In some circles, barn homes or barndominiums are all the rage. The barndominium concept is fascinating and functional. What exactly is a barndominium?

A barndominium is generally a steel, metal or wood building with a working space (barn) and a living space (minium like condominium). It combines both work and functional living. In recent years, barndos have grown in popularity as a way to live simply and functionally. Some are new construction and some are converted historical barns with a ton of old charm.

In barndominium groups on social media, you will find some who love the concept to be labeled “barndo purists.” If it’s not actually a barn converted into a livable home, it’s a custom home that looks like a barn. As a result, a barndominium will actually be a steel frame barn or a pole barn.

What’s a steel frame barn? A steel frame barn is a metal barn structure. They can be cost effective to build, energy efficient and a great multitasking space.

What’s a pole barn? Vermont Timberworks explains the pole barn as “a simple structure made from vertical poles that are sunk part way into the ground, wrapped with small beams to support siding and finished above with roof trusses and purlins.” Pole barns may be all wood or a combination of wood and steel.

Generally a barndominium offers a lot of open space. You either love this or you hate it. Many companies constructing barndos will provide construction on the foundation and structure. At this point, many owners will take over as general contractor to complete the finish out on their own or with the help of other sub-contractors.

Some favorite and functional features on great barndominiums include:
Glass pane garage doors Large covered porches Man cave/She shed/Project spaces within the barn structure Loft space – multifunctional space High ceilings and open living concept Bunk room There are barndominium companies that provide turn-key construction, but you may have to search a little more to find them. They do not always market themselves as strictly barndominium construction. However, you do need a company with barndominium experience as I have learned from hovering in barndo build groups online. Some customers found that going with a traditional homebuilder provides a less than ideal experience The key is doing good research, asking lots of questions and getting everything in writing. You’re building your home, so you will likely be doing these things anyway.