Building a Barndominium on a Budget: 6 Expert Tips to Consider To Save Money - Barndominium Homes (2024)

Building a barndominium is a great way to get the home of your dreams. Many people consider building their own house but very few ever go through with it. This is most likely because a custom home build can be very expensive. That’s why knowing how to build a barndominium on a budget can be incredibly helpful.

Building a Barndominium on a Budget: 6 Expert Tips to Consider To Save Money - Barndominium Homes (1)

While building a barndominium is already cheaper than a traditional home, there are ways to save further. By understanding how you can cut costs, you can build your barndo on the cheap. In this article, we have laid out some methods for building a barndominium on a budget. Using some of these tips can help make your barndominium build much more accessible.

How to Build a Barndominium on a Budget

Consider Doing Work Yourself

Perhaps the best way to save money on your barndominium is to do some of the work yourself. One of the nice things about a barndominium is the fact that they are less expensive in general. If you manage to take on some of the labor yourself, you can cut down on that cost even more. Barndominiums are relatively easy to build and much of the work is quite simple.

Some of the things you can do yourself on your barndominium include designing your floor plan, windows, and framing. You can also usually do the barndominium insulation without any issues. However, for things like the concrete slab and other structural jobs, it is best to have a professional do them. This will ensure that your barndominium is safe and that you won’t be in violation of building codes.

Build in the Cheapest States

One of the best ways to build a barndominium on a budget is to build in an inexpensive state. Not all states have the same prices when it comes to labor and materials. Some states, such as Ohio, are very inexpensive for builders of homes. If you want to save as much money as possible, this is going to be your best bet.

While it may not always be possible to relocate just to build a home, it is worth considering. If you can end up saving enough money on your project, you could justify the cost of relocation. In many cases, you could end up paying less than $100 per square foot. This is much cheaper than a traditional home, even in some of the cheaper states.

Use a Barndominium Kit

Building a Barndominium on a Budget: 6 Expert Tips to Consider To Save Money - Barndominium Homes (3)

Barndominiums come in all shapes and sizes and have a lot of different options. One of the options you have available to you is to use a barndominium kit. Barndo kits are completely prefabricated and have all the parts and materials you will need. They get delivered straight to your build site and have detailed instructions for the build process.

One of the nice things about using a barndominium kit is the fact that it can save a lot of time. In the construction business, time is money and it is crucial that you save as much as possible. If you get a kit, you won’t have to worry about things like sourcing materials or parts. Everything will come right to you and you can get started right away.

Check our how affordable a barndominium kit under 50k is.

Hire an Experienced Builder

If you want to build a barndominium on a budget, the best thing you can do is hire an experienced builder. While this may seem counterintuitive, spending more on an experienced builder can save you money. Most construction companies will be experienced with building traditional homes. However, not all of them will know how to build a barndominium, which can be an issue.

Hiring an experienced builder will help you get the job done right the first time. If you hire a builder who doesn’t know all the ins and outs of the barndominium process, you could have problems. This can force you to have work redone, which can be a major expense. By hiring the right builder, you can get the job done right and spend the least amount of money.

Make Your Home Energy Efficient

When building a barndominium on a budget, it is important that you consider the whole project. This not only includes the building itself, but also the appliances and utilities. The total cost of the home will include the price of power and the amount you spend on everyday use. Because of this, making your home energy efficient will reduce the total cost.

Building a Barndominium on a Budget: 6 Expert Tips to Consider To Save Money - Barndominium Homes (4)

One of the best ways to make your home energy efficient is to get efficient appliances. While you may have to spend a little more money upfront, you will save more in the long run. Just like with the builder, spending more can end up saving you more.

Plan Ahead

If you truly want to build a barndominium on a budget, planning ahead is very important. Having a detailed construction plan will help you save money on both materials and labor. Planning for your project will allow you to spend the least amount of money on things like parts and tools. You will know exactly what you need to buy and how much it is going to cost.

Having a complete construction plan will also help save you money on your loan. Any bank that you get financing through will want to know what your plans are. Having the best possible planning package will help you get a better loan. This will save you a lot of money on interest and help you build a barndominium on a budget.

Conclusion

By understanding how you can build a barndominium on a budget, you can get your home built cheaply. Since many people gravitate towards these homes for the price, it is important to know how you can save. Getting the best possible price for your barndo will make it much more accessible to you.

If you would like even more guides like this one, be sure to check out the rest of Barndominiums.co. There, you will find helpful tips and tricks from the pros as well as featured barndominiums, and a detailed guide on barndominium insurance. These featured homes can get you inspired and get you thinking about your own custom barndo.

