Service area · Washtenaw County, Michigan
Pole Barn Builders in Washtenaw County, MI
Washtenaw has more small farms than any county in Michigan, and more horses than almost anywhere in the state. We build for both.
Mich Barn builds post-frame garages, horse barns, arenas and barndominiums throughout Washtenaw County — Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Saline, Milan and the townships around Ann Arbor. We are 30 minutes up US-23 from most of the county. Washtenaw carries 1,031 small farms, the most of any Michigan county, and 2,414 horses across 272 farms.
Washtenaw work splits into two distinct jobs. West of Ann Arbor — Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Lima and Sylvan townships — is horse and hobby-farm country, and the ask is usually a stall barn, an arena, or a serious shop on ten to forty acres. South and east — Saline, Milan, York, Augusta — is a mix of working farms and acreage homes where the ask is a detached garage or machine shed.
What to know about building here: Washtenaw townships are more design-conscious than most of our territory, and several have exterior-material or setback language worth reading before you fall in love with a plan. Build values in the county run high — new single-family permits average around $470,000 per unit, the highest in our service range — which usually means the outbuilding is expected to look like it belongs next to the house, not behind it. We spec trim, wainscot and roofline to match.
What we build in Washtenaw County
Garages & Workshops
24x24 to 40x60, insulated and heated for year-round use.
View detailsHorse Barns & Arenas
Stall barns, run-in sheds, and clear-span indoor arenas.
View detailsBarndominiums
Post-frame homes and shouses, shell or turnkey.
View detailsFarm Buildings
Machine sheds, hay storage, and livestock housing.
View detailsAreas we serve here
- Chelsea
- Dexter
- Manchester
- Saline
- Milan
- Whitmore Lake
- Lima Township
- Sylvan Township
- Webster Township
- Salem Township
- Lyndon Township
- Freedom Township
- Bridgewater Township
- Ann Arbor Township
Recent work nearby
Lester Buildings project
Lester Buildings project
10291 E Grand River Ave
Brighton, MI 48116
Straight answers
Pole barns in Washtenaw County — common questions
Who builds pole barns in Washtenaw County?
Mich Barn Inc. builds post-frame structures throughout Washtenaw County from a Brighton base, about 30 minutes from most of the county via US-23 or M-52. We are licensed, insured, and an authorized Lester Building Systems dealer. Call (734) 333-2760.
Do I need a permit for a pole barn in Chelsea or Dexter?
Yes. Washtenaw County townships each administer their own zoning, and several have exterior material, setback, or maximum-height rules that differ from neighboring townships. We check the specific township ordinance as part of the site visit and prepare the drawings your inspector will want.
Do you build horse barns and arenas in Washtenaw County?
Regularly. Washtenaw has 2,414 horses across 272 farms — one of the densest equestrian concentrations in Michigan, and unlike some high-horse-count counties it is genuinely commercial rather than agricultural draft stock. Chelsea, Dexter and Manchester see the most arena work.
How far is Mich Barn from Ann Arbor?
About 30 minutes. Our shop is at 10291 E Grand River Ave in Brighton, straight down US-23. Travel is included in the quote rather than added later.
Building in Washtenaw County? Let's walk the site.
Free on-site consultation and a transparent, line-itemed quote — usually within a week of your call.