How Our Process Works
Building your pole barn should be simple and stress-free. Here's exactly what to expect from first contact to finished building.
From Quote to Completion: 4-6 Weeks
Most pole barn projects follow this timeline. We coordinate timing strategically so materials arrive right when your builder is ready to start - no sitting around, no weather damage.
The Complete Process, Step by Step
You Reach Out
⏱️ Takes: 2 minutes
Text us at (269) 271-1164, fill out our quote form, or message us on Facebook. Tell us:
- Building size you're thinking (example: 40x60)
- Your zip code
- What you'll use it for (garage, shop, agriculture, etc.)
- Any specific features you want (doors, windows, insulation)
We Send You Detailed Pricing
⏱️ Takes: 24-48 hours
We put together a complete quote with:
- Exact materials pricing from Ramco Supply
- Installation cost from our builder network
- Concrete pricing (if you want it)
- Sales tax breakdown
- Example photos showing similar buildings and color options
- Complete materials list
Once You're Ready: Custom 3D Design
⏱️ Takes: 1-2 days after you commit
After you decide to move forward, we create your custom building design:
- Professional 3D renderings showing your exact building
- Multiple color scheme options to choose from
- Exact door and window placement
- All structural specifications
- Complete engineered plans ready for permits
You Review & Adjust
⏱️ Takes: Your timeline
Take all the time you need to review. Most people want to:
- Show family members the design
- Try different color options
- Add or remove features (more windows, bigger doors, etc.)
- Compare financing options
- Get other quotes (we encourage this!)
You Approve & We Coordinate
⏱️ Takes: 1 day
Once you're ready to move forward:
- We send a simple contract (DocuSign - takes 5 minutes)
- We coordinate your builder and permit timing
- When everything's lined up and ready to go, you pay materials + sales tax
- We immediately order from Ramco Supply (ships in 2 business days)
Permits & Site Prep
⏱️ Takes: 1-3 weeks
We coordinate permit timing with your construction schedule:
- We provide complete engineered plans ready for permit submission
- Our licensed builders handle permit applications - they work with local building departments regularly and know exactly what's required
- Site prep happens if needed (clearing, leveling, gravel base)
- Builder coordinates inspection schedule with your township
Materials Arrive (Lightning Fast!)
⏱️ Takes: 2 business days from order
This is where Ramco Supply blows competitors away. Your complete building package ships in just 2 business days and arrives at your site:
- Every piece pre-cut to exact specifications
- All lumber labeled (like "POST-EXT1-LEFT" so builder knows where it goes)
- All metal roofing and siding
- Doors, windows, trim, hardware - everything
- Delivered on a semi truck, offloaded at your site
Construction Begins
⏱️ Takes: 3 days to 2 weeks
Your licensed builder starts construction (timeline depends on building size, complexity, and crew size):
- Days 1-2: Posts set in ground (composite footing pads or wet-set)
- Days 3-5: Trusses erected, structural framing complete
- Days 6-8: Metal roofing installed
- Days 9-10: Siding, doors, windows, trim completed
Smaller buildings (30×40) can go up in 3-5 days with an experienced crew. Larger or more complex buildings (60×100 with multiple doors) might take 10-14 days. We work with approximately 50 licensed and insured builders across Michigan and Indiana - each crew is different, but we carefully vet them all.
Concrete Floor (If Included)
⏱️ Takes: 1-2 days
If you're including a concrete floor, this happens AFTER the building is erected:
- Why after? Posts are already set in ground, so concrete is poured around them
- Gravel base compacted and leveled
- Vapor barrier installed
- Concrete poured and finished (typically 4-6" thick)
- Needs 7-10 days to cure before heavy use
Final Walkthrough & Payment
⏱️ Takes: 1 hour
Before we call it complete:
- You do a complete walkthrough with the builder
- Check that everything matches your plans
- Test all doors and windows
- Point out any touch-ups needed
- Builder addresses any issues on the spot
You're Done - Enjoy Your Building!
⏱️ Lifespan: 50+ years
Your building is complete and ready to use:
- 50-year warranty on posts
- 40-year warranty on metal roofing and siding
- Lifetime support from Great Lakes Post Frame
- Builder warranty on workmanship (typically 1 year)
How We're Different from Traditional Contractors
❌ Traditional Contractors
- Take 1-2 weeks to return your call
- Show up late or reschedule appointments
- "I'll get you a quote in a few weeks"
- Hand-written estimates on notebook paper
- Vague pricing, surprise charges later
- You coordinate materials, permits, subs
- No idea when construction will actually start
- "I'll call you when I'm ready to start"
✅ Great Lakes Post Frame
- Respond within 1-2 hours during business hours
- Professional communication via text, email, or call
- Complete quote with 3D renderings in 24-48 hours
- Professional proposals you can share with family
- Transparent, itemized pricing upfront
- We coordinate everything - you make decisions
- Clear timeline from day one
- You always know what's happening next
Our Manufacturing Partner: Ramco Supply
We've partnered with Ramco Supply—one of Indiana's highest-rated post-frame manufacturers—to bring you premium materials, lightning-fast delivery, and pricing that beats the competition.
