6 Things You Should Know About Building a Barndominium (2024)

If you revel in the rustic and go ballistic over barn-style anything, then barndominium living may be for you.

So what is a barndominium? It’s an oversized building that’s either a retrofitted barn-to-home conversion or an open-concept steel building constructed from the ground up. It is usually built on a plot of land in rural areas where land is abundant, but this type of structure has also started popping up in exurban locations.

“Barndominiums as a design concept are booming,” says OliverJ. Bell, CEO of Our Barndominium Life.

Compared with traditional wood-framed houses, barndominiums are faster and more affordable to build, are more durable, and require less maintenance.

But before you jump on the bandwagon and begin construction—whether it’s on an existing barn or a brand-new kit—you want to do your research. Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.

1. Obtain a permit for your project

6 Things You Should Know About Building a Barndominium (1)

Anyone taking on a building project or remodel is required to obtain the proper permits to make sure everything is up to code. When building a barndominium, it’s important to budget for permits, which can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000 depending on where you reside.

Your local department of building and safety will often have size and style requirements for your build, as well as requirements for septic tank installation, electrical wiring, and plumbing.

And if you’re buying a property that has a preexisting barn, never assume that it was built to code or with the necessary permits. Get in touch with the local planning office to find out what you can and cannot do to retrofit your barn.

2. Test the paint

6 Things You Should Know About Building a Barndominium (2)

When refurbishing an older barn, it’s important to determine what type of coatings were originally used.

Matt Kunz, president of Five Star Painting, says older barns that predate 1978 may have lead paint on the exterior and interior spaces, windows, walls, trim, and siding.

These areas may be disturbed during refurbishment and need to be tested prior to the work beginning. If the test is positive, Kunz says the cost to fix the issue can be considerable and depends on the barn’s size.

3. Prepare for surprise costs

6 Things You Should Know About Building a Barndominium (3)

Building or retrofitting a barn to live in costs considerably less than a traditional house, but that doesn’t mean unexpected costs won’t pop up during the construction.

Don’t underestimate the cost to clear the terrain and prepare the site for construction. You also might need to lay a new foundation, which can cost from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on your location and the type of foundation.

You’re turning a typically uninhabited structure into a livable space, so you’ll need to budget for modern conveniences that’ll make it feel like home. This can include HVAC, tile or hardwood flooring, and washer and dryer hookups.

4. Plan for electrical work

6 Things You Should Know About Building a Barndominium (4)

For a basic barn, electricity is not something that needs to be considered. But a barndominium can’t go without electricity, so it’s important to consider the electrical requirements—and to consider them early.

Hire a licensed and skilled electrical company and have it review the power specifications for all the appliances and lighting that will be installed throughout the home. The company should also make sure all the wires are in the precise location you need them to be.

“Once the Sheetrock or walls are in place, it takes much more labor to rework things,” says Sean Dion, owner of Mr. Electric of Queensbury, NY.

Choosing your lighting (both the type of lighting and the fixtures) can be overwhelming, but make your selections early to assure they’ll be available when it’s time for installation. You may also want to include smart thermostats, doorbells, security lighting or devices, and smart switches in your renovation.

Any changes to a project after the contract is signed can be costly.

5. Choose your windows and doors wisely

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High energy costs are often attributed to drafty windows and doors. So, to make sure your energy bill won’t spike in your barndominium, choose double- or triple-pane windows and a fiberglass or insulated steel front door.

To bring more natural light into the home and embrace indoor-outdoor living, Brad Roberson, president of Glass Doctor, suggests incorporating a sliding glass door into your design.

When shopping for a sliding glass door, “look for composite gaskets, double-pane glass, and other features designed for energy efficiency,” says Roberson.

6. Add insulation—it’s important

6 Things You Should Know About Building a Barndominium (6)

Since barndominiums are constructed with steel frames and metal walls, they are not good at holding a steady temperature and can accumulate heat during warm weather and lose heat in the winter.

To remedy this issue, experts recommend using batting for insulation, or using foam boards, insulated panels, and spray foam insulation to give more heat resistance.

6 Things You Should Know About Building a Barndominium (2024)

FAQs

6 Things You Should Know About Building a Barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

What do I wish I knew before building a barndominium? ›

Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.
  • Obtain a permit for your project. Photo by Bridger Steel, Inc. ...
  • Test the paint. Photo by Justin Doyle Homes. ...
  • Prepare for surprise costs. ...
  • Plan for electrical work. ...
  • Choose your windows and doors wisely. ...
  • Add insulation—it's important.
Mar 14, 2022

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

What is the most expensive part of building a barndominium? ›

The biggest cost of building a barndominium comes from purchasing and building the metal shell, including the roof, doors, and windows. Other major exterior features that can affect the building cost include: Metal siding.

