The Truth About building Barndominiums: Pros
and Cons
The pros of building a barndominium to live in
When you’re dreaming of a new place to call home, barndominiums offer some seriously appealing advantages. From saving money to enjoying vast, customizable spaces, these unique homes are quickly becoming a popular option. Let’s dive into some of the biggest perks!
Barndominiums Are Cheaper To Build Than Standard Homes
When you’re looking at building a new home, barndominiums often come out ahead as a more wallet-friendly choice compared to traditional houses. A big reason for this is their simpler construction – they often use pre-made metal or post-frame kits, which means less specialized work and quicker build times. Think about it: regular homes need tons of framing, lots of tricky corners, and complex roofs, all of which really drive up the cost of materials and labor. Barndominiums, on the other hand, usually have open layouts and pretty straightforward designs. Plus, since they’re often built with super durable steel, you might even save money in the long run on things like maintenance and even insurance. So, if you’re after a home that’s practical, stylish, and easier on your budget, a barndo could be just the ticket!
Barndominiums Come in a Fairly Easy To
Assemble Kit
Adding to their budget-friendly nature, one of the coolest things about barndominiums is that you can often get them in a kit, which makes the whole building process a lot less intimidating. Imagine getting a big box delivered to your property with most of the main pieces you need, all pre-cut and ready to go. These kits come with things like the steel framing, roof materials, and exterior siding, plus detailed instructions to guide you or your installer how the pieces fit together. While you’ll still need to handle things like the foundation, plumbing, and electrical, having the main structure “pre-packaged” can really speed things up and make it more manageable, even if you’re not a seasoned builder. It’s a great way to jumpstart your dream home without feeling completely overwhelmed.
The Space Can Be Designed However You Like
Once that easy-to-assemble shell is up, here’s where barndominiums really shine: you get to design the inside pretty much any way you want! Because these homes often have a wide-open, “shell” structure without a bunch of load-bearing walls in the middle, you have incredible freedom to lay out your living space exactly how it suits you. Want a massive open-concept kitchen and living room? No problem. Dream of a huge master suite with a spa-like bathroom? Totally doable. You can add lofts, create a dedicated home office, a gym, or even a workshop right there in your home. It’s like having a giant blank canvas where you get to be the artist, making sure every inch of your barndo fits your unique lifestyle.
You Can Live in Your Barndominium As You Finish Building the Interior
Speaking of that amazing flexibility, here’s a really cool perk about building a barndominium: you might be able to actually live in it while you’re still working on the inside! Since the main structure goes up pretty quickly and provides a weather-tight shell, many folks choose to get the essentials like basic plumbing, electricity, and a temporary kitchen/bathroom set up. This means you don’t necessarily have to pay rent somewhere else while you’re slowly tackling the interior finishes, like adding all the fancy cabinetry or perfecting those accent walls. It’s a huge money-saver and a fantastic way to spread out the cost and effort of your build. Just imagine, you could be cozy inside your new home, even as you plan out the perfect layout for your dream pantry!
Barndominiums Degrade Much More Slowly Than Most Standard Homes
Beyond the initial build and interior freedom, here’s a neat thing about barndominiums: they’re often built to last, and tend to show their age much slower than a typical house. Why? A lot of it comes down to the materials. Many barndos use steel for their main structure, which is incredibly durable and resistant to things that can really wear down wood, like termites, rot, and even fire. This means less worrying about expensive repairs down the line, and your home staying strong and looking great for decades to come. So, if you’re looking for a home that’s built tough and will stand the test of time, a barndo definitely has an edge!
Barndominiums Provide a Lot of Extra Space
If you’re someone who feels like you’re always running out of room, get ready to love barndominiums! These homes are often designed with generous footprints and soaring ceilings, meaning you get a serious amount of square footage to play with. This isn’t just about flexible layouts; it’s about having the sheer volume of space for all your needs. Imagine having enough room for a huge garage attached to your living area, a dedicated art studio, or even indoor storage for big toys like boats or RVs. They truly offer a grand scale of space that’s hard to find in a traditional build, giving you plenty of elbow room for hobbies, storage, and comfortable living.
Barndominiums Are a More Eco-Friendly
Housing Option
Finally, thinking about going green with your next home? Barndominiums can actually be a surprisingly eco-friendly choice! A big reason for this is that they often use steel for the main structure, which is super recyclable – in fact, a lot of it is made from recycled materials already, and it can be recycled again and again without losing its strength. Plus, the way these kits are pre-cut means there’s a lot less waste on the building site compared to traditional construction. You can also easily add fantastic insulation, solar panels, and smart designs that let in tons of natural light and airflow, all of which help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint over the long haul.
