Okay, you’re considering buying a barndominium, or “barndo” for short. And you realize that although it’s a great idea to have more living space for you and your extended family and room for a hobby or a small industry, you don’t know much about the concept.
Building a barndo is still relatively new as a construction project. Unfortunately, not many people know how to go about building one. However, the benefits certainly make owning a barndo worthwhile.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about the costs of constructing your dream home. Thus allowing you to plan and budget accordingly.
What Is A Barndominium?
Barndominiums are a cross between a barn and a residence, or “barn” and “condominium,” hence the name. It’s a property built in the style of an agricultural barn or renovated from a pre-existing farm building.
Because of its design, a barndo works well as a residence and storage facility, hobby space, garage, or workshop. Some owners even incorporate a horse riding arena and stables if they have equine interests!
Barndos lend themselves to the prefabricated construction style, and several companies produce kits to their customers’ specifications. Then, to assemble, hire contractors, or try DIY if you have the appropriate skills.
Although renovating a pre-existing barn can be very satisfying, using a kit for a new build incorporates energy efficiency, customizability, and affordability. Furthermore, they come with everything you need, plus complete instructions.
Alternatively, some companies produce nothing but barndo construction plans if you want to build from scratch. So, if you like the idea of a traditional-looking yet comfortable home in a rural setting, a barndominium is the solution.
How Much Do Barndominiums Cost?
As you can imagine, pricing a project like this, whether it’s a kit or a renovation, depends on many factors. For example, you could build a small 700 sq. ft. one-bedroom, single-person’s, or couple’s residence.
Alternatively, perhaps a five or six-bedroom property with an open-plan living area, a workshop, and an indoor riding arena. Typically, whichever one you choose, its average cost ranges from $30-$150/sq. ft. depending on:
- The barndo’s size
- Its customizations
- The project’s complexity
- Labor costs
- The construction materials’ quality
- Its location
You can probably see from this list that you might have to compromise to keep everything affordable.
Choose simple designs and budget materials to give you a dream home that won’t break the bank. And, if you have some DIY skills, you can save money too.
However, suppose you use one of the finance packages available for barndo and modular home construction. In that case, you may have to use a professional contractor approved by the lender.
Barndominiums Cost Per Square Foot
Recently, barndominiums have flourished across the United States, especially in states such as Texas, where flexible zoning laws and a surplus of affordable land have made barndos very popular.
Furthermore, some regions have lower labor rates and reduced average construction costs than others.
Although the barndominium concept is compatible with any state and its ambient climate, the designers must consider them individually.
For example, those states with harsh winters need more insulation than those in sunny regions. The local building codes state the required amount of insulation and other relevant factors, and you must comply with them.
Barndominium costs vary depending on the state you want to live in. The table below helps you decide where to live to build an affordable barndo.
| State | Cost/sq. ft. | State | Cost/sq. ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $85 | Montana | $100 |
| Alaska | $130 | Nebraska | $95 |
| Arizona | $115 | Nevada | $125 |
| Arkansas | $105 | New Hampshire | $105 |
| California | $140 | New Mexico | $105 |
| Colorado | $110 | New York | $130 |
| Delaware | $130 | North Carolina | $125 |
| Florida | $115 | Ohio | $95 |
| Georgia | $100 | Oklahoma | $105 |
| Idaho | $100 | Oregon | $120 |
| Illinois | $110 | Pennsylvania | $100 |
| Indiana | $100 | South Carolina | $110 |
| Iowa | $95 | South Dakota | $105 |
| Kansas | $105 | Tennessee | $100 |
| Kentucky | $100 | Texas | $120 |
| Louisiana | $100 | Utah | $120 |
| Maine | $110 | Vermont | $125 |
| Maryland | $135 | Virginia | $110 |
| Massachusetts | $145 | Washington | $120 |
| Michigan | $95 | West Virginia | $80 |
| Minnesota | $115 | Wisconsin | $110 |
| Mississippi | $90 | Wyoming | $135 |
| Missouri | $110 |
Note: Figures in this table are approximate and indicative only. Use them as a guide and to assist with your research.