2-Day Delivery (Seriously)
Ramco ships from Northern Indiana—your materials arrive in 2 days, not 2+ weeks like out-of-state manufacturers. Start building this week instead of waiting a month. That's the advantage of working local.
Volume Pricing Passed to You
We coordinate 20-30+ buildings every month, which gets us preferred dealer pricing from Ramco. Those volume discounts get passed directly to you—not pocketed. Plus, local shipping saves $2,000-4,000 per building vs Wisconsin/out-of-state freight.
Premium Materials & Warranties
40-year paint warranty, 45-50 year substrate warranty on steel panels. UL-listed products with third-party verification. Engineered trusses and posts that meet or exceed Michigan/Indiana building codes. This isn't budget hardware store materials—this is contractor-grade quality.
Proven Track Record Since 1998
Founded by contractors frustrated with slow suppliers—now one of the region's most trusted names with 300+ five-star reviews and a spotless BBB rating. Real customers, real projects, real results you can verify yourself.
Complete Engineered Systems
Every building comes with professional 3D design, stamped engineering drawings, and complete construction plans. Inspectors recognize Ramco quality—permits go through smoothly without delays or questions.
No Middleman Markup
You get dealer pricing plus our transparent coordination fee—no hidden margins or games with numbers. Ramco stands behind every building with comprehensive warranties and responsive support. You're working with an established manufacturer, not some random supplier who disappears after delivery.
Why Ramco + Our Volume = Your Best Deal: Most pole barn companies either use cheap materials to compete on price, or use premium materials but charge you retail. We get Ramco's premium quality at volume pricing because we're moving 20-30+ buildings monthly—then pass those savings to you. You get contractor-grade materials at prices that beat the "budget" guys using inferior products.
Plus 2-day delivery means you're building this week, not next month. When competitors are still waiting on materials from Wisconsin, your building is already going up.
Don't take our word for it—Google "Ramco Supply reviews" and see for yourself why 300+ customers gave them 5 stars.
Common Questions About Our Process
Can I make changes after I order?
Minor changes (colors, door placement) can usually be accommodated before materials ship. Major changes (size, layout) require re-quoting since materials are custom-manufactured. This is why we encourage taking your time during the design phase.
What if I need to delay construction?
Life happens - we get it. If you need to push back your build date after materials are ordered, we can typically reschedule with your builder. Materials can be stored on-site or at the builder's yard if needed. Just communicate with us early.
Do I need to be there during construction?
You should be available for: (1) Material delivery to show truck where to unload, (2) First day of construction to confirm building placement, (3) Final walkthrough. Otherwise, the builder handles everything. Many customers stop by daily to watch progress - totally up to you.
What happens if there's a problem during construction?
Issues are rare because everything is pre-engineered and labeled. But if something comes up, call us immediately. We coordinate with the builder and Ramco Supply to resolve it. You're never left dealing with problems alone.
Can I use my own builder?
Absolutely. We provide complete materials packages with professional plans. Your builder gets everything labeled and ready to assemble. Just make sure they're comfortable with post-frame construction - it's different from stick-building.
What if I want to DIY the installation?
Many customers do! Our buildings come with complete instructions and every piece is labeled. You'll need basic carpentry skills, a few helpers, and some equipment (tractor or skid steer helps). We're here to answer questions during your build.
How do payments work?
Simple: 50% deposit when you approve the design and we order materials. 50% upon completion after your final walkthrough. For larger projects, we can structure milestone payments. We accept check, wire transfer, or credit card (small processing fee).
What's included in your coordination?
Everything: We order your materials from Ramco Supply, schedule your builder, provide permit documentation, coordinate delivery, manage the construction schedule, handle any issues with materials or builder, and stay in touch throughout the process. One call to us handles everything.
Why People Choose Great Lakes Post Frame
Modern Communication
We actually answer our phones. We respond to texts. We use email. You communicate however you're comfortable - and we respond fast.
Professional Design
3D renderings show exactly what you're getting. Color options, door placement, everything visualized before you commit. No guessing, no surprises.
Premium Materials
Our post frame buildings aren't cheap metal sheds. 50-year post warranty, 40-year metal warranty, engineered for Michigan snow loads and wind. Built to last.
Actual Speed
24-hour quotes aren't a gimmick - it's how we operate. We respect your time. No waiting weeks for a response. No playing phone tag.
Honest Pricing
Our quotes are complete. What you see is what you pay. No hidden fees, no surprise charges, no "oh by the way" costs at the end.
We Coordinate Everything
You shouldn't have to juggle five different contractors. We handle materials, builders, permits, delivery, scheduling. You make decisions, we handle execution.
Ready to Get Started?
The first step is easy - just tell us what you're thinking. We'll take it from there.
No pressure, no obligation. Just honest answers and professional service.