Are Barndominiums a Good Investment? | JJ's Custom Builders (2024)

Known for being less expensive and quicker to build than traditional homes, Barndominiums have become popular among those looking to build their dream house uniquely and cost-effectively. But, you may want to know if Barndominiums are a worthwhile investment or a passing trend.

Here are just a few reasons why Barndominiums are a solid investment:

More Affordable

Typically, Barndominiums are less expensive to build than a traditional homes with the same square footage. According to HomeAdvisor, the average square footage cost of a Barndominium is lower than the average cost of a conventional custom home.

Lower construction costs lead to other benefits, as well. Because of the lower price, you may not need to borrow as much from a lender. Smaller down payments and lower mortgage payments are expected compared to a traditional home of comparable size.

If you are a landlord, lower construction costs can help you recoup your initial investment more quickly than renting out a traditional home. Homes typically rent based on square footage and the types of amenities they offer. A 2,000-square-foot Barndominium will likely rent for the same amount of money as a 2,000-square-foot standard house, yet it will cost far less to build.

Additionally, Barndominiums often require less maintenance and upkeep due to the materials used. They stay strong and look great with very little work. This leads to additional savings throughout the life of the home.

More Durable

Because Barndominiums have steel frames and metal siding, they are significantly more durable than most standard homes. They may even withstand severe weather, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires. Metal homes can handle winds up to 170mph, whereas a traditional home can only withstand winds up to 80mph before windows shatter and the structure begins to creak. Some of the most common household repairs include fixing damage to roofing and siding. With a Barndominium, you don’t have to worry about that. Spending less on maintenance makes owning a Barndominium a better investment for homeowners.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Barndominiums provide homeowners with more heating and cooling options, maximizing energy efficiency. While a steel frame is not more efficient, the deep wall cavities in Barndominiums can accommodate thicker insulation. They can also be built with underfloor heating, open floor plans, and other features that improve heating and cooling. Increasing energy efficiency means lower utility costs and more savings for Barndominium homeowners.

Increasing Popularity

Resale value is often a concern when deciding whether a Barndominium is a good investment. Traditional homes (on average) appreciate at a rate of 4% per year (currently 14.5%- however, the real estate market is in a unique position). However, Barndominiums are relatively new. And, there aren’t as many Barndominiums on the market (as there are regular homes) to compare. 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. But, if you are hoping to build a long-term home for yourself or to invest by renting out your Barndominium, a Barndominium could be an excellent choice and long-term investment.

Given the many benefits of Barndominiums, they are an excellent option for both investors and homeowners. They provide more houses for less money and are often built more quickly than a traditional home. They are also highly customizable and can be tailored to fit your unique needs.

If you want to start planning your Barndominium layout, contact us today to get a free consultation with one of our designers.

The first step is a phone consultation.
If needed, we will meet with you in person as well!

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Are Barndominiums a Good Investment? | JJ's Custom Builders (2024)

FAQs

Are Barndominiums a Good Investment? | JJ's Custom Builders? ›

Given the many benefits of Barndominiums, they are an excellent option for both investors and homeowners. They provide more houses for less money and are often built more quickly than a traditional home.

What is the downside of barndominiums? ›

Barndominiums May Lack Adequate Sound Insulation

A drawback worth mentioning about barndominiums is their potential for loudness. The primary material used in their construction is typically a thinner metal, which doesn't provide an effective sound barrier against outside noises.

Is building a barndominium a good investment? ›

A barndominium is a wise investment if you plan on entering the Los Angeles real estate scene. Barndominiums are cheaper and easier to build than conventional houses, are low maintenance, and are more durable against earthquakes and fires. They are also unique and will set you apart from other real estate investors.

Do barndominiums hold their resale value? ›

Barndominiums normally retain their resale value and may even increase in value gradually, although more slowly than a standard home. However, these homes are still rare in some parts of the country, and it may be challenging to get an accurate appraisal in an area where there are few.

Are barndominiums hard to sell? ›

Selling a barndominium can present challenges, particularly regarding market perception and financing, but these challenges are not insurmountable. There is not much difference between selling a barndominium and marketing a custom-built home on today's market, the challenges are extremely similar.

Why are barndominiums hard to insure? ›

The intended use significantly impacts the type of insurance policy needed. – **Construction Materials and Quality:** Many barndominiums are constructed with steel frames, which can affect insurance premiums differently than traditional wood-frame homes.

Why shouldn't you build 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 most expensive part of building a barndominium? ›

Steel framing, popular in barndominium construction for its durability and resistance to pests, can be more expensive than traditional wood framing. Framing costs can range from $20 to $50 per square foot, making it one of the most significant portions of the construction budget.

What is the lifespan of a barndominium? ›

This is a common question people ask when looking into barndominiums as a housing option. When you find the right builder, use the right materials in construction, and keep up with the maintenance barndominiums can last more than 50 years, sometimes even up to 100 years, if appropriately managed.

Why are barndominiums hard to finance? ›

Lenders may perceive them as riskier investments due to their unfamiliarity with the structure and potential resale value. – Appraising barndominiums can be tricky because there are fewer comparable properties (comps) available. This can lead to lower appraisal values, making it harder to secure a loan.

Are barndominiums loud when it rains? ›

Barndominiums can be louder than traditional homes during rainfall, primarily due to their metal roofs. However, the degree of noise can be significantly mitigated through strategic construction choices, such as quality insulation, soundproofing techniques, and thoughtful interior design.

How well do barndominiums appraise? ›

Thanks to their grandeur, a barndo could appraise a little higher than your traditional 3-bedroom suburban home. Of course, each property will vary as there is a lot of freedom in the building and design of a barndominium.

Are barndominiums bad investments? ›

In summary, barndominiums make wise value investments thanks to lower initial costs per square foot, flexible use cases, and rising property demands over upcoming years as inventories remain limited. Position your unique barndominium advantageously to reap financial returns for the decades ahead!

Are barndominiums worth the money? ›

Barndominiums offer exceptional value on a per square foot basis, and are exceptionally beneficial for large families or when a business requires a large workspace. They also have lower insurance rates and taxes.

How long does it take to frame a barndominium? ›

The framing stage involves erecting the framework of your barndominium, including the walls and roof structure. The timeline for these phases varies based on the size and complexity of your barndominium. Typically, it can take 2 to 4 months to complete the foundation and framing.

Is it cheaper to build a barndominium or a house? ›

The most common estimate asserts that a new barndominium with basic amenities will cost about $30 to $40 per square foot to build, compared to the cost of building a traditional home is around $100 to $200 per square foot.

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