Barndominium Cost Examples
The following data shows you what you get for your money, with a cost breakdown.
However, although we used the barndominium specifications and total price from real examples, we estimated the breakdown using an accepted rule-of-thumb construction method.
Barndominium 1
Specifications
- Area: 2,688 sq. ft.
- Dimensions: 80 ft. x 62 ft. x 10 ft.
- Story: 1
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2 1/2
- Cars: 2
Home
- Roof made with wood trusses covered in 40-year, 29 gauge painted steel sheet and trim
- Exterior walls constructed with 2 in x 6 in steel studs, with vaulted ceiling over living space
- Five external doors
- 16 windows
- External walls made with 40-year guaranteed, 29 gauge painted sheet and trim
- 4-inch concrete floor slab
Garage
- 30 ft. x 30 ft. (900 sq. ft.) 2-car garage
- Two 10 ft. x 8 ft. insulated garage doors
Porches
- 18 ft. x 50 ft. framed back porch roof with cypress post and headers (900 sq. ft.)
- 8 ft. x 38 ft. cypress wood-framed front porch (304 sq. ft.)
Estimated cost breakdown
| Component | Estimated Minimum Cost | Estimated Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barndo Kit | $52,543 | $77,194 |
| Clear Land | $3,941 | $4,289 |
| Labor/Assembly | $78,814 | $51,462 |
| Insulation | $3,941 | $2,573 |
| Foundation | $13,136 | $11,150 |
| Electrical | $2,627 | $2,573 |
| HVAC | $7,881 | $12,008 |
| Plumbing | $1,314 | $1,715 |
| Sewer | $3,941 | $8,577 |
| Siding | $26,271 | $21,443 |
| Roofing | $21,017 | $21,443 |
| Electrical | $1,576 | $2,573 |
| Total* | $217,000 | |
*Plus tax & shipping; including installation.
Barndominium 2
Specifications
- Area: 2,250 sq. ft.
- Dimensions: 30 ft. x 75 ft.
- Story: 1
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Cars: 2
Home
- Roof made with wood trusses covered in 40-year, 29 gauge painted steel sheet and trim
- Two French doors
- Two false dormers
- Exterior walls 2 in x 6 in steel studs framework with vaulted ceiling over living space
- One 36-inch personnel door
- 17 windows
- External walls made with 40-year guaranteed, 29 gauge painted sheet and trim
- 4-inch concrete slab
Garage
- 30 ft. x 24 ft. x 10 ft. (720 sq. ft.) 2-car garage
- Two 9 ft. x 8 ft. insulated garage doors
Porches
- 8 ft. x 45 ft. front porch (360 sq. ft.)
- 8 ft. x 30 ft. back porch (240 sq. ft.)
Estimated cost breakdown
| Component | Estimated Minimum Cost | Estimated Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barndo Kit | $43,341 | $63,676 |
| Clear Land | $3,251 | $3,538 |
| Labor/Assembly | $65,012 | $42,451 |
| Insulation | $3,251 | $2,123 |
| Foundation | $10,835 | $9,198 |
| Electrical | $2,167 | $2,123 |
| HVAC | $6,501 | $9,905 |
| Plumbing | $1,084 | $1,415 |
| Sewer | $3,251 | $7,075 |
| Siding | $21,671 | $17,688 |
| Roofing | $17,337 | $17,688 |
| Electrical | $1,300 | $2,123 |
| Total* | $179,000 | |
*Plus tax & shipping; including installation.
Barndominium 3
Specifications
- Area: 2,000 sq. ft.
- Dimensions: 40 ft. x 50 ft. x 11 ft. 6in.
- Story: 1 with loft space
- Garage/workshop: 1
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2.
