Barndominiums are slowly – but surely – becoming a more prevalent part of the custom home scene. And for plenty of good reasons, too.
Visually unique. Durable. Versatile. Customizable. The list goes on.
But as a newer custom home style, clients considering a barndo as their next residence are coming with plenty of questions – some more frequently asked than others.
To help you meet potential barndo owners' concerns, we've compiled a list of the most common questions we're hearing about barndominiums – from "What is a barndominium" to "How do you finance a barndominium?"
The Top 10 FAQs About Barndominiums
What questions are we regularly fielding from those interested in building a custom barndominium? Here are the top 10:
- What is a barndominium?
- Do barndominiums hold their value?
- What is the average build time for a barndominium?
- Are barndominiums energy-efficient?
- Can my barndo have a basement?
- Are there cost savings in building a two-story barndominium vs. a one-story?
- What should I consider before building a barndominium?
- Can you customize a barndominium?
- How much does it cost to build a barndominium?
- How do I finance my barndominium?
What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium is a custom-designed residence that merges the look and structural features of a classic pole barn with the conveniences of contemporary custom homes. This creates a distinctive, roomy, and adaptable living space. Built using post-frame construction methods, these homes offer expansive, open floor plans and provide the flexibility to tailor the layout to meet specific requirements and preferences.
Though a newer style of custom home, they're gaining in popularity as an option for custom home living. In addition to their distinct appearance and layout flexibility, barndos are an attractive option as a home because of their:
- Durability
- Low-maintenance design
- Versatility for multi-functional spaces, including living, work, and storage areas
- Eco-friendliness
Do Barndominiums Hold Their Value?
Yes, they hold their value the same as any other custom home does! The following factors should be considered when deciding on a custom home.
- Location: A barndominium located in a desirable area with good schools, amenities, and low crime rates will likely hold its value well over time. On the other hand, a barndominium situated somewhere such as a remote location may not see as much appreciation in value.
- Design: Tastes change and design trends come and go. While it's impossible to predict what will be popular in the future, both the interior and exterior design of your barndominium will influence its value.
- Maintenance: As with any home, proper & routine maintenance is key to preserving its value. A well-maintained barndominium will likely hold its value better than a neglected one.
What is the Average Build Time for a Barndominium?
This one is a hard one to answer, and it's for the same reason we can't answer the same question for building a panelized custom home. So much of the barndominium build time depends on a variety of factors:
- Design: It's simple math, so to speak – more complex barndominium designs are likely going to take longer to build.
- Size: More math – bigger buildings take longer to construct than smaller ones. Think of it like the difference between building a tiny home vs. a mansion.
- Materials: Hiccups and delays in the supply chain and complicated logistics can happen when procuring materials, which could potentially affect the overall timeline.
- Labor: Just like with sourcing materials, sometimes it can be difficult to find workers or specialty contractors available when you need them.
- Paperwork processing: Though getting permits and filing the appropriate paperwork happens well before construction even starts, without these items in place, you can't start building.
Of note, because of how pole barns are constructed and how panelized construction for its interior works well hand-in-hand, building a barndo does take less time than other custom home building methods, such as stick building.
Are Barndominiums Energy-Efficient?
Yes, barndominiums can be energy-efficient, but achieving this requires careful attention to insulation and sealing.
Since barndominiums often have more distance between the exterior wall posts, creating wider wall cavities, extra effort is needed to insulate the building effectively. A common practice is applying spray foam insulation to the exterior walls first, followed by adding a layer of standard batt insulation. In addition to proper insulation, ensuring the building is well-sealed by caulking areas where airflow might occur is crucial.
Using energy-efficient windows and lighting also contributes to creating an energy-efficient barndominium, helping maintain a comfortable indoor environment and reducing energy costs.
Can my Barndo Have a Basement?
No, a barndominium can't have a basement.
Barndos are constructed on a slab foundation rather than a poured wall, which makes adding a basement unfeasible. If a basement is essential for your home design, a barndominium might not be the best option for you. Opting out of a basement can be more cost-effective, but in colder climates, you should consider how this might impact the other elements of the structure – primarily heating. Without a basement, the floor can be cold during the winter, so your choice of heating system, like a radiant floor system, becomes crucial to maintaining a comfortable living space.
Are There Cost Savings in Building a Two-Story Barndominium vs. a One-Story?
When deciding between building a one-story or two-story barndominium, the costs can vary based on several factors. Generally, a two-story barndominium can offer some cost savings compared to a one-story due to the smaller foundation and roof footprint. Building upwards rather than outwards can reduce the amount of foundation and roofing materials needed, leading to potential savings on both materials and labor.
However, the construction of a two-story barndominium may also require more structural support and complexity, potentially increasing costs in some areas. For example, you'll need to account for staircases, enhanced structural support, and possibly more complex roofing designs. Additionally, the overall wall insulation might be less expensive for a two-story because it requires less attic insulation compared to a larger footprint of a one-story design.
What Should I Consider Before Building a Barndominium?
Before building a barndominium, one of the most important factors to consider is why you’re choosing this structure. Many people are drawn to barndominiums for their unique aesthetic, blending modern living spaces with the rustic charm of a barn. But the appeal goes beyond looks – barndominiums, built using post-frame construction, offer significant practical benefits as well.
Using post-frame construction allows for wide, clear-span interiors due to the absence of interior load-bearing walls. This is achieved through the use of trusses rather than rafters, which means you can create large, open spaces that are highly customizable. Whether you want a spacious living room, a large workshop, or an open-plan kitchen, the flexibility offered by post-frame construction makes barndominiums ideal for those looking to design a home that suits their specific needs. This wide-span interior is difficult to achieve with conventional homes that use rafters, giving barndominiums a distinct advantage in terms of layout flexibility.
Can You Customize a Barndominium?
Yes! They are a new style of custom home, after all (and it's one of our favorite things about this type of building)
And thanks to its structural elements – posts and rafters with long spans – you won't have the same limitations you might encounter when trying to customize a traditional stick-built home.
Barndominiums can offer more open floor plans, wider rooms and openings, and fewer load-bearing walls or columns in the living spaces. What’s more, panelized construction allows us to create interior walls and custom design.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Barndominium?
Another one that we can’t give a definitive answer for because there are so many variables to consider. Piggybacking off our last Q&A, when customization enters the picture, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much a barndo costs – and that encompasses everything from the layout to the finishings.
And remember, there are plenty of other project-related costs that contribute to the final bill, including:
- Land purchase
- Site preparation
- Utility installation
- Zoning and permit fees
How Do I Finance My Barndominium Project?
You can finance a barndominium just like any other custom home. However, it’s important to work with a lender who is experienced in these types of projects, as finding comparable values for appraisals can be more challenging than with traditional homes. A lender who understands the unique nature of barndominiums will be able to guide you through the process smoothly.
Most barndominium financing follows standard mortgage processes, including options like construction loans or traditional home loans, once the home is built. Some lenders may also offer specific loans for metal buildings or pole barns, which could be applicable depending on your design. The best way to make sure the process is streamlined? Have all your documentation in order, including detailed plans and cost estimates, when approaching lenders.
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