Important items to include in your barndominium budget
Barn aesthetics on the outside.
Ultimate customizability on the inside.
Barndos are growing in popularity because of their flexible design, large functional space and long-term durability. The exterior of barndominiums can give the look of a traditional or rustic home to match your rural lifestyle dream.
Barndominiums, or barndos, have many of the same costs as traditional home construction products. However, there are some unique considerations when looking at the cost to build a barndo.
Land
Depending on the square footage and design of your barndo, you may need to consider purchasing additional acreage. Barndos may require more land than a conventional home to meet zoning regulations. Rural 1st loan officer can help you navigate the rules in your local area.
In addition, you may need to budget for site preparation costs to prepare the land for construction. Consider whether the property still needs cleared and leveled and whether water drains properly at the site.
If you purchase land first, you should define what you want in your dream home. This will ensure you purchase land that will accommodate the home you want to build.
Utilities
The site preparation process may also require adding utilities, which will require an investment. If the land is not connected to public water and sewage services, buyers will need to put in a well and a septic tank. Other budget items to consider include the cost of connecting to local electricity, gas and Internet services.
Prefab or Custom
You can work with a builder to design a customized barndo that fits your family’s needs. However, this route will generally result in a larger budget.
Another option is to purchase a prefabricated kit from a manufacturer, which is generally less customizable but more affordable. Barndominium kits are delivered with all the plans and materials needed to assemble the structural exterior. Hiring contractors with experience building a barndo can streamline the process to be move-in ready more quickly.
Metal Framing
While most barndos are steel framed, some homeowners choose to frame their home with wood. Steel framing is typically more expensive than lumber. It’s important to know costs can vary widely based on location, the size of your barndo and potential supply chain issues. Steel is more durable and requires less maintenance over time. Unlike wood, steel is not susceptible to pests like termites and does not rot.
Energy
A steel-framed barndo with metal roofs can lower energy costs. Since metal reflects sunlight, this type of exterior will help keep the inside of the barndo cooler during warmer months and reduce air conditioning bills.
Another important thing to remember when building a barndo is the insulation. Barndos are popular in part because of their large, open spaces and high vaulted ceilings. Consider investing in high-quality insulation in the walls and roof to better maintain a consistent indoor temperature that leads to lower energy costs.
Interior
When looking at the cost to build a barndo, the cost to complete the interior of the barndo will be comparable to a traditional home. Depending on your family’s unique needs and personal taste, the cost of things like kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, flooring and customized storage spaces can quickly add up.
Once you’ve considered these costs, the final step is to identify a lender to help you secure the financing you need to cover your build, land improvements and site preparation.
“Rural 1st understood our goal,” Shawna Blackmon, a Rural 1st customer who built her dream barndo in Douglas, Texas with her husband, Scott, shared. “If you want to build a barndo, make sure you do your research and find a lender that shares your vision.”
Since barndominiums are nontraditional home builds, connecting with a lender and contractors that have experience building these style homes can help anticipate challenges and answer questions.
Rural 1st offers conventional financing with a one-time close to help you build the barndo of your dreams. Contact us to learn more about how we can help bring your vision to life.