- Cars: 5
Home
- Roof made with wood trusses covered in 40-year, 29 gauge painted steel sheet and trim
- One French door
- Four 36-inch personnel doors
- 16 windows
- External walls made with 40-year guaranteed, 29 gauge painted sheet and trim
- 4-inch concrete slab
Garage
- 90 ft. x 40 ft. x 11 ft. 6 in. (3,600 sq. ft.) 5-car garage
- Two 9 ft. x 8 ft. insulated garage doors
Porches
- 8 ft. x 45 ft. front porch (360 sq. ft.)
- 8 ft. x 30 ft. back porch (240 sq. ft.)
Estimated cost breakdown
| Component | Estimated Minimum Cost | Estimated Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barndo Kit | $80,872 | $118,814 |
| Clear Land | $6,065 | $6,601 |
| Labor/Assembly | $121,308 | $79,209 |
| Insulation | $6,065 | $3,960 |
| Foundation | $20,218 | $17,162 |
| Electrical | $4,044 | $3,960 |
| HVAC | $12,131 | $18,482 |
| Plumbing | $2,022 | $2,640 |
| Sewer | $6,065 | $13,202 |
| Siding | $40,436 | $33,004 |
| Roofing | $32,349 | $33,004 |
| Electrical | $2,426 | $3,960 |
| Total* | $334,000 | |
*Plus tax & shipping; including installation.
Barndominium 4
Specifications
- Area: First floor 667 sq. ft.; Second floor 620 sq. ft.
- Stories: 2
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Cars: 1
Home
- Roof made with wood stick framing covered in 40-year, 29 gauge painted steel sheet and trim
- Three personnel doors
- 16 windows
- External walls made with 40-year guaranteed, 29 gauge painted sheet and trim
- 4-inch concrete slab
Garage
- 13 ft. x 26 ft. (338 sq. ft.) garage
- One insulated garage door
Porches
- 8 ft. x 26 ft. cypress framed front porch
- 6 ft. x 10 ft. back balcony
Estimated cost breakdown
| Component | Estimated Minimum Cost | Estimated Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barndo Kit | $24,189 | $35,538 |
| Clear Land | $1,814 | $1,974 |
| Labor/Assembly | $36,283 | $23,692 |
| Insulation | $1,814 | $1,185 |
| Foundation | $6,047 | $5,133 |
| Electrical | $1,209 | $1,185 |
| HVAC | $3,628 | $5,528 |
| Plumbing | $605 | $790 |
| Sewer | $1,814 | $3,949 |
| Siding | $12,094 | $9,872 |
| Roofing | $9,676 | $9,872 |
| Electrical | $726 | $1,185 |
| Total* | $99,900 | |
*Plus tax & shipping; including installation.
Barndominium Kit Provider Cost Estimates
If you browse online and compare similar-sized barndominiums, you’ll find it’s not an easy exercise. Very few companies publish detailed price lists; so comparing like-for-like is almost impossible.
The following table gives information on three national barndominium companies: two suppliers offer steel kits, and one offers wooden barndo kits.
| Supplier | Barndo Area | Materials Cost | Erection Cost | Building System | Concrete Slab Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Steel | 30 ft. x 40 ft. | $20-$31/sq. ft. | $7-$12/sq. ft. | $20-31/sq. ft. | $10-$15/sq. ft. | N/A |
| Barn Pros Nationwide | 36 ft. x 48 ft. | Wood Frame – Breakdown Not Available | $202,995 | |||
| R&R Ironworks | 28 ft. x 40 ft. | Basic Shell Without Doors and Windows. Breakdown Not Available | $23,778 | |||
Types of Barndominiums
There are two distinct barndominium types:
Steel
Typically, a simple steel barndominium’s average cost ranges from $30-$150/sq. ft. depending on several factors.
The frame is structural steel and covered with steel siding panels and roofs. The walls have infilled insulation along with the cabling and plumbing. Finally, the inside layer is drywall.
