Kramer Konstruction
Frequently Asked Questions





Pole Building Frequently Asked Questions


What is a pole building?

Pole framing, commonly known as post-frame construction, is a building design that is based around structural members known as posts. The posts provide a strong frame for the shell of the building and replace the studs commonly used in traditional framing construction. The exterior walls are directly attached to the outer edge of the posts and the roof is attached via a truss system. These are used to construct the pole building, or pole barn.




Where does Kramer Konstruction build?

Buildings by Kramer Konstruction can be found throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. If you are looking to build in any of these states, be sure to call us before you sign!




What are some of the uses of a pole building?

The uses of a pole building are endless! However, some examples of uses that Kramer Konstruction has built already can be best shared according to the following categories: Kramer Konstruction is constantly designing new and different buildings for our customers. Check out the examples linked above and see what variety Kramer Konstruction offers in building styles and uses.




Does Kramer Konstruction only sell predetermined standard sizes of pole buildings?

No! In fact, each of our buildings is custom designed to the specifications of the individual customer. This assures that each customer receives the building specs that best fit their needs, as well as allowing for changes to the proposed building to be made without exorbitant change-order fees being added to the price of the building. Another advantage to custom designed buildings is that we order the custom-cut building materials directly from the supplier and ship directly to the jobsite and thereby eliminate expensive storage costs of pre-cut, pre-fabricated building materials. This allows Kramer Konstruction to pass these savings on to our customers!




Does my pole building have to use metal roofing and siding?

The majority of pole buildings that are built by Kramer Konstruction do have 29 gauge metal roofing and siding. However, Kramer Konstruction also uses a variety of other roofing and siding materials. Some of the more common siding materials are vinyl siding, T-111 siding, board and batten, brick and stone veneer, or any combination of these materials. As an alternate roofing material, Kramer Konstruction has used shingles and another type of metal roofing called standing seam metal. The standing seam metal is 24 gauge and each panel has coverage of 19 ½”. It is flat in the middle with 1 ½” standing seam on each side. Standing seam metal is different than the standard ribbed steel panels and has a look all its own. So, whether the standard metal roofing and siding metal is used or any other roofing or siding material mentioned here, Kramer Konstruction will build a high quality, aesthetically pleasing yet cost effective building.




Can I insulate my pole building?

Yes! Insulation in a pole building definitely has its advantages. Kramer Konstruction offers various kinds of insulation which offer many different amounts of R-value. The type of insulation to be used is determined by several factors, such as:
  1. Location of areas to be insulated (walls, ceiling, roof)
  2. Usage of area to be insulated (high traffic, storage only, animal vs. people occupancy)
  3. R-value best suited for area - more R-value is not always better
  4. Combination of vapor barrier and insulation might be the best answer to your insulation needs
When you call us about your next pole building need, ask us about which kind of insulation and vapor barrier is best for your particular job!




Does Kramer Konstruction use 29 gauge metal?

Yes, Kramer Konstruction does use 29 gauge metal as their primary metal thickness on standard single ribbed metal. This 29 gauge single ribbed metal has a 9” repeat pattern and each rib measures 1 ¾” in width. Each sheet has a 36” coverage and offers long term durability, low life cycle costs, excellent severe weather performance and green building friendliness.




Can I can save the labor expense, and build my own pole building?

Kramer Konstruction offers Do-It-Yourself (DIY) pole building packages to do this. Kramer Konstruction will help you create the building that best suits your needs, for a price that you can afford. Each Kramer Konstruction DIY pole building package is custom designed and includes the following items:
  1. 30# snow load trusses, 40# total load
  2. Sealed truss prints for DE, MD, PA, and NJ
  3. Drawings (non-sealed) for permits (endwall and post layout)
  4. Lumber application drawing
  5. Material lists for lumber, metal, trim, slider (if applicable)
Kramer Konstruction will figure out what materials are needed to build your building and all you need to add is the labor to build it! A DIY package saves you the cost of paying someone else to build your building. The savings are all yours!




Do I have a choice in which overhead (garage) doors are used in my pole building?
Value Plus Door
Yes, the customer can choose which overhead door in installed in the building. Choosing the overhead doors for your new pole building is an important part of the planning process. There are many factors and choices to consider when selecting the right overhead door. Kramer Konstruction offers a selection of sizes, colors, door panel styles and window inserts. Kramer Konstruction offers a variety of styles of Clopay overhead doors to choose from. These range from simple, efficient and economical doors in the Value Plus Series to distinctive and uniquely stylish in the upper-end Coachman and Gallery Collections. Whether it's a simple garage or storage building or an elaborate and unique pole building, Kramer Konstruction has overhead doors that are well-built, durable, price-pleasing and good looking!




What kind of paperwork is needed for the building permit, and is it difficult to obtain?

Part of the process for building any pole building is the obtaining the building permit and the paperwork involved in accomplishing this. Kramer Konstruction will provide two non-sealed drawings and a sealed truss print which are required by most municipalities to prove code compliance. However, some municipalities required sealed drawings which must be obtained from a licensed engineer. The cost of these drawings is not included in our contract, unless specifically written in the contract. Kramer Konstruction does work with an engineering firm who is licensed in DE, MD, PA, and NJ, and can provide sealed drawings when needed. The best way to find out what is required by your local municipality (county, township, city/town) is to call the codes department and ask for information concerning requirements for obtaining a building permit. There are a few counties that require that the building contractor obtain the building permit and in this case Kramer Konstruction will get the building permit. Also, for a small fee and the cost of building permit, Kramer Konstruction provides the service of obtaining the building permit. Collecting the needed paperwork and going through process of obtaining a building permit may feel overwhelming and intimidating, but in reality the process is not as difficult as it seems. To our customers, Kramer Konstruction is willing and able to offer some advice and guidance for anyone who wants to save a few dollars and do the permitting process themselves. That's the Kramer Konstruction difference!




We want to help you get the building that fits your needs. If you are looking to build in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, be sure to call us before you sign!


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