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).

barndominium

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

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Key Features of Barndominiums

Open Floor Plans

If you like big, airy spaces, you’ll love these. The steel frame means you don’t need as many interior walls, so vaulted ceilings and wide rooms are the norm.

Multi-Purpose Designs

Barndos are all about versatility. Need a workshop, garage, or even a horse stable? You can tack it right on.

Simple Construction

Most are built on a simple rectangle, which keeps costs down and makes custom layouts way easier.

Energy Savings

Modern barndos usually come with good insulation, efficient windows, and those nice tall ceilings. Keeps heating and cooling bills from getting out of hand.

Customization Options

You can go basic or high-end. Hardwood floors, granite counters, fancy cabinets—it’s up to you. And you can paint the outside pretty much any color you want.

Price-to-Value

When you factor in the increased energy-efficiency, faster construction timelines and long-term durability of steel- your budget wins.

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 is the Average Cost of a Barndominium Kit?

DIY Barndominium kits are the budget choice, usually $35 to $52 per square foot for the shell.

You’ll need to add $10 to $15 per square foot for labor to put it all together.

– 2024 Sales Data

What comes with a barndominium kit package?

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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
101 guide

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.

FeatureBarndominium KitsTraditional Kits
Frame MaterialSteel/MetalWood
Assembly TimeFasterSlower
Cost Range$50-150/sq ft$145/sq ft average
Durability60+ years30-50 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.

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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.

Start with size. You want something that fits your family and doesn’t break the bank. Bigger isn’t always better—costs go up with every extra square foot, especially when it comes to heating and cooling.

The floor plan is a big deal. Open layouts are all the rage, but maybe you want more walls for privacy (kids, anyone?). It depends on your lifestyle.Think about how you’ll actually use the space. Some folks want a workshop or a place to tinker with cars. Others just want a cozy home. It’s your call.

Don’t forget local building codes—they can throw a wrench in the works.

Some places aren’t keen on metal buildings or mixed-use spaces.The type of foundation you’ll need comes down to your land and local rules. Sometimes a slab is fine, other times you’ll need a full basement. Not the most exciting part, but pretty important.

Sometimes you’ll spot finished barndominiums on real estate websites, but they’re not as common as regular houses. It can take a bit of digging.

Local realtors—especially in rural towns—are often in the know about these properties. They might have leads you won’t find online.

Some builders have completed barndos for sale, maybe a model home or a custom job that didn’t pan out for someone else.

You might also find land with old barns that could be converted. Sure, it’s more work, but sometimes it’s cheaper than starting from scratch.

There are also companies selling barndominium kits—plans and materials bundled together. You’d still need a piece of land, but it’s a shortcut if you’re handy (or know someone who is).

Customization usually starts with picking the shell—how big, what shape. The usual suspects are 30×40, 40×60, or 50×80 feet, but you can go wild if you want.

Since the structure uses posts, you can put interior walls wherever you want. That makes it super flexible for room layouts.

Plumbing and electrical get figured out early, before you start finishing the inside. It’s not glamorous, but it saves headaches later.

Insulation is a big deal, especially for metal buildings. Spray foam seems to be the go-to for energy efficiency. We recommend combining two forms of insulation.

Outside, you’ve got options—different sidings, colors, maybe some stone or brick accents if you want to dress it up a bit.Inside, it’s all about your choices—flooring, wall finishes, fixtures. That’s where your personality really comes through.

Exposed beams, steel, and other industrial touches are pretty common. A lot of people let the building’s bones show—it’s part of the charm.

Rustic touches like reclaimed wood for walls or tables are everywhere. It just fits, you know?

Open layouts and high ceilings help the place feel big and airy. Not everyone loves it, but it’s definitely “in.”

Mixing in modern stuff—like stainless appliances—actually works really well with the rustic vibe. It’s a cool contrast.

Big windows are a must for natural light, and sliding barn doors? They’re both useful and look great.