With housing prices soaring and inventory staying low, many Americans are exploring smarter, more affordable living solutions. One standout choice gaining momentum is metal building homes, particularly barndominiums, which combine practical design with affordability, durability, and energy efficiency.
Metal building homes offer incredible flexibility in both structure and use, making them an ideal fit for modern lifestyles. In this article, we’ll introduce the concept of barndominiums and explain why they’re quickly becoming a preferred housing alternative for homeowners seeking cost-effective, low-maintenance options.
What Exactly Is a Barndominium?
Metal building homes, often called barndominiums or barndos, merge residential comfort with practical workspace under one roof. These structures are designed for efficiency and flexibility, making them ideal for homeowners who want more than just a place to live. Whether you need space for a home-based business or a large workshop, barndominiums deliver both function and style.
In regions like the South and Southeast, steel-framed barndominiums are especially popular due to their durability and resistance to weather. Compared to traditional wood-frame structures found in the Midwest, metal building homes require less upkeep and offer greater longevity. They’re a strong choice for anyone looking to invest in a lasting, low-maintenance home.
One of the standout benefits of barndominiums is the open interior. The structure supports the roof along the exterior walls, removing the need for interior load-bearing walls. This creates a spacious, customizable floor plan that adapts to your lifestyle. It also makes remodeling and design changes far easier, even after construction begins.
The term “barndominium” became widely recognized after a feature on HGTV’s Fixer Upper, where a barn was turned into a modern home. Today, it applies to a wide range of metal building homes, from compact farmhouses to upscale multi-level estates. Each one combines rustic appeal with modern convenience.
Inside, these homes can include open layouts, tall ceilings, luxury kitchens, and even large porches. The attached work area is highly adaptable perfect for a garage, creative studio, or storage. Metal building homes allow you to design spaces that serve your everyday needs with ease.
Steel barndominiums offer an affordable, stylish, and durable way to live and work in one location. These metal building homes provide the space and freedom to create a home that works for you.
Typical Construction Timeline To Build A Barndominium
The average construction timeline for metal building homes like barndominiums ranges from three to six months. However, the actual timeframe depends on factors such as design complexity and the level of customization. A basic floor plan with minimal modifications can be completed in just a few weeks. On the other hand, a fully customized metal building home may take several months or even up to a year to finish.
Size is another major factor in determining the build time. Larger barndominiums with multiple rooms or added features naturally require more time to complete. Despite these variations, metal building homes are still typically faster to construct than traditional houses. In many cases, they can be finished in nearly half the time it takes to build a conventional wood-framed home.
Faster build times mean you can move in sooner and start enjoying the flexibility that metal building homes offer for both living and working spaces.
Common Barndominium Sizes and Layouts
Metal building homes like barndominiums offer incredible flexibility when it comes to size and layout. Just like with conventional homes, you can design the floor plan to match your exact needs. Still, some barndominium sizes tend to be more popular due to their practical dimensions and versatile layouts.
Common sizes include 40×30 (1,200 square feet), 40×60 (2,400 square feet), 40×75 (3,000 square feet), 60×60 (3,600 square feet), and 60×70 (4,200 square feet). These dimensions provide a balance between living space and room for storage, workshops, or garages. Metal building homes in these sizes are well-suited for both families and those who need functional space for work or hobbies.
The size that works best for you depends on your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. One of the biggest advantages of metal building homes is their wide-open interiors, allowing you to design the layout however you like without structural limitations.
Barndominium Cost Overview: What to Expect
The overall cost of building a barndominium can vary widely, much like the pricing of traditional homes. Several important factors influence the final price, and understanding these can help you plan your budget more accurately. Key elements include the quality of materials and finishes, labor expenses, custom design features, and the size of the structure. Location also plays a big role, as regional labor rates and building codes can affect the total cost.
Another major consideration is the fluctuation in construction material prices. Shortages or market demand may drive up costs unexpectedly, especially for steel or specialty items. Whether you’re working with a fixed budget or have more flexibility, staying informed about these potential shifts can help prevent surprises down the road.
You’ll also need to decide between purchasing a basic shell kit or opting for a full turnkey build. A kit generally includes just the exterior walls and roof structure, while a turnkey option covers everything from cabinetry and flooring to windows and fixtures. Your choice will depend on how much of the project you want to manage yourself and how involved you want to be in the build process.
Do Barndominiums Maintain Their Property Value Over Time?
Barndominiums generally hold their value well and can appreciate gradually over time, depending on location and market trends. While they may not increase in value as quickly as traditional homes, they remain a stable investment, especially when well-maintained and built with quality materials.
That said, popularity varies by region, and in areas where these homes are still uncommon, resale can be a bit more challenging. If you’re building in a location where the concept is still new, it’s important to consider how that might affect future demand.
Appraising these homes can also be tricky due to the limited number of comparable properties in some markets. Many appraisers are unfamiliar with their structure and features, which can impact the accuracy of the valuation. While interest in this style of living continues to grow, regional familiarity plays a significant role in how easily and accurately these homes can be priced when it’s time to sell.
Pros and Cons of a Barndominium
Why Choose a Barndominium?
Cost-Effective Living: The Affordability Advantage
One of the biggest advantages of this type of home is its overall affordability. On a per square foot basis, it often delivers more value than traditional housing options. This makes it especially appealing for large families or individuals who need extra space for work-related activities. In addition to the upfront savings, ongoing costs such as property taxes and insurance tend to be lower as well. These savings can add up over time, making this lifestyle not only practical but also financially smart for long-term living.
Is a Barndominium More Affordable Than a Traditional Home?
