How does the Barndominium house look like?
Barndominiums adapt the agricultural shell of a barn to create spacious, light-filled home interiors with a blend of rustic and modern elements.
Barndos maximize the inherent potential of barns for residential living.
Exterior
- Usually retains the shape and form of a classic barn with a sloped roofline, large sliding doors, and rustic wood or metal siding
- May have window dormers added to bring more light into the interior loft space
- Features like porches, stone accents, shutters etc. may be added to give it more curb appeal as a home
Interior Layout
- Open floor plan with soaring vaulted ceilings taking advantage of the barn’s height
- Great room incorporates living room, dining area, and kitchen
- Loft space above acts as a bedroom suite with overlook of great room
- Additional bedrooms and bathrooms partitioned on main level
- Sliding barn doors used as room dividers maintain flow
Design Finishes
- Exposed wood beams and trusses maintain rustic barn character
- Wood flooring throughout lends cozy and casual feel
- Large windows and skylights added to brighten formerly dim barn interior
- Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems updated for residential needs
- Can have a modern farmhouse style with some industrial touches mixed in
The word ‘barndominium’ could be a new concept for many. This term coined in 1989 refers to distinctive and budget-friendly dwellings that combine barns or warehouses with living spaces.
If you have been lately on a barn tourism for sure you are intrigued by the idea of alternative, affordable housing but unsure where to start?
In this article, we will demystify what a barndominium concept is, their strengths and weaknesses, costs involved in building one, and factors deciding if it’s right for you.
Barndominiums have come a long way from their simple barn-like origins! These unique hybrid homes have evolved from sparse, purely functional spaces to well-appointed, aesthetically pleasing dwellings that fuse rustic farmhouse charm with modern residential amenities.
Historical barn concept
There is no definitive record of the very first barn ever constructed, but barns and other agricultural buildings have existed for thousands of years. Here is some history on early barn structures:
- Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of ancient grain storage and livestock shelter structures dating back over 10,000 years in the Middle East. These early farming communities transitioned from nomadic to settled lifestyles.
- In Ancient Egypt, simple roofed mudbrick granaries were built as early as 2500 BC. These provided dry storage for grain crops.
- Ancient Romans developed wooden sheds and roofed shelters called “villa rustica” to protect livestock and agricultural supplies and equipment.
- More complex wooden barn structures with stalls and lofts emerged in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages around 500-1000 AD as agriculture expanded.
- English great barns with large timber frames arose in the 12th-13th centuries as manor farmers produced more crops and needed bigger storage facilities. Some great barns still stand today.
- In America, English colonial settlers built the first barns by the 17th century modeled after English designs but adapted for regional conditions.
history of barns as residential houses
A barn is an agricultural building typically used for storing crops, housing livestock, or storing farming equipment and supplies. Traditional barns are constructed of wood and have large doors at each end to allow equipment access. Most feature a hayloft space for drying and storing hay above the main floor.
The barndominium concept originated in the 1989-90s as a way for farmers to convert traditional barns into budget-friendly homes or additional dwelling spaces on their property.
By retrofitting the large interior space of a barn, owners could create spacious, modern home interiors while maintaining the charming rustic exterior of a barn. This provided cost savings compared to constructing an entirely new home.
Early barndominium conversions retained mainly the barn’s shell by stripping the interior to studs and adding insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other home systems from scratch. More recent barn designs involve constructing a home within a new steel barn frame for greater customization.
Barndominium popularity increased due to HGTV and DIY Network shows in the 2000s. They remain a trend today among homeowners seeking ample square footage and a connection to agricultural style. The familiar barn shape blends well into rural landscapes but barndominium designs have also evolved to suit suburban neighborhoods.
The barn to a house trend repurposes the shell of a traditional agricultural barn into a modern residential living space, merging the charm of old barns with spacious, open floorplans.
Barndominium as spaces to live
The utilitarian interiors of traditional barns exemplify the practical principles of functionalism. Every structural feature serves a direct purpose related to agricultural functions rather than aesthetic embellishment.
Large, open floors provide flexible space for hay storage, livestock stalls, and equipment parking. The lack of interior walls allows farmers to rearrange stalls and storage as needed. High ceilings accommodate hay lofts with ladders or hoists to transport hay bales.
