Barndominiums: A Guide to Building Your Modern Space

Barndominiums have rapidly gained popularity as an innovative housing option that combines the rustic charm of traditional barns with modern living amenities. These steel-framed structures offer a unique blend of form and function, providing homeowners with spacious, customizable living spaces at potentially lower costs than conventional homes. Whether you're looking to build your dream home in a rural setting or simply interested in alternative housing options, barndominiums represent an exciting opportunity to create a personalized living space that reflects your lifestyle and preferences. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about barndominiums, from their advantages to the step-by-step process of building one.

Advantages of Barndominiums

Ease of Construction

If you're looking to build a more traditional structure, there's a lot more involved. With the exterior alone, you're looking at the need for the following layers:

• Your structural layer to support the weight of the building
• Insulation
• Sheathing to provide a base for the exterior finish
• Weather-resistant barrier to prevent moisture from working its way from the outside in
• Exterior finish to create the visual look you are going for
• Vapor barrier to control the transmission of vapors (if required where your building will be constructed)

But with a barndominium, there's significantly less complexity involved. Your project can achieve dry-in, where the windows, roofing, etc., are all installed, much faster as you don't have as many layers. There's no need for plywood, finishing materials, or vapor barriers. Most barndominiums have the steel sheeting attached to the steel frame with wood in between. And then the next interior layer is your sheetrock.

Speed of Construction

Based on what we outlined above regarding ease of construction, you can build a barndominium much faster than a more traditional structure. In fact, with the right plan and materials, you can complete not only the exterior of your steel structure but also the interior in as little as two to three weeks.

However, it's better to err on the side of caution here. While barndominiums can be erected quickly, it's more realistic to assume a longer timeframe. Just as with a conventional home, the entire process can take three to six months from start to completion. This includes selecting your plan, ordering your materials, getting zoning permits and financing, and beginning the project.

That said, time is money. If you can have your materials ready and available upfront (with no waiting on backordered components), the construction time can be significantly reduced.

Zoning and Location Flexibility

Most barndominiums are built in rural areas rather than suburban settings (though it's not out of the question). When building in the country, getting zoning permits for your project is often easier.

In most cases, you must provide a plan, credentials for the construction or building crew, and proof of insurance. Just be sure to select a plan that will be appealing to others to ensure potential resale value, which may be important for financing options later.

Challenges and Considerations for Steel Barndominiums

As with any building option, barndominiums come with their own set of challenges and considerations that potential builders should be aware of before committing to this type of structure.

Zoning, Financing, and Insurance

Even if you have a sizeable plot of land out in the country, you should check to make sure you are permitted to build a barndominium due to local zoning requirements. That said, more and more municipalities and rural areas are becoming more open to these steel structures in their zoning requirements.

You may also need to check with your homeowners' association (HOA) or property owners' association (POA), if applicable.

To secure financing, you'll need to provide proof of a well-designed plan. You'll also need to show that the building will be structurally sound, and a real estate agent may be able to demonstrate that the property will have a reasonable resale value. Be prepared for the bank and your agent to use comps of traditional homes or buildings in the area when assessing value.

Building Your Barndominium: A Step-by-Step Guide

As with any construction project, building a barndominium involves following a series of well-defined steps. Here's a comprehensive overview of the process:

1. Come Up with Your Vision

Before looking for a barndominium plan, consider how you plan to use the space. Are you planning for this structure to become your primary residence? Or do you have an entirely different plan for it? These steel buildings are becoming increasingly popular for various uses, so take some time to think about your goals.

Here are some example questions to help you through the process:

• Do you plan to live in the space?
• If so, how many people will be living there?
• Do you need a built-in workspace, such as a workshop or otherwise?
• What kind of kitchen will suffice?
• Do you want a lot of windows, or is your goal more about privacy?
• How much land do you have to work with?
• How much land do you want?
• How will the surrounding landscape be used?
• Do you plan to keep the building for a long time or is it for a short-term need?

Understanding your stance on questions like these can help you when you start shopping around for a plan.

2. Determine Your Budget

To determine your budget, you probably want to know how much a barndominium costs. If you are a skilled builder and plan to act as the general contractor for your project, you'll likely save 12 to 15% on the cost compared to a similar-sized traditional structure. If you do need to hire a contractor, you can anticipate spending about the same as you would with a traditional home.

Approximately 35 to 40% of barndominium builders try to construct their own steel building to save on contractor costs. Just remember that if you decide to go that route, you need to be prepared for the cost of inspections and to correct any mistakes you might make along the way.

As of March 2023, the cost per thousand board feet to build a new home is about $419.90. This can serve as a reference point when budgeting for your barndominium project.

3. Acquire Your Land

This can be one of the most time-consuming steps in the process. Of course, if you already have land, this makes this step much simpler. If not, now is the time to begin looking for a plot of land large enough to meet the objectives you considered earlier. The best approach is to work with a real estate agent who specializes in large plots of land. These land estate agents can help you identify a property that will help you achieve your goals.

