Lately, some of my colleagues and clients have expressed interest in “barndominiums”. This recent spark of interest has apparently been brought on by the possible lack of skilled onsite labor and, perhaps, increasing materials cost. The idea is to use locally sourced materials (steel and engineered wood) and prefabricated components such as SIPS panels that come with openings & headers, embedded electrical conduits and blocking for fixtures. The onsite process is considerably simplified.
What is a “barndominium”? According an article in HGTV.com: “With the help of Chip and Joanna Gaines, a family undertakes a […] non-traditional Fixer Upper, a barn conversion turns a 1000-square-foot attic apartment -- along with horse stalls and hay storage -- into an amazing 2700-square-foot home […]. What was once a service building and working barn in the countryside near Waco has been transformed into this unique, spacious and stylized home – dubbed by Chip Gaines "The Barn-dominium." That’s the basic definition and origin of the term.
With that in mind, the “barndo” concept would involve taking an existing post frame barn or similar service structure and converting into living space. Often, they had metal roofs and siding. Some builders are considering the use of steel “red iron” framing with structural insulated panels (SIP) for roofs and walls. One of my current projects involves just such a structure.
Would this concept be practical when building a new home? If you’re interested in open spaces, lofts, multi-use spaces and high ceilings, a barndominium’s layout may fit. Usually accompanied by a farmhouse style, it appeals to those wanting a traditional country feel. However, the usually simple structure and shape of barndos also make them ideal for contemporary and modern styling. Many also incorporate a spacious garage or workshop.
What about the bottom line? According to homeadvisor.com: “For a typical 2,400-square-foot barndominium, expect to pay between $225,600 and $288,000. If you already own land or are converting an existing barn, you can lower your costs. However, prices can increase quickly if you choose luxury finishes or hire a general contractor to manage the entire project.” “If you hire a general contractor to manage the entire project, costs may rise to $150 to $190 per square foot. For comparison, building a traditional house costs around $50 to $400 per square foot.” Regarding the investment potential, the same site says: “barndominiums offer a sturdy structure for your home, often at a lower cost than a traditional house. With open layouts, high ceilings, and plenty of room for customization, they provide a unique and functional living space. Metal buildings tend to last longer than wood-frame homes and require less maintenance, making barndominiums a good long-term option.”
The barndonimum concept may have been recently popularized during a beloved home design show. But the concept comes from a time when a home provided for almost all family activities: rest, dining, recreation, gatherings, work, hobbies; life.
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