What Does It Cost To Build A Barndominium?
The Cost of Building a Barndominium
As housing trends evolve to embrace unconventional structures like shipping containers and 3D-printed homes, barndominiums emerge as a unique blend of spacious living quarters and practical workspaces. These structures, often developed from restored barns or newly constructed barn-type metal buildings, offer a comprehensive solution for integrating living, entertaining, and working under a single expansive roof.
Defining the Barndominium
A barndominium typically manifests as either a revamped barn or a newly erected barn-like metal structure that houses expansive living areas. These areas coexist under the same roof as workshops, vehicle bays, or storage spaces. Known colloquially as ‘barndos’ or ‘shop houses’, these structures are notable for their grandeur, with many featuring second stories, mezzanines, or lofts that overlook workspaces. It’s not unusual for the interior living spaces of barndominiums to extend up to 5,000 square feet.
Barndominiums are particularly well-suited to larger tracts of land, such as those found in unincorporated areas, farms, or hobby wineries. Their size and distinctive style make them a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of utility and aesthetic appeal.
Emergence and Growing Interest
The concept of barndominiums gained significant attention following a 2016 episode of “Fixer Upper,” where Chip and Joanna Gaines transformed a horse barn into a contemporary living space. While some barndominiums are indeed refurbished barns, most modern examples are large, metal structures with barn-like functionalities, often featuring opulent interiors.
Estimating the Cost of a Complete Barndominium
Building a barndominium involves various costs, which can vary widely based on design choices, location, and materials. On average, expect to spend between $100 and $130 per square foot for a fully outfitted barndominium that’s ready for occupancy. This cost includes both the interior living spaces and any integrated work or storage areas.
Cost of Metal Barndominium Shells
One of the appealing factors of barndominiums is the lower initial cost of the metal shell. Prices for these shells, which are the basic structure without installation, can vary depending on size:
- A 30x50x14 foot structure may cost around $26,000.
- A larger 60x80x16 foot structure can be around $60,000.
- For an 80x100x14 foot structure, the cost may be about $87,000.
- A similar size, 80x100x16 foot structure, could cost around $91,000.
It’s important to note that these costs are highly variable and depend on factors such as land ownership, availability of core services like electricity and water, and the specific type of barndominium you plan to build or restore.
Financing Your Barndominium Build
Exploring Custom Financing Solutions
When considering the costs associated with building a barndominium, understanding and securing the right financing plays a pivotal role in bringing your vision to life. From the initial purchase of land to the final touches on your custom living space, navigating the financial aspects can be streamlined with tailored financing solutions. Partnering with experts in custom home financing, like those at Customhomefinancing.com, provides access to a range of options suited to your unique project needs. Whether it’s a loan for the initial construction phase or a mortgage for the finished home, exploring specialized financing avenues ensures that your barndominium project stays on track, both in design and budget.
Breakdown of Major Costs
For a large barndominium, say 72×40 feet, the costs for key components might range from $153,000 to $182,000, divided as follows:
| Building Shell | $45,000 | $48,000 |
| Foundation | $58,000 | $60,000 |
| Interior Structure | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Electrical | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Insulation | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Kitchen | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Doors | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| HVAC | $7,000 | $8,000 |
| Flooring | $3,000 | $4,000 |
| Plumbing Under Slab | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Drywall | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Inner Structure | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Water Treatment | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Bathrooms | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Plumbing Materials | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Lighting | $1,000 | $2,000 |
These figures provide a general guideline, but actual costs can vary based on material choices, local labor rates, and other factors.
Barndominium Planing Considerations
Maximizing Space for Personalized Living
Barndominiums offer a unique advantage in terms of size and customization. From cozy and compact to grand and expansive, these structures can be tailored to fit any lifestyle or requirement. Whether you’re envisioning a small, intimate space or a large, multi-functional area for living and working, barndominiums provide the flexibility to design your dream home. With options for additional floors, lofts, and open-plan living areas, these adaptable structures can be customized to create the perfect balance between your living and workspace needs.
Land Acquisition
Securing land is often a key step in the barndominium building process. The choice of location can significantly impact the overall cost and feasibility of the project. According to the USDA, the average value of farm real estate was around $3,380 per acre in 2021. However, prices vary widely based on location, with some Eastern U.S. states reaching over $12,000 per acre, while Western states generally fall below the national average.
Site Access
Access to the barndominium site from public roads is essential. If there is no existing road, construction costs can add up. For example, building an asphalt road can cost between $70 and $170 per linear foot, meaning a quarter-mile road could range from $92,400 to $224,400. In contrast, gravel roads are more economical, costing about $14 to $25 per linear foot for a 30-foot wide path.
Zoning and Permitting
The potential for zoning restrictions is a crucial consideration. Residential areas may not always permit large metal-structure barndominiums, making large acreage in unincorporated areas more suitable. The permit process generally mirrors that of standard residential construction, involving fees based on square footage or estimated building cost, submission of architectural plans, and often engineer drawings for metal buildings.
Utility Installation
For sites without existing utilities, the cost of bringing in electricity can range from $25 to $50 per foot. This means for a half-mile distance, costs could be between $67,000 and $132,000. Septic tank and leach line installation average around $6,800. If municipal water isn’t available, well digging costs average $6,000 for a 100-foot depth, but deeper wells may be needed in low water table areas. Adding a water treatment system for potable water can cost an additional $1,000 to $3,000.
