Keeping Your Barndominium on Budget: Expert Tips To Keep Your Build Affordable (2024)

Building a barndominium can be an affordable way to create a delightful living space for your family. However, it’s important to keep your budget in mind while you’re planning and building. Here are some tips on how to keep your barndominium on budget.

Keeping Your Barndominium on Budget: Expert Tips To Keep Your Build Affordable (1)

Building a barndominium can be a great way to get the home of your dreams while staying on budget. Here are a few tips to help you build your barndominium on a budget:

Page Contents

Get Creative With Your Design

There are a lot of ways to save money when designing a barndominium, so get creative and explore all your options.See what different floor plans would best fit your needs and then price them out. You may have to switch up your floor plan options due to the cost that would go into building the layout. An open floor plan tends to cost less because it requires fewer materials for walls and dividing out room space.

Use A Kit

Building a barndominium on a budget can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. One of these tricks is purchasing a barndominium kit instead of starting from scratch. Building a barndominium on your budget can be very rewarding and give you the chance to pick out some great designs, Buying all those expensive materials you’ll need for an entire project can become costly as well as take up hours or even days! By purchasing a kit you are not only saving money but you are also saving time.

Most Kits include the following:

  • Framing
  • Exterior sheeting
  • Trim
  • Fasteners
  • Closures
  • Interior layouts

Shop Around For The Best Prices on Supplies and Materials

When you shop around for the best prices on materials you can really help keep your spending on budget when building your barndominium. This includes everything from lumber to roofing materials.

Build A Modest Barndominium

Keeping Your Barndominium on Budget: Expert Tips To Keep Your Build Affordable (2)

Choosing a smaller size barndominium is an easy way to help reduce the amount of money you spend on materials, supplies, and even land. With all homes, the pricing is typically determined by the amount of square footage.

On average, you will find that to build a barndominium you are going to spend on average 30 to 40 dollars per square footage. By reducing your square footage and building a more modest barndominium, you will definitely see a reduction in the final cost. A lower amount of money needing to be spent can really help you stay within your projected budget.

Hire a Reputable Builder

A good builder will be able to work with you to create a barndominium that meets your needs and budget.

The best thing you can do when building your home on a budget is to avoid redoing work. If possible, try doing things right the first time so that money isn’t wasted in later stages of construction and helps get costs down for a successful project!

Building a barndominium is not an easy task. You need to make sure that you hire the right builder for this kind of job as there are many homebuilders out in today’s market who specialize only in single-family homes and don’t know much about building barndominiums at all! If possible, try looking up builders by location because if they have experience working with projects like yours then they would be the best fit for you.

Do Work Yourself

There are many ways to save money and build your barndominium on a budget. One of the best is doing some work yourself, such as any structural or carpentry jobs that require professional assistance but not much more than patience and research for those simple tasks you can handle! Taking these responsibilities will help cut down thousands in long-term expenses.

Something to consider doing yourself that can save you a lot of money is the landscaping after your home is built. Landscaping is hard work but it isn’t that costly when you buy all the supplies yourself. Hiring this out can get costly. So if you are looking to save money when it comes to building your next home, consider doing a lot of the work you are capable of yourself.


Just remember for things that really do require a professional, just do it! You will be less stressed and your home will be completed faster.

Track Expenses

Stay on top of your budget. Be sure to track all your expenses throughout the building process so that you can stay on budget.

You can create a barndominium budget by tracking all spending. Make sure to keep an up-to-date spreadsheet with everything that is spent, so you will know what’s going on every step of the way.

Also, keep a ledger of what was expected to be spent and what was spent so far. That way you can see if you need to possibly make a different decision in flooring or even as simple as window shades for your home. Knowing where you are in your spending can really help you stay on track.

You’ll want to make sure you keep track of all your receipts, both for purchases and services rendered for your build. Some of your purchases can be tax-deductible and you want to make sure you have a record when it comes to filing your taxes.


Also, when it comes to getting insurance for your barndominium they may ask about your plumbing and wiring. Having proof of what was installed can really help you secure your home insurance.

By following these tips, you can build the barndominium of your dreams while staying on budget. So don’t be afraid to dream big, just be sure to plan accordingly and you’ll be well on your way to barndominium success.

Choose an Inexpensive State

Building your barndominium in the right state can help you save money and keep things running smoothly. For example, if you live somewhere that has higher construction costs like California then building elsewhere will prove more affordable overall because of their lower average margin rates per square foot. Also, land pricing should be a factor when choosing which state to make your home in.

