Pole Barn Vs. Bardonimium | Keystone Construction (2024)

Both pole barns and Barndominiums have grown in popularity in Western Kentucky due to their flexible design, low cost, and durability as compared to traditional houses. While pole barns and barndos, as they are sometimes called, are similar in concept, they differ in a variety of ways. Pole barn houses vs. barndonimiums: which is right for you? Knowing the difference can help you decide which one is best for your property.

Choosing between a barndo and a pole barn house for your next home can be an exhausting and stressful process. Read on to find out the difference between each one and how to make your choice. If you have further questions, feel free to contact Keystone Construction. We are your leading post-frame construction company in Western Kentucky.

Back to the Basics

There are some fundamental elements differentiating pole barns vs. barndoliniums.

What is a Pole Barn?

A pole barn, or pole building, is the traditional name for a large agricultural structure with no basem*nt, a high ceiling, and wide-open spaces. Laminated wooden posts are used in the frame, and today builders prefer the term post-frame building.

You can use a pole barn as an agricultural building, from fully enclosed buildings to run-in shelters to pavilion-style buildings. Also, equipment storage buildings, with extra-wide sliding doors to hold large farm equipment like combine harvesters, hay storage buildings, greenhouses, and multi-use structures.

What is a Barndominium?

A barndominium is a multi-purpose metal or wood building that contains living quarters. A lot of them are built using the basic shell of a pole barn (Post Frame). It is an affordable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance solution for residential living. A barndominium combines a living area, usually an extension of a larger open space used as a barn, a workshop, a shed, or some other hobby requiring extra square footage.

Today’s barndominiums may be new builds or existing barns that have been retrofitted to make them habitable. This type of building is typically built on an existing property or multi-acre homesite. The structure often acts as a dual-purpose living and shop or work and storage area large enough for things as large as boats and recreational vehicles. These homes are much more versatile than a traditional house and can offer significant cost savings considering everything included in the build.

Pros and Cons of Barndominiums

Pros

  • Don’t use trusses, so you get more usable space. You have more space to build a loft or an upper level and spread out more.
  • Rust-free and are leak-proof due to the seamless construction
  • Rigid frames that hold their shape for many years. A steel-framed barndominium should stay standing throughout harsh weather conditions.
  • More design options with more than one level due to the all-steel construction’s strength
  • Lower insurance rates because of the low risk of fire or other damage

Cons

  • Expensive to build
  • May require a professional contractor to build your home due to the complex design and local/state building codes.
  • Requires a concrete foundation which can add to the building expense
  • Steel buildings are at risk of rusting.

Pros and Cons of a Pole Barn

Pros

  • Takes less time and fewer resources to construct, depending on how many details you include.
  • Cost Effective: Less expensive to build than a barndominium per square foot
  • Easier site preparation, especially if you do not need a foundation

Cons

  • Shifts more often as the poles move with the ground during each season
  • Requires more maintenance, especially if it is constructed with wood rather than steel.
  • Wood may rot and is vulnerable to termites.
  • Higher insurance rate due to fire risk

Which Should You Choose: A Pole Barn House or a Barndominium?

What criteria should you use to determine which type of structure to build?

Purpose

First, consider your purpose. If you plan on building a house, or a workshop with a living space, then a barndominium might work for you. On the other hand, if your purpose includes a workshop space and a place for animals, a pole barn with small living quarters might be more practical.

Budget

Second, consider your budget, construction costs, and labor costs. Since barndominiums are more expensive to build than a pole barn, think about building a pole barn if your budget doesn’t quite cover a barndominium. While pole barns are normally used for farm animals, you could create a second story to build your home. If you are curious about typical barndominium costs, check out this article.

Maintenance

While money is a resource, that’s not going to serve you when maintaining your structure. when it comes to pole barn homes, they requiree more maintenance to keep them in good condition. A barndominium requires much less maintenance, so if you don’t have decent “fix-it” skills, that might be a better choice for you.

Pole Barn Vs. Bardonimium | Keystone Construction (2024)

FAQs

Pole Barn Vs. Bardonimium | Keystone Construction? ›

Pole barns offer the most economic enclosed structures per square foot. However, their residual value and functionality remains limited. Barndominiums require greater upfront investment for residential finishings but allow full-home uses while still costing less per square foot than traditional homes.

