Over the last several years, there has been a steady increase in interest in barndominiums. Midway through the 2010s, Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Fixer Upper popularized farmhouse design. In 2020, the barndominium idea gained popularity as individuals sought to leave cities in search of greater space or more accessible and reasonably priced alternatives to a challenging real estate market. However, what is a barndominium exactly?
Emily Marshall, aka MRS Post Frame, was kind enough to explain this well-liked alternative home design to us. After constructing their own barndominium, Emily and her spouse, MR Post Frame, now provide advice on how to design, plan, and construct other people’s barndominiums. In order to help you decide whether or not you want a barndominium, we’ve outlined what one is below and what you should know before creating one.
A Barndominium: What Is It?
The name barndominium, frequently shortened to “barndo,” was created in 1989 by developer Karl Nilsen and combines the terms “barn” and “condominium.” According to Marshall, the first barndominium was a steel-framed structure that served as a home and a place for horses. These days, the term “barndominium” usually refers to big, open-concept structures that include a garage or workshop in addition to residential space.
The massive, sturdy frame and free-span truss design of these often rural structures set them apart from standard dwellings by allowing a single-story barndominium’s interior to have few, if any, load-bearing walls. This allows for the greatest amount of interior arrangement freedom and works very well with an extremely open concept design, the speaker claims. This is how the living and garage areas are able to have an open floor plan, high ceilings, plenty of windows, and an expansive layout akin to a barn.
Steel external walls and roof, sometimes referred to as a “shell,” are another distinguishing feature of barndominiums. “The most typical exterior is exposed fastener steel paneling on the sides and roof,” according to Marshall. Another characteristic of barndominiums is their spacious porches. Since many barndominium owners place a high value on indoor/outdoor life, Marshall notes that you nearly always hear references to the size of their porches.
It’s crucial to remember that different people define “barndominium” differently. In some cases, the phrase refers to certain materials or frame and foundation construction, for instance. However, in general, barndominiums are purpose-built buildings; it would be more fair to refer to conversions of an existing barn into a dwelling as barn conversions.
Tips and Advice for Constructing a Barndominium
Various Barndominium Types
Marshall claims that there are two primary categories of barndominiums recognized by the building industry.
Steel trusses and columns are seen in steel frame barndominiums. Typically, they will be open web truss or red iron structures. Southern states are where you’ll see this design the most often, she explains. Wood trusses and columns are used in the construction of post frame barndominiums. Because it is so well-known in the Midwest as an agricultural structure, some people may recognize it as a pole barn. According to Marshall, the common steel exterior and free-span truss design are shared by both types.
Not only do the frame and external shell characterize barndos visually, but they are also essential to comprehending the construction process. The outside walls, roof, and framework structure are built before the inside walls. This is not like typical residences, where the outside must be built before the inside walls are finished.
“Compared to a stick frame build, they appear finished from the outside sooner because the entire exterior structure is assembled before any interior work begins,” explains Marshall. “Because barndominiums frequently have simpler exteriors, construction can move more quickly.” After the framework is constructed, the inside procedure is quite similar to that of a conventionally built house. According to Marshall, “the interior work will typically take the same amount of time to complete as a conventional project.”
Do It Yourself Friendly Designs
The creation of a barndominium may be involving as much or as little as your interest and abilities allow. You can choose to work with a builder who manages the whole process (more costly, least involved) or handle part or all of the work yourself (less expensive, more involved). A barndominium may be less complicated and more do-it-yourself friendly than a conventionally constructed house in a few areas, which can save you money and time while allowing you to put some sweat equity into your new residence.
Barndominium plans are sold by a lot of firms, and they often work with you to personalize a design so you don’t have to start from scratch. Another option are barndominium kits. These may include the roof, the framed openings for windows and doors, the outside walls and siding, the floor plan design, and the construction materials. When you purchase a kit, the materials are premade and ready for assembly.
According to Marshall, “hiring out the’shell’ is another popular option so that the project is dried in and can be worked on without threat from the weather.” After paying someone with the required knowledge and tools to construct the outer shell, you may do the inside work yourself or with the help of paid specialists, doing anything from laying flooring to assembling cabinets.
Pricing and Funding for Barndominiums
“When you primarily saw the’shouse’ style, barndominiums got the reputation of being an incredibly cheap way to build,” adds Marshall. Large amounts of square footage are found in shop-house (shouse) structures, but only a tiny percentage of them are used as dwelling quarters, and they are the most expensive. Marshall asserts, “What was true then is true now: less living space equals lower cost on a build.” “A barndominium home’s living areas will cost the same as any other type of home when the level of finish is taken into account.”
