Experienced Government Construction Contractor

What is a Barndominium?

A barndominium, or barndo, is a large, multifunctional residence that resembles a barn. The word barndominium is (as you might suspect) a combination of the words “barn” and “condominium,” and it’s typically defined as a large, barnlike structure that’s divided in half, with a residence on the upper levels and some type of workstation, garage, or other multipurpose area on the ground level. However, if you ask around the industry, you’ll find that there are a few different definitions of these farmhouse structures floating around.

However you define barndominiums, these types of homes have grown in popularity recently as more people become interested in rustic charm with modern amenities and because young people want alternative, affordable ways to buy houses and property.

Key Features of a Barndominium

Besides the workstation on the lower level and the living quarters on the upper level, there are a few other key features that make barndominiums what they are. Though interior styles vary, you’ll often see hallmarks of the modern farmhouse style in barndominiums.

Most barndos have open floor plans with high ceilings and large windows. “In many cases, barndominiums have free-span trusses that use the exterior walls as load bearing, so designers and homeowners have the flexibility to add or remove interior walls,” Golladay says. Because you can purchase a barndo kit, open floor plans make more sense when it comes to convenience and speed of the build.

Because of the lifestyle many barndo owners lead, large multibay garages are another common feature. People who work on farms or ranches and people who would choose a home plan that includes an attached work space typically own multiple vehicles. These homes are more commonly found in rural areas, and when you have wide open space, you find larger trucks and cars.

Looking to the exterior, you’ll find that barndominiums typically have very simple designs and are made with either metal or wood frames. Steel framework tends to be more popular than wood due to its durability and unique look. Plus, it’s less expensive and faster to put up a metal barndo than a wood one.

How Much Does a Barndominium Cost?

Like with any new build, the cost greatly depends on where you live, the materials you use, and the general contractor you go with. At its most basic, you can typically find a metal prefab barndo kit for a median price of $16,000. However, that does not include the finishings, appliances, flooring, or anything else besides the basic shell.

“A typical barndominium kit costs between $35 to $45 per total under-roof square foot,” The more square footage you want, the lower overall cost per square foot you can usually find. Looking at the larger picture, for a barndo that’s 1,200 square feet, it’ll roughly cost around $275,000 total, depending on customizations.

Advantages of Living In a Barndominium Wick Buildings

Faster, Cheaper Housing

Getting a custom home cheaper and faster than a traditional house is a huge advantage of a barndominium. Especially if you opt for a barndo kit, with pre-assembled walls and roof trusses, the build time will be exponentially quicker than a standard home or even a wooden barndo. Two Structures in One If you follow the standard definition of a barndo, you’re getting a home and a separate workstation all for the price of one build.