As you examine potential properties, consider their suitability. Evaluate the quality of the soil, topography, and access to utilities. If you find a plot that meets these criteria, it's time to proceed with the purchase.

Helpful hint: Before investing in land, be sure to check on any unique requirements or restrictions that could prevent you from building a barndominium on that site.

4. Shop for a Plan

Now comes the exciting part. During this phase, you start shopping for a plan that will fit on the land you have purchased and can achieve the goals you have for the space. Thankfully, there are many places to purchase a plan. Search for "barndominium plans" and "barndominium designs" on your search engine.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Barndominium plans come at a cost, and it might be more expensive than you think. Plans can cost $1,800 or more (with additional fees for customization).
• If you purchase a barndominium plan from a steel panel manufacturer or seller, make sure you are not obligated to purchase supplies from them. You should have the flexibility to order your steel siding and roofing panels from your preferred vendor.
• If you don't find a plan you like, you can hire a designer to create one for you. This is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners who want a steel home that meets all of their specific requirements.

5. Secure Permits and Zoning Requirements

Once you have a plan, you can begin securing your construction permits. To do this, visit your local government office to talk to their home construction division. They can guide you through everything you need to know about building a barndominium on your land.

If you did your homework in advance and checked on zoning restrictions, this should be a relatively straightforward process. However, be aware that in some areas, this process can take a few weeks. While you are waiting for your permits to be approved, it's a good time to start shopping around for the materials you will need for your project.

6. Order Your Materials

At this point, you can officially order your materials. Your plan should provide you with exact specifications on what is needed for your project. In most cases, the steel sheeting will be listed in standard sizes, though some plans do call for custom needs.

When ordering materials, look for suppliers who can provide both standard sizes for corrugated metal siding and roofing as well as custom options based on your project requirements. Some suppliers can create custom-sized sheeting and other components to meet specific needs.

7. Source Your Contractor

If you aren't planning to build your barndominium yourself, it's time to find a reliable contractor you can work with. Look for someone who has experience building metal barndominiums, and be sure to ask for references. Remember that these steel structures might be referred to by different names depending on your location.

If you have trouble finding a qualified contractor, consider asking your material suppliers for referrals to licensed contractors in your area.

8. Site Preparation

One of the first things your general contractor will do is prepare the site for construction. This process will vary based on your location and local requirements. However, the process typically consists of:

• Clearing away trees, brush, and any other debris
• Grading the land for the installation of drainage systems
• Installation of drainage systems and any other underground requirements
• Regrading to prepare for the foundation
• Laying the concrete foundation, whether it will be a slab (most common with a barndominium), crawl space, or basement

9. Construction

Once all your supplies have arrived, you can begin the construction process. This includes the following steps:

• Framing the structure
• Installing roofing and exterior steel wall panels
• Roughing in the utilities
• Interior finishing such as walls, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, windows, doors, etc.

When ordering supplies, look for vendors that offer quick shipping options. Some suppliers can ship materials in just three or four days from the time you place the order, which can help keep your project on schedule.

10. Inspections and Adjustments

Once your barndominium is completed, you will need to have a local inspector come out to review the work. Your contractor will likely have had various inspections done throughout the construction process, so in most cases, this final inspection is a formality. However, it does mean that your structural, electrical, and plumbing elements will be closely reviewed for safety and compliance with local requirements.

If any issues are found, you will be given a certain time window to make the corrections. After adjustments have been made, the inspector will return to provide final approval for you to inhabit the space.

11. Final Touches

With your inspection behind you, it's time to add those finishing touches. This means adding internal and external decorations to complete the space. Think furniture, lighting, and decorations to fit your style. You may also choose to have the exterior landscaped right away. However, many homeowners wait a year or two before landscaping the exterior to help save on costs.

12. Move-in Day!

Moving day has finally arrived! Now is your time to enjoy all of your hard work and embrace your new way of living. With all of that planning and effort, you're sure to love all of the benefits that come with barndominium living.

Conclusion

Barndominiums represent an exciting alternative to traditional home construction, offering numerous advantages in terms of construction ease, speed, and flexibility. While they do come with their own set of challenges, particularly regarding zoning, financing, and insurance, the growing popularity of these structures has led to increased acceptance and accommodation in many areas.

Whether you're drawn to the aesthetic appeal of metal buildings, the potential cost savings, or the customization options available, building a barndominium can be a rewarding project that results in a unique and personalized living space. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide and carefully considering your needs and goals, you can successfully navigate the journey from initial vision to move-in day.

As with any major construction project, thorough research, careful planning, and attention to detail are key to achieving the barndominium of your dreams. With the right approach, your building can provide comfort, functionality, and style for years to come.