Barndominiums have gained immense popularity in recent years. This is a type of steel barn, which is retrofitted to be a house. Also known as barndo, this home-barn hybrid offers a myriad of benefits.
It is highly durable and much less expensive to build. Barndominiums are low maintenance and energy-efficient with their high ceilings and open-concept interiors. Today, steel barndominiums are a popular building trend due to their versatility. It can serve as living quarters, a working barn, or a storage area.
If you’re considering building a barndominium, continue reading this blog. We will discuss the average cost to build a barndo.
Barndominiums vs. Traditional Homes
Building a barndominium is much cheaper than a regular house. You can buy ready-made barndominium kits for as low as $20 per square foot. This is more affordable than building a traditional home, which is around $100 to $200 per square foot. The cost difference becomes more obvious if you’re constructing larger structures with 2,000 or 3,000 square feet.
Why is a barndominium cheaper? There are pre-made barndominiums, which means you don’t need to hire an architect. In terms of material and labor costs, you can get substantial savings with a steel barndo.
Common Ways to Build a Barndominium
There are two ways of building a barndominium. You can either convert your old barn into a livable structure or get a brand-new one. If you choose the latter, you can choose from the following:
- Build a barndominium from the ground up
- Purchase a do-it-yourself barndominium kit
- Purchase a barndominium kit and hire a building contractor or installer
Popular Sizes for Barndominiums
30-foot by 40-foot
- Ground-level space of 1,200 square feet
- Second-level space of 2,000 square feet
- Perfect for small families
- Has enough square footage for two bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a bathroom
40-foot by 75-foot
- Living space of 5,000 square feet for two levels
- At least 1,000 square feet of workspace
- Ideal for multipurpose use
- Has enough square footage for two to three bedrooms, a kitchen and a kitchenette, an entertainment area, and two bathrooms
60-foot by 70-foot
- Ground-level space of 4,200 square feet
- Second-level space of 4,000 square feet
- Offers a lot of customizable options
- Can serve as both living quarters and work areas
- Has enough square footage for multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms
Barndominium Cost Per Square Foot
On average, barndominiums cost around $95 to $125 per square foot. For a basic barndominium, expect to pay at least $180,000 to $360,000. The total costs will vary depending on your location, steel building size, features, and delivery. These are just ballpark estimates, so make sure to contact a steel building expert for a free quote.
Barndominium Exterior Costs
The exterior of your barndominium is incredibly important. It affects your curb appeal and overall home value. You might not know it, but a well-designed exterior will make your property sell faster.
When designing your barndominium exterior, make sure the elements will flow through to the interior. This way, your home will be unique and structurally sound.
Here are some features and customizations that you may add to your dream barndo:
- Covered balcony
- Covered patio
- Screened-in porch
- Metal siding
- Triangular arch doorway
- Concrete foundation
- Fencing
- Beam columns
- Pole barn shell
- Metal or corrugated roof
Barndominium Interior Costs
The sky’s the limit when it comes to designing your barndominium interior. This steel structure is extremely flexible, which makes it easy to customize. You can embrace its barn house appearance or add luxury amenities.
Labor Costs
If you want to opt for DIY, you may hire a professional installer. This is where labor expenses come in. In general, labor will comprise 40-60% of the total costs. For labor and assembly alone, you will have to pay around $30,000- $60,000.
Fortunately, barndominiums are easy to install. This means that labor costs are lesser than traditional home constructions. Keep in mind that labor costs depend on your location and the scope of the project.
Key Takeaways
For premium barndominiums and prefab buildings, Texas Custom Metal Buildings of Midland is a name you can trust. We build steel carports, garages, and metal warehouses for our commercial and residential clients. Contact us today and we will start your project right away!