Our Pole Building Process
From your first estimate to your final walkthrough — here's exactly how Bulldog Contractors builds your pole building, start to finish.
What is Pole Building Construction?
Pole building construction — also called post-frame construction — is one of the most efficient and durable building methods available for rural and agricultural properties. Vertical poles are set directly into the ground to serve as both the foundation and structural framework, eliminating the need for a traditional concrete foundation and dramatically reducing construction time and cost.
At Bulldog Contractors we've been building pole structures across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho since 2007. Our team brings 60+ years of combined experience, an in-house designer, and our own dedicated crews — so your project is managed and built by one team from start to finish, with no subcontractors passing the work around.
Why Our Process is Different
One team. One standard of quality. From estimate to walkthrough.
In-House Design
We don't outsource your plans. Our in-house designer works directly with you to dial in layout, dimensions, and features before anything gets priced or permitted.
Our Own Crews
Every Bulldog build is completed by our own licensed, experienced crew — not subcontractors. That means consistent quality and a single point of accountability throughout your project.
Transparent Pricing
You get a clear, upfront cost before you commit to anything. No surprises, no change orders you didn't approve, no pressure.
Our Pole Building Process and Steps
Click one of the numbered sections below to learn more about this part of our Pole Building Procedure
1. Truss / Column Notch
Trusses are set into a notch cut into the support post to maximize load-carrying and uplift capability. The trusses are then nailed to the columns.
2. Roof Trusses
All trusses are factory built and computer engineered to meet the specific loading capacity of each individual building. Unlike job-site built trusses, our custom prefabricated trusses are randomly third-party inspected for quality control. Double trusses are used for interior spans. Clearspan widths are available to 80'.
3. Door Headers
All overhead or sliding doors are spanned with either a header or a prefabricated roof truss.
4. Siding / Roofing Panels
We use 29 gauge (.0165 thickness) steel panels manufactured to ASTM Specification A446, grade E, requiring "full-hard" 80,000 psi minimum yield point and 82,000 tensile strength. High tensile strength and a unique rib design provide exceptionally high spanning properties. Our panels are architecturally pleasing, available in a wide range of colors, and carry a 40-year manufacturer paint coat warranty.
5. Added Truss Bracing
To fully utilize truss strength, we incorporate 2x6 bottom chord bracing (rat run).
6. Dimensions
Building size is not restricted and can be customized to meet your requirements. Standard sizes that provide the most economy are:
• Height — 8' through 20' in 2' multiples
• Width — 20', 24', 30', 36', 40', 48', 50', 60', 70', 72', 80'
• Length — Multiples of 10', 12'
7. Laminated Columns
Our Laminated columns are finger jointed, glued, and then nailed. Built with #1 Select Structural lumber and backed by a 50 year factory warranty! They are .60 CCA pressure treated at the bottom for in ground applications backfilled with concrete, or can be connected above ground with post brackets installed in footings.
8. Doors / Sliding or Overhead
Doors are placed to allow for the most functional use of the inside of your building and are engineered for ease of operation and minimal maintenance.
9. Roof Purlins
Select structural 2"x6" or 2"x8" (or larger as required). Purlins on edge are joist-hung or laid over top of trusses at 16" to 24" O.C.
10. Vapor Barriers
As a standard feature on all of our roofs to control condensation and eliminate roof leaks, we solid sheet them with OSB, or CDX plywood. Then cover that with a synthetic Tough Skin underlayment moisture barrier under the colored metal.
11. Eavelights
Translucent fiberglass eavelight panels are available in clear or white and come in lengths of 2' to 12' in the same configuration as the siding panels.
12. Windows
Standard windows are available in many sizes with insulated or low-E glass, on sliding or fixed windows.
13. Entry Doors
3’ or 4’ wide x 6’8” tall Steel frame insulated flush skin doors are weather sealed on all sides and come with keyed alike deadbolt and lockset. Wider doors are available for dwelling type applications.
14. Wall Girts
2"x6" select structural lumber is spaced 2' O.C. to support the wind loads being applied to the walls and to provide area for screw fasteners.
15. Stud Walls
Stud walls can be easily framed between the poles so you can insulate and finish off the interior of your building.
16. Base Girts
2x10 pressure treated skirt boards keep sidewall metal from ground contact, protect against rot and decay, and function as concrete forms for pouring the floor as well.
17. Screw Fasteners
Color matched, water tight screws are a standard feature.
18. Building Trim
Available in a variety of colors to provide an attractive matching or contrasting complement to your building.
18a. Base Trim
Seals the bottom of all wall panels to help prevent insect or rodent infiltration.
18b. Wall Light Trim
Provides a smooth transition from sidewall steel panels to wall lights.
18c. Eave Trim
Gives a clean finished look at the top of the sidewalls.
18d. "C" Trim
Cut steel edges around overhead and entry doors and windows.
18e. Jamb Trim
Covers the jambs around your overhead door opening to eliminate the need for painting.
18f. Track Covers
Supported by interlocking brackets, keep out the weather and protect door hardware.
18g. Corner and Gable Trim
Gives your building that finished look.
18h. Ridge Cap
Fastened with color matched screw fasteners, as all our trims are, to seal off the peak completing a weather tight roof system.
18i. Overhangs
Add a very nice appearance to any building.
18j. Facia Trim
Covers the wood facia on overhangs so you have that finished look.
18k. Soffits
Are available to add that finishing touch.
Commonly Asked Process Questions
Wondering what to expect when you build with Bulldog Contractors? Here are the questions we hear most often from property owners across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho before they get started.
Most projects run 8–14 weeks from your initial estimate to your final walkthrough. That window varies based on building type, site prep requirements, permit timing, and scheduling. We give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you informed throughout — no radio silence.
The most helpful thing you can bring to your first conversation is a clear idea of what you want the building to accomplish. You don't need exact dimensions or a design — just a sense of how you plan to use the space, what you need to store or do inside it, and any site considerations you're aware of. We'll ask the right questions to get from there to a real plan.
Yes — we require a 20% deposit to begin the planning, design, and permitting process. This gets your project on our calendar and kicks off the work needed before construction can begin.
Yes — we build year-round. The one exception is concrete work, which is temperature dependent. If your project includes a concrete floor or apron and weather conditions aren't suitable, we'll plan around it and keep the rest of the build moving.
Yes — changes can be made after the project begins through an approved change order. We document any scope or cost changes in writing before they're implemented so there are no surprises for either side.
Yes — we manage the full permitting process for projects across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. We handle engineering submissions and code requirements so you can focus on your property instead of paperwork.
No — every Bulldog build is completed by our own licensed, experienced crew. You're not handing your project off to a rotating cast of subcontractors. One team, one point of contact, one standard of quality from start to finish.
Bulldog Contractors has been serving Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho since 2007. Our team brings 60+ years of combined experience building pole structures of all types and sizes. When you work with us you're getting nearly two decades of real-world builds applied to your project from day one.
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