Vents and slots provide natural ventilation to maintain air quality. Wide doors at each end enable equipment entry and livestock herding. Central corridors allow clearance for wagons.
Minimal lighting comes from window slits or skylights to aid visibility while avoiding heat gain. Wood construction utilizes available local materials.
While rustic, barns contain ingenious functional design tailored for specific regional farming needs. Form follows function in barn layouts, devoid of ornamentation. This pragmatic approach maximizes usability and practicality for agricultural work.
The simple, utilitarian nature of barns makes them ideal structures to repurpose into modern barndominium homes. Their spacious, flexible interiors can readily adapt to open-concept residential living. Barns exemplify functional architecture at its finest.
The interior of a barndominium is fully customized with modern amenities and finishes to create comfortable living spaces. The most typical barndomoniums built is 6,860 square feet of space, accomodating 4 bedrooms and is a complete house kit.
Key features in a barndominium often include open floor plans, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully functional kitchen, and rustic yet contemporary design elements throughout.
The blend of barn esthetics with home luxury makes barndominiums an appealing option for those seeking a distinctive and affordable alternative to traditional houses.
Defining a Barndominium and concept
The term barndominium, often abbreviated as “barndo,” describes a unique type of building that combines living quarters and workspace. Real estate developer Karl Nilsen first used the term in 1989 to describe these multi-purpose structures, seing that local farmers were using barns to live in them full-time.
Built from either metal or wood, they typically showcase barn-like designs featuring sheet metal siding. While they may resemble traditional barns on the outside, inside you’ll find all the comforts of a modern home, including fully functional kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
They offer an innovative solution for individuals seeking both residential and workspaces within one structure.
Combination of a barn and condominium
Barndominiums offer a unique floor plan that cleverly combines the functionality of a barn with the comfort and style of a condominium. This innovative blend demonstrates how rural charm can meet modern luxury in residential architecture.
Borrowing elements from both structures, barndominiums feature high ceilings reminiscent of classic barns, along with spacious living quarters often found in urban condos.
A major selling point for many homebuyers is their ability to customize these properties according to personal preferences and needs. The adaptable nature of its structure allows homeowners to design an open concept layout or opt for separate rooms within the building score footage.
From existing barn conversions to tailored constructions, barndominium designs maintain their original rustic esthetics while boasting contemporary features such as energy-efficient windows or state-of-the-art kitchen appliances.
Pros and Cons of Barndominiums
Barndominiums offer several advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, spacious interiors, and versatility in design. However, they also have drawbacks like limited financing options and potential resale challenges due to their unique nature.
Advantages of barndominiums
Barndominiums offer various benefits to their owners. Here are some key advantages of these unique structures:
- They are eco-friendly, using sustainable materials in their construction.
- Barndominiums often have less cost of building materials compared to traditional homes.
- Barndominiums have quicker construction time.
- Property taxes associated with barndominiums can be lower, making them a cost-effective option.
- The customizable floorplans provide the freedom to design your space according to your needs and preferences. Meaning you can have extra garage spaces and outdoor living spaces.
- These barn-home hybrids boast durability and require minimal exterior maintenance.
- Barn-like structures can be energy – efficient which results in lower insurance costs and taxes.
Barndominiums can last for decades, as low as 10 years and as much as 60 to 80 years when properly constructed.
The lifespan of a barndominium is a factual matter that depends primarily on:
- Build Quality – A barndominium built to code with quality materials and proper maintenance can last over 50 years. Lower quality builds may only last 20-30 years.
- Foundation – Barndominiums on concrete slab foundations tend to last 40-60 years. Those without solid foundations deteriorate faster.
- Structure – Steel beam, wood frame, or pole barn structures enable barndominiums to remain intact for 30-50 years typically.
- Roof – Metal roofing can last 40-70 years. Shingle roofs need replacing more often.
- Use – Barndominiums used as residences with regular upkeep last longer than those used for storage or shops.
- Location – Extreme weather and conditions cause faster deterioration, reducing lifespan by 10-20 years.
