The Pros and Cons of Building a Barndominium
Sep 12, 2023
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With mortgage rates above 7% and housing affordability at its worst since 1984, many home shoppers are looking for ways to save on their next house.
One way is to build a barndominium—a cross between a barn and a house. The term was coined back in 1989, and it’s been a growing housing trend ever since.
In this article, we’ll explain what a barndominium is in more detail and the pros and cons of building one. Let’s get started!
What is a barndominium?
Originally, barndominiums were old barns that had been repurposed into living spaces.
Today, a barndominium refers to any barn-style house made with a steel frame. It usually has an open design, high ceilings, exposed beams, and an overall rustic style.
Benefits of building a barndominium
So why would you want a barndominium over a house?
Lower construction costs. Barndominiums are cheaper to build than conventional stick-built homes because they involve less work and more affordable materials. They’re typically built with fewer interior walls and a metal frame. This results in an average cost of $94 to $120 per square foot vs. $115 to $150 per square foot for a regular home.
Shorter construction period. Because barndominiums have simpler designs and fewer parts overall, they can be built relatively quickly. This is especially true of barndominiums built on slab foundations. The average time it takes to build a barndominium is six months compared to eight months for a traditional house.
Flexible layout. Most barndominiums have open floor concepts, allowing for greater flexibility in how you design the interior. Customize it how you want and make it your own.
Durable frame. Steel frames are more durable than wood frames. Consequently, your barndominium will be more protected against strong winds and bad weather.
Lower maintenance requirements. Since barndominiums are made from steel frames, they suffer less damage from insects such as termites. Their strong beams also cause the foundation to require less maintenance.
Higher energy-efficiency. Increased circulation and thicker insulation can help barndominiums be more energy efficient, lowering your utility costs and keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Lower insurance and tax costs. With a more energy-efficient home, you may qualify for tax credits and deductions. In addition, the lower construction costs may lower the assessed value of the home, leading to lower property taxes. And with less inwall plumbing, your insurance rate may be lower, too.
Drawbacks of building a barndominium
Of course, building a barndominium also has its downsides:
Financing can be a challenge. Since barndominiums aren’t technically classified as houses, it may be harder to secure financing for them. You will likely have fewer mortgage options than you would with a traditional home.
Smaller pool of buyers when you go to sell. If you ever decide to sell your barndominium, you may struggle to find qualified buyers. Not only are fewer people interested in barndominiums than regular homes but the way you designed yours may not appeal to everyone. For example, some buyers may prefer an actual barn over a barndominium and have to factor in renovation costs as a result.
Zoning restrictions. Though rural areas often have mixed-use zoning that allows for barndominiums, urban and suburban areas may not. Consequently, you may not be able to build your barndominium in your desired location.
More prone to rust. The steel frames of barndominiums are prone to rust, which can weaken the structural integrity of the building. To avoid this, you must limit exposure to moisture. If you believe a construction defect is at play, however, consult a professional construction law attorney.
Functional appearance. Barndominiums tend to have a functional design and an industrial look. As a result, your home may stand out from others and not look quite as cozy as you’d like. It’s just a matter of taste.
The final verdict
At the end of the day, the choice to build a barndominium is up to you. Carefully weigh the pros and cons and your personal goals and interests.
If you want a lot of living space at a relatively low price, a barndominium may be the way to go. However, if you prefer the traditional home look and living in a residential area, it may not be. Do your due diligence before making a final decision.
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