Have you heard of a barndominium before? This relatively new concept has become prominent recently in terms of housing and for good reason. In this article we’re exploring exactly what a barndominium is, why they’re popular and who could benefit the most from owning one.
What Does Barndominium Mean?
The term barndominium means a style of home that has the residential comfort of a traditional condominium, but the outward appearance and traditional style of a barn. Barndominiums come in various designs and styles, from modest, single-story layouts to expansive, multi-level homes.
The barn-style homes are built with a post-frame construction process or pole barn design, using trusses and columns to support the building. Due to this, the wood-framed structures have little need for any load-bearing interior walls. They’re often called a barndo or barndos for short and are popular with both people living in rural settings and urban locations.
Barndominiums can cost between $5K and $350K, meaning you can purchase or create one relatively cheaply if you wish, or you can find others with higher price tags and more luxurious features. It might seem strange that you would have a portmanteau featuring these two words or that you’d combine these two seemingly disparate concepts.
However, if you think about it a little deeper, this combination doesn’t seem as incongruous as it first appears. Consider loft spaces in cities like New York’s Soho neighborhood or parts of San Fransisco. These repurposed spaces have unique features that give them aesthetic appeal and can command a hefty price tag. A barndominium is the same.
Why Are Barndominiums Popular?
Barndominiums are more than just an architectural trend; people are drawn to them for various reasons.
Barndominium buildings are typically made of wood, metal, or a combination of the two materials with a steel frame or a timber frame, and are very sturdy. You don’t need to worry about installing one and then having it blow over in a strong windstorm, provided you hire a reputable company with a solid reputation that uses high-quality materials.
They can be a cost-effective choice, often being cheaper to build than a traditional home due to their simplified structure and material efficiency. Using a metal or steel frame and prefab components helps reduce labour costs and building time. According to recent estimates, the average square feet cost is lower than that of a standard home, making a barndo an attractive new home option if you’re on a budget.
The metal buildings and timber structures are known for their resilience and typically require less maintenance than a traditional home.
One of the main appeals of a barndominium design is the chance to completely customise your living quarters. Barndominium floor plans aren’t constricted by interior load-bearing walls, so you can create large open layouts and wide open spaces. That’s why barn home designs tend to have open floor plans, with a large living-dining-kitchen space with lots of room. They can be divided into other designated spaces as required. Often they have features like vaulted high ceilings, galleries, lofts, mezzanines, large floor to ceiling windows, wraparound porch or verandas, and some have a second floor added too. You can blend rustic charm with modern design elements and create a living space that’s open and luxurious.
If you have decent wood or metalwork DIY skills, then it is possible to build steel barndominiums yourself from a kit. If you’re interested in exploring this option, search online for barndominium kits and discover the options available.
What About Repurposing an Actual Barn?
It’s true that some individuals with serious DIY skills can repurpose an existing barn and turn it into a barndominium. That’s likely going to require more than watching a couple of YouTube videos, though.
To repurpose an existing barn usually falls into the major project category. You must consider the current barn’s stability. If it’s in good shape, you will probably have a much easier time. If you have an old, dilapidated barn that’s barely standing, though, then you might do better tearing it down and simply starting fresh on the same spot.
You must think about things like the foundation, roof, and HVAC system when setting up your barndominium. In that respect, it’s much like any detached residential property.
Where Can You Install One?
In theory, you can install a barndominium just about anywhere. However, you must always think about things like building codes and existing laws governing such things.
If you live in a city, town, or village and buy land to build a house, check with the governing body in charge there before jumping right into the construction. If you ignore existing regulations the local government might shut you down or make you remove the construction.
What Kind of Companies Install Barndominiums?
If you’re unable to build your own property, instead you can hire a construction company or a contractor to do it for you. Often, the same companies that build houses can also erect barndominiums.
Or you could buy a prefabricated barndominium that comes with instructions, and ask a contractor to build it for you. Due to the use of prefab materials, barndominiums often have a much quicker construction time. A typical barndominium can take a few months to build, compared to a traditional property that may take a year or more.
It’s a good idea to look into some reviews of the construction company or contractor you’re thinking about hiring before you do so, though. Look for companies with a good reputation and ask around for personal experiences if necessary.
Who Should Get One?
Barndominium’s are particularly popular with larger families, as they tend to provide a good amount of space and customization options to suit the needs of a growing family. They’re also great if you work from home, as they have flexible interior space.
They’re a good eco-friendly option too and, if you’re constructing it yourself or having it constructed for you, you can give good input on the materials used and incorporate sustainable energy sources, like solar panels, to help reduce energy costs and environmental impact. You could also consider energy-efficient windows, insulation and rainwater harvesting systems.
With their large windows and sliding doors, they tend to have loads of natural light and spacious interiors, cutting down on the need for artificial lighting. Custom barndominiums allow you to create your own large living spaces and design the house style to your individual requirements. They can be used as vacation homes, or lived in permanently.
Currently, the resale market for barndominium’s is good and they seem to hold their value fairly well, especially if they are well constructed.
Final Thoughts
Barndominiums offer a unique blend of rustic appeal, modern functionality, and affordability. With the right planning and design, they can be a dream home for those seeking open spaces, high ceilings, and a flexible layout. From the initial concept to the finishing touches, building a barndominium can be a fulfilling project that results in a comfortable, stylish, and efficient living space.
Whether you’re looking to build a home in the countryside or add a distinctive structure to a suburban property, a barndominium might be the ideal choice. With the trend showing no signs of slowing, it’s clear that barndominiums are here to stay as a popular option in the world of residential architecture.
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