A well-built barndominium with a proper foundation, roof, and care can reasonably be expected to last 40-60 years or longer. Regular maintenance and repairs extend the lifespan. But improper construction cuts lifespan short.
Disadvantages of barndominiums
Key cons relate to lack of privacy, climate control challenges, permitting difficulties and reduced resale value. Consulting codes and planning carefully can help mitigate some of these drawbacks if pursuing a barndominium home.
- Limited financing options: Finding financing for a barndominium can be more challenging compared to traditional homes.
- Resale difficulties: Customized barndominiums may have limited appeal in the resale market, making it harder to find buyers.
- Corrosion risk: Barndominiums are not immune to corrosion, especially if proper maintenance and protection measures are overlooked.
- Considerable cost: While barndominiums can be more cost-effective than building a traditional home, there is still an initial investment required for construction and customization.
- Zoning restrictions: Some cities or neighborhoods may have regulations that prohibit or restrict the construction of barndominiums.
- Aesthetics may differ: Barndominiums may not offer the same visual appeal as traditional houses, which can be an important factor for some buyers.
Factors to Consider to Build a Barndominium
When building a barndominium, it is crucial to consider factors such as cost considerations, the construction process and timeline, and any zoning restrictions that may apply.
Cost of building a steel barndominium
Building a barndominium involves several cost considerations. On average, the construction cost can range from $112,800 to $540,000, with the mean falling within that range. The total cost will depend on factors such as size, location, customization options, single-story or two-story building, interior materials, and labor costs.
Permits for building a barndominium can cost between $400 and $2,000. It’s important to budget accordingly and consider these expenses when planning to build a barndominium.
The average total cost to build a barndominium is around $230,000, with costs ranging from $120,000 on the low end to $540,000 on the high end.
The cost per square foot averages $100 – $150.
Key Factors Affecting Cost
- Size – The size of the barndominium greatly impacts overall cost. Smaller barndominiums around 1,000 sq ft can cost $65,000 – $160,000, while larger 5,000 sq ft barndominiums average $325,000 – $800,000
- Materials – Barndominium kits for just the shell and structure cost $20 – $35 per sq ft. More expensive finishes and materials can drive costs up to $150 per sq ft
- Location – Costs vary by state, with rural areas generally being cheaper. Building in Texas averages $68 – $168 per sq ft, while California is around $127 per sq ft minimum
- Labor – Hiring a general contractor typically adds 10-20% to the total project cost. Other professional services like electricians and plumbers add $50 – $150 per hour
- Customization – Custom designs, high-end finishes, and additional features increase costs. Basic barndominiums with standard finishes are generally cheaper
Average Cost Ranges
- Barndominium kits: $20,000 – $90,000+
- Shell materials only: $25,000 – $100,000
- Professional assembly of kit: $25,000 – $50,000
- Total build from scratch: $112,800 (low end) – $504,000 (high end)
A standard 2,400 sq ft barndominium built from a kit with professional assembly will average around $300,000 total, with per sq ft costs of $100-$150 being typical.
Location, size, materials, and customization allow for a wide range of overall costs. Generally the saving on average is 17 to 21% compared to traditional construction buildings on a farm land.
Construction process and timeline
One of the draws of a barndominium is the ease of customization. Since many barndominiums start as open spaces (much like a barn), owners can often design the interior layout to suit their needs, whether they want a workshop, a larger kitchen, or other personalized spaces a building can be erected and completed in less than 12 months.
The typical timeframe for building a barndominium is 5-7 months.
Building a barndominium takes 3-9 months, depending on several key factors:
- Size – Smaller barndominiums under 2,000 sq ft may be built in 3-5 months, while larger ones over 5,000 sq ft can take 6-9 months.
- Complexity – More complex designs and floorplans generally add 1-3 months to the timeline compared to simpler layouts.
- Customization – Highly customized barndominiums often require 5-6 months for unique finishes and details. More standard builds may be done in 4-5 months.
- Crew size – Larger construction crews of 5-10 workers can reduce build time by 1-2 months compared to smaller crews.
- Weather – Cold winter weather or excess rain can potentially delay the timeline by 2-4 weeks.
