How a Pole Barn Estimate Becomes a Parts List

A useful post-frame estimate should show more than a total price. Builders need to know which materials the building requires, in what quantities, and whether those quantities match their construction methods.

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What goes into a post-frame material list?

A typical project can involve posts, trusses, headers, girts, purlins, skirt boards, roofing and siding panels, trim, fasteners, and doors. The exact components depend on the building design and how your company builds.

Example: changing a 30-by-40 building

Consider an enclosed 30-by-40 pole barn with a 10-foot lean-to. If the customer changes the lean-to width, the estimator needs to reconsider the affected framing, roof coverage, metal panels, trim, and other related parts. Adding an overhead door may change framing and header requirements as well.

These are examples of the kinds of dependencies an estimating system must account for—not a universal material takeoff. Actual quantities depend on spacing, engineering requirements, your configured materials, and local construction practices.

How GitEstimate calculates material quantities

With GitEstimate's estimating packages, the selected building options feed the company's configured component and estimating rules. The system produces a parts list and estimate that your staff can review. Material prices and labor pricing come from your company's setup rather than a generic price-per-square-foot assumption.

What should you check before ordering?

Post quantities and lengths, including corners and openings
Truss type, count, and spacing
Girts and purlins, including lengths and spacing
Roofing, siding, trim, and openings
Company-specific exceptions and job requirements

Software can make estimates more consistent, but the builder should still verify the takeoff against plans and job conditions before purchasing materials.

Do website inquiries include parts lists?

Only when the appropriate estimating features are included. GitEstimate's 3D Building Designer plan captures building designs and contact details but does not produce estimates or parts lists. The 3D + Parts & Estimating and 3D + 2D + Parts & Estimating plans include those capabilities.

See post-frame estimating software for the full workflow or estimating without spreadsheets for how design changes affect quotes.

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