Barndominium Guide: Your roadmap from planning to living begins here. A barndominium guide should do more than define a barn‑shaped house—it must map out barndominium planning, explain barndominium costs in plain English, showcase inspiring barndominium design ideas and demystify barndominium financing. That’s exactly what you’ll find below. Whether you’re pricing a kit, sketching custom plans or simply curious about the barndo lifestyle, this guide puts every step in one place.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Barndominium?
- Pros & Cons of Barndominiums
- Planning Your Barndominium
- The Building Process & Timeline
- Costs & Financing
- Design & Living Considerations
- Maintenance & Resale Value
- Conclusion & Further Resources
1 – What Is a Barndominium?
A barndominium (often called a barndo) is an open‑concept building made from metal or wood that combines living quarters and a working area. Unlike conventional homes where internal walls support the roof, barndominiums carry the roof load along the perimeter . This results in a warehouse‑like interior with endless design possibilities; walls can be moved or removed entirely during construction . Steel frame barndominiums are popular in the south and southeast US, while wood‑framed barndominiums are common in the Midwest. The term gained popularity after Chip and Joanna Gaines converted a barn into a home on HGTV’s Fixer Upper.
Barndominiums can range from modest single‑story barn homes to luxurious multi‑story residences. The living area can include all the amenities of a traditional home, from plumbing and electricity to vaulted ceilings and wraparound porches. The working area may serve as a storage bay, workshop or even a commercial space. Their open floor plans and flexible structures make them ideal for families, entrepreneurs and hobbyists alike.
Need the basics in one place? See our Barndominium 101 quick‑start guide to learn what a barndo is and whether it’s the right fit for you.
2 – Barndominium Guide: Pros & Cons
Advantages:
- Affordability – Barndominiums offer exceptional value on a per‑square‑foot basis. Buying a barndominium kit or acting as your own general contractor can save 15–20 % compared to building a conventional house.
- Energy Efficiency – When insulated properly, metal buildings hold heat and cool air, reducing stress on HVAC systems and lowering utility bills.
- Longevity & Durability – Steel barndominiums share the longevity of metal roofs and siding. With proper maintenance they can last 50 years or more.
- Flexibility – Interior walls are not load‑bearing, so you can rearrange room sizes or add more space later. The large open area lends itself to workshops, garages or hobby spaces.
Disadvantages / considerations:
- Financing & appraisal challenges – Because barndominiums are still uncommon in some areas, lenders and appraisers may have difficulty valuing them.
- Zoning & building codes – Some municipalities classify barndominiums as agricultural buildings and may restrict residential use. Always verify local zoning laws and building codes.
- Design limitations – Barndos typically have a rectangular footprint. Curved or complex shapes may require additional engineering and cost.
3 – Barndominium Guide to Planning
Before any concrete is poured, smart barndominium planning saves money and stress.
Selecting land: Choose a site with suitable soil, drainage and access. Ensure zoning permits residential use and workshop space. Consider the view, sun exposure and proximity to utilities.
Size & layout: Popular barndominium sizes include 40×30 (1,200 sq ft), 40×60 (2,400 sq ft), 40×75 (3,000 sq ft), 60×60 (3,600 sq ft) and 60×70 (4,200 sq ft). Determine how much living space and workspace you need; thanks to the open floor plan, you can maximise interior space for multiple uses.
Permitting: Research local permitting requirements for metal buildings. Obtain appropriate building permits, follow electrical and plumbing codes and consult engineers for structural plans.
Choosing a kit vs. custom build: Barndominium kits provide pre‑engineered steel frames and panels, significantly shortening construction time. Custom builds allow unique designs but require architectural plans and sometimes longer timelines.
4 – The Building Process & Timeline
Building a barndominium typically takes three to six months, although simple barn homes can be built in weeks and heavily customised barndos can take over a year. The process generally involves:
- Site preparation – Clearing land, grading and pouring a foundation.
- Framing – Erecting the steel or wood frame and roof. Because the exterior shell bears the load, interior walls can be configured later.
- Enclosing – Installing siding, insulation, windows and doors.
- Rough‑ins – Electrical, plumbing and HVAC installation. Insulation at this stage makes the structure energy efficient.
- Interior finishes – Framing interior walls, drywall, flooring, cabinetry and fixtures.
- Final inspections & occupancy.
Provide a timeline graphic to illustrate the stages and include tips for choosing reputable contractors. Mention that barndominiums are often faster to build than traditional homes because the shell can be prefabricated.
5 – Costs & Financing
The cost of a barndominium varies widely; it depends on materials, labour, custom features, location and size. Below is a general breakdown of costs based on the West ern States Metal Roofing article:
| Component | Estimated range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Barndo kit (frame & panels) | $20,000 – $90,000 |
| Land clearing | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Labour & assembly | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Insulation | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Foundation | $5,000 – $13,000 |
| Electrical | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| HVAC | $3,000 – $14,000 |
| Plumbing | $500 – $2,000 |
| Sewer/septic | $1,500 – $10,000 |
| Siding | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Roofing | $8,000 – $25,000 |
Financing options:
- Construction loans – Short‑term loans covering the cost of building. They usually convert to a mortgage once construction is completed.
- Home equity loans or HELOCs – Suitable if you already own property and have equity. Interest rates may be lower but your existing home serves as collateral.
- USDA and FHA loans – In rural areas, the USDA Single‑Family Housing program may finance barndominiums. FHA loans sometimes apply but depend on the lender’s policies.
- Barndo‑specific lenders – Some companies specialize in metal building loans; research banks familiar with barndominium construction.
Budget 10%–15% for overruns. When it comes to barndominium financing, options span construction loans, HELOCs, USDA or barndo‑specific lenders.
6 – Barndominium Design & Living
Great barndominium design turns an open shell into a personalized home: think mezzanines, glass garage doors and energy‑smart insulation.
- Interior design – Embrace the open concept with lofts, mezzanines or dividing walls. Use rustic materials (exposed beams, reclaimed wood) or modern finishes (polished concrete, industrial lighting) depending on your style.
- Natural light & ventilation – Large windows, skylights and glass doors prevent the space from feeling like a warehouse. Incorporate insulation, radiant barriers and HVAC zoning to maintain comfort.
- Storage & workshop space – Allocate square footage for hobbies, equipment or a home business. Consider overhead doors for easy access.
- Outdoor living – Add porches, decks or patios to extend your living area. Metal roofs allow for rainwater collection; integrate rain barrels or cisterns.
- Sustainability – Install solar panels, high‑efficiency HVAC systems, low‑flow fixtures and energy‑efficient windows to reduce operating costs.
7 – Maintenance & Resale Value
Steel barndominiums require minimal maintenance beyond occasional roof and siding inspections. Keep gutters clear, touch up paint and ensure proper ventilation to prevent condensation. Because barndominium values can increase more slowly than traditional homes, focus on high‑quality finishes and curb appeal. In areas where barndos are rare, appraisers may struggle to find comparables, so consult professionals familiar with metal‑building valuations.
8 – Conclusion & Further Resources
Barndominiums merge home comfort with workspace flexibility, delivering a contemporary lifestyle that adapts to your needs. When you understand their construction, budget factors and day-to-day living benefits, you can confidently decide whether a barndo is right for you. For a closer look at each stage, dive into our companion guides—Barndominium 101, Building & Planning, Costs & Financing and Design & Living—explore sample floor plans and read kit reviews to find the best supplier. This master guide ties together every element — barndominium planning, costs, design and financing—so follow the internal links above for detailed insights and subscribe to our newsletter for fresh build tips each week.