Ensuring Your Investment is Secure
In the journey of creating a barndominium, safeguarding your investment with the right insurance is as crucial as any other planning consideration. From the onset of construction to your move-in day and beyond, appropriate insurance coverage protects your barndominium against unforeseen events and liabilities. This includes construction-phase insurance for material theft and accidental damage, and comprehensive homeowner’s insurance post-construction. Carefully chosen insurance not only offers peace of mind but also ensures that your dream home is secure in the face of unexpected challenges.
Blending Living and Working Spaces
Harmonizing Professional and Personal Worlds
Barndominiums uniquely integrate living and working spaces, offering a harmonious blend of functionality and comfort. These versatile structures are designed to accommodate a wide range of activities under one roof, from professional pursuits in spacious workshops to relaxed living in stylish, comfortable quarters. The seamless integration of these areas allows for a fluid transition between work and leisure, fostering a lifestyle where productivity and relaxation coexist. Whether it’s a home office, an artist’s studio, or a personal gym, barndominiums provide the flexibility to create spaces that truly reflect and enhance your way of life.
Interior and Exterior Design
Barndominiums are renowned for their versatile interior living spaces, often furnished with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, living areas, and entertainment rooms. The work areas are customizable based on the owner’s needs, ranging from large sections for commercial activities to smaller spaces for hobbies like brewing, woodworking, or art.
Living and work areas in a barndominium are typically connected through internal doors or hallways, offering convenience and comfort during adverse weather conditions. Large workspaces often require high BTU heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Aesthetic Considerations
When it comes to exteriors, restored barns converted into barndominiums often retain elements of classic country barns, such as white clapboard siding, industrial lights, and wooden windows. However, most new-build barndominiums prioritize functionality with simple, sturdy metal structures providing protection against environmental elements and potential fire hazards. The strength-to-weight ratio of metal allows for vast open interior spaces, free from the decay problems associated with wood.
Barndominium Sizes and Customization Options
Exploring the Versatility of Barndominiums
Barndominiums are renowned for their adaptability in size and design, catering to a diverse array of needs and preferences. These structures come in various dimensions, offering the flexibility to create both intimate and expansive living spaces.
- 30-foot by 40-foot: This size allows for about 1,200 square feet of ground-level space. Adding a second floor can increase the area to approximately 2,000 square feet, accommodating two bedrooms, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and a sizable work bay.
- 40-foot by 75-foot: With these dimensions, you can achieve up to 1,000 square feet of workspace and 5,000 square feet of living space over two levels. This layout can include two to three bedrooms, a full kitchen plus a kitchenette, an entertainment area, and two bathrooms.
- 60-foot by 70-foot: This substantial size offers immense customization possibilities. The 4,200 square feet of ground-floor space can be complemented with an additional 4,000 square feet on the second floor. Such a barndominium can host multiple bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and even a separate apartment, while still maintaining a significant area for work and leisure.
- 30-foot by 40-foot: This size allows for about 1,200 square feet of ground-level space. Adding a second floor can increase the area to approximately 2,000 square feet, accommodating two bedrooms, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and a sizable work bay.
- 40-foot by 75-foot: With these dimensions, you can achieve up to 1,000 square feet of workspace and 5,000 square feet of living space over two levels. This layout can include two to three bedrooms, a full kitchen plus a kitchenette, an entertainment area, and two bathrooms.
- 60-foot by 70-foot: This substantial size offers immense customization possibilities. The 4,200 square feet of ground-floor space can be complemented with an additional 4,000 square feet on the second floor. Such a barndominium can host multiple bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and even a separate apartment, while still maintaining a significant area for work and leisure.
Building a Barndominium: A Step-by-Step Overview
From Concept to Reality
The process of building a barndominium involves several key steps:
- Land Acquisition: Identifying and purchasing suitable land is the first step. This includes considering the location, size, and accessibility of the land.
- Planning and Design: Collaborating with architects or utilizing pre-designed kits to create the blueprint of your barndominium.
- Road Construction: If necessary, building access roads to the site.
- Utility Installation: Establishing essential services like electricity, water, and sewage systems.
- Foundation Work: Laying a solid foundation is crucial for the durability and safety of the structure.
- Erecting the Shell: Constructing the basic frame and exterior of the barndominium.
- Interior Construction: Working on the interior structure, including walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Finishing Touches: Adding exterior and interior elements such as decks, landscaping, driveways, paint, and fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing Common Queries About Barndominiums
- Cost Comparison with Traditional Houses: Often, a large prefabricated metal barndominium can be more cost-effective than building a conventional house. The shorter construction time of barndominiums translates to lower labor and material costs.
- Potential Downsides: Challenges with barndominiums can include more complex steel construction issues, potential rust over time, difficulties in securing financing compared to traditional homes, potential resale challenges, and zoning restrictions.
- Lifespan: The lifespan of a barndominium varies based on materials and maintenance but typically ranges between 50 and 150 years. While wood structures can last longer, they may also be more susceptible to damage from natural elements and pests.
In conclusion, barndominiums offer a unique, customizable, and cost-effective solution for combining living and working spaces. With their growing popularity and diverse range of options, they present an attractive alternative to traditional home construction, especially for those looking for a blend of functionality, style, and efficiency.
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