Are barndominiums hard to insure? ›

Insurance can be complicated for barndominium homes. According to Barndominium.org, not all insurers cover barndos, especially if they're mixed-use instead of residential only, and those that do might have barndo-specific policies.

Are barndominiums bad investments? ›

As such, it is more difficult to assess the resale value of a Barndominium. Unlike modular homes and trailers, Barndominiums maintain their value and are likely to increase over time. If you are purely looking for a quick resale investment, a Barndominium may not be your best option.

Are barndominiums prone to mold? ›

While barndominiums can be designed and constructed to be mold-resistant, they are not immune to mold growth if these preventive measures are not properly implemented. Proper construction practices, material selection, and ongoing maintenance are critical to ensuring that a barndominium remains mold-free.

Why can't you finance a barndominium? ›

Many USDA lenders are unfamiliar with these structures and may be reluctant to finance their purchase. Borrowers may also experience added difficulty when seeking a USDA construction loan to build a new barndominium, as some USDA lenders, including Neighbors Bank, do not offer this loan type.

What is the life expectancy of a barndominium? ›

Longevity: Although they may not last as long as traditional homes, a well-maintained barndominium can provide comfortable living for around 50 years. 5. Durability: Barndominiums are built to withstand the elements, ensuring they remain sturdy and reliable over the years.

How much does a 30x40 barndominium cost? ›

Barndominium kits with prices
DimensionsSquare footageUnfinished kit costs
30x401,200$35,000 – $59,000
40x401,600$42,000 – $75,000
40x602,400$69,000 – $120,000
40x702,800$74,000 – $135,000
4 more rows
Jan 12, 2024

What is the most cost effective barndominium size? ›

Generally the most cost-effective barndominium size falls between 1,500-2,500 square feet. The Average size Barndominium in the US falls around 2500sqft as well.

Is it cheaper to build a 1 or 2 story barndominium? ›

Single-story barndominiums are generally perceived as less expensive due to several factors: – **Foundation Costs**: The foundation of a single-story barndominium typically costs less than that of a two-story structure since it bears less weight. This can lead to savings in both materials and labor.

What is the best foundation for a barndominium? ›

Properly executed, an embedded perimeter beam concrete slab foundation formulated from high strength 5,000 PSI concrete mix designs provides ideal structural support for the tremendous clear spans and dynamic live loads generated over generations of family life within your barndo.

What do I need to know before building a barndominium? ›

Here are five key factors you'll want to know before breaking ground and turning your dream barndominium into a reality.
  1. Research your ZIP code. ...
  2. Look into financing. ...
  3. Interview builders. ...
  4. Plan for extra costs later. ...
  5. Consider insurance.
Jan 29, 2024

How thick should a barndominium floor be? ›

For barndominiums up to 1,500 sq. ft., most recommendations fall between a 4” and 6″ thick slab. This accommodates moderate traffic and furnishings adequately without excessive concrete use. The steel perimeter beams of barndominium kits require less internal slab support than wood framing.

Do you save money building a barndominium? ›

Is A Barndominium Cheaper Than A House? Barndominiums can be cheaper than traditional homes as a future barndominium owner has the option to be their own general contractor and buy a barndominium house plan directly online, saving anywhere from 15-20%.

What foundation is needed for a barndominium? ›

Properly executed, an embedded perimeter beam concrete slab foundation formulated from high strength 5,000 PSI concrete mix designs provides ideal structural support for the tremendous clear spans and dynamic live loads generated over generations of family life within your barndo.

What to expect when building a barndominium? ›

Here are 6 key considerations for anyone looking to build their own barndominium:
  1. Pick the right structure to convert. ...
  2. Evaluate insulation needs. ...
  3. Plan for extensive electrical and plumbing work. ...
  4. Consider special structural reinforcements. ...
  5. Design an adaptable layout. ...
  6. Get proper permitting.

What is the first step in building a barndominium? ›

How to Build a Barndominium in 10 Steps: the Ultimate Guide to a Metal Building
  1. Planning and Budgeting. ...
  2. Land Acquisition. ...
  3. Interior Design Elements & Exterior Too. ...
  4. Obtain Permits. ...
  5. Foundation and Framing. ...
  6. Building Installation. ...
  7. Interior Finishing. ...
  8. Install Utilities.
Aug 3, 2023

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