Pole Barn Planning Guide: What to Expect with Lester Buildings from Start to Finish

Building a pole barn is a big investment—one that deserves expert guidance and a seamless experience. At Lester Buildings, we’ve refined a process that blends collaboration, customization, and high-quality building standards. Whether you're just exploring ideas or ready to break ground, here's what you can expect when you choose Lester for your post-frame building project. 

1. Initial Consultation – Understanding Your Goals 

Every project starts with a conversation. During your first discussion with a Lester Buildings dealer or representative, the focus is on you—your needs, timeline, budget, and vision for the building. 

We’ll ask key questions such as: 

• What will the building be used for? 

• What size or type of equipment will be stored inside if being used for storage? 

• When would you like to get started? 

• Have you looked at our photo gallery or used MyLester Design^® for inspiration? 

This initial consultation is the first step in planning a building tailored exactly to your needs. It also helps ensure everyone is on the same page from the very beginning and determines if it’s a good fit between customer and dealer/rep.  

_{Visualize your dream building with MyLester Design®—an easy-to-use tool that lets you explore layouts, styles, and features before you build.} 

2. On-Site Visit – Evaluating the Location 

Following the initial discussion, a Lester dealer or representative will schedule an in-person meeting and site visit to assess your property and continue refining the plans for your building. This in-person assessment allows us to: 

• Review access for material delivery and construction. 

• Identify site prep needs and determine if additional work is needed for proper building placement and use. 

• Come prepared with brochures and visual aids tailored to your previous discussions to help illustrate your ideas and support the planning process.  

• Start the collaborative design process with Improv™, Lester Buildings’ interactive tool that helps visualize, adjust, and personalize your building in real time. 

3. Interactive Design with Improv™ – Bringing Your Vision to Life 

Lester’s exclusive Improv™ design software enhances the collaborative building process, allowing you to visualize, customize, and refine your structure alongside our experienced team—ensuring the final design meets your exact needs and vision. It allows for: 

• Real-time design and pricing updates 

• 3D renderings, floor plans, and elevation views 

• Engineering-grade plans that can often be used for permit applications 

Whether your dealer/rep designs alongside you in-person or brings initial renderings to a meeting, Improv ™ is highly interactive and allows for quick adjustments to size, layout, doors, materials, and more.  

4. Construction Contract and Final Drawings 

Once you’ve finalized your building layout and are satisfied with the quote, your Lester dealer/rep will present a construction contract for review. Once signed, your building plans move to our CAD technicians, who produce the final construction drawings. This is the last opportunity to make any design changes before manufacturing begins. 

5. Manufacturing and Delivery 

Unlike many builders, Lester Buildings is a one-source building system supplier. Every component—from roof purlins and wall girts to sheathing and fasteners—is engineered as a complete package to ensure structural strength and durability. 

Your materials are manufactured at one of our three plants (MN, IL, or VA) and shipped directly to your site. 

6. Construction Begins 

Once materials arrive, the construction crew will get to work. Depending on the size and complexity of your building, construction can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. Throughout the process, your dealer/rep remains your primary point of contact, ensuring everything stays on track. 

_{From concept to construction: A strong start for a lasting structure.}
 

7. Handling Changes and Unexpected Issues 

Construction can sometimes bring surprises—like underground obstacles or last-minute changes in design. If anything arises, a change order is documented and signed by the customer, updating the schedule and pricing accordingly. We prioritize clear communication. 

8. Final Walkthrough and Warranty 

After construction wraps up, your dealer/rep will conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure satisfaction and go over the finished product. You'll then receive a warranty packet, which outlines Lester’s Lifetime Structural Design Warranty. 

Why Choose Lester Buildings? 

It’s simple: Experience, collaboration and excellence. Lester has decades of knowledge designing and building structures for a wide range of needs—from agricultural and equestrian to commercial and residential. Our in-house engineering means we can handle unique or custom features that others may shy away from. And our long-tenured staff and dealer network are equipped to deliver both quality and peace of mind. 

Ready to build your vision? Start here. 

If you’re just getting started, here’s our best advice: 

• Do your research on a builder. Read reviews and check out past projects.  

• Know what you like (and don’t). Browse building galleries to see what you like including building style, features, and layouts that appeal to you. 

• Ask questions. A good builder won’t just give you answers—they’ll offer insights you may not have considered. 

• Use MyLester Design^®. Bring your vision to life by drafting your dream building. 

Get started with Lester Buildings—Contact your local Lester dealer or representative where quality, service, and innovation come together under one roof.