A typical home costs $50 to $400 per square foot, whereas a barndominium costs $100 to $150 per square foot, with a total cost ranging from $120K to $540K, according to HomeAdvisor. One of the many comprehensive websites devoted to the barndo lifestyle, Barndominium Life, is another source that places prices between $30 and $125 per square foot.
Like any other house, a barndominium’s price is contingent upon a number of criteria, such as its location, size, quality of materials, finishing, and even the cost of the land. However, barndominiums’ do-it-yourself approach provide a chance to save expenses. “The main way people can save on their barndominium is to be able to handle some of the construction themselves and act as their own general contractor,” explains Marshall.
According to Marshall, financing a barndominium with a standard mortgage is possible. This was formerly one of the main barriers to constructing. The Marshalls have created houses that meet the requirements for this kind of financing; also, they collaborate with lenders throughout the country, so the issue isn’t very local. However, you could discover that financing and insurance are subject to change based on the building’s structure, location, or home-work living arrangement. Taxation on a barndominium may also differ.
Is Your Ideal Home a Barndominium?
Practically speaking, Marshall argues, barndominiums may be very cost-effective, low-maintenance, and efficient. “They can withstand the test of time if properly designed and built.” Thinking of building a barndominium as your future house? These benefits and drawbacks will aid in your decision.
Benefits of Attached Homes
Slower Pace of Life: Barndominiums’ tendency to be located in rural locations, far from the bustle of the city, is one of their main draws. According to Marshall, “‘barndominium’ means more to most of us than just the house someone lives in.” “It symbolizes a lifestyle that is typically slower paced, involving both indoor and outdoor living and spending more time with our families.”
Work-Play Space: According to Marshall, “people looking for a work-play style home with larger than typical garage areas attached to the residence can find a perfect fit in a barndominium.” “Animal lovers, car enthusiasts, small businesses, and more find that having the extra space is exactly what they need.” Whether you’d rather have a handy workshop close by for hobbies, a venue for events, or just covered storage for a boat, camper, or other recreational vehicles, the covered interior area is adaptable and can be used to suit your requirements.
Resilient, Low-Maintenance Exterior: One of the primary ways that barndominiums differ from typical residences is that their exteriors are made mostly of resilient, low-maintenance materials. Steel surfaces withstand weather, sunshine, and termite damage well, which may affect other popular siding and roofing options. Not that metal barndominiums aren’t susceptible to issues like corrosion, but you’ll save money and effort on external maintenance. “High-efficiency interior, low-maintenance exterior—more time to develop the homestead, less time spent caring for the house!” exclaims Marshall.
Budgeting: You may take your time finishing the inside of a barndominium since there are many do-it-yourself options and because the exterior is built first. Growing into their area is a common choice for a lot of individuals. Large open spaces like a garage or shop may be left unfinished in a barndominium, which lowers the initial cost of construction, according to Marshall. “Homeowners can design these areas in advance and complete them as their budget permits.”
Negative aspects of barndominiums
Lack of Knowledge: Although barndos are becoming more popular, they are still less frequent than conventionally constructed homes. As a result, you may discover that local professionals such as financiers and builders are unfamiliar with barndominiums. The homeowner may get frustrated as a result, and planning and implementation may take longer. You can still own a barndominium even if they’re not very widespread where you live. “The barndominium-inspired home has also gained popularity,” states Marshall. By “barndominium-inspired,” she means a conventionally built home with features like an enlarged garage and porches, as well as a metal façade designed to resemble one. “If a skilled post or steel frame builder is not available in their area, some people choose this,” the source adds.
Noise: Compared to a typical house, barndominiums might have more sound-related issues. For example, metal siding and roofing might make more noise when it rains. Metal transmits sound more than other external materials, even with excellent insulation. Not that you can’t lessen the problems, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially when choosing insulation and other interior treatments.
Restricted Styles: Barndominiums may not be for you if you love opulent Victorian or Spanish villa architecture. Compared to traditional home designs, the barn-like construction is inherently less adaptable in terms of style and architecture. It is important to note that there is a wide range of customization options available for both the outside and design of a barndominium. Although two-story barndominium designs are rather popular, single-story models are the most prevalent. Although both varieties of barndominium have a steel exterior, Marshall notes that any kind of outside material may be used with extra sheathing.