Because steel has more structural strength than wood, the roof doesn’t need internal supports; the exterior walls support the entire structure without interior load-bearing walls or pillars, and you can have large open-plan areas.
Wood
On average, a wooden (or stick-built) barndominium costs anything from $150-$300/sq. ft. Furthermore, the building process takes longer with crew on-site for a significantly longer duration.
Also, the design requires more studs and supports because of the wood’s lower structural strength, therefore increasing the already expensive lumber costs.
The exterior walls are made from lumber covered with wood or plastic siding and shingle roofs. The infill cavities also have insulation with drywall on the inside.
Building with wooden frames needs more structural supports and interior structural walls and pillars. This means smaller, less customizable rooms.
However, in practice, many manufacturers use a combination of wood for visible features and steel for structural strength.
14 Barndominium Price Factors
Although the average cost to build a barndominiums is around $280,000, purchasers must realize that several factors affect the construction costs.
1. Location
Barndominium costs vary significantly with the state in which you intend to build.
We’ve already discussed this in more detail elsewhere, so here, we’ll mention that average and approximate costs vary from $80/sq. ft. in West Virginia to $145/sq. ft. in Massachusetts. The price differs mainly because of labor costs and land prices.
2. Size
The cost to build a barndo depends significantly on the building’s size. Typically, a large structure indicates a high price. However, because of other factors, you can have smaller barndos with comparatively high costs.
Usually, barndo kit manufacturers and their customers estimate the cost of a new barndominium by specifying the structure’s floor area. The table shows some popular barndo sizes and typical average prices.
| Dimensions | Area | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 30 ft. x 40 ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | $115,000-$145,000 |
| 40 ft. x 60 ft. | 2,400 sq. ft. | $225,000-$290,000 |
| 60 ft. x 60 ft. | 3,600 sq. ft. | $340,000-$430,000 |
| 60 ft. x 70 ft. | 4,200 sq. ft. | $395,000-$500,000 |
3. Material
Generally, about 40% of the cost of a barndominium kit buys the building materials, such as framing, roof, siding, plumbing, electrical wiring, doors, windows, and drywall.
Typically, the cost varies with the quality of materials and quantity. However, you’ll be pleased to know that wood and steel, commonly used in a barndo’s construction, are cheaper than masonry materials.
The material cost typically ranges from $5,000 to $140,000, based on a kit’s purchase price of $12,000-$350,000.
4. Accessibility
Depending on where you build your barndo, you may have problems with access roads.
For example, the area may have rugged terrain, limited access points, or surrounding structures to consider. All these cause issues with equipment such as cranes and delivery trucks, which may increase the overall price.
Sometimes, a new access road is the only solution. Typically, these may cost:
- Gravel roads cost $15-$25/ft.
- Asphalt roads cost $70-$180/ft.
5. Land Clearing
Many rural lots often slope, are covered in forest, or generally need clearing of undergrowth.
Clearing these can be a problem that you must overcome.
- General land clearing costs $1,400-$5,600.
- Leveling the lot before excavation costs $1,000-$3,500.
- Sparsely wooded areas cost $1,500-$3,000/acre to clear.
- Heavily wooded areas cost $4,000-$7,000/acre to clear.
6. Labor
Typically, labor costs account for 35% of a barndominium’s construction budget. Labor costs vary with the size and complexity of the final design, the construction crew’s size, and the project’s duration.
You’ll also find that labor costs vary significantly with the state you’re building in.
The table shows the average labor rates for contractors in the barndominium’s construction project.
| Contractor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Architect | $130-$250/hr |
| Draftsperson | $50-$150/hr |
| General Contractor | 10%-20% of project cost |
| Carpenter | $15-$40/hr |
| Electrician | $50-$100/hr |
| Plumber | $50-$200/hr |
| Flooring Contractor | $60-$130/hr |
| Interior Designer | $50-$200/hr |
| Landscape Designer | $60-$150/hr |
7. Permits
Every construction project requires several permits issued by the local government agency, covering many stages of the project. Typically, the stages include, but aren’t limited to, excavation, foundations, electrical, fire safety, and energy efficiency.