Building this type of home can be more affordable than a traditional house, especially for those managing the project themselves. By acting as your own general contractor and purchasing ready-made house plans online, you can save between 15% to 20% on overall construction costs. The affordability ultimately depends on how hands-on you plan to be during the process.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
With proper insulation, these homes become highly energy efficient by minimizing air leakage and maintaining indoor temperature more effectively. This reduces the workload on heating and cooling systems, which leads to more consistent comfort throughout the year. As a result, homeowners typically enjoy lower utility bills and long-term energy savings. Efficient insulation also adds to the overall durability and comfort of the living space.
Impressive Lifespan: How Long Can a Barndominium Last?
These homes are built to last, thanks to the durability of their metal roofing and siding. Materials commonly used in their construction are known for resisting weather, pests, and general wear over time. With proper maintenance, the structure can remain strong and functional for several decades. The long lifespan adds significant value, making it a smart choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, long-term living solution.
Built to Last: Durability of Barndominiums
With routine maintenance on the roof and siding, these homes can easily last 50 years or more. Their metal construction offers the same long-term resilience found in steel buildings, making them exceptionally tough and reliable. They naturally resist common issues that affect traditional homes, including mold, mildew, and rot. Termites pose little threat, and the structure holds up well against extreme weather conditions and even fire. This level of durability provides peace of mind, especially for those living in regions prone to harsh climates. Investing in quality materials and upkeep ensures your home remains strong for generations.
Safety and Structural Integrity
These homes offer exceptional safety thanks to their strong metal framework, which can outperform traditional structures in many conditions. Their solid construction provides enhanced resistance to damage from wind, storms, and other environmental stressors. The reinforced design not only boosts overall security but also ensures lasting structural integrity with minimal upkeep. Over time, this means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan without compromising safety or comfort. For many homeowners, that added strength brings both peace of mind and lasting value.
Design and Usage Flexibility
These homes offer remarkable flexibility in both layout and purpose, allowing you to tailor the design to fit your lifestyle. With a fully custom build, you can decide exactly how much space is dedicated to living versus working. The work area can be anything you need like a garage, a shop, or even a full-scale warehouse. This adaptability makes it easy to create a home that suits personal needs, professional goals, or a combination of both. Whether you’re after functionality, comfort, or both, you have complete control over how the space works for you.
What Are the Downsides of Owning a Barndominium?
Challenges With Financing Barndominiums
Although financing options have expanded as interest in this type of home grows, securing a loan can still be more complex than with a traditional mortgage. Many conventional lenders remain cautious due to the unique structure and appraisal challenges these homes present. However, financing is still possible, particularly through farm credit lenders who are more familiar with this type of property.
To improve your chances of loan approval, it’s essential to come prepared. Lenders typically want detailed information about your project, including interior specifications, a full list of materials, bids from subcontractors, and a realistic construction timeline. Having this documentation ready shows you’re serious and organized, which can help build lender confidence. While the process may take more effort, proper preparation can make financing a smooth part of your build.
Difficulties in Reselling Custom-Designed Barndominiums
Reselling a custom-built home of this style can be more challenging than selling a traditional house. While interest is growing, these properties still appeal to a more specific segment of buyers. Their unique floor plans, often tailored to the original owner’s personal needs, may not suit broader market preferences. This can make it harder to find the right buyer quickly. If resale is a consideration for you, it’s important to think ahead about how design choices might impact future marketability.
Zoning and Building Code Restrictions to Be Aware Of
Securing a location for your build can be one of the more complicated steps in the process. Local zoning laws and building codes often restrict these types of structures, especially within city or suburban limits. Many municipalities have regulations that may not accommodate their design or intended use. As a result, these homes are more commonly built in rural areas where rules tend to be more flexible. Before starting your project, it’s crucial to research local regulations to ensure your build complies with all necessary requirements. Taking time to understand these restrictions early can help avoid delays or costly changes later.
Is a Barndominium the Right Fit for Your Lifestyle?
If you’re seeking a home that combines living space with room to work, this type of structure could be a great fit. It offers a practical, affordable, and low-maintenance lifestyle that suits a wide range of needs from growing families to small business owners and hobbyists. The flexible design makes it easy to create a space that reflects both your daily routines and long-term goals.
Prestige Steel Structures partners with experienced professionals in the industry who specialize in turning custom home plans into reality. Whether you’re starting with a simple idea or a complete layout, our team can help guide your build every step of the way.
Conclusion
Metal building homes, especially barndominiums, offer a compelling solution to today’s housing challenges by blending affordability, flexibility, and long-term durability. Their open-concept design, rapid build timeline, and low maintenance requirements make them ideal for modern homeowners, especially those needing combined living and working spaces. Whether you’re drawn by the cost savings, energy efficiency, or the appeal of customizing your own layout, barndominiums represent a future-ready housing option. With growing popularity and a strong track record of performance in diverse climates, these structures are more than a trend, they’re a smart investment. If you’re ready to embrace a more practical, versatile lifestyle, building a metal home could be your next best move.
FAQs
Can I finance a barndominium with a VA or FHA loan?
Yes, but eligibility depends on the lender and specific build details. Pre-approval is recommended.
Are barndominiums good for cold climates?
Absolutely, with proper insulation and heating systems, they perform well even in freezing temperatures.
Can you build a two-story barndominium?
Yes, barndominiums can be designed with multiple levels for added living or storage space.
Do barndominiums require special insurance?
Some insurers may classify them differently; always seek quotes from companies familiar with metal homes.
Are there any homeowner association (HOA) restrictions?
Yes, some HOAs may prohibit non-traditional homes. Check local regulations before purchasing land.