What Is The Perfect Size Barndominium Build? (2024)

What Are The Right-Size Barndominium Dimensions

When visualizing the perfect custom barndominium oasis, many new building owners fall into a “biggest is best” trap, dreaming excessively enormous without considering the downsides. Yet undersizing also leaves homeowners dismayed. Finding Goldilocks’ “just right” sweet spot along the size spectrum proves essential to match expectations with reality. But what guiding guardrails help identify that optimum area target when planning?

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General Barndominium Size Guidelines
Industry insights help inform suitable dimensions aligning with typical owner needs and rural property constraints. Major factors include acreage, budget, heating/cooling considerations and intended uses. Combining these inputs, construction pros propose:

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Minimum – For comfortable full-time residential functionality, aim for no less than 800-1,000 square feet enclosing essential spaces like a master suite, kitchen, living room and bath. Dropping below this threshold risks impractical cramping.

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Maximum – Rarely exceed 5,000 square feet for family residential purposes. Overbuilt barndos trigger budget overruns and prove burdensome heating, cleaning and maintaining without adding usable utility. Exceptions occur when significant portions dedicate towards workspaces.

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Sweet Spot – Plan for 1,200 – 2,500 feet blending unused volume with practical livability covering one story. This easily accommodates 2-3 bedrooms including a master suite with spa bath, great room gathering areas, kitchen, dining room, office, utility room and ample storage.

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Consider Contributing Factors
Also incorporate unique considerations like hobby interests demanding additional square footage for onsite shops or vehicle garage bays. Account for hosting guests overnight through multipurpose flex rooms easily converting between recreation spaces and spare bedrooms. And emphasize vaulted height more than sprawling footprint to magnify perceived grandeur within modest overall area.

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While the allure of maximizing square footage persists in new construction, disciplined deliberate barndo sizing based on quantified lifestyle needs saves money and headaches. Right-sized dimensioning from early planning stages ensures your build realistically supports rather than struggles with your dreamy barndo build.

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Aaron Scott

Aaron Scott is a freelance writer and researcher that has written hundreds of articles for online companies in the area of construction, design, finance and automotive. He's a Southern boy that enjoys creek fishing, hunting and camping. He's rarely seen without his trusted beagle hound "Scooter"

What Is The Perfect Size Barndominium Build? (2024)

FAQs

What Is The Perfect Size Barndominium Build? ›

Sweet Spot – Plan for 1,200 – 2,500 feet blending unused volume with practical livability covering one story. This easily accommodates 2-3 bedrooms including a master suite with spa bath, great room gathering areas, kitchen, dining room, office, utility room and ample storage.

What's a good size for a barndominium? ›

What Is A Good Size For A Barndominium? A good size for a barndominium is 40×60. This allows for ample space with 2,400 square feet.

What is the most cost-effective barndominium size? ›

Generally the most cost-effective barndominium size falls between 1,500-2,500 square feet. The Average size Barndominium in the US falls around 2500sqft as well.

What size barndominium can I get for 100k? ›

Maximizing open communal areas and minimizing hallway footage amplifies perceived space too. With pragmatic design selections, $100k gives hope for wonderfully livable 900-1,000 sq ft barndos in rural regions.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 200K? ›

How big of a barndominium can I build for $200K? On the high end, barndominiums have an average cost of $150 per square foot. At that price, you can estimate a building of around 1,333 square feet for $200,000.

What is the most expensive part of a barndominium? ›

What is the most expensive part of building a barndominium? The most expensive part of building a barndominium is often the interior finishes. Customization, high-end materials, and intricate designs can significantly impact the overall cost.

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? ›

Obviously, a single Story home is Going to Cost Less to build, it has a smaller overall footprint and uses fewer materials. This choice significantly impacts the overall design, functionality, and, most crucially, the cost of the project.

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.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 300k? ›

Written by HomeAdvisor. Barndominiums cost between $120,000 and $540,000, with an average 2,400-square-foot barndominium costing $300,000 to build. The total cost to build a barndominium can vary significantly depending on the size, how much of the work you do yourself, and the finishes you choose.

How many square feet is 40x60 barndominium? ›

Just like a traditional home, a barndominium floor plan can be made to be any size and customized to your specifications. However, there are sizes that are more common for barndos: 40x30 (1200 square foot) 40x60 (2400 square foot)

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.

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.

How big of a house can you build for 250k? ›

Square footage impacts cost
Size of homeExpected cost
2,000 square foot home$200,000 – $400,00
2,500 square foot home$250,000 – $500,000
3,000 square foot home$300,000 – $600,000
5,000 square foot home$500,000 – $1,000,000
3 more rows
Nov 30, 2023

Are barndominiums safe in a tornado? ›

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.

How big is a 1200 square foot barndominium? ›

Our Small Floor Plans Maximize Livable Space

This barndominium floor plan is called the Rustic Nook; it is 30x40 and 1,200 square feet of living space. It features two bedrooms and two baths, as well as a highly desirable open floor plan. This floor plan was designed to be affordable to build.

How many square feet is a 4 bedroom barndominium? ›

Key Specs: 2779 Sq. Ft.

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