Conclusion

No matter your budget when it comes to building your barndominium you can use these tips to help you build your barndominium on a budget. Ready to get started building your own barndominium? Then check out our complete guide on how to start your build ASAP and avoid costly mistakes.

Amanda Armendariz

Amanda Armendariz is an accomplished writer with a passion for all things home design and renovation. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Amanda has established herself as a leading voice in the world of barndominium living. Her work has been featured in a number of prominent publications, including Barndominium Life, where she currently serves as a contributing writer.

Amanda’s expertise extends beyond the page as well, as she has hands-on experience in the renovation and design of barndominiums. Her ability to blend practical knowledge with creative flair has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking to transform their own spaces into stunning and functional homes.

When she’s not writing or designing, Amanda can be found exploring the countryside with her husband and kids, seeking out inspiration for her next project. Her passion for the beauty and simplicity of rural living is evident in everything she does, and her commitment to helping others achieve their barndominium dreams is unmatched.

Keeping Your Barndominium on Budget: Expert Tips To Keep Your Build Affordable (2024)

FAQs

How to keep cost down when 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 most economical barndominium? ›

Generally the most cost-effective barndominium size falls between 1,500-2,500 square feet. The Average size Barndominium in the US falls around 2500sqft as well. Most of the Barndominium Floor Plans and steel Barndominium shell Kits that you will find online will Start out around 2000sqft and go up from there.

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

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.

How much would it cost to build a 5000 sq ft barndominium? ›

Average cost to build a barndominium
Square feetAverage cost to build*
3,000$195,000 – $480,000
3,500$227,500 – $560,000
4,000$260,000 – $640,000
5,000$325,000 – $800,000
6 more rows
Oct 13, 2023

Why are barndominiums hard to finance? ›

Getting a home loan for a barndominium can be tricky since many lenders are unfamiliar with these types of structures. However, it is far from impossible. You just need to be able to fulfill your lender's requirements as well as the stipulations set out by your particular loan program.

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.

Are barndominiums worth the money? ›

Barndominiums offer exceptional value on a per square foot basis, and are exceptionally beneficial for large families or when a business requires a large workspace. They also have lower insurance rates and taxes.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 200K? ›

How big of a barndominium can I build for $200K? On the high end, barndominiums have an average cost of $150 per square foot. At that price, you can estimate a building of around 1,333 square feet for $200,000.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 100k? ›

To answer the title right out of the gate, A small one, With a budget of only $100k assuming you have property cleared prepped and ready you would most likely be looking at a 1000sqft barndominium or depending on the material you use maybe a sub 1000sqft dwelling.

What is the best flooring for a barndominium? ›

Polished concrete, epoxy coatings, and barndominium stained concrete floors have the strength to outlast almost any other residential or commercial flooring option.

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.

What to ask a contractor when building a barndominium? ›

7 Questions To Ask Your Metal Barndominium Building Supplier
  • Pricing, deposit, and payment schedule: ...
  • Engineering timeline and deliverables. ...
  • Materials included in your steel building package. ...
  • Framed openings and building dimensions. ...
  • Warranty on finish. ...
  • Offloading responsibility.

What makes a barndominium cheaper to build? ›

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.

Do barndominiums cost less to build? ›

In general, building a barndominium will cost about $62-$136 per square foot. Compare that to a traditional home build at $100-$150 per square foot, and it's easy to see why barndos are an affordable custom home building option!

Is building a barndominium a good investment? ›

A barndominium is a wise investment if you plan on entering the Los Angeles real estate scene. Barndominiums are cheaper and easier to build than conventional houses, are low maintenance, and are more durable against earthquakes and fires. They are also unique and will set you apart from other real estate investors.

How do you keep costs down when building a house? ›

Value Engineering
  1. Reducing Square Footage. One way to dramatically reduce costs is to just reduce the square footage of the entire home. ...
  2. Choosing a Stock Design. ...
  3. Reducing Lineal Feet of Logs. ...
  4. Opt for a Simple Roof System. ...
  5. Use Drywall on Interior. ...
  6. More Modest Kitchen. ...
  7. Don't Take a Bath on Your Bath. ...
  8. Avoid Change Orders.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Last Updated:

Views: 5654

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Birthday: 1993-03-26

Address: 917 Hyun Views, Rogahnmouth, KY 91013-8827

Phone: +5938540192553

Job: Administration Developer

Hobby: Embroidery, Horseback riding, Juggling, Urban exploration, Skiing, Cycling, Handball

Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.