- Permitting – The permitting process can add 4-8 weeks before construction begins, depending on location.
While there’s no universal timeline, the typical barndominium built by a professional takes 5-7 months from permitting to completion based on these factors. But skilled crews can complete them in as little as 3 months for simpler builds.
Building a barn house takes 6-12 months on average and involves several key steps:
1. Site Preparation (1-2 weeks)
- Clear vegetation, grade the site, and improve road access as needed.
2. Foundation (2-4 weeks)
- Pour a concrete slab or pier foundation engineered for the building plans.
3. Shell Erection (2-4 weeks)
- Assemble the pre-fabricated barn shell or build the exterior walls and roof.
4. Rough-In and Framing (4-8 weeks)
- Add electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and interior framing.
5. Exterior Finishing (2-4 weeks)
- Install roofing, siding, windows, doors, decks, covered porches and exterior paint or stain.
6. Interior Finishing (8-16 weeks)
- Drywall, paint, trim work, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, and appliances.
7. Final Touches (2-4 weeks)
- Complete landscaping, driveway, exterior lighting, and add accessories.
8. Inspections and Move-In
- Pass final inspections and move into your new barndominium!
The timeline can be condensed by ordering a pre-fabricated barndominium kit, or extended for highly customized projects. Careful planning is key to an efficient building process.
Zoning restrictions
Zoning restrictions are an important factor to consider when building a barndominium.
These restrictions often require permits, adherence to laws, and compliance with local codes. In urban areas, the construction of barndominiums is generally more expensive due to higher building regulations and restrictions.
Zoning laws play a crucial role in determining whether barndominium construction is permitted in certain cities. It’s essential to be aware that some cities may have zoning restrictions and building codes that do not allow the construction of barndominiums.
The implementation of zoning laws ensures that the aesthetics and overall appearance of these barns align with local regulations for a harmonious blend within the community.
Barndo's interior planing
When converting a barn into a barndominium home, it’s important to respect the original functional design principles used in its construction. Early barns were engineered for utility, not aesthetics. Their innately practical forms lend well to modern open living.
At a high level, original barn structures showcase efficient use of interior space, durable materials, passive ventilation, abundant natural light, and flexible layouts. These create ideal blank canvases for barndominium conversions.
Specifically, original timber post and beam frames allow wide open interiors that transition seamlessly into soaring great rooms. Sturdy wooden construction withstands decades of use. Ventilated haylofts become inviting sleeping lofts overlooking living areas.
Slot windows bathe interiors in natural light while controlling heat gain thanks to deep eaves. Broad sliding doors integrate indoors and outdoors. Multipurpose floors accommodate both animals and furnishings.
By studying and preserving the pragmatic design origins of traditional barns, architects can create barndominium homes that artfully blend countryside charm with modern open-concept living.
Respecting these tried-and-true form and function principles ensures conversions maintain the rustic agricultural essence at their core.
Traditional barns contain centuries of functional design wisdom ready to be renewed into contemporary barndominiums. Their utilitarian origins inform and inspire.
Is a Barndominium Right for You?
Consider your personal preferences, needs, and lifestyle when deciding if a barndo is the right choice for you.
Factors to consider in deciding
Narndominium considerations
Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Construction Quality: Opt for quality building materials and skilled construction to ensure your barndominium is durable, energy-efficient, and built to last for decades.
- Customization: Look for manufacturers or builders that offer flexibility in layout, finishes, and amenities to create your ideal living space. Factor in customization costs.
- Budget: Carefully calculate the total project costs including the foundation, shell kit, labor, utilities, permitting, interior finishes and features. Create a detailed budget and find ways to save.
- Lot Selection: Choose land zoned for residential use with good access to utility connections. Confirm zoning allows barndominiums. Rural lots offer space but may require a septic system.
- Energy Efficiency: Maximize insulation, high-performance windows, and other green building techniques to minimize lifetime energy costs.
- Construction Timeline: Understand the project timeline so you can plan your move-in date. Prefabricated kits help speed up the process.
- Financing: Explore financing specifically for barndominiums if needed. Provide detailed plans and cost breakdowns to help secure a construction loan.
