Barndominium vs. Traditional Homes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Barndominiums
What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium is a residential home built using steel or post-frame structures that are generally associated with agricultural or commercial buildings. Instead of typical residential, wood-framed houses, these homes are made of a metal shell or pole barn-style building that are finished out on the inside, so they function as a full-time home.
The term is a blend of “barn” and “condominium,” but modern barndominiums, also referred to as “barndos,” aren’t simply barn conversions. These metal barndominiums are engineered to meet residential necessities, boasting custom floor plans, multiple bedroom layouts, and high-end design features that rival traditional homes.
From a United Country Real Estate perspective, barndominiums continue to gain popularity among buyers seeking country homes, ranch homes, and lifestyle-driven properties where land, functionality, and flexibility matter most.
What are Common Features of Barndominiums?
- Open floor plans
- High ceilings & clear spans
- Multi-use space
- Simple exteriors
The combination of form and function is what make barndominiums so appealing. Owners aren’t boxed into a standard layout, and they’re able to build around their needs.
History of Barndominiums
Barndominiums were created as a practical solution not a design trend. In rural areas, particularly across Texas and states in the Midwest like Missouri, landowners began converting barns or other outbuildings and structures that could double as living quarters without requiring construction of a new residence. They needed to stay close to livestock, equipment, and operations, especially during storms or calving seasons.
The term “barndominium” can be traced back to Karl Nilsen: a Connecticut-based real estate professional. He initially meant for the word to describe “residential properties that include boarding facilities,” but as time went on, barndominium went on to represent a wider definition of the term.
Over time, builders identified how efficient this building model truly was. Steel buildings were faster to construct and required fewer materials, and they offered large, flexible interior space.
Their convenience and utility made them increasingly popular throughout the 2000s until Chip and Joanna Gaines converted a former horse barn on their hit HGTV show Fixer Upper, which lead to a boom in demand.
How is a Barndominium Different Than a Traditional Home?
The biggest difference between a barndominium and traditional home is the structure.
Whether a barndominium or traditional works best directly depends on the land, lifestyle, and long-term goals of the buyer.
Traditional rural homes, such as country homes and ranch-style houses, are built using wood framing, established construction methods, and interior layouts most buyers recognize. They come with standardized expectations, easier financing pathways, and broader resale appeal.
Barndominiums, on the other hand, lean more into the flexibility and efficiency of home building. The structure is different, the building process is faster, and the result often prioritizes function over form, particularly regarding the exteriors.
While traditional homes might bring familiarity, barndominiums deliver adaptability.
Are Barndominiums Cheaper Than Traditional Houses?
Barndominiums are often cheaper than traditional houses but not always. With their construction costs being typically lower at the structural level than traditional residences, the shell can be more affordable due to fewer materials and reduced labor time. Open floor plans also mean fewer interior walls, which can cut framing and drywall costs.
The costs really build in the interior of the home where owners can add high-end kitchens, solar panels, custom flooring, and other specialties that enhance their lifestyle. But these costs are exclusive to barndominiums and, with the more affordable building materials of barndominiums, can expand opportunities for updates.
The land the barndominium is on also plays a role in costs. Preparing the land, installing utilities, drilling well, and paving driveways all add to the total investment when building a home from scratch regardless of the structure type.
Are Barndominiums Just Converted Barns or Built from Scratch?
There’s a common misconception that barndominiums are old barns that are simply decorated as houses. While these conversions do exist, most modern barndominiums are built entirely from scratch and are engineered structures designed for residential use for the start, built to code, and tailored to specific floor plans.
Barndominium buyers can choose for a large sample of available stock plans, customize the designs, or personalize their residence in its entirety. From CAD files and square footage targets, to bedroom layouts and custom features, the building process is very similar to the traditional home-building process but with a modified structural system.
What are Barndominiums Made Of?
Barndominiums are primarily made using steel or metal materials, though some use hybrid systems that incorporate wood framing elements.
The core structure is usually a steel frame or post-frame system designed for durability and strength. Exterior walls are often metal siding, paired with metal roofing that can withstand harsh weather conditions. This fact further emphasizes the durability and utility of these housing structures that makes them ideal for agricultural and rural lifestyles.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Barndominium?
The speed in which a barndominium can be built is one of its biggest selling points. These builds generally move faster than a traditional house, especially if the owner uses a pre-engineered kit. Once the foundation is in place, the structure can go up relatively quickly.
The timeline depends on:
- Availability of materials
- Labor & construction scheduling
- Customization needs
- Interior complexity
- Site conditions
The shell will go up fast, but interiors tend to take time due to installing plumbing, electrical, insulation, and finishes.
What is Included in a Barndominium Kit?
Barndominium kits are a major appeal of the residential structure. A typical kit includes the structural components needed to build the shell of the building. This often means:
- Steel frame or post-frame structure
- Exterior walls and roofing materials
- Framing components and hardware
- Basic design specifications
These kits are easy to access, and there are many resources available that sell a wide variety of homes, offering differing bedroom and bathroom counts, eaves and awnings, garage sizes, and stories. Many sites offer customizable options where buyers can add features, select the materials and colors, and even alter the barndo’s windows, lean-tos, doors, and more.
Popular Barndominium Kits
- PL-61313 Pinewood Barndominium
- RP-10002 Radcliffe Barndominium
- BCO-40025 Bluebonnet Barndominium
- PL-61101 Lizbeth Barndominium
- BCO-40142 Jonah Barndominium
- AP-20003 Cody Barndominium
- BP-2001 Brashear Barndominium
- PL-64001 Skipper Barndominium
- PL-61302 Barfield Barndominium
These barndominium house plans are often available as stock plans, but most buyers modify them to fit their building site, square footage goals, and lifestyle needs. Whether selecting a ready-made plan or starting with CAD files, the ability to customize is one of the most attractive aspects of barndominium construction.
Would a Barndominium Work for You?
A barndominium makes the most sense for buyers who prioritize space, flexibility, and function especially for those purchasing rural property, land, or productive acreage.
If you need room for equipment, want to combine living and workspace, or prefer open floor plans and custom layouts, a barndo offers real advantages, as well as potentially being more affordable than country and ranch homes.
At the end of the day, living in a barndominium is more than just a home; it’s embracing the rural lifestyle in every aspect.
Sources:
