If you’re considering building a new home, you might want to take a closer look at barndominiums. While these metal-framed homes (often referred to as barndos), have been around for several years, they’re becoming increasingly popular for numerous reasons.
It’s common to see someone build a ranch and add a barndominium on the property. But it’s also becoming more common to build a barndominium as the main property. There are many benefits to building this style of property, from aesthetics to time and cost.
Keep reading to learn our top reason why build a barndominium instead of a traditionally built home.
1. Cheaper Than Wood
One of the most eye-catching and often inexpensive alternatives to a stick-frame home is the barndominium. Dollar-for-dollar, you get much more house for your money with a barndo compared to traditionally built homes.
Over the past several years, material prices have fluctuated drastically and rapidly. For example, lumber skyrocketed by 288% in 2021. Of course, the price has since declined. But this has still led homebuilders to seek alternative materials (such as steel) to keep their costs down and value up.
Real estate expert, Amanda Brown with Amanda Brown Realty in Gatesville TX, says her buyers want to make their dollar go further. She says, “I’m seeing more and more home buyers open up to the idea of a barndominium because of the price points. They’re able to get the square footage they want within their budget“.
Sure, there is still plenty of lumber involved in the framing support of a barndominium. But, comparatively, around 50% less lumber is engaged in building a barndominium than a traditional home. This difference makes the barndominium a much better option financially.
2. Easy to Build
Another significant benefit of building a barndominium is the speed at which it can be built. Most builders who have been around for a while will tell you that building a house from the ground up is no easy task.
On the upper end of the spectrum, it can take a year to go from nothing to a finished product. However, building a barndominium will always be faster, no matter the size. On average, it typically takes between 4 to 6 months to build a barndominium, which is around half the time.
Although every builder has their timeframe, and countless variables may affect the timeline, the 4-6 month ballpark is a good reference for an average barndominium build time.
While the time it takes to pour the foundation and finish out the interior of the home remains the same, the time saved comes from the exterior and shell of the building. With a barndo, a good crew can erect the frame and put up the siding in days, instead of weeks. This is particularly beneficial if you plan on living on site while building a home.
If that doesn’t sound feasible, consider converting an old industrial building into a ranch. Finding someone who needs to quickly sell a warehouse building and make them an offer. Tell them your plans of converting it into a ranch. They may get excited about your plan and sell to you.
3. Are Expansive Open Concepts
Barndominiums are inherently constructed differently from traditional stick-built homes. This leaves the possibility of large open floorplans with extremely high ceilings. The open-concept trend has been around for years, but barndos happen to take it to the next level.
Imagine having your primary living space completely open! Between the kitchen, dining room, and living room, the area would be perfect for entertaining and hosting large gatherings of people. Provided you decorate the open-concept area well, it can become a huge selling point of your barndo in the future.
Real estate expert, Amanda Brown, also says, “I am seeing an increasing number of my home buyers open to this design. They’re looking for ways to maximize the space in their homes and bring it all together. It’s a trend that has always been around but sought after more by barndominium buyers.” says Amanda.
4. Are Durable & Built to Last
When you’re putting a sizable amount of your hard-earned money down on a home, you want to make sure it’ll last. Metal-built barndos have a very high strength-to-weight ratio. This makes them less susceptible to damage from severe weather and pests, such as termites.
Most building professionals will tell you, an average stick-framed home has a lifespan of around 20 years before needing some exterior repair or replacement. Barndominiums, on the other hand, can last upwards of 30+ years.
The corrugated steel most barndominiums are made of can withstand heavy winds and resist impacts from hail. This can positively impact home insurance premiums. Some homeowner insurance companies will even offer cosmetic damage exclusion discounts if the roof is rated to withstand hail impact.
5. Add Aesthetic Appeal
Barndos typically stay away from traditional exterior materials, such as vinyl or wood plank. Instead, you can select from a myriad of colors for siding and trim on smooth, untextured corrugated R-panel sheets.
This look gives the house a modern chic feel while also allowing color and creativity. If you want a farmhouse appeal with the panache of elaborate colors, then a barndo is the way to go.
This versatile style of home lets you combine different elements to make your style. Whether you choose a vibrant and classy blue with bright white trim and accents, or something with more sophistication, such as a charcoal gray with black trim, the possibilities are endless!
Should You Build a Barndominium?
Only you can answer the question of whether should you build a barndominium on your property. However, it’s clear that they are a great option compared to traditionally-built homes. Barndominiums are a functional, durable building style that has the potential to reduce your timeline and the cost of construction dramatically.
If you’re looking for an option with more space than traditional homes can offer, consider checking out barndominiums. You’ll find they’re an excellent option for all types of homeowners, and you’re sure to find a style you like.
Many people are considering selling their primary residence and building a barndominium to live in. If you’re thinking about selling a property in Philadelphia, San Diego, or New Jersey (for any reason!), Brotherly Love Real Estate can help.
We buy houses for cash in as little as 21 days. Contact us online or call our expert team at of real estate agents at (215) 769-9875.
