How Much Does a Barndominium Cost?

Barndominiums have surged in popularity as an affordable and customizable housing solution combining the utility of a pole barn with the comforts of a modern residential interior. But what exactly does it cost to construct one of these unique hybrid home structures?

This detailed barndominium pricing guide breaks down the many factors impacting overall build costs per square foot, from material expenses to hidden permitting fees. We’ll outline estimated budgets for small, medium and large builds, compare prefabricated kits versus custom designs, financing options, and tips directly from construction experts to keep your dream barndominium project on budget. Understanding the full financial picture allows properly planning for your ideal barndominium investment.

How Much Does a Barndominium Cost?

The typical cost to build a barndominium ranges from a minimum of around $100 per square foot for a basic steel kit structure with DIY interior finishings, up to $250 or more per square foot for a high-end custom build with luxurious finishes and features. Most barndominium projects fall between $150-$200 per square foot.

The overall size and square footage of your planned barndominium most heavily influences total pricing:

• Expect to spend roughly $100 to $250 per square foot to construct a barndominium in most regions, with premium finishes reaching $300 per square foot.
• A modest 1,500 square foot barndominium can be built for approximately $150,000 to $300,000 or more depending on personalization.
• For a spacious 3,000 square foot barndominium, budget $300,000 to $600,000+ based on finishes and features.

In general, larger square footage requires more materials, labor and site work, escalating overall barndominium costs. But your location also greatly impacts local construction pricing.

According to an article from Angi, the average cost to construct a barndominium is about $230,000, with prices ranging from approximately $112,800 to $504,000. Factors influencing these costs include the size of the structure, the quality of materials used, and labor expenses.

Another source, HomeGuide, reports that building a barndominium typically costs between $65 and $160 per square foot. For a standard 2,000-square-foot home, this translates to an average total cost of around $130,000 to $320,000. They also note that barndominium kits can range from $20 to $35 per square foot for materials alone.

A detailed overview from Element Homes indicates that the average cost per square foot for a barndominium is similar, ranging from $65 to $160. The report highlights that the overall cost for a 1,500 square foot barndominium can range from $150,000 to $225,000, while a 2,000 square foot model may cost between $200,000 and $300,000.

According to an article by The Spruce, building a complete barndominium ready for occupancy typically costs around $120 per square foot. They emphasize that while kits may provide a lower starting point for construction costs at about $30 to $50 per square foot, additional expenses for utilities and interior finishes can add significantly to the total.

Lastly, a report from FBi Buildings states that constructing a 1,500-square-foot barndominium can cost between $187,500 and $600,000, depending on customization and high-end finishes. This broad range reflects the variability in design choices and material selections.

What is a Barndominium?

A barndominium essentially entails constructing a living space within a typical steel-framed pole barn structure. The industrial barn-like exterior conceals a fully finished interior infused with modern luxury and customization.

Barndominiums appeal to homeowners wanting a budget-friendly and adaptable residential structure requiring less lifetime maintenance than a conventional house build. Their flexibility makes them suitable for primary homes, vacation properties, or even rental income potential. But accurately estimating your barndominium price depends on many variables.

Factors Influencing Total Pricing

Several important considerations affect the final project price tag:

Building Materials and Construction

• Steel buildings minimize material costs but limit interior layouts. Wooden framing allows more flexibility but adds 15-20% to framing budgets.
• Prefabricated barndominium kits using pre-cut materials and building plans streamline construction, resulting in 20% or greater savings versus fully custom builds.
• Investing in energy-efficient insulation, windows, and roofing costs more upfront but saves substantially long-term through reduced utility expenses.

Labor Expenses for Construction and Finishing

• Skilled tradespeople like licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians range from $50 to $100+ per hour for specialized work not DIY-friendly.
• A general contractor typically charges 10-20% of the total project price to manage and coordinate all aspects of barndominium construction.
• Urban and suburban projects often cost significantly more in labor compared to rural and remote locations based on local demand.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a shouse, an ADU, or a smart cottage.

