Barndominiums

Barndominiums are often praised for their durability, customizability, and affordability, but are they truly cheaper than a traditional home? The truth is hidden in the building costs and added features of the house. Barndominiums are,...

You can live in a barndominium, as they’re a barn/condo combination. Barndominiums are cheaper to build, tend to be energy efficient, and are a low maintenance housing option. To live in a barndo, you’ll need a Certificate of Occupancy and “finish it out” (flooring, windows, cabinets, etc.).

North Carolina allows the building of barndominiums as long as you follow state and county regulations for the foundation and building. In North Carolina, when you build a barndominium it’s similar to building a regular home with footers, linings, and load-bearing walls. It can be built on a slab, crawl space, or basement foundation.

To design your own barndominium, you will become your own architect and draw out plans. The barndominium is a new home, so there aren't widespread architecture firms versed in its design.

Barndominiums are a growing trend all across the United States, but especially in Texas. Originating in Texas, these steel framed homes have wide open spaces and affordable price tags are turning potential home buyers' heads.

The average cost of a 40x60 barndominium depends on whether you choose a DIY kit or a general contractor, what options you select, and if you choose a shell vs. a full kit. You will pay $20 per square foot for DIY kits, but up to $200 per square foot if you choose a contractor and building company.

A steel barndominium can last for well over 50 years, while wooden barndominiums can stay strong for almost a century with routine maintenance in terms of longevity. A barndominium, known for its simple yet solid structure, is typically made entirely out of either steel or wood.

Steel barndominiums are safe in tornadoes and hurricanes if they are engineered with proper design and construction that is meant to resist heavy winds. Steel is one of the strongest construction materials, so a barndominium made of steel is a safe option in disaster-prone areas.

A barndominium may cost $20 to $160 per square foot. A turnkey barndominium fitted with cabinetry, flooring, windows, and insulation will likely cost well over $150 per square foot. Barndominium “shell” kits that are essentially walls and a roof will be closer to that $20 price point.

To insulate a barndominium, use closed cell spray foam. It keeps moisture and heat out, you can add multiple layers to boost the R-value, and it fits into the gaps in your home’s frame. Alternatives include the more affordable batt insulation or the moisture-resistant foam board insulation.