With few walls needed , experience maximal flexibility with this unique abode ’s internal layout .
Courtesy of MR Post Frame
What is a barndominium?
Abarndominiumis a heavy , simple , open - plan structure that resembles a barn but is used as a hall . The full term — sometimes abbreviated tobarndo — is a compounding of the word of honor " barn " and " condominium . " In addition to life quarters , a barndominium typically includes alarge garage , shop , or other utilitarian blank space . find most often in rural areas , barndominiums have been growing in popularity during the 2020s as people move away from city in search of more space and more low-priced trapping options in a difficult real estate marketplace .
Emily Marshall , constructor of barndominimums at MRS Post Frame
We demand Emily Marshall , also recognise asMRS Post Frame , to help us understand this alternative housing style . She and her hubby , MR Post Frame , built their own barndominium in rural Iowa and now help others plan , design , and work up them . She excuse what a barndominium is , how it is build , and the pro and cons of this style of lie so you may decide whether one might work for you .
Credit:Courtesy of MR Post Frame
Hallmarks of a barndominium
•Open floor plan : Because of the room a barndominium is progress , it usually has a veryopen story plan , eminent wall and ceiling , and generous windows and doors . A barndominium structural scheme utilize a gratuitous - span truss design , allowing it to have few , or even zero , load - pay wall . The result is spacious living and piece of work area with the hallmark open , barn - like layouts . " This give maximum flexibleness with the upcountry layout and lend itself well to an extremely open concept design , ” Marshall says .
•Built from the exterior in : A barndominium is build in a unlike order than a traditional menage . For a barndominium , the frame social system , roof , and exterior bulwark go up before the inside walls . Atraditional houserequires interior walls to be finish before the outside is in post .
“ The whole exterior structure is put together before any of the interior work commences , so they look fetch up from the outside rather than a spliff bod build , ” order Marshall . “ The speed at which barndominiums are built can be quicker since they ’re often wide-eyed exteriors . " Once the anatomical structure is built , the internal process is comparable to a traditionally built home . “ The interior work will usually take a similar amount of time to complete as a formal projection , ” says Marshall.•Steel exterior : Another characteristic of barndominiums is their brand exterior walls and ceiling , often call a shell . “ Exposed fastener steel pane on the roof and sides is the most vulgar exterior , ” says Marshall .
Credit:Courtesy or MR Post Frame
Courtesy or MR Post Frame
How much does a barndominium cost?
On average , a barndominium cost $ 230,000.A little barndominium can be had for as short as $ 112,800 , but a large one with more features could cost up to $ 504,000 . To construct a 2,000 - straight - foot construction , expect costs to run from $ 130–$320 per square foot . However , purchasing stock plan or barnominium kit offer low-down - monetary value alternatives .
Like any domicile , the cost depends on many factors including the size , material , finishes , location , and even the cost of the land . “ Barndominiums fetch the report of being an extremely cheap agency to build when you mostly saw the ' shouse ' style , ” say Marshall . Shop - house ( shouse ) buildingshave big square footage , but only a small portion is converted to living space — and the endure space is where the expense lie . “ What was true then is true now : less bread and butter space equals lower toll on a flesh , ” says Marshall . “ The survive areas of a barndominium home are going to have the same costs as any type of home with the level of finish being considered . ”However , the DIY - friendly nature of barndominiums is an opportunity to pull through on costs . “ Being capable to act as your own general contractor and manage some of the grammatical construction yourself is the primary room multitude can write on their barndominium , ” aver Marshall .
What are the advantages of living in a barndominium?