Generally, the permit costs vary depending on the rules set by the local government. This could be a flat fee per square foot or variable payments, depending on the permit type.
Usually, barndominium permits cost from $1,000-$2,000.
8. Finishing Materials
Finishing materials make a bare shell into a functional and beautiful home. Typically, these costs make up about 10% of the total budget.
Finishing materials include:
- Bathroom fixtures
- Kitchen appliances
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Light and plumbing fixtures
- Decorating
- Trim
Remember that high-quality finishing materials significantly increase the total costs, using up more than 10% of the overall price. You must also realize that a home can be beautiful and functional by using mid-range materials.
Also, it’s worthwhile considering how much maintenance the materials need, its added cost, and how sustainable the raw materials are.
Additional Considerations
Unfortunately, it’s not only the barndominiums structure that costs money. You should also consider other payments to avoid surprises:
9. Land Purchasing
Land prices depend on location, soil quality, and zoning laws. Therefore, research the best site and its cost before committing to a specific contract.
The table shows selected states and the average cost of land. Note the significant variation, with some locations being great value for money, while others make building a barndominium economically unfeasible.
| Location | Average Land Cost |
|---|---|
| Wyoming | $1,600/acre |
| Montana | $2,300/acre |
| Idaho | $3,500/acre |
| Iowa | $6,600/acre |
| Connecticut | $129,000/acre |
| New Jersey | $196,500/acre |
Not only is the land price a significant factor, but you must also consider the lot’s suitability. Land surveys help determine the suitability and the lot’s boundaries and cost between $350-$750.
10. Floor Plans
Floor plans are essential to visualize the finished project and determine the layout. If you’re buying a kit, this is included in the price. Otherwise, ready-made floor plans, available on many websites, can add $1,500-$2,500 to the project.
Alternatively, hire an architect to draw floor plans for up to $5,000.
11. Foundations
A foundation supports the structure’s weight and transfers the loads into the soil or bedrock.
Generally, contractors use poured concrete as a convenient material. However, they may use steel or concrete piling as supporting columns, depending on the ground conditions.
The cost of foundations depends on the soil conditions, floor area, excavation size, and quantity of materials. Expect to pay $4,000-$45,000 for a finished foundation.
12. Utilities
Sometimes, you buy remote land for your barndo without utilities and municipal drainage connections. However, local and state laws require your barndo to have water, power, and drainage.
So, check beforehand whether these utilities are available and how much it costs for connection. Expect to pay $1,000-$30,000 for utility connections.
13. Septic Tank Installation
Septic tanks are a solution for properties without municipal drainage. The system consists of an underground watertight container, usually fiberglass, plastic, or concrete, which accepts all the wastewater from your domestic drainage.
Often, you don’t have a choice whether to use a septic waste system. But sometimes, it’s cheaper than connecting to the municipal system.
Typically, installing a new septic tank and associated pipework costs $3,300-$10,500, depending on size, local permits, and ground conditions.
14. Customization
Most of the prices listed in this guide refer to standard barndominiums. However, if you wish, you can have yours customized to suit your preferences.
Barndominiums lend themselves to customization. But, as the design moves away from a standard floor plan, the finished barndo becomes more expensive.
Typically, customization takes longer to build and requires more crew members, including specialists, to work with high-end materials.
However, barndo customizations offer increased personal satisfaction, comfort, and a higher resale value. So, if you can afford it, it’s worth considering.
Barndominium Floor Plan Costs
Several companies sell barndominiums plans online. Go online, scroll through a list of specifications complete with a photograph of the finished building, and press the purchase button.
