Standard Barndominium Foundation Requirements (2024)

FAQs

Standard Barndominium Foundation Requirements? ›

Slab Thickness

Properly executed, an embedded perimeter beam concrete slab foundation formulated from high strength 5,000 PSI concrete mix designs provides ideal structural support for the tremendous clear spans and dynamic live loads generated over generations of family life within your barndo.

For barndominiums up to 1,500 sq. ft., most recommendations fall between a 4” and 6″ thick slab. This accommodates moderate traffic and furnishings adequately without excessive concrete use. The steel perimeter beams of barndominium kits require less internal slab support than wood framing.

While an existing concrete slab may be able to be integrated into a pole barn or barndominium as a floor, in most instances it will be inadequate to structurally support any structure, unless it has been specifically designed to do so in advance.

SLAB FOUNDATION: A concrete slab foundation is the most popular choice for metal buildings. Basically, a concrete slab for metal buildings creates a floor for the structure while supporting the steel framing.

Steel framing, popular in barndominium construction for its durability and resistance to pests, can be more expensive than traditional wood framing. Framing costs can range from $20 to $50 per square foot, making it one of the most significant portions of the construction budget.

As many barndominiums are constructed from metal, a vapor barrier tape will help prevent potentially damaging condensation from entering the structure. Reducing the energy costs to heat the home. Many barndominiums often have vaulted or cathedral ceilings, meaning the ceilings are not parallel to the floor.

Slab Thickness

The concrete's strength should be a minimum of 2500 psi, with fiber mesh reinforcement added at the batch plant OR #3 rebar on 24” centers. If you are planning to park large, heavy vehicles inside (such as trucks or larger RVs), you should consider making the slab 6″ thick, and using 4000-psi concrete.

However, homeowners and builders alike often face a common concern: Do concrete barndominium floors crack? The short answer is Yes!, they absolutely can. Don't be super shocked if it happens because it is common.

Pouring a 1,500-sq-ft concrete slab can cost as little as around $1,500, but it can easily cost over $15,000, depending on the options and additional services you choose. The average cost for a 1,500-sq-ft slab is around $4,500, which doesn't include any finishing or add-on services.

Can any floor plan be a barndominium? ›

Whether an existing floor plan or a custom design – virtually anything you can imagine, can be converted to a post frame barndominium kit, provided it is possible to do structurally at all!

Barndominiums have a quality that often makes them very customizable, which is that typical barndominiums are often constructed from a metal building. Metal structures are usually less expensive to construct than traditional buildings, which is one reason why they are used so much in commercial construction.

While preference is to have building shell completed prior to pouring concrete slabs, at the very least, roof should be installed. Building columns tend to grow “bull's-eyes” in the presence of pre-mix concrete trucks.

For steel buildings, the most affordable foundation option is typically a floating slab, also known as a slab on grade.

Price: Generally, slab foundations are your cheapest option when it comes to foundations, an excellent choice if budget is front-of-mind. Low Maintenance: Of all foundation-types, slabs require the least amount of maintenance, adding to their pricing value.

Allow plenty of time for the foundation to cure completely. Plan the arrival of your steel building a minimum of three days after the pouring of foundations in warm weather. For best results, allow the concrete to dehydrate for two weeks or more.

Polished concrete floors in a barndominum provide maximum durability and sustainability with minimal maintenance, especially when compared to alternative flooring options that may be suggested for your barn build.

A barndominium floor plan is very different from traditional homes, which must be designed with load-bearing walls that limit creativity and possibilities. A barndo's steel framing eliminates the need for load-bearing walls, making it easy to split a home into flexible living quarters and working spaces.

You can build a barndominium on top of a crawl space and other types of basem*nt foundations. A crawl space is a short area between the ground and the bottom floor of the home.