Barndominium: What Is It And How Much Does It Cost?

What if there was a way to blend the rustic charm of a barn with the modern comforts of a condominium? There is a way, and it’s called a barndominium. Barndominiums have soared in popularity as more house hunters search for spacious, affordable living options.

Whether you’re looking for a spacious work or living space, a barndominium could be the perfect fit for you.

What Is A Barndominium House?

A barndominium home, or “barndo,” combines elements of a barn with a condominium. Barndos are typically constructed using metal frames or pole barn structures. Existing barns can also be converted into loft or warehouse-style homes. Barndominiums are often easier and faster to build than traditional homes.

If you want to buy a house, a barndominium can be an “out of the box” option. They’re particularly well suited for buyers who own property in rural areas, need a place to double as a living and working space or want a less expensive option than a traditional, wood-frame home.

Common Characteristics Of Barndominiums

Barndominiums stand out as a type of alternative housing due to their combination of nontraditional construction and focus on energy efficiency.

A barndominium is easy to spot and has common characteristics, such as:

• Metal structures or metal siding
• Concrete slabs
• Open floor plans
• Flexible floor plans
• High ceilings (over 9 feet)
• Energy-efficient windows
• Barn doors

While barndominiums can adapt to various decor styles, they usually have rustic or farmhouse touches, like wraparound porches and decorative wood features.

The first mention of the term “barndominium” dates back to Connecticut in the late 1980s, but barndominiums have gained recent popularity on the ranches of Texas.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Barndominium?

The cost of building a barndominium can vary depending on location and the size of the structure. Building a barndo with a contractor can cost between $120,000 – $500,000, according to Angi.

While barndos can be created by converting existing barns, prefabricated barn kits, such as pole barns, have become a popular choice.

It can be difficult to find a barndo on the market in certain areas. You may have better luck buying land to build a barndominium. Land costs vary by location, but rural land is typically cheaper than land in city centers or adjacent suburbs.

The final total to build or buy a barndo will vary based on the size of the building, whether you’re using a prefabricated kit, the square footage of the land and the materials used.

Is Building A Barndominium More Expensive Than Building A House?

Building a brand-new barndo can be much less expensive than building a traditional, wood-frame home. This cost advantage comes from several factors, including the affordability of constructing a barndominium from a prefabricated kit with a steel frame rather than lumber.

While the average cost to build a new, single-family home is around $311,430, the price can range anywhere from $120,873 – $502,325, according to data from HomeAdvisor. On the other hand, barndominium kits can range from $30,000 – $180,000, which is $25 – $50 per square foot.

When you compare the cost per square foot, building a barndo is significantly cheaper than building a traditional house.

However, whether you’re building a barndominium or a traditional home, the total cost will vary depending on factors such as customizations and interior finishes, labor costs, building permits, materials and the property’s size and location.

Deciding on building a barndominium or a traditional home will depend on your needs, timeline, design preference and budget.

Pros And Cons Of Building A Barndominium

While barndos offer many attractive options for home buyers and builders, this alternative type of housing has advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Low maintenance: Since many barndos are made of metal, they’re durable and keep exterior maintenance to a minimum.
• Cheaper to build: Barndos are typically far more inexpensive to construct than traditional homes.
• Energy-efficient: Many barndos have energy-efficient windows, spray foam insulation and other features that make them less expensive to heat and cool.
• Customizable interiors: Living in a barn likely means you have a lot of space for your hobbies. You can make space for horses or an art studio – the choice is yours.
• Durability: The metal exteriors hold up well to harsh weather events.
• Easy to make additions: Need more room for hobbies or family members? It’s easy to add an addition to a barndo.

Cons

• Difficulty financing: It can be difficult to obtain financing for a new build. Because barndos are a relatively new housing type, many lenders won’t finance this type of dwelling.
• Homeowner responsible for maintenance: While its name is a play on “barn” and “condo,” barndos don’t have any perks associated with condos. Maintenance, both inside and outside the home, is the homeowner’s responsibility.
• The structure has mixed appeal: Not everyone wants to live in a barn – or a home made of metal. Metal tends to amplify outside noises, which can be annoying to many homeowners.
• A smaller pool of buyers: Due to the high level of customization in many barndos, it can be difficult to find a buyer.

What To Consider When Building A Barndominium

Why should you consider a barndominium? What should you keep in mind when thinking through construction and costs?

Below are a few factors buyers should weigh as they consider whether building a barndo is right for them.

The Floor Plan

While most barndominiums adhere to the open-concept floor plan style, some offer a more traditional layout featuring designated rooms for specific purposes. You can easily customize a barndo to fit your taste and make additions.

Below are a handful of items to consider when drawing up your barndominium floor plan:

• Function: How you’d like your space to function will be a huge factor. Whether you want to include a workshop area or attach a stable, consider how many square feet you’ll need for the accompanying living area.
• Building codes: Research the building codes in your area. Some municipalities or counties may limit what you can build and how close to property lines it can be.
• Work/life separation: If half of the barndo functions as a work or commercial space, consider creating a clear separation in the layout so the home is shielded from work and serves as a sanctuary for rest.

Custom Design Features And Additional Costs

Whether you’re building a barndominium or a traditional home, the price to build per square foot will tick upward as you add custom and upgraded fixtures and finishes.

Below are a handful of major cost contributors when building a barndominium.

• Upgraded flooring
• Insulation
• Upgraded, energy-efficient windows
• Fireplaces
• Exterior areas (such as porches and decks)
• Stainless steel appliances
• Custom cabinetry
• Stone countertops

If you’re building on a new parcel of rural land, you may need building permits to have utilities – water, gas and electricity – run to your property. Factor the related time into your construction timeline and costs into your budget.

Selling A Barndominium Vs. Selling A House

Reselling a barndo has three major drawbacks.

• Rural areas: There are just fewer buyers in less populated regions.
• Ineligibility for financing: Depending on a lender’s eligibility criteria, barndominiums may not meet minimum financing requirements.
• Customization: These spaces are often highly customized, typically making them harder to sell.

While you should work hard to ensure your barndo fits all your needs, consider the impact of customizations on your ability to sell the home later. Not everyone wants a horse stable or a workshop attached to their home. Keeping future buyers in mind when designing your space may make it easier to sell when the time comes.

The Bottom Line

Barndominiums can be a valuable option for buyers who want a unique, affordable and low-maintenance housing and workspace solution.