Land Purchase and Site Preparation

• Acquiring suitable raw land for building ranges from $20,000 for a few rural acres to $100,000 or more if near a metro area.
• Site clearing, leveling, excavating, drainage and utility access can easily add $15,000 to $30,000+ to land costs for construction readiness.

Permits, Inspections and Legal Requirements

• Building permits, mandatory municipal plan reviews, and required inspections typically total $2,000 to $5,000 for a basic barndominium, with more complexity raising costs.
• Local zoning laws may impose specific property setbacks and restrict exterior metal finishes in some areas, adding expenses.

Interior Finishes and Appliances

• Flooring, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, paint and essential appliances make up a bulk of finishing costs, ranging from $20,000 to $100,000+ based on quality and size.
• Upscale smart home systems, audio/visual packages and luxury fixtures can balloon costs but aren’t essential.

Regional Pricing Based on Location

Where you choose to build heavily influences pricing factors:

• Rural locations offer lower land costs but higher transportation fees for materials and trades. Contractors may charge 10-20% more for remote projects.
• Urban regions carry higher property, material, and permitting expenses but better availability of qualified contractors for competitive bids.
• Climate conditions also affect required materials for weatherization, insulation, and energy-efficiency. Frigid regions require far thicker and more insulation.

Always use recent localized quotes rather than national averages when estimating to account for regional pricing dynamics.

Financing Considerations

Financing a barndominium functions much like a traditional home:

• Construction loans with 6–12-month terms provide financing during the building phase. Interest rates average 5-7% based on credit score, income, and down payment size.
• Long-term mortgages take over once construction completes. 30-year fixed rate mortgages range from 5-7% interest based on current market rates, your credit profile, and minimum 10-20% down payment.
• Annual property taxes and insurance costs are based on the completed appraised value and location, averaging 1-2% of the home value. Some rural tax exemptions like agricultural may apply.

Consult a financial advisor to navigate the lending process and maximize affordability.

Optimizing Barndominium Costs

• Opting for a simple rectangular footprint avoids wasted space and custom framing costs of irregular layouts.
• Prioritize essential areas like bedrooms and kitchen initially, deferring some finishes for later expansion if needed.
• Research local zoning carefully and don’t overbuild based on what permits allow or it may create resale issues.
• Completing basic interior tasks yourself saves significantly on labor. But leave complex electrical, HVAC and plumbing to the professionals.

Insights from Construction Experts

We consulted barndominium builders for their top budgeting tips:

• “Get quotes from at least 3-4 local tradespeople to compare rates if possible – never assume the first quote is best.” – Andrew R., General Contractor
• “Expect permitting costs to tally $3000 or more for normal barndominiums. Complex projects reach $5000+. Budget for delays.” – Jessica C., Architect
• “Upgrading insulation maximizes long-term energy efficiency and comfort. Focus on quality components.” – David L., Energy Auditor

Final Words

While requiring thoughtful upfront planning and budgeting for specialty construction factors, barndominiums provide homeowners with a flexible and personalized residence typically at a lower overall cost per square foot compared to traditional housing.

Conducting thorough due diligence around pricing considerations for your target region, and partnering with experienced barndominium builders, allows realizing this unique living solution affordably. The customizability, lower maintenance, and cost-effectiveness make barndominiums an appealing option worth exploring for many residential needs if planned properly.

Answers to Common Questions

What is the most cost effective barndominium?

Opting for a simple steel frame kit barndominium with rectangular layout and deferring some interior finishes initially provides the most budget-friendly construction. But extra time and effort is required to complete the interior later.

What is the most expensive part of a barndominium?

Labor costs for specialized trades like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians make up a significant portion of overall barndominium expenses. These professionals may charge $50-$100 per hour for skilled specialty work not DIY-friendly.

Where is the best place to build a barndominium?

More rural locations offer lower cost land and permits but higher material transportation fees. Areas with at least moderate contractor access balance lower property costs with competitive labor rates and easier access to supplies.