson, Business Development Manager, we’ll show you what to expect so you can easily track the progress of your new post-frame building every step of the way.
But before we do that, let’s briefly look at why the Wick process is unique—and why it ultimately creates happier pole barn owners.
The Wick Advantage: Builders Who Are “Basically in Your Backyard”
In addition to our superior engineering and high-quality building components, Wick provides trained, certified builders who are typically based within an hour of the customer. This local connection gives you stress-free accessibility to your builder before, during, and after the construction process.
More specifically, the close proximity ensures quick resolution of your questions or concerns. “You’ve got somebody basically in your backyard to help,” says Tim, “versus tracking down someone at a corporate office that may not even be in the same state.”
Okay, let’s turn to Wick’s pole barn building process. We’ll walk you through each stage indicated in the following downloadable flow chart.
1. Building Order Is Sent to Wick
To ensure your building thoroughly reflects how you plan to use it, you’ll want to plan for your new pole barn carefully, ideally relying on the helpful back-and-forth you’ll have with your local certified Wick builder.
Then, when you’ve finalized the details with your builder, together you’ll go through a packet of documents, verifying information where necessary, including:
- Job site map
- Contract
- Warranty
- Floor plan
Your builder then sends the documentation with your down payment check to Wick Buildings headquarters. At the same time, your builder also submits an electronic, three-dimensional version of the floor plans created from the design program we use. The order processing team will then compare the two.
“If there’s a discrepancy, we circle back and resolve it immediately,” says Tim. “Everything has to be squared away before moving forward. After that, the job is marked as ‘proceed.’”
2. Special-Order Items Are Ordered (When Authorized)
Once the order is approved, we prioritize special-order items like custom doors, windows, or other unique features. These elements often take the longest to arrive, with lead times ranging from 3 to 8 weeks. That’s why we order them ASAP.
“We want these components ready to go so they’re included in the final delivery,” Tim notes. “It’s about ensuring there’s no delay when it’s time to build.”
3. Wick Creates Plan Documentation (When Requested)
It’s now time to move into the design and plan documentation phase. To acquire building permits, Wick creates a more generic set of plans prior to developing detailed design plans (see No. 4).
“It’s critical to have this step completed before moving forward. Otherwise, you’re risking delays if your permit isn’t approved,” says Tim.
Typically, this stage also includes a design plan for the concrete foundation, which will go to the concrete subcontractor. They will begin foundation work so that your site is ready for building construction upon delivery of your materials.
4. Wick Designs Your Building to Meet All Structural Requirements
Wick shares the preliminary design with the engineering department. This is where every building is individually engineered to meet the necessary specifications. More specifically, engineers review all aspects of the design, laying out, for example, door and window openings and running calculations to ensure structural integrity.
“For instance, we’ll determine if extra bracing, plywood, or shear walls are needed to accommodate a large number of wall openings,” says Tim.
Once the engineering process is complete, a full set of construction plans and a detailed material list are finalized. These documents are essential for the next steps, ensuring the building meets all structural and design requirements.
5. Structural Special-Order Items Such as I-Beams are Ordered (When Needed)
For larger or more complex buildings, components like I-beams or other structural items are ordered and custom-fabricated by a local third party. This helps us make sure these components are of the highest quality and that they get delivered on time.
“Your builder will know the turnaround time on components like those can take a couple of weeks. They’ll be tracking the in-house progress of your final plans so that everything is coordinated efficiently,” says Tim.
6. Wick Confirms Job Site Readiness and Sets a Tentative Delivery Date
Before production begins at Wick headquarters, your local builder will work with you to make sure the project site itself is ready for construction. This includes:
- Locating all site utilities
- Ensuring the site is accessible for delivery by semi truck
- Establishing an area near the project pad for placement/staging of building components
- Designating delivery date
“It’s all about preparation,” Tim says. “You want your site to be fully prepped so that when materials arrive, it’s all systems go.”
7. Wick Fabricates the Steel and Framing Components Specific to Your Building
With the site ready for construction, what’s called the “ship list” is now sent to the Wick plant, where the respective departments initiate the fabrication of the steel, wood framing, and other structural components for your building. This typically occurs 1 to 2 weeks before delivery so that all parts are prepared and ready to go.
“Each piece is custom-made for your project,” Tim notes. “The various technologies we use makes this both a fast and a precise process.”
8. Wick Loads and Delivers Your Building on One or More Wick Trucks
Now, the Wick transportation department confirms the delivery date and destination with your builder. Once everything is fabricated, we load your building components onto a specialized Wick semi truck and trailer. Depending on the size and complexity of your structure, this may require multiple trucks.
We carefully unload your components, strategically staging them for an optimal construction process.
“Your builder will likely be there for delivery,” Tim explains. “They’ll work with the driver to make sure everything is exactly where it needs to be. It’s a team effort.”
9. Construction Begins
With all materials on site, construction usually begins within a couple days. Your Wick-certified builder will now ensure your building is erected according to the design plans and to your satisfaction. They’ll also be available to you should you have any questions or concerns during construction.
Depending on the complexity of your building, construction time varies anywhere from less than a week to a month or two. But generally speaking, these buildings go up faster than you might expect.
“In my experience, people really love seeing their pole barn go up. It’s a unique process, and I always encourage our customers to watch it happen,” says Tim.
10. Building is Complete!
After final touches like your trim, doors, and windows are installed, your custom-built pole barn is officially ready for use. You now have a high-quality, low-maintenance building you can enjoy for many years to come.
“This is the moment the customer has been waiting for,” says Tim. “For many, it’s the culmination of years of saving and planning. And if they should have any questions after their pole barn is built, their builder is close by to help.”
Make the Next Move and Start a Discussion
Wick Buildings is here to make your pole barn project run as smoothly as possible. Now that you have a better understanding of the construction process, you’re one step closer to owning a new Wick pole barn of your own.
Ready to start a conversation? Be sure to contact your local Wick builder today!