- Resale Value: Barndominiums may have a smaller resale market than traditional homes. Focus on quality over cutting corners to maximize future value.
Carefully evaluating all these factors will help determine if a barndominium is the right choice to fulfill your vision, lifestyle needs, and budget. Thorough planning is key to making your barndo dream a reality.
Barndominium vs modular home
Barndominium vs Modular Home: Key Differences
A barndominium and a modular home share some similarities but also have key differences. Here is an overview of each:
What is a Barndominium?
- A barndominium is a home built using the framework of a metal barn or other agricultural building.
- The interior is then customized and finished to create a unique living space.
- Barndominiums are often more budget-friendly than traditional construction,
- They allow for an open floor plan and industrial design elements like exposed beams.
- Barndominiums can be built with energy efficiency in mind by using spray foam insulation.
What is a Modular Home?
- A modular home is constructed off-site in a factory using traditional home building techniques.
- The modules are then delivered to the site and assembled.
- Modular homes range from $100-$200 per square foot, including transport and installation.
- They allow for complete customization of layouts, finishes, and features.
- Modular homes must meet local building codes and can be indistinguishable from site-built homes.
Key Differences:
- Barndominiums offer more budget-friendly, DIY-style construction while modulars have higher upfront costs.
- Barndominiums usually feature open, industrial interiors while modulars mimic traditional home designs.
- Modular homes require trucking and craning onto a foundation while barndominiums are built on-site.
- Modular homes blend seamlessly into neighborhoods while barndominiums stand out with their agricultural aesthetics.
Barndominiums appeal to those wanting basic open layouts on rural properties, while modular homes offer fully-customized living spaces similar to traditional construction.
Barndominium vs container home
Barndominium vs Container Home: Key Differences
Barndominiums and container homes are two unique, budget-friendly housing options. Here’s an overview of how they compare:
What is a Barndominium?
- A barndominium utilizes the framework of a metal barn or agricultural building as the structure for a home.
- The interior is then customized with insulation, utilities, finishes, and amenities to create a rustic living space.
- Barndominiums allow for open floor plans and industrial design elements at a lower cost than traditional construction.
What is a Container Home?
- A container home is constructed from one or more recycled steel shipping containers.
- Containers are stackable and can be connected to create modular floorplans.
- Container homes provide modern, eco-friendly living spaces and can be made portable.
Container vs Barndominium - Cost Differences
- Barndominiums can be more budget-friendly, with typical costs ranging from $100-$200 per square foot.
- Container homes run $200-$250 per square foot on average since containers must be structurally modified.
Prices are indicative only for the basic shell and structure, without additional internal works and lanscaping.
Container vs Barndominium - Design Flexibility
- Barndominiums allow for more customization in layout, design, and finishes since they are built from the ground up.
- Container homes limit layout options due to the fixed container dimensions but allow customization of openings.
- Barndominiums can be any desired size by joining additional barn bays or modules.
- Container homes max out at around 3,000 sq ft for a multi-container build.
- Barndominiums offer more flexibility in exterior styling from traditional barn to contemporary.
- Container homes have an industrial, modern look based on the corrugated metal container exterior.
Container vs Barndominium - Performance Factors
- Barndominiums require careful insulation but their metal structure resists rot and pests.
- Containers need insulation and climate control modifications to be livable, but are otherwise durable.
Barndominiums offer rustic open spaces perfect for rural properties, while container homes provide modern eco-friendly living through creative container stacking. Assessing cost, design, and performance factors can help determine which option better suits your needs.
Barndominium vs pole barn house
Barndominium vs Pole Barn House: What’s the Difference?
Barndominiums and pole barn houses are two types of non-traditional homes rising in popularity. But what exactly sets them apart?
What is a Barndominium?
- A barndominium utilizes a steel barn structure as the basis for a customizable living space.
- The interior can be finished with insulation, drywall, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
- Barndominiums allow for open concept living with exposed beams and high ceilings.
What is a Pole Barn House?
- A pole barn house uses a pole barn framework of wood columns anchored in the ground to support the roof.
- The interior space within the roof and poles is then customized into a home.
- Pole barn houses offer flexibility in design, from rustic to refined finishes.
