What is a
Barndominium?
Basically, a barndominium is a big metal building that mixes living spaces with practical areas like a workshop or garage. You get that barn-style practicality, but inside, it feels just as cozy and customizable as any modern home. It’s a pretty attractive option if you’re after something affordable and adaptable.
These have really taken off lately, probably because they’re a refreshing alternative to the usual houses you see everywhere. Barndominiums generally run between $110 to $260 per square foot if you hire a contractor, but if you’re handy and go with a DIY kit, you might slash that cost in half.
The big draw? Affordability, open layouts, tough-as-nails construction, and you’ll be moving in months before your friends in new subdivisions.
Most barndos are finished in about 4 to 6 months. Traditional homes? Sometimes you’re waiting over a year. The steel frames mean these places last, too—some builders even toss in 50-year material warranties, which is wild.
Whether you’re dreaming about building from the ground up, eyeing a kit, or maybe buying one already finished, it’s smart to get a grip on the costs, design quirks, and what the building process actually looks like. This guide digs into floor plans, design ideas, builder recommendations, and even how you might pay for one (which, let’s be honest, is almost always the trickiest part).

The original ‘barndominium home’ from HGTV
+ Barndominiums are steel-framed, barn-inspired homes with open layouts and faster construction than your average house.
+ Expect to pay $110-260 per square foot with a contractor, but DIY kits can cut that number down by as much as 50%
+ These homes are built to last, with 50-year material warranties and speedy 4-6 month build times
Key Features of Barndominiums
Open Floor Plans
Multi-Purpose Designs
Simple Construction
Energy Savings
Customization Options
Price-to-Value
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barndominium?
Building a complete barndominium runs $110 to $260 per square foot.
For a 2,000 square foot place, you’re talking $220,000 to $520,000. Not exactly pocket change, but still competitive.
Why the big range? It comes down to size, materials, and how fancy you want to get with the finishes.
What comes with a barndominium kit package?
Basic Shell Package
- Exterior shell frame
- Metal siding and roofing
- Structural framing bits
- All the hardware and fasteners
Complete Turnkey Kit
- Interior framing
- Windows and exterior doors
- Garage doors (openers not included)
- Insulation
- Color choices for siding and roof
What Isn’t Included
- Foundation materials
- Electrical and plumbing
- Drywall and interior finishes
- Flooring
- Appliances and fixtures
How do barndominium kits differ from traditional home building kits?
Barndominium kits are all about steel or metal frames. Traditional home kits? They stick with wood framing.
The stuff you get in each kit is totally different. Barndominium kits come with metal cladding, steel beams, and pre-engineered parts. Traditional kits are all about lumber and wood-based materials.
Build speed is a big difference. Metal kits go up quicker since the pieces are pre-fab. Wood kits need more measuring, cutting, and fiddling on site.
Feature | Barndominium Kits | Traditional Kits |
---|---|---|
Frame Material | Steel/Metal | Wood |
Assembly Time | Faster | Slower |
Cost Range | $50-150/sq ft | $145/sq ft average |
Durability | 60+ years | 30-50 years |
Design flexibility is another factor. Barndominium kits let you have big, open spaces. Traditional ones usually stick to standard rooms and layouts.
When it comes to foundations, barndos usually need a concrete slab. Traditional kits can go with basements or crawl spaces if that’s your thing.
Maintenance is easier with metal kits—less worry about pests or rot. Wood kits need more TLC over the years.
One catch: financing can be trickier for barndominium kits. Banks are still figuring them out, while traditional kits are more familiar territory for lenders.
frequently asked questions
If you’re thinking about building a barndominium, you probably have a bunch of questions—how do you pick the right plans, where do you even find these things for sale, what’s trending inside, and how much can you actually customize? Honestly, these decisions can really shape both the build and how the place feels once you move in.