Which is cheaper, pole barn vs barndominium? ›

Since barndominiums are more expensive to build than a pole barn, think about building a pole barn if your budget doesn't quite cover a barndominium. While pole barns are normally used for farm animals, you could create a second story to build your home.

Are barndominiums cheaper than stick built? ›

The labor costs will vary broadly based on the design, but generally speaking, a barndominium will be less expensive to construct than a regular house. This is due in part to the way most bardos are constructed.

Which is better, a pole barn or a metal building? ›

Steel buildings typically require less maintenance than wooden pole barns, as they resist rot, pests, and warping.

Why not build a pole barn? ›

Pole barns are not allowed in some neighborhoods, or the permitting process is more complicated. You may not want to build a pole barn if your HOA or county does not allow them. Some require pole buildings to match the residence, which could add to the overall cost—more on that in number five.

What is the most expensive part of building a barndominium? ›

The biggest cost of building a barndominium comes from purchasing and building the metal shell, including the roof, doors, and windows. Other major exterior features that can affect the building cost include: Metal siding.

How much does it cost to build a 2000 square foot barndominium? ›

The cost to build a barndominium is $65 to $160 per square foot or $130,000 to $320,000 on average for a 2,000 SF home. Barndominium prices depend on the size, materials, and interior finishes chosen. Barndominium kit prices are $20 to $35 per square foot for materials only.

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

What do I wish I knew before building a barndominium? ›

Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.
  • Obtain a permit for your project. Photo by Bridger Steel, Inc. ...
  • Test the paint. Photo by Justin Doyle Homes. ...
  • Prepare for surprise costs. ...
  • Plan for electrical work. ...
  • Choose your windows and doors wisely. ...
  • Add insulation—it's important.
Mar 14, 2022

Is it cheaper to build a 1 or 2 story barndominium? ›

Single-story barndominiums are generally perceived as less expensive due to several factors: – **Foundation Costs**: The foundation of a single-story barndominium typically costs less than that of a two-story structure since it bears less weight. This can lead to savings in both materials and labor.

How many years will a pole barn last? ›

The Common Lifespan

However, the most commonly cited timeline is 40-60 years. But, that doesn't mean that after 40-60 years your pole barn is guaranteed to lose function or no longer be standing. In fact, it is possible that with the proper care, pole barns could last upwards of 100 years.

Are pole barns worth the money? ›

Pole barns are a great investment because they make storage much easier. If you have a lot of land and have a lot of agricultural machinery, a pole barn can give them a place to be easily stored. Agricultural machinery isn't cheap, sometimes single machines can cost over $100,000.

Why are pole barns so cheap? ›

They require less wood and steel than traditional buildings.

Fewer materials mean the cost to build the pole barn will be lower. A pole barn uses conventional-sized wood for construction, while a timber frame barn requires heavy timber, which is larger, more expensive, and more difficult to work with.

What are the downsides of pole barns? ›

Less Insulation

The simple design of pole barns with the post and beam method tends to make it more difficult to add insulation and may require additional work. Because they are also created with fewer materials than stick built buildings, there are fewer layers of insulation that can be added.

What is the alternative to a pole barn? ›

A great alternative to pole barns is steel barns or garages. Constructed from a lightweight yet incredibly strong steel frame, these steel structures are covered with attractive steel siding and steel roofing that is designed to stand the test of time.

Does a pole barn need a foundation? ›

You want that new structure, but first you have to have a pole barn foundation. Without this vital piece of the building, your pole barn will lack the needed structural support and integrity needed to ensure that you can use your building for what it's worth.

Do barndominiums cost less to build? ›

Looking solely at the base price of construction, a barndominium is significantly cheaper to build than a traditional house. However, finishes, size, location, add-ons, customization, and amenities influence the final price.

What is cheaper to build pole barn or stick built? ›

Because pole barns are built with fewer materials and labor hours, they tend to be more cost-effective.

Is it cheaper to build a metal or wood pole barn? ›

While pole barns have a lower initial cost than metal buildings, investing around 15% more in a steel structure can result in long-term savings through reduced maintenance expenses and lower insurance premiums of 30% or more.

Why are pole barns cheaper than houses? ›

Pole Barn Custom Homes Cost Less. Did you know that fifteen percent of the cost of building a home comes from the foundation? When you build a barndominium, there is no foundation needed, so you can eliminate this portion of the cost.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 6427

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.