Main Differences
- Barndominiums use pre-engineered steel barns while pole barns utilize wood post-frame construction.
- Barndominiums have high ceilings and large open spaces thanks to long roof spans, while pole barns often have shorter roof lines.
- Pole barns rely on posts embedded in the ground so they usually have crawl spaces or basement foundations. Barndominiums use concrete slabs.
- Barndominiums emphasize exposed structures and rustic features while pole barns can have more refined finishes.
Cost Considerations
- Barndominiums often cost $100-200 per sq ft for a finished home.
- Pole barns converted to homes may cost $50-100 per sq ft.
- Barndominiums require less modification for livability.
In summary, barndominiums offer wide open rustic spaces, while pole barns provide versatile post-frame construction for customized home design.
Assessing the differences in structure, aesthetics, and cost can help choose between these budget-friendly approaches.
Popular Barndominium Styles and Designs
Popular styles of barndominiums include the rustic farmhouse style, modern industrial style, and contemporary sleek designs.
Examples of different styles
Barndominiums come in a variety of styles, allowing homeowners to choose the design that best suits their preferences. Here are some examples:
- Farmhouse Style: This style features a sleek and modern take on the traditional farmhouse design. It often includes white siding, large windows, and a pitched roof.
- Rustic Charm: For those seeking a more rustic look, barndominiums can be designed with natural wood siding, stone accents, and a cozy cabin-like feel.
- Industrial Chic: Inspired by industrial buildings, this style incorporates metal siding, exposed beams, and an urban aesthetic.
- Contemporary Elegance: With clean lines and minimalist features, contemporary barndominiums offer a sleek and sophisticated design option.
- Traditional Barn Look: Some homeowners prefer to embrace the barn aesthetic fully, opting for a design that closely resembles a traditional barn with weathered wood siding and classic red or gray color palettes.
- Custom Designs: Homeowners can also work with architects or designers to create unique barndominium styles that reflect their individual tastes and preferences.
Customization options / floor plan
Barndominiums offer a wide range of customization options to suit your personal style and needs. Here are some key options to consider:
- Floor plan: You have the freedom to design the layout of your living space, including the number and size of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and living areas.
- Interior finishes: From flooring materials to wall colors and textures, you can choose the finishes that best reflect your taste and desired aesthetic.
- Fixtures and appliances: Selecting plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, and kitchen appliances allows you to personalize your barndominium according to your preferences.
- Exterior design: You can customize the exterior appearance by choosing different siding materials such as wood, metal, or stone. Additionally, you can add features like porches or balconies for added charm.
- Energy-efficient upgrades: Incorporating energy-efficient windows, insulation, and HVAC systems can help reduce utility costs while creating a comfortable living environment.
- Versatile spaces: Barndominiums often feature large open spaces that can be used creatively. Consider adding features like home offices, gyms, or entertainment areas based on how you envision using the space.
- Storage solutions: Customize storage areas within the barndominium to accommodate your belongings and keep everything organized.
Conclusion
Barndominium is a unique and affordable home option that combines a barn or warehouse with living space. They are known for their open concept design, rustic yet modern elements, and energy efficiency.
Whether you’re looking for a spacious workshop or a cozy dwelling, barndominiums offer flexibility in style and size to suit various preferences and needs.
FAQs
1. What is the definition of a barndominium?
A barndominium is a combination of a barn and condominium that’s been transformed into a livable space.
2. How do you pronounce and spell 'barndominium'?
Barndominium is pronounced as “barn-do-min-ium” and spelled b-a-r-n-d-o-m-i-n-i-u-m.
3. Is there any difference between a traditional house cost and barndominium cost?
Yes, typically, building a barndominium can be less expensive than constructing a traditional house.
4. Which one should I choose: A Barndomonim or House?
The choice between living in a regular house versus living in a barndomonim depends entirely on personal preferences and budget considerations.
5. What is a barndo?
Barndo is a trendy metal / steel building with vaulted ceiling mostly in rural settings with dedicated plot of land. These types of homes are gaining popularity across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The term barndo or barndominium refers to a home that combines the design elements of a classic barn with the amenities and comforts of a modern house.