•Slower footstep of life : Part of the ingathering of barndominiums is that they ’re generally found in rural areas , away from the hustle and fuss of metropolis living . “ For most of us , ' barndominium ' means more than the house someone lives in , ” say Marshall . “ It stand for a modus vivendi ordinarily at a slower pace , with indoor / outdoor living and more quality time with our families . ”
•Work - gambling space:“Barndominiums can be a perfect convulsion for hoi polloi looking for a workplace - turn style home base that has prominent than distinctive garage areas attach to the residence , ” say Marshall . “ Small businesses , car enthusiasts , animal lovers , and more see the extra space to be just what they call for . ” The protected indoor space is whippy and can change with your needs , whether you favour a commodious nearby workshop for hobbies , a gathering place for parties , or simply sheltered depot for a gravy boat , camper , or other recreational vehicles .
•Durable , humbled - maintenance exterior : Barndominiums stand out from traditional home because they ’re largely construct from long - lasting , lowly - criminal maintenance materials . brand surface hold up well against weather , sunshine , andpests like white ant , which can impact other vulgar roofing and side choices . That ’s not to say a alloy barndominium is n’t prone to concern like rust fungus , but you ’ll spend less sentence and money on exterior sustenance . “ Low - sustenance exterior , high - efficiency interior — less time spent caring for the home and more time to evolve the homestead ! ” says Marshall.•Flexible budgeting : Because barndominiums have sight of DIY opportunities , and because the outside is constructed first , you’re able to take your time completing the interior . “ One popular alternative for many people is to raise into their quad . A barndominium allows for large opened region in a shop or garage to remain bare , thus lowering the initial monetary value to build , ” says Marshall . “ Homeowners can pre - project these space and fetch up them to their liking as finances allow for . ”
Emily Marshall, builder
much speak , barndominiums can be super effective , down in the mouth - care , and monetary value - effective . When designed and constructed properly , they can stand the mental test of time .
What are the possible drawbacks of a barndominium?
•Lack of familiarity : While barndos have become more usual , they ’re still not as mainstream as traditionally built houses . You may find that builders , loanword officers , and other pro in your area are n’t intimate with barndominiums . This can cause thwarting and add surplus time to planning and execution .
But even if barndominiums are n’t common in your area , one is n’t entirely out of reach . “ The barndominium - urge menage has also uprise in popularity , ” says Marshall .
If skilled sword frame builders are n’t useable , look at a conventionally framed home built to look like a barndominium with a metallic element outside , oversized garage , and porch .
•Noise : Sound can be more of an consequence with barndominiums than a traditional home base . alloy roofs and siding can be louder in rain , for example . Even with big insulant , metal carry sound more than other exterior materials . you may mitigate some intelligent issuing , but it is something to be cognizant of , particularly when settle on insulation and considering other interior finishes .
•Limited architectural styles : If you ’re a rooter ofgrand Victoriansor Spanish villas , barndominiums may not be for you . The b - similar structure is , by design , less flexile in its style and architecture than formal theatre can be . Single - story barndominiums are most unwashed , but you may find plenty of style that have two floor . And though steel is the common outside for both type of barndominium , with additional overlay , any character of exterior material can be applied , say Marshall .
Can I build a barndominium myself?
There are many companies that betray architectural programme for barndominiums , and they will often work with you to customise a architectural plan . A barndominium outfit is another option . A outfit can let in the story plan design and construction cloth for the frame , exterior wall and siding , framed initiative for windows and door , and the ceiling . With kits , materials go far prefabricated and quick for you to build .
“ Another popular choice is to rent out the ' racing shell ' so that the project is dried in and can be work out on without threat from the weather condition , ” says Marshall . you’re able to pay someone with the necessary skills and equipment to build the cuticle , then DIY or study with rent professional person to finish the interior , fromframing wallstolaying flooringand installing cabinetry .
You ’ll need to contain with and adjust to local construction computer code and requirements when work up a barndominium , just like any other chassis .
Bongard , Lauren . “How Much Does a Barndominium toll ? [ 2025 Cost].”Angi , 2025 .
Triple , Michele . “Barndominium cost : How Much Does it Cost to construct ? [ 2024].”Barndominium Life , 2024 .
