A barndominium is typically a barn a builder has converted into an all-purpose living and workspace. The name combines barn and condominium; people often shorten it to “barndo.” Some barndominiums are new structures built from a kit and made of metal. Builders construct barndominiums so that the outer walls bear the building’s load, giving barndominium homes a flexible interior space that homeowners can use in several ways.
What are the pros and cons of barndominiums?
A barndo’s primary appeal is the ability to customize the interior space. Because they’re typically large buildings with flexible interiors, homeowners can use barndominium houses creatively to accommodate activities that traditional homes might not. The primary drawback is that, depending on where you live, it might be difficult to get financing or building approval for a barndo. Before you buy or build one, consider the following barndominium pros and cons:
Barndominium pros
- Open floor plans: Once you’ve built the shell, you can divide the interior space however you want.
- High ceilings: Even if you add a loft or second floor, barndominium structures are well-suited to high-ceiling designs.
- Customization: Because the original intent for barndos was to be large, mixed-use spaces, you can put almost anything inside them.
- Durability and maintenance: The metal construction typical of barndo kits is weather-resistant, low maintenance, long-lasting, and helps keep out bugs.
- Efficiency and incentives: Barndominium homes often use high-efficiency designs to save on heating and cooling bills and may also qualify for federal energy efficiency incentives.
Barndominium cons
- Location restrictions: Mixed-use barndominiums may be challenging to zone and obtain a permit in developed areas and may involve a home inspection from your city.
- Curb appeal: Converted barns retain a lot of their rustic charm, but kit-based barndos may be boring to look at unless you spend money upgrading the exterior.
- Cost and financing: Not all lenders will finance non-traditional homes.
Other considerations for barndominium homes
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.
Should I build a barndominium home?
That depends on what you want from a home, your budget, and many other factors. However, a barndominium house can be a great fit for people who work from home, anyone who wants complete creative control over their home’s interior, and people with hobbies that need a lot of space — like restoring classic cars or training for competitive sports. A barndo’s customizability can make it possible to live and pursue passions like these on a single property.
FAQs
A barndominium is typically a barn a builder has converted into an all-purpose living and workspace. The name combines barn and condominium; people often shorten it to “barndo.” Some barndominiums are new structures built from a kit and made of metal.
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.
What makes a house a barndominium? ›
A barndominium, also known as a barndo, is an open concept building, made from either metal or wood, that combines living quarters and a working area. While the midwestern parts of the US tend to use wood frame barndominiums, steel frame barndominiums are more popular in the south and southeast parts of the US.
Is it cheaper to build a barndominium than a house? ›
Cost of Barndominium vs.
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.
What is the most expensive part of 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.
Why are barndominiums hard to insure? ›
While a barndominium is very similar to a traditionally built home, insuring them can be much more difficult. There can be several reasons why insurance companies are hesitant to insure these structures. The primary reason is that these homes are non-standard construction, which means they lack historical data.
Why are barndominiums hard to finance? ›
Banks require appraisals to determine the property's value, which in turn, informs their lending decisions. Because barndominiums are relatively unique and fewer in number compared to traditional homes, finding comparable sales (comps) necessary for accurate valuation is difficult.
What is the lifespan of a barndominium? ›
Depending on the materials used, a well-maintained barndominium can last anywhere from 50 to over 100 years.
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.
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 big of a barndominium can I build for $200K? On the high end, barndominiums have an average cost of $150 per square foot. At that price, you can estimate a building of around 1,333 square feet for $200,000.
Do barndominiums hold their 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 safe in a tornado? ›
Constructed with metal, a barndo offers superior protection from severe weather. The steel structure of a steel barndominium has a higher wind resistance than a conventional wood frame home. While the metal integrity of your home can endure a tornado, the windows and doors may not.
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.
How big of a barndominium can I build for 300k? ›
Written by HomeAdvisor. Barndominiums cost between $120,000 and $540,000, with an average 2,400-square-foot barndominium costing $300,000 to build. The total cost to build a barndominium can vary significantly depending on the size, how much of the work you do yourself, and the finishes you choose.
Is it possible to build a barndominium for 100K? ›
It is not an impossibility that you can build a barndominium for 100K. However, it is not too common. If you seek to go that route, you need to cut down on expenses and do most of the work yourself. You will need to find the right piece of land to erect your barndominium.
Why shouldn't you build a barndominium? ›
List of the Cons of a Barndominium
- Barndominiums are not immune to corrosion. ...
- There is still a cost element to consider with barndominiums. ...
- Some cities may not allow you to build a barndominium. ...
- Most barndominiums are single-story homes. ...
- You don't receive the same perks as you would with the typical condo community.
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.
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