The cons of building a barndominium to live in
While barndominiums offer a lot to love, it’s also smart to look at the other side of the coin before you commit. Like any big decision, there are a few potential drawbacks that are good to know upfront. Let’s explore some of the challenges you might face when considering a barndominium.
Financing for a Barndominium Can Be
Difficult To Acquire
One of the first hurdles you might encounter with a barndominium is getting the right financing. Since they’re not always seen as “traditional” homes by all lenders, it can sometimes be tougher to secure a standard mortgage. You might find fewer banks willing to offer loans, or you might need a specialized construction loan or even a personal loan, which can sometimes come with higher interest rates or different terms. It’s definitely something you’ll want to research thoroughly and discuss with several lenders early in your planning process.
The Resale Market for Barndominiums Is Smaller
Another point to consider is the resale market for barndominiums. While they’re growing in popularity, they’re still a niche product compared to conventional homes. This means that when it comes time to sell, your pool of potential buyers might be smaller. Not everyone is looking for a barndo, and in some areas, the concept might be completely new. This isn’t to say you won’t sell it, but it could potentially take longer or require more specific marketing to find the right buyer who appreciates their unique appeal.
Purchasing a Barndominium Has Higher
Upfront Costs
Even though they can be cheaper to build in the long run, it’s worth noting that purchasing a barndominium can sometimes involve higher upfront costs. Because they often require specialized construction methods or contractors familiar with metal buildings, the initial cash outlay for the kit, land preparation, and getting the main structure up can be significant. You might need to have more capital available before traditional financing kicks in, or if you’re handling a lot of the work yourself, you’ll still need to cover materials and professional services upfront.
The Metal of Your Barndominium Can Corrode Over Time
Since many barndominiums rely heavily on metal for their structure, it’s important to remember that the metal can corrode over time. While modern steel is treated to resist rust, it’s not entirely immune, especially in areas with high humidity, salt air, or if the protective coatings are compromised. This means you might need to keep an eye out for any signs of rust and address them promptly with maintenance, like repainting or re-sealing, to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of your home.
Barndominiums Are More Prone to Cracking or Shifting As They Age
Unlike traditional stick-built homes, barndominiums, especially those built on concrete slabs, can sometimes be more prone to cracking or shifting as they age. While the steel structure itself is durable, the concrete foundation or slab floors can be susceptible to expansion and contraction with temperature changes, or ground settling. This can lead to cosmetic cracks in the concrete or interior finishes over time. Proper foundation preparation is key, but it’s a factor to be aware of for long-term maintenance.
Some Cities Will Not Allow Barndominiums
Before you get too far into planning your dream barndo, be sure to check the local rulebook! A significant hurdle is that some cities and counties will not allow barndominiums due to zoning restrictions, building codes, or aesthetic guidelines. Areas with strict residential zoning might see them as “out of place” or not meeting certain architectural standards. It’s crucial to research your chosen location’s regulations thoroughly before purchasing land or a kit, as you could face unexpected roadblocks or outright denial of building permits.
Barndominiums Are Not Very Sound Proof
If peace and quiet are high on your priority list, you should know that barndominiums are not always very soundproof right out of the box. The large, open metal structures can actually amplify sounds, and without proper insulation and sound dampening materials, echoes can be an issue. You might find outside noises (like heavy rain on a metal roof) or even sounds from within the home (like a washer and dryer) are more noticeable than in a traditional, more compartmentalized house. Investing in good insulation and sound-absorbing finishes will be key if quiet is what you’re after.
Barndominiums Are Generally Only One Story
Finally, while barndominiums offer incredible open space, a common characteristic is that they are generally only one story. While some designs incorporate lofts or partial second floors, true multi-story barndominiums are less common and more complex to build, often negating some of their cost-saving advantages. If your vision for a dream home absolutely includes multiple full levels or a basement, a barndominium might not be the most straightforward path, potentially limiting your vertical living space options.
final thoughts
So, are barndominiums the right choice for you? As you can see, there’s a lot to weigh when considering these unique homes. They offer fantastic advantages, like often being more affordable to build, providing incredible design freedom, and boasting impressive durability against the elements. The ease of assembly and potential for eco-friendliness are also big draws that appeal to many modern homeowners.
However, it’s equally important to go in with your eyes wide open about the challenges. Financing can be a bit trickier, the resale market is still a niche, and you need to be mindful of potential long-term maintenance like corrosion or settling. Plus, zoning restrictions and soundproofing needs are practical considerations.
Ultimately, building a barndominium is a journey that offers immense reward for those who are prepared for its specific considerations. If you’re looking for a custom-built home that breaks the mold, offers vast flexible space, and is built to last, a barndo could truly be your dream come true. Just make sure to do your homework, connect with experienced builders, and understand both the fantastic opportunities and the practical hurdles before you start laying that foundation.