The following table shows twenty floor plans from monsterhouseplans.com. Alternatively, please search for other companies, but you’ll find their plan prices and finished barndominiums specifications are very similar.
By all means, browse, and you might find one more to your liking.
| Area | Size | Stories | Beds | Baths | Garages | Plan Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,587 sq. ft. | 85 ft. x 48 ft. | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | $1,200 |
| 2,030 sq. ft. | 50 ft. x 64 ft. | 1 | 3 | 2 | N/A | $1,150 |
| 2,039 sq. ft. | 86 ft. x 70 ft. | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | $1,150 |
| 2,113 sq. ft. | 60 ft. x 100 ft. | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | $1,400 |
| 2,155 sq. ft. | 52 ft. x 108 ft. | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | $1,400 |
| 2,250 sq. ft. | 104 ft. x 58 ft. | 2 | 3 | 3 1/2 | 6 | $1,150 |
| 2,311 sq. ft. | 80 ft. x 50 ft. | 2 | 3 | 2 1/2 | 2 | $1,150 |
| 2,663 sq. ft. | 94 ft. x 62 ft. | 2 | 3 | 3 1/2 | 6 | $1,780 |
| 2,693 sq. ft. | 89 ft. x 90 ft. | 2 | 3 | 2 1/2 | 4 | $1,350 |
| 2,752 sq. ft. | 113 ft. x 59 ft. | 1 | 3 | 2 1/2 | 3 | $1,600 |
| 2,765 sq. ft. | 112 ft. x 61 ft. | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | $1,400 |
| 2,800 sq. ft. | 80 ft. x 62 ft. | 1 | 5 | 2 1/2 | 3 | $1,895 |
| 2,810 sq. ft. | 56 ft. x 64 ft. | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | $1,600 |
| 3,040 sq. ft. | 84 ft. x 44 ft. | 2 | 6 | 3 | 2 | $1,350 |
| 3,177 sq. ft. | 96 ft. x 57 ft. | 2 | 4 | 3 1/2 | 3 | $1,595 |
| 3,246 sq. ft. | 107 ft. x 55 ft. | 1 | 5 | 3 1/2 | 2 | $1,850 |
| 3,293 sq. ft. | 110 ft. x 65 ft. | 2 | 4 | 2 1/2 | 6 | $1,700 |
| 3,362 sq. ft. | 75 ft. x 54 ft. | 2 | 3 | 2 1/2 | 3 | $1,700 |
| 3,371 sq. ft. | 79 ft. x 62 ft. | 2 | 4 | 3 1/2 | 3 | $1,700 |
| 4,450 sq. ft. | 72 ft. x 87 ft. | 2 | 5 | 3 1/2 | 3 | $2,000 |
Barndominium Kit Costs
Buying a barndominium kit takes a lot of worry away from the purchaser. You know everything will fit together; you have all the parts necessary to construct the barndo and have complete instructions.
If you have suitable DIY experience, we recommend assembling a small kit while leaving a large one to a professional contractor.
Typically, most barndominium kits include the following:
- Lumber and steel for framing
- Sheet metal siding
- Roof and rainwater management system
- Interior walls
- Windows & doors (some kits don’t include these)
- All clips, other fixings, sheathing, trusses, and porch framing kit
- Plans
The contents of each kit vary from design to design, so ensure you know what you’re buying before it arrives on-site, by which time, it’ll be too late. Prices range from:
- $17,500 for a basic 15 ft. x 18 ft. gable roofed barndo with an 18 ft. covered porch.
- $66,000 for a 50 ft. x 40 ft. three bedroom, two bathroom barndo, over two stories with a wraparound porch.
- $310,000 for a large 6,860 sq. ft. barndominium kit. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and open-plan living/dining/kitchen space. Expect a complete house for this price, so you’d receive all plumbing and kitchen fixtures, countertops, and cabinets.
Research the various barndo kit suppliers online to understand what barndo you want and how much it’ll cost.