Building a Barndominium on a Budget: 6 Expert Tips to Consider To Save Money - Barndominium Homes (2024)

FAQs

How to save money while building a barndominium? ›

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Barndominium Build.
  1. Be strategic about where you put your framed openings: ...
  2. Use concrete floors. ...
  3. DIY finish work (Stairs, Barn Doors, Light Fixture Installation) ...
  4. Ask for “builder grade”/“build program” or scour the remnant yard for countertops.

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

What is the most expensive part of a barndominium? ›

The biggest cost of building a barndominium comes from purchasing and building the metal shell, including the roof, doors, and windows. Other major exterior features that can affect the building cost include: Metal siding.

What do I wish I knew before building a barndominium? ›

Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.
  • Obtain a permit for your project. Photo by Bridger Steel, Inc. ...
  • Test the paint. Photo by Justin Doyle Homes. ...
  • Prepare for surprise costs. ...
  • Plan for electrical work. ...
  • Choose your windows and doors wisely. ...
  • Add insulation—it's important.
Mar 14, 2022

Are barndominiums worth the money? ›

Barndominiums can offer excellent value, providing the benefits of a traditional home at a fraction of the cost. This makes them particularly attractive for those seeking: A larger home at a lower price. A fully customizable living space.

Why can't you finance a barndominium? ›

Many USDA lenders are unfamiliar with these structures and may be reluctant to finance their purchase. Borrowers may also experience added difficulty when seeking a USDA construction loan to build a new barndominium, as some USDA lenders, including Neighbors Bank, do not offer this loan type.

Are barndominiums prone to mold? ›

By being made out of metal, barndominiums have similar durability to steel structures with resistance to: Mold. Mildew. Rot.

Are barndominiums bad investments? ›

If you are purely looking for a quick resale investment, a Barndominium may not be your best option. But, if you are hoping to build a long-term home for yourself or to invest by renting out your Barndominium, a Barndominium could be an excellent choice and long-term investment.

What is the life expectancy of a barndominium? ›

The average lifespan of a barndominium is between 50 and 150 years. The lifespan difference is based on what it's made of, how well it's maintained, and extreme weather. Wood barns tend to last longer; however, they can also be more susceptible to damage from natural disasters, dampness, insect damage, or rot.

How much does a 30x40 barndominium cost? ›

Barndominium kits with prices
DimensionsSquare footageUnfinished kit costs
30x401,200$35,000 – $59,000
40x401,600$42,000 – $75,000
40x602,400$69,000 – $120,000
40x702,800$74,000 – $135,000
4 more rows
Jan 12, 2024

Are barndominiums safe in a tornado? ›

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.

How big is a 40x60 barndominium? ›

40×60 BARNDOMINIUM METAL BUILDING – 2,400 SQUARE FOOT OF CUSTOMIZABLE SPACE. Our 40×60 barndominium steel buildings provide 2,400 square feet of interior space that can be customized to your specifications.

Are barndominiums hard to insure? ›

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.

How long does it take to build a 3,000 sq ft barndominium? ›

Building Timeline Overview

For a DIY-inclined owner with sufficient time and adequate skillset, constructing a basic 3000 sq ft barndominium yourself using pre-fabricated steel building components could conceivably only require around 5 months from breaking ground to securing an occupancy permit.

What is the first step in building a barndominium? ›

– Foundation: Begin with laying the foundation, typically a monolithic slab for barndominiums, although this varies based on material choice. This stage includes initial plumbing and electrical work, followed by a curing period. – Framing: After the foundation sets, proceed to frame the structure.

How much should I save for a barndominium? ›

The cost to build a barndominium is $65 to $160 per square foot or $130,000 to $320,000 on average for a 2,000 SF home. Barndominium prices depend on the size, materials, and interior finishes chosen. Barndominium kit prices are $20 to $35 per square foot for materials only.

Is it cheaper to build a 1 or 2 story barndominium? ›

Single-story barndominiums are generally perceived as less expensive due to several factors: – **Foundation Costs**: The foundation of a single-story barndominium typically costs less than that of a two-story structure since it bears less weight. This can lead to savings in both materials and labor.

Do barndominiums cost less to build? ›

A large prefabricated metal barndominium, like 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, will be less expensive than building a traditional house. Barndominiums can take half the time to construct—and time is money. Less construction time translates to less labor and fewer material needs.

What is the lifespan of a barndominium? ›

Longevity: Although they may not last as long as traditional homes, a well-maintained barndominium can provide comfortable living for around 50 years. 5. Durability: Barndominiums are built to withstand the elements, ensuring they remain sturdy and reliable over the years.

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