A barndominium is typically a barn a builder has converted into an all-purpose living and workspace. The name combines barn and condominium; people often shorten it to “barndo.” Some barndominiums are new structures built from a kit and made of metal. Builders construct barndominiums so that the outer walls bear the building’s load, giving barndominium homes a flexible interior space that homeowners can use in several ways.
What are the pros and cons of barndominiums?
A barndo’s primary appeal is the ability to customize the interior space. Because they’re typically large buildings with flexible interiors, homeowners can use barndominium houses creatively to accommodate activities that traditional homes might not. The primary drawback is that, depending on where you live, it might be difficult to get financing or building approval for a barndo. Before you buy or build one, consider the following barndominium pros and cons:
Barndominium pros
- Open floor plans: Once you’ve built the shell, you can divide the interior space however you want.
- High ceilings: Even if you add a loft or second floor, barndominium structures are well-suited to high-ceiling designs.
- Customization: Because the original intent for barndos was to be large, mixed-use spaces, you can put almost anything inside them.
- Durability and maintenance: The metal construction typical of barndo kits is weather-resistant, low maintenance, long-lasting, and helps keep out bugs.
- Efficiency and incentives: Barndominium homes often use high-efficiency designs to save on heating and cooling bills and may also qualify for federal energy efficiency incentives.
Barndominium cons
- Location restrictions: Mixed-use barndominiums may be challenging to zone and obtain a permit in developed areas and may involve a home inspection from your city.
- Curb appeal: Converted barns retain a lot of their rustic charm, but kit-based barndos may be boring to look at unless you spend money upgrading the exterior.
- Cost and financing: Not all lenders will finance non-traditional homes.
Other considerations for barndominium homes
Insurance can be complicated for barndominium homes. According to Barndominium.org, not all insurers cover barndos, especially if they’re mixed-use instead of residential only, and those that do might have barndo-specific policies.
Should I build a barndominium home?
That depends on what you want from a home, your budget, and many other factors. However, a barndominium house can be a great fit for people who work from home, anyone who wants complete creative control over their home’s interior, and people with hobbies that need a lot of space — like restoring classic cars or training for competitive sports. A barndo’s customizability can make it possible to live and pursue passions like these on a single property.
FAQs
A barndominium is typically a barn a builder has converted into an all-purpose living and workspace. The name combines barn and condominium; people often shorten it to “barndo.” Some barndominiums are new structures built from a kit and made of metal.
What in the world is a barndominium? ›
A barndominium, also known as a barndo, is a metal pole barn, post-frame or barn-like structure with sheet metal siding that has been partially or fully converted into a furnished home or living area.
Who came up with the phrase barndominium? ›
Back in the 1980s, Connecticut developer Karl Nilson coined the term 'barndominium' to describe a community centered around an equestrian center.
What is the downside of barndominiums? ›
Barndominiums May Lack Adequate Sound Insulation
A drawback worth mentioning about barndominiums is their potential for loudness. The primary material used in their construction is typically a thinner metal, which doesn't provide an effective sound barrier against outside noises.
Why are barndominiums so cheap? ›
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.
Why do they call it a barndominium? ›
The term barndominium, often abbreviated as “barndo,” describes a unique type of building that combines living quarters and workspace. Real estate developer Karl Nilsen first used the term in 1989 to describe these multi-purpose structures, seing that local farmers were using barns to live in them full-time.
What is a true barndominium? ›
A barndominium is typically a barn a builder has converted into an all-purpose living and workspace. The name combines barn and condominium; people often shorten it to “barndo.” Some barndominiums are new structures built from a kit and made of metal.
What is a barndominium in Texas? ›
A hot real estate trend is growing all over Texas: barndominiums. A barndominium is a nostalgic alternative to conventional or new build homes, combining a barn's traditional exterior look while adding customizable living and workspaces.
Why are barndominiums popular? ›
Resale Value
These unique homes are gaining popularity and selling at higher prices. Many people want barndominiums because they come with special features like open spaces and energy efficiency. Barndominiums look charming and don't need much upkeep, making them even more attractive to buyers.
Are barndominiums a fad? ›
While some may question the longevity of their popularity, considering them a fleeting trend, there's compelling evidence to suggest that barndominiums are not just another fad but a lasting shift in residential living preferences.
Without adequate insulation, these structures can become uncomfortably hot in the summer and chilly in the winter, resulting in increased heating and cooling costs. 2. High Maintenance: Barndominiums often feature metal exteriors, which can require more maintenance than traditional siding materials.
How long will a barndominium last? ›
“They're built out of metal and steel, so barndominiums can last up to 100 years.
Are barndominiums hard to sell? ›
**Selling Challenges and How to Overcome Them**
Initially, barndominiums faced skepticism from traditional homebuyers and real estate professionals due to their unconventional nature. Concerns about financing, insurance, and resale value were prevalent, potentially making them harder to sell.
Are barndominiums loud when it rains? ›
Barndominiums can be louder than traditional homes during rainfall, primarily due to their metal roofs. However, the degree of noise can be significantly mitigated through strategic construction choices, such as quality insulation, soundproofing techniques, and thoughtful interior design.
Are barndominiums safe in storms? ›
Constructed with metal, a barndo offers superior protection from severe weather. The steel structure of a steel barndominium has a higher wind resistance than a conventional wood frame home. While the metal integrity of your home can endure a tornado, the windows and doors may not.
Do barndominiums hold their value? ›
Barndominiums normally retain their resale value and may even increase in value gradually, although more slowly than a standard home. However, these homes are still rare in some parts of the country, and it may be challenging to get an accurate appraisal in an area where there are few.
Where are barndominiums most popular? ›
A barndominium, also known as a barndo, is an open concept building, made from either metal or wood, that combines living quarters and a working area. While the midwestern parts of the US tend to use wood frame barndominiums, steel frame barndominiums are more popular in the south and southeast parts of the US.
What makes a barndominium different from a house? ›
What Is a Barndominium? Basically, a barndominium is a combination of a barn and condominium. While a conventional house is typically made of wood or brick, has a deep foundation, and has restrictions on ceiling height, a barndominium is made of metal, doesn't require a foundation, and has vaulted ceilings.
Who lives in the barndominium? ›
Fixer Upper clients Todd and Lexia Meek were excited to bring their dream of owning a barn-style home to life with the help of Chip and Joanna. The design duo completely reworked the bottom floor of the property to turn it into the perfect entertainment space for the Meek family.
Household 2 min read