The Truth about Barndominiums: Pros & Cons of Barndominium Ownership (2024)

The Pros and Cons of Barndominium ownership ( in a nutshell )

Barndominiums, barn-style homes combining the functionality of agricultural barns with the amenities of modern residential living, have grown in popularity across rural America. Their unique blend of rustic charm and practical utility make barndominiums an appealing choice for many homeowners. However, deciding between a prefabricated steel barndominium kit or traditional stick-built framing comes down to weighing the pros and cons.

The Truth about Barndominiums: Pros & Cons of Barndominium Ownership (1)

– Cost – Barndominiums are generally less expensive per square foot than traditional construction. The simple barn design requires less labor and materials to construct.

– Customization – Barndominium owners can customize the home’s layout and select upgrade finishes as desired. Open concept layouts are common.

– Energy efficiency – With less surface area exposed and strategic insulation placement, barndominiums can be designed to be very energy efficient.

Durability – Barndominiums stand up well to extreme weather conditions like high winds, rain, snow and ice.

The Truth about Barndominiums: Pros & Cons of Barndominium Ownership (2)

Cons of Barndominium Ownership

– Rural locations – Barndominiums are better suited for rural or agricultural settings rather than busy suburban neighborhoods. Zoning restrictions may apply.

– Layout limitations – The single level barn design doesn’t allow for basements or multiple floors without significant structural enhancements.

– Rustic aesthetic – While some enjoy the rustic charm, others may prefer more refined finishes. Barndominiums skew more casual and farmhouse in style.

The Truth about Barndominiums: Pros & Cons of Barndominium Ownership (3)

Steel vs. Stick Built Barndominium Considerations

Steel frame barndominium kits offer advantages like speed of construction, low maintenance, and precision engineering. However, stick built barns allow for more customization during framing.

Steel Frame Barndominium Kit Pros:

– Faster construction with panelized or modular building components
– Consistent quality with components engineered and prefabricated offsite
Very durable and resilient structure
– Minimum maintenance required over lifetime of home
Energy efficient and resistant to rot, mold, termites

The Truth about Barndominiums: Pros & Cons of Barndominium Ownership (4)

Stick Built Framing Pros:


– Ability to fully customize frame design and layout
– More flexibility to accommodate unique home features
– Can utilize a variety of sustainable wood species
– Allows DIY construction by owner
– Easier to modify over time

Overall, while stick built barns may work well for some owner-builders, prefabricated steel barndominium kits like those offered by BuildMax provide an appealing combination of customization, quality, and cost-effectiveness. BuildMax kits allow you to choose from numerous floor plans and sizes while still benefiting from resilient steel construction. This can reduce construction timelines while providing an energy-efficient, durable barndominium perfect for both residential living and storage needs.

The Truth about Barndominiums: Pros & Cons of Barndominium Ownership (2024)

FAQs

The Truth about Barndominiums: Pros & Cons of Barndominium Ownership? ›

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 is the downside to a barndominium? ›

However, there are a few downsides to barndominiums, including: Challenges in securing financing. Potential for shifting, cracking, and corrosion over time. Restrictions by some cities.

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

What is the truth about barndominiums? ›

Barndominiums skew more casual and farmhouse in style. Steel frame barndominium kits offer advantages like speed of construction, low maintenance, and precision engineering. However, stick built barns allow for more customization during framing.

What is the lifespan of a barndominium? ›

Longevity: Although they may not last as long as traditional homes, a well-maintained barndominium can provide comfortable living for around 50 years. 5. Durability: Barndominiums are built to withstand the elements, ensuring they remain sturdy and reliable over the years.

Are barndominiums prone to mold? ›

Barndominiums offer a blend of rustic aesthetics and modern living that appeals to many homeowners. However, like any other type of construction, they are susceptible to mold growth if not properly designed, constructed, and maintained.

Is it hard to insure a barndominium? ›

Insurance can be complicated for barndominium homes. According to Barndominium.org, not all insurers cover barndos, especially if they're mixed-use instead of residential only, and those that do might have barndo-specific policies.

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.

Why not build 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.

Is buying a barndominium worth it? ›

Barndominiums have the strength and durability that comes with being made from metal, making them just as safe or even more secure than a traditional home. The structural integrity of a barndominium also makes them last longer with less maintenance.

Why are barndominiums hard to finance? ›

Banks require appraisals to determine the property's value, which in turn, informs their lending decisions. Because barndominiums are relatively unique and fewer in number compared to traditional homes, finding comparable sales (comps) necessary for accurate valuation is difficult.

Are barndominiums safe in storms? ›

Constructed with metal, a barndo offers superior protection from severe weather. The steel structure of a steel barndominium has a higher wind resistance than a conventional wood frame home. While the metal integrity of your home can endure a tornado, the windows and doors may not.

Do barndominiums hold their value? ›

Barndominiums normally retain their resale value and may even increase in value gradually, although more slowly than a standard home. However, these homes are still rare in some parts of the country, and it may be challenging to get an accurate appraisal in an area where there are few.

Are barndominiums good in cold weather? ›

In summary, steel-framed barndominiums offer a slew of benefits for those living in cold climates, from efficient heat transfer and increased snow load support to reduced shifting and settling.

Is it loud living in a barndominium? ›

Barndominiums can be louder than traditional homes during rainfall, primarily due to their metal roofs. However, the degree of noise can be significantly mitigated through strategic construction choices, such as quality insulation, soundproofing techniques, and thoughtful interior design.

Do barndominiums have insulation? ›

Steel structure and sheet metal siding make the building easy to seal, making it energy-efficient. Furthermore, most barndominiums include energy-efficient windows and spray foam insulation. Passive solar heating is frequently included in the construction of barndominiums.

Why can't you finance a barndominium? ›

Many USDA lenders are unfamiliar with these structures and may be reluctant to finance their purchase. Borrowers may also experience added difficulty when seeking a USDA construction loan to build a new barndominium, as some USDA lenders, including Neighbors Bank, do not offer this loan type.

Do barndominiums keep their value? ›

Absolutely! A well-maintained barndominium can hold its value exceptionally well over time. Thanks to their robust construction, timeless appeal, and energy efficiency upgrades, these properties can be a wise long-term investment.

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