In the United States and Canada, barndos feature the rustic exterior of a barn including high sloped rooflines, large structures, sliding doors, and metal or wood siding.
The interior is fully customized as a dwelling with bedrooms, kitchens, living spaces and contemporary finishes. Barndominiums allow homeowners to have the industrial chic or farmhouse aesthetic of a barn with the functionality of a single-family home.
Similarly in Australia and the UK, barndos or barndominiums blend traditional barn structures with fully equiped interiors for 21st century living. Especially popular in rural areas, these barn-inspired homes provide character and customization at an affordable price point compared to conventional housing.
Are there modular barndominiums?
Modular barndominiums are available as prefabricated structures.
To construct a modular barndominium:
- Modular units are built offsite in a factory allowing for precise construction with quality materials.
- Modules are transported to the site and then assembled and joined together.
- Utilities, interior finishes, and other custom details are added onsite after assembly.
- Modular construction can reduce overall build timelines by 20-30% compared to traditional construction.
The benefits of modular barndominiums include:
- Potential cost savings from streamlined construction and less material waste.
- More consistent quality since modules are built in a controlled factory setting.
- Customization is still possible with interior details, finishes, and additions.
- May qualify for construction loans and mortgages the same as site-built homes.
So for those wanting a barndominium home on a tighter timeline, modular kits are a viable quality construction option to consider. Working with a qualified manufacturer is important to ensure structural stability and proper assembly.
6. Does barndominium has good structural integrity
Barndominiums Have Excellent Structural Integrity and are known for their durability and structural integrity for several reasons:
- Steel Frame Construction
- Most barndominiums are built using a sturdy steel frame which provides strength and durability. Steel can withstand heavy loads and resists rot, mold, and mildew.
- Open Concept Design
- The open concept interior distributes weight evenly along the perimeter rather than loading weight in the center. This allows for large open spaces without interior load bearing walls.
- Long Lasting Materials
- The metal exterior and steel frame allow barndominiums to last for 50 years or more with proper maintenance. They resist damage from weather, pests, and fire better than traditional wooden structures
- Strength Against Natural Forces
- The sturdy steel frame and metal exterior enable barndominiums to withstand high winds, earthquakes, snow loads and other natural forces. Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Flexible Structure
- Barndominiums can be designed and adapted to meet specific needs. Walls can be moved or added without compromising structural integrity.
Metal stell barn homes are highly durable structures due to their steel frame construction, open floor plan, quality materials, and strength against natural forces.
Their structural design allows them to last for decades with less maintenance than traditional homes.
7. What are the standard barndominium sizes ?
The most common barndominium sizes are:
- 30′ x 40′, if you want a more compact 1-2 bedroom layout.
- 40′ x 60′, if you need 3-4 bedrooms and more living space.
- 50′ x 80′, if building a large 4+ bedroom barndominium home.
Do consider your spatial needs and budget, if aiming for an optimally functional and cost-effective barndo floorplan.
The modular construction allows flexibility in sizing, if you work within standard barn-building dimensions.
Focus on an appropriate footprint for your lifestyle and household, if deciding on the right barndominium size.
Is the resale value of the barndominium good?
Barndominiums may not appreciate as quickly as traditional homes, they can still be a reasonable option if prioritizing lifestyle and personalization over resale value.
Barndo buyers go with this type of house and target the right location to keep the resale value up.
Proper care and upgrades make a difference tooThe resale value of barndominiums can be good, but there are a few factors to consider:
- Location – Barndominiums in rural areas or on acreage tend to hold value better than those in subdivisions. There is higher demand when the surrounding land is part of the package.
- Construction quality – A barndo built with quality materials and craftsmanship will command a higher resale price than a budget build. Stick-built is preferred over pre-fab.
- Condition – Keeping the home well-maintained and making updates/improvements will preserve more value over time. Neglected barndos lose appeal.
- Market conditions – As with any home, resale is influenced by current real estate trends and buyer demand in the area.
- Unique features – Elements like high ceilings, lots of natural light, exposed beams, charming accents can boost value for the right buyers.
- Size and configuration – Barndos with more square footage and